The Riverhounds (4-4-2) battle in-state rival Harrisburg City Islanders (2-3-2) this Wednesday at FNB Field. Pittsburgh will look to get back on track, as its three-game shutout streak came to an end last time out against Louisville City FC, 1-0.

On cusp of the Cup

The Keystone Derby Cup, presented by the Pennsylvania Lottery and K&L Gates, is up for grabs this Wednesday. The Hounds won the first meeting on April 29 by a score of 1-0. Pittsburgh can clinch the Keystone Derby Cup with a road victory this Wednesday.

Rotating defense

The Hounds welcomed a new face to their backline this past Saturday. Connor Maloney, on loan from Columbus Crew SC, recorded two tackles in 61 minutes of gameplay against Louisville City FC. Pittsburgh also welcomed back defender Lalas Abubakar, also on loan from Crew SC, for his first game with the Black and Gold since playing against Charleston on April 8. Look for Abubakar and Maloney to factor into the Hounds backline rotation moving forward.

Home cooking

The City Islanders are unbeaten at home this season, holding a 1-0-2 record. The last time the Hounds won at Harrisburg came on Sept. 19, 2015, when the squad clinched the inaugural Keystone Derby Cup. Pittsburgh will look to once again bring home the rivalry trophy this Wednesday, despite the tough road test.

Joe Greenspan leads the Hounds with 42 clearances in 2017. The center back is averaging six clearances per game (7 caps). His 42 clearances account for 23 percent of the Hounds’ total this season.

Opponents have outnumbered Pittsburgh in corner kicks over the past two games, 15-3. Furthermore, when Pittsburgh first faced off against the City Islanders on April 29, Harrisburg recorded two more corners (3-1) than the Black and Gold. The Hounds will need to up their corner kick opportunities and generate greater offensive pressure against Harrisburg this Wednesday.