USL United Soccer League Championship

East's Top Offense and Defense Converge in Week 15

Published on June 26, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - The Rochester Rhinos, touting the league's top defense, will be put to the test in Week 15 play in the USL when they host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday at Sahlen's Stadium.

Rochester (8-0-5) has allowed a meager five goals in 13 games and remains the league's lone unbeaten team. However, the Riverhounds (5-4-4) have maintained their scoring punch all season to the tune of 28 goals in 13 matches.

Also in Week 15, an interesting crossover match is on the docket when the East's Louisville City FC hosts the West's OKC Energy FC. Both teams sit in the upper half of their respective conferences, with Louisville City posting a 5-3-5 record and OKC at 7-3-3.

GAMES TO WATCH

Rochester Rhinos vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Saturday, 7:05 p.m. ET, Sahlen's Stadium

The Rhinos are one game away from matching the club's record unbeaten stretch. The 13-game performance (8-0-5) this season trails only the 14-game (14-0-0) start to Rochester's 1998 A-League campaign. The Rhinos had a close call last week and needed a Christian Volesky equalizer in the 87th minute to draw 1-1 against the Harrisburg City Islanders. Another mark that will be put to the test is Rochester's perfect 4-0-0 record at Sahlen's Stadium. The Riverhounds have their work cut out, especially against the USL's top goalkeeper Brandon Miller (three goals allowed in nine games). But Pittsburgh has the most lethal offensive duo in the USL with Rob Vincent (nine goals, four assists) and Kevin Kerr (six goals, five assists) leading the way. Rochester and Pittsburgh last met in their second games of the season as the Rhinos' Tony Walls and Alex Dixon each scored en route to a 2-1 victory at Pittsburgh on April 4. (Preview)

Louisville City FC vs. OKC Energy FC

Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Louisville Slugger Field

Two of the top squads in their respective conferences will meet for a crossover, and goals will be at a premium in this matchup. City FC has allowed less than one goal per game (12 tallies in 13 matches) and Energy FC has fared well on the defensive side with 15 goals allowed in 13 games. Each side has the scoring punch to break through, though, with OKC's Danni König tied for the league lead with nine goals and Louisville's Matt Fondy tallying six times thus far. This is the second of three crossover matches for Louisville City, which defeated Tulsa Roughnecks FC 2-0 on April 25. The same is true for OKC as this is the club's second matchup against an Eastern Conference side. Energy FC dropped a 2-1 decision against Saint Louis FC on April 25. City FC has thrived at Slugger Field with a 4-1-2 mark, though the club dropped its most recent match to the New York Red Bulls II. OKC has struggled on the road (1-2-3). (Preview)

Arizona United SC vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET, Scottsdale Stadium

Arizona United (5-6-1) is hovering around the middle of the West standings, and the next several weeks will be vital for the club to work its way into the playoff picture. The host side is in search of back-to-back victories for the first time since opening the season with a three-game winning streak. Arizona United defeated Seattle Sounders FC 2, 2-1, on June 20, with Long Tan scoring his team-leading sixth goal for the winner. This matchup also will be a derby of sorts in the sense that many Monarchs players have developed out of Real Salt Lake's residency setup at Casa Grande, Ariz. The Monarchs are coming off a 1-0 defeat against S2 and are wrapping up a three-game road trip. (Preview)

NEWS AND NOTES

- After opening the season with a four-game winless streak, the LA Galaxy II have posted an 8-2-0 stretch during the past 10 games and are now 8-5-1 this season. Los Dos will attempt for their third consecutive victory when they travel to Oklahoma to face Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday at ONEOK Field.

- The New York Red Bulls II are in the midst of a six-game road trip and are 2-1-1 so far during this span, posting back-to-back shutout wins against Wilmington Hammerheads FC and Louisville City FC. NYRBII next faces Saint Louis FC for the first time this season on Saturday at World Wide Technology Soccer Park.

- Following Week 15 play, multiple USL teams will be right back in action early next week. The Portland Timbers 2 host Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Monday at Merlo Field. This is the third of four matches between these Western Conference foes, with S2 earning a pair of wins so far in the series - 2-1 on April 11 at Starfire and 2-0 on May 22 at Merlo.

- On Tuesday, the Charlotte Independence resume Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action when they visit Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire in the Round of 16. Kickoff at Toyota Park is set for 7:30 p.m. CT. Charlotte is the USL's remaining representative in the tournament, and the club has earned $15,000 for advancing the furthest among the league's participants.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Every game of the 2015 USL season can be seen live, free and in HD on YouTube (www.Youtube.com/USL), with updates from throughout the league also available via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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