Game Day: Hounds at Detroit City FC
October 13, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
DETROIT - Players' Shield and home field advantage securely in hand, the Hounds are back on the road for the final time this year to conclude their regular season schedule with a rare afternoon kickoff against Detroit City FC at Keyworth Stadium in the Detroit enclave of Hamtramck, Mich.
A five-game winning streak is on the line for the Hounds, but the stakes are significantly higher for the home team, which must get a better result Saturday than Miami FC to claim the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference - a placing that would book a date at Highmark Stadium to open the postseason in eight days.
Bob Lilley made it clear after last week's win at Tampa Bay that the Hounds would be out to keep their momentum going, and while some players will get extra rest, many of the team's regular starters will be in their usual spots from the opening whistle. Among those expected to see action are Championship leading scorer Albert Dikwa, who will aim to leave no doubt in the league's Golden Boot race, and midfielder Marc Ybarra, who can claim the distinction of being the only player to appear in all 34 league matches for the Hounds this season.
The one lineup change already known - out of necessity - will be the return of Christian Garner in the Hounds' goal and Jonathan Gomes on the bench. Jahmali Waite started Thursday night in a 4-1 win for Jamaica at Grenada in the Concacaf Nations League, and he will be away until after the Reggae Boyz match Sunday night against Haiti.
Detroit will pull out all the stops to try and get a result and keep their season alive, and they have been an impressive defensive club all season with just 39 goals allowed in 33 matches and goalkeeper Nathan Steinwascher still among the league's best.
It is the attacking end of the field that has been the struggle for Detroit in their second season in the Championship, as they rank last in the league with just 30 goals. Ben Morris leads the side with seven, and Maxi Rodriguez has two goals in three matches for Detroit against the Hounds, so Le Rouge still poses a threat despite their shortcomings this season.
The elements could play a factor in the match, as heavy rain is forecast for Michigan overnight and through the afternoon, and temperatures aren't expected to rise beyond the low 50s.
A national radio audience will be treated to the Hounds' regular-season finale, as the match was selected to air on SiriusXM FC, Channel 157. Fans hoping to view the match will need to do so through ESPN+, though the Hounds will return to the local airwaves for the entirety of the Eastern Conference Playoffs on KDKA+.
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