Last Saturday, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds made the decision to switch up the goalkeeper position. The Riverhounds didn’t get a win out of it, but things look promising with Mauricio Vargas in goal.
However, goalkeeper might not be the only position that needs changing — the defense might, too.
The Riverhounds can’t solely depend on their goalkeeper for a clean sheet. As the back line, the defense plays a major role to help Vargas (or even Hunter Gilstrap, depending on who head coach Mark Steffens starts in goal). In recent matches, Steffens has started Drew Russell, Sergio Campbell, Willie Hunt and Isaiah Schafer on the backline.
However, in the past two matches, Steffens has swapped out Russell — who is listed on the Riverhounds’ website as a forward but has now moved into a midfielder role — for Marshall Hollingsworth. However, the Riverhounds could have a problem on their hands as Hollingsworth went down Saturday against FC Cincinnati after taking two soccer balls to the head.
The Riverhounds, if they do need a replacement for Hollingsworth, could look to Jordan Murrell or even Caleb Postlewait. Murrell has appeared in four games this season for the Riverhounds, while Postlewait, who is in his first professional contract, has only appeared in one match.
Regarding the two centerbacks, Hunt and Campbell seem to have good chemistry. However, the duo have let 12 goals past them. If Steffens really wants to change things up, he could bring in Karsten Smith. Smith, the 6-foot-4-inch centerback, has made just one appearance for the Riverhounds this season, as a substitute in the Riverhounds’ match against. Toronto FC II.
If the Riverhounds do want to make changes and switch things up, they could do so before their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament match against Lansdowne Boys FC. The match, which will be held Wednesday, will be hosted by the Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium.
Image credit: Terry O’Neil / Pittsburgh Riverhounds
