After a 13-day break since its win against Ottawa Fury FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (9-1-7) returns to action to battle the Charleston Battery (8-3-8) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The teams fought to a 0-0 draw in their first meeting this season.

Connect Four

This weekend, the Hounds will aim for their fourth straight victory – a feat the team has not reached this season. In fact, the last time Pittsburgh logged a four-game winning streak was during its 2013 campaign. The squad will look to reach this mark once again while also extending its three-game unbeaten streak against the Battery.

Heavyweight Showdown

In the entire USL, Pittsburgh is the only team to have more wins (nine) than goals allowed (seven). Another win would greatly help the Hounds this week, as Charleston sits only two points behind them in the standings. In a match of the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the Eastern Conference, Saturday’s showdown will prove to be impactful at the top of the table.

Honorable Mention

The Pittsburgh defense has been on a record pace in numerous statistical categories, such as goals-against average and shutouts, in 2018. At the root of this success has been a strong backline, and Black and Gold defenders have been rewarded for their play throughout the season. Six times this campaign have Pittsburgh defenders been named to the USL Team of the Week, including an honor for center back Joe Greenspan when the team last played in Week 17.

Goalkeeper Dan Lynd has logged a 0.50 goals-against average this season. His efforts have helped lead to the team’s current streak of five straight clean sheets, as he has started each one of these matches.

Ataulla Guerra has had a stellar season for the Battery. The striker leads the club in goals (10), points (22) and shots (34). Guerra has notched a tally in three of the Battery’s past four games, and the Hounds’ backline will need to hone in on him come Saturday.