Preview: Riverhounds SC vs New York Red Bulls II
June 25, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC looks to push its winning streak to three games at 7 p.m. Friday when they face New York Red Bulls II at Highmark Stadium, where the Hounds have won four straight matches against their Atlantic Division rival. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
Last Saturday, the Hounds (4-3-2) defeated the first-place Tampa Bay Rowdies, 2-1, for their first-ever win in St. Petersburg, Fla. Russell Cicerone set up the Hounds' first goal and scored their second, his team-leading fifth of the season. The win moved the Hounds up to second in the Atlantic Division, but they since have dropped to third after midweek matches were completed.
New York Red Bulls II (2-5-2) had nearly two weeks off ahead of their last match against Charlotte Independence on June 16, and the rest paid off in the form of a 3-1 win. Jeremy Rafanello netted two first-half goals and assisted on New York's third goal in the 62nd minute.
The Hounds were in control of both sides of the pitch when the two clubs met on May 28, and the Hounds picked up a 3-0 road win. Although New York had more of possession, they only put four shots on target, all of which were saved by Danny Vitiello, who earned his first clean sheet of the season in the process.
Danny Griffin started the scoring in the 22nd minute, sending a shot into the bottom-left corner. Alex Dixon notched his first goal as a Hound just seven minutes later, giving the Hounds a two-goal lead. Cicerone went top-right for the third goal, wrapping up the scoring in the 50th minute.
Although the Hounds have yet to win at home this season, there is reason to be hopeful. The Hounds have won their last four matchups against New York at Highmark Stadium, dating back to the 2017 season. They also haven't gone winless through their first four home matches since the 2014 season.
Tickets for Friday's match can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Highmark Stadium box office. To see Riverhounds SC's complete 2021 schedule visit riverhounds.com/game-schedule.
Also, check out our features leading up to Friday's match, 3 Things and the Coaches' Corner.
MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Friday, June 25
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live Updates: Twitter at @RiverhoundsSC and #PITvNY
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