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Preview: Nashville SC Ready for Tough Road Test in Pittsburgh

April 25, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE - Nashville Soccer Club will be looking for a bounce back performance on the road against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC this Saturday at Highmark Stadium at 6 p.m. CT.

How to Follow

Local TV: MyTV30 Digital: ESPN+ Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @NashvilleSC

Last Time Out

Nashville SC was not at its best last Saturday in a 3-1 loss to Charleston Battery in just its second loss of the season. The three goals allowed were the most in club history in a loss, and before a late consolation penalty, Nashville looked like it would suffer its first-ever three goal loss.

The penalty did give forward Daniel Ríos his fifth goal in six matches which is tied for the fourth-most in the USL Championship.

Scouting Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds began play in 1999 and have been a lower-division club in American soccer for the last 20 years. Now coached by Bob Lilley, the 'Hounds have been one of the toughest clubs to play against in the USL Championship in his tenure. Boasting the best defense in the Championship last season by goals allowed, the 'Hounds finished third in the Eastern Conference, but were upset in the first round of the USL Cup Playoffs.

Defense again is the name of the game in Pittsburgh, and Lilley is one of the best defensive coaches in the sport. The 'Hounds again appear boast a great defense, allowing seven goals this season. Pittsburgh is 2-1-3, but haven't lost since the opening match of the season. In total since the beginning of the 2018 season, the 'Hounds have lost just six of their 40 total USL Championship matches, the fewest in the USL Championship in that span.

Storylines to Watch

Old friend now an enemy - Former Nashville SC defender Ryan James rejoined his former coach Lilley in Pittsburgh this season and the move has already paid dividends. James leads Pittsburgh with two assists this season, after not scoring or assisting in 16 appearances for Nashville SC last season. If James suits up for the 'Hounds, it will be the first former player Nashville SC has played against in its club history.

Lilley-ball - Pittsburgh Riverhounds coach Bob Lilley is known for his team's home form. Dating back to June of 2014, Bob Lilley's teams have lost just seven home matches. All seven matches have been by a 1-0 scoreline. Nashville SC accounted for one of those seven losses last season when it beat Pittsburgh on a late winner by former forward Brandon Allen.

Ríos on a roll - Nashville forward Daniel Ríos scored his fifth goal last weekend in six matches to start 2019. The total has him tied for fourth in the league in goals scored. Last season, Nashville's first player to reach five USL Championship goals was in the club's 15th match last season on June 30 when Lebo Moloto scored his fifth goal of the season.

Results after big losses - Nashville SC lost last weekend to Charleston Battery by two goals, just the fifth time in club history that Nashville has lost by more than one goal. In each of the previous four matches following a two-goal loss, Nashville has results, going 2-0-2 in those matches.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 25, 2019


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