April 4, 2018 USL Toronto FC II--Toronto FC II vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC preview (from riverhounds.com)

What2Watch4: Toronto - 4/7
By Anthony Picardi, 04/04/18, 10:30AM EDT 

Fresh off two clean sheets in its first two games to start the season, Riverhounds SC (0-0-2) will head north 
of the border for a clash with Toronto FC II (0-2-0) at 2 p.m. on Saturday. In series history, Pittsburgh holds 
a 5-0-2 record against Toronto.

The Rundown

Deceiving Domination

Despite the all-time series being heavily weighted in Pittsburgh’s favor, each of the last four meetings 
has been decided by one goal or less (the Black and Gold are 2-0-2 in these matches). Riverhounds SC will look 
to hold onto its undefeated mark against the Canadian foe in what could be yet another close game.

Romeo Road Trip

Romeo Parkes has notched a goal in both of his previous matches at Toronto, one coming in 2017 and the 
other during the 2016 season. Still looking for his first tally in 2018, Parkes has led the Hounds with 
six shots through two games. The striker will look to find the back of the net for the first time this 
year against Toronto, as well as continue his success north of the border.

Centre of Attention

Through two matches, Thomas Vancaeyezeele leads Pittsburgh with a 71.1 passing accuracy in the opposing 
half (minimum 25 total passes). In addition to keeping possession, he also leads the squad with seven 
interceptions in 2018. The rookie has held down a holding position in the team’s midfield and will look 
to continue to distribute balls up to the frontline this weekend.

By the Numbers: 2

Dan Lynd has posted two shutouts in the Hounds’ first two games to open the season. With his clean sheets, 
Lynd becomes the first Pittsburgh goalkeeper in the current era of the USL (since 2011) to have recorded 
two shutouts to start the campaign.

Key to Victory: Convert on Chances

Despite outshooting its opponents in both of its games and 25-14 overall, Riverhounds SC has come away with two draws 
to open the season. For the team, it has placed 24 percent of its shots on target to this point. This Saturday, 
the Hounds will need to see a greater percentage of their takes find their way on net to help complement 
an already stifling defense.

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