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USL Match Preview – #HARvPGH

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 08/11/17, 5:15PM EDT

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Two teams chasing playoff places battle in vital Keystone Derby

Harrisburg, PA – Level on points Harrisburg City Islanders will host Pittsburgh Riverhounds in a crucial match for each team’s playoff chances.

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Harrisburg City Islanders news and notes

Current record: 6-11-6, 24pts

Harrisburg come in to the Keystone Derby off a tight 1-0 loss home loss with Rochester Rhinos on Tuesday, starting this short home stand.

Despite dominating possession against Rochester, the City Islanders just couldn’t break down the Rhinos defense, who played well after the goal in the 25th minute gave them the lead, and gave Harrisburg just their second home loss of the season.

While the passing was good from Harrisburg, their crossing let them down, managing just 27.3% crossing accuracy, which must improve ahead of the derby on Saturday.

Harrisburg is winless in their last five matches (0-3-2) but will be looking to their supporters to turn the momentum around.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds news and notes

Current record: 6-8-9, 24pts

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds managed a late goal to get a 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers at home on Saturday.

Pittsburgh set up a dramatic finish in that match with Stephen Okai scoring the equalizer with eight minutes to play, but they couldn’t fight for a second goal.

Statistically Pittsburgh dominated the match in a lot of ways, including in the air, winning 72.2% of aerial duels, but they couldn’t convert those 12 shots in to more goals.

Pittsburgh have a strong record on the road, having lost just three matches away from Highmark Stadium, compared to five losses at home, and will hope the derby atmosphere can lift their finishing.

Series Notes

The Keystone Derby Cup is currently held by the Harrisburg City Islanders, who will need a win or a draw to have any hope of retaining the trophy as Pittsburgh lead with the only win of the season so far.

Squads

Harrisburg – GK:Nick Noble, Brandon Miller, Sean Lewis; D: Griffin Libhart, Travis Brent, Tiago Calvano, Lee Nishanian, Jake Bond, James Thomas, Abass Mohammed, Chris Hill, Shawn McLaws; M: Mouhamed Dabo, Jonny Mendoza, Paul Wilson, Rasheed Olabiyi, Danny DiPrima, Jacob Bond, John Grosh, Pedro Ribeiro; F: Manolo Sanchez, Aaron Wheeler, Michael Olla, Cardel Benbow, Ropapa Mensah, Fredrick Opoku

Pittsburgh – GK: Keasel Broome, Trey Mitchell, Matt Perrella; D: Shane Campbell, Jack Thompson, Taylor Washington, Ryan Adleye, Nick Thompson, Jamal Jack, Tobi Adewole, Ritchie Duffie, Gale Agbossoumonde, Lalas Abubakar, Shannon Gomez; M: Victor Souto, Maduabuchi Obinwa, Stephen Okai, Michael Green, Kevin Kerr, Danny Earls, Kenroy Howell, Ben Fitzpatrick, Marshall Hollingsworth; F: Chevaughn Walsh, Corey Hertzog, Kay Banjo, Romeo Parkes 

Discipline

Harrisburg – Accumulation warning: James Thomas, Mouhamed Dabo, Abbas Mohammed

Pittsburgh – Accumulation warning: Danny Earls

Officials
REF: LUIS ARROYO
AR1: Brandon Smith
AR2: Tyler Wyrostek
4TH: Jaroslaw Werel

Game hashtag:

#HARvPGH

Twitter social handles

Harrisburg City Islanders - @City_Islanders

Pittsburgh Riverhounds - @PghRiverhounds