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BREAKING DOWN THE HOUNDS: The pressure's on

• Who: Riverhounds (8-9-11) vs. Bethlehem Steel FC (10-11-5)
• When: 3 p.m.
• Where: Goodman Stadium, Lehigh University
• Video: USL YouTube
• Boxscore: USL Match Center
The Riverhounds are in the Lehigh Valley on Sunday — to take on Bethlehem Steel FC with a lot at stake. Both teams will need a win to pull in even for the eighth and final playoff spot in the USL’s Eastern Conference. Anything less than four points in the last two road games could spell doom for the Hounds playoff chances, especially with Steel FC having two games at hand.
• The latest update in the USL Eastern Conference standings after Saturday’s action now has the Hounds and Steel FC (35 points each) three points behind idle NY Red Bulls II. Saint Louis FC pulled into a tie with the Hounds and Steel FC with a wild 2-2 draw at home against FC Cincinnati (40 points) on Saturday night. Orlando City B boosted its playoff chances with a big 2-1 win over Charleston on Saturday as well, to push them up to 39 points.
• Here’s my latest analysis piece on the Hounds for DK Pittsburgh Sports, as I look at how tactical adjustments and depth may be key factors in determining their fate in the final four weeks.
•  This is the third and final match of the season between Steel FC and the Hounds. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in July in Eastern PA, then the Hounds won the return match at Highmark Stadium, 3-2, on a night when team captain Kevin Kerr had two assists and the game-winning goal.
I’ll be adding comments and following the game in the DKPS live game file, with occasional updates on Twitter @pghsoccerscribe.
DK
 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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