The two clubs drew 0-0 at Capelli Sport Stadium on July 22.
PITTSBURGH, PA – The third-placed Rochester Rhinos (11-5-9; 42 points) hit the road for the first of a three-match away slate against longtime rivals Pittsburgh Riverhounds (8-9-10; 34 points). First kick on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Highmark Stadium is slated for 7 pm. Watch the match LIVE on ROC Sports Network channel 18/46.1 or on the USL YouTube Channel!
This is the second of three meetings between the Riverhounds and Rhinos this USL season. The two clubs battled to a 0-0 draw at Capelli Sport Stadium on July 22, with Tomas Gomez coming up huge with a four save performance to earn one of his nine clean sheets.
This match is not a part of the inaugural Old Guard Shield, as the two teams will meet at Highmark one more time on Oct. 7. The Rhinos are currently in fourth place on 8 points with two matches left in the supporters-based competition between the five oldest clubs in the USL. Pittsburgh currently leads with 12 points, however, only have the Oct. 7 match to improve their point total.
The Riverhounds come into Saturday’s match having their five-match unbeaten streak (3-0-2) snapped by first-placed Louisville City FC, dropping the contest 3-0 at home. Pittsburgh is currently on the bubble of making the playoffs in the USL Eastern Conference, currently in 10th place – just 2 points behind 8th placed Orlando City B with 7 matches remaining.
Rochester has fared well on the road this season, dropping just 3 of their 12 away contests in 2017 (4-3-5).
PLAYER TO WATCH
Corey Hertzog – The former 2011 MLS 1st round SuperDraft pick is responsible for scoring 11 of Pittsburgh’s 29 goals this season (T-6 in the USL), and his involvement will be imperative to success. The versatile forward has scored a number of spectacular goals in different fashions this season, and is enjoying the most successful season of his professional career.
STRENGTHS
DISCIPLINED
The Riverhounds have committed the second-fewest fouls in the USL this season (280), and are tied for the fewest red cards as well (1).
WEAKNESSES
ON THIN ICE
Pittsburgh currently has four players that are just one yellow card away from receiving a one-match suspension [Victor Souto, Tobi Adewole, Danny Earls, Jamal Jack]
TROUBLE CONVERTING SHOTS
Pittsburgh have only scored on 11% of their shots, ranking 26th out of 30 teams in the USL.
PASSING DIFFICULTIES
The Riverhounds are 3rd-worst in the entire USL, only connecting on 73% of their passes.
The Rhinos return home on Saturday, Sept. 30 as they face the first-placed Louisville City FC in a battle of two USL Eastern Conference heavyweights. It’s Oktoberfest, presented by SunCommon – featuring beer tastings on the concourse, games for adults, a live band and much more. The team has partnered up with the Irondequoit Oktoberfest to give patrons two Oktoberfests for ONE low price. Irondequoit Oktoberfest continues this Friday and Saturday.
For combo tickets, go to: https://www.etix.com/ticket/k/9035849/oktoberfest-rochester-capelli-sport-stadium
Kickoff is 6:05 pm, gates open at 4:45 pm when we start our $2 Bud, Bud Light and ShockTop Happy Hour at the inflatable pub.