Louisville City’s draw to the Charleston Battery capped off an exhausting stretch for the boys in purple. All factors considered, it was a successful period and now the team has a full proper week to recuperate before taking on one of the league-best. Bob Lilley’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds are only one game back and two points behind LouCity. They are a historically solid team. Louisville may have gotten the better of them in their last meeting in the 2020 playoffs however, they ruined the party that was Lynn Family Stadium’s first match. It will be a clash that the whole Eastern Conference will have their eyes on this Saturday.
The Riverhounds are an offensive force that will test Louisville City’s defense. They have the 2nd highest goals per match (2.3), 6th most shots on target per match (5.0), and have created the 4th most chances (15). Defensively, they have only allowed 0.9 goals against (5th) and have three clean sheets (5th). They enter LOUvPIT with a commanding 4-0 win over ATL United 2, rebounding from being knocked out of the US Open Cup. Pittsburgh should be a test for Louisville comparable to the San Diego Loyal.
There is a lot of talent on this Riverhounds team. At the top of that list is Dane Kelly. The 2017 USL MVP and Golden Boot winner holds the record for most USL goals (100+) and joined Pittsburgh after leaving the Charlotte Independence (who LouCity “relegated” last season). Unsurprisingly, Kelly leads his team in goals (6), shots per match (3.7), and player rating (7.82). Kenardo Forbes has been a staple of PIT for the past several seasons. The USL assist leader has accumulated many accolades, including All-League First Team in 2019 and 2020 and All-League Second Team in 2018 and 2021. He also was an MVP Finalist in 2019. Forbes, unsurprisingly, leads his team with four assists, 16 chances created, and five big chances created. Alex Dixon may not be as recognizable of a name, however, he deserves attention. With three assists (2nd), 13 chances created (2nd), and four big chances created (2nd), he is another threat that can feed the ever-lethal Kelly.
Although Pittsburgh appears to be just as scary of a foe as Louisville City, FiveThirtyEight has LouCity at a 51% chance to win and 26% to tie. 22% chance to win for the Riverhounds feels disrespectful. With that said, City will be back to nearly full power as those who logged significant minutes in the stretch leading up to this match will have had ample time to recover. Expect to see City’s strongest starting eleven (minus Josh). It should be a thrilling match made all the more fun with pups at the pitch!
Parting Thoughts
The LouCityLadies are spearheading an effort to provide supplies to Free2Hope. Please consider helping by purchasing needed items off their wishlist.
The 2022 Coopers Kit is now available! Jump on this offer before the end of the month!
For 2022, the LouCityLadies have partnered with the Louisville Coopers to create an all inclusive one of a kind Pride scarf. Proceeds will go to the Purple Family Prideraiser June charity (TBD). This is a pre-order and scarves will ship before first Racing game in June.
Want to do a little more reading on LouCity? Might I suggest The Tifos of Louisville City, Louisville City’s Pathway To The Pros, Louisville City's Preparations For The Future, What Are Expected Goals (xG)?, or What Are Goals Added (G+)?.
Have a friend just getting into LouCity soccer? Be sure to send them the Introduction To Louisville City link to give them a point of reference to learn about the club and league.
Be sure to check out the Vamos Morados Podcast featuring me, Benton, and Zach Allen-Kelly. It’s available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Audible, and Spotify. Everything you need to listen can be found on the Podcast page. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
If you don’t follow the site on Facebook, do yourself the favor and follow there so you don’t miss any of the action! I'm also on Twitter dispensing #LouCity and #RacingLou info and thoughts.
If you’re looking to expand your purple wardrobe, Vamos Morados shirts and sweatshirts are available! All proceeds will be going to charitable endeavors!
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