Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (10-3-8) plays two games this week, taking on New York Red Bulls II (14-4-5) and North Carolina FC (11-5-7). The team will meet Red Bulls II in a 7 p.m. match on Wednesday at MSU Soccer Park before heading south to play North Carolina FC at 7 p.m. on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park.
The Season So Far
New York Red Bulls II
Red Bulls II sits in first place of the Eastern Conference with 47 points. The club is unbeaten in its last five games, posting a 4-0-1 record in that span. In it’s last outing, New York cruised to a 5-1 win over Hartford Athletic.
With a 10-2-2 record on home turf, the club has made MSU Soccer Park one of the toughest places to play in the league. New York has not dropped a result at home since May 24.
North Carolina FC
North Carolina FC has also pieced together a strong 2019 campaign together. At 11-5-7, the club currently holds the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, just two points ahead of the Black and Gold.
In the first meeting between Pittsburgh and North Carolina, the Hounds grabbed a 1-0 win at Highmark Stadium. North Carolina posted 14 total shots in the loss, but only managed to fire two of those on target.
Players to Watch
New York Red Bulls II
Forward Tom Barlow and midfielder Jared Stroud lead New York in scoring, both with 10 goals on the year. Forward Mathias Jørgensen is right behind the pair with eight tallies in just 12 appearances.
On the back line, Jordan Scarlett has held down the fort defensively. The 24-year-old leads the club in blocks (15) clearances (73) and interceptions (48).
North Carolina FC
Defender Steven Miller has buried a team-leading seven goals so far. Striker Marios Lomis is right behind Miller, with six goals in 11 appearances.
Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis has been one of the most dominant goalies in the league this season. Through 20 games, the keeper has recorded 65 saves, only conceding 19 goals. In the match against Pittsburgh earlier this season, Tambakis made six saves.
