After a nice win away at New York Red Bulls II, Louisville City need to continue to get results to close the gap at the top of the league table. This weekend we take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, who are usually a pretty decent mid table team. Let’s dive into the keys to the game for this Saturday’s clash:

Pittsburgh Riverhounds:

First, the Hounds have got to find some more scoring prowess as a team. They produced a measly three goals in their last five games, and conceded four.

The second key is to grind out a result, especially in Slugger Field, which has become a hostile environment for opposing teams to come and try to get points. (Sidenote: Big shout out to the Coopers for keeping family values while cheering on the team and creating a hostile environment for the opposing team and not opposing fans. Thank you all!)

The final key for Pittsburgh is to free up Corey Hertzog, who has had a great 2017. He has six goals and created 24 chances which is pretty solid numbers for a team like Pittsburgh. The Riverdoges need to get Hertzog on the ball and allow him to free up space and draw defenders out of position, which will allow the midfielders to fill open space and get chances on goal. 

Louisville City:

Whatever LC did against New York Baby Bulls last week, do it again! I want to see a few goals go in at Slugger! In the last match, Louisville City distributed the ball and controlled the tempo in the midfield. They attacked with numbers and the defenders got more involved into the attack. They made the Baby Bulls pay on mistakes that, early on LCFC did not capitalize on against other teams.  

The main key will be to continue to run the tempo of the game. 

Prediction: Louisville City 2-0 Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Let’s get more than one goal at home this time! I like more than one smoke screen in a game. Pittsburgh’s wings are open we just need to use them and get good crosses and passes into the 18 yard box. It should be a good game and a lot of fun. SEE YOU AT SLUGGER!