MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Saturday, May 7
6:00PM CT Kickoff
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
Watch – My68 & ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC travels to take on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in what will be the first meeting between the two clubs since the 2019 season. Birmingham heads into the match off a hard fought 0-0 draw with Miami FC, while Pittsburgh hosts after dropping points in a 2-0 loss away to Louisville City FC.
The Riverhounds’ loss to Louisville was their second out of their last three league matches, a run that was preceded by a stretch of five games unbeaten. Legion FC has mirrored that run of form, earning seven points out of a possible nine in its last three league matches.
Pittsburgh welcomes Legion FC to Highmark Stadium with a four point advantage over the visitors. Currently third in the Eastern Conference, Head Coach Bob Lilley’s side has been propelled by the stellar play of USL Championship All-Time Leading Scorer Dane Kelly. Kelly, who leads his side and the league in goals scored (6), will be unavailable for the contest after being shown a red card in Pittsburgh’s loss to Louisville.
Even in Kelly’s absence, though, the Riverhounds remain a threatening side going forward. Fellow forward Albert Dikwa is second in goals scored (4), while midfielder Kenardo Forbes, the All-Time Leader in Assists for the USLC, unsurprisingly, leads his side in assists (4).
In addition to their attacking quality, Pittsburgh currently boasts the third best defense in the league, allowing only 8 goals to start the season. Defender Shane Wiedt has been a key contributor, as he is currently second in the league in interceptions per 90 (3.35).
For Legion FC, forwards Prosper Kasim and Juan Agudelo will be crucial as they look to break down a stout Pittsburgh back line. Kasim currently leads the Three Sparks in goals scored (3), while Agudelo has returned from injury and given his side a clear boost in the attacking third. Additionally, midfielder/forward Enzo Martinez will look to add to his 20 chances created (good for joint-fifth best in the USLC) and give his running mates important looks on goal.
Defensively, the Black & Gold enter the match off its second clean sheet of the season. Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel came up with a massive save in stoppage to deny visiting Miami FC three points, while Captain Phanuel Kavita & Co. denied them any clear cut chances.
On this week’s UAB Medicine Injury Report sits defender Freddy Kleemann (torn ACL), and forward Edi Horvat is listed as questionable (hamstring).
Following their trip to the Steel City, the Black & Gold will return home to face Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday, May 18, at 7PM. Tickets for the match can be purchased HERE, or by calling the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145.
