Riverhounds SC (0-0-0) kicks off its 2018 campaign with its first-ever match against USL newcomer Nashville SC (0-1-0). Nashville will host the Black and Gold for its first home game in club history at 6 p.m. on Saturday. This will be the Hounds’ first match this season to be televised on Pittsburgh’s CW.

Experienced Midfield

The Hounds showcase a wealth of experience in the midfield. Kevin Kerr and Ben Zemanski, each totaling more than 100 career appearances between USL and MLS levels, are the most experienced of the bunch. Mouhamed Dabo and Kenardo Forbes also have recorded at least 40 games played. Look for this group to control possession for the Hounds throughout the match and catalyze any scoring opportunities.

Four-Pronged Attack

Romeo Parkes, Neco Brett, Kay Banjo and Dennis Chin make up the Pittsburgh frontline in 2018. Together, this group has scored more than 40 goals and 100 points at the USL level. Parkes serves as the longest-tenured Hound, entering his third season with the club whereas Chin, the 2012 USL Pro Golden Boot winner, contains the most overall longevity with more than 100 appearances in league play. In preseason action, Parkes logged the most playing time of the quartet, so expect the St. Mary, Jamaica native to head the attack.

Hounds Reunion

Former Hounds Lebo Moloto and Taylor Washington join Nashville for the 2018 season. In the club’s 2-0 loss to Louisville City FC to start the year, Moloto earned a start and played a full-90 minutes whereas Washington subbed into the game during the 85th minute. The Hounds’ backline will need to keep Moloto in check offensively, as the midfielder leads his team with three shots, and Washington’s quickness as a wingback could make for exciting moments against Pittsburgh’s speedy attacking midfielder Christiano François.

Kerr sits at 22 goals for his playing career with Pittsburgh. His total ranks No. 7 all-time in league play, and the midfielder is one goal away from tying Phil Karn and José Angulo for fifth place in club history.

Head coach Bob Lilley has been known for his stifling defensive teams while he led the Rochester Rhinos in prior years. He has brought this success with him to Pittsburgh, and it has been exemplified in the team’s five preseason clean sheets. To complement this dominant defensive play, Riverhounds SC will need to create scoring opportunities throughout the game. With a strong defensive showing, one goal on the offensive end can result in one to three points in the standings.