By JOHN BOSCHINI
The USL Pro season may only be five weeks old but time is already running short for some struggling sides.
The Harrisburg City Islanders and FC New York are both looking for their first win as the two teams square off at St. John's University. Harrisburg has only played once so far this season and, with the National Division struggling, is poised to make its way up the table.
One of the more interesting storylines in the USL is the surprisinghot streak being enjoyed by Antigua Barracuda FC. After dropping its first two matches, Antigua has rattled off a four-game winning streak, scoring 12 goals.
The Richmond Kickers will try and continue their winning ways with a game against the Wilmington Hammerheads. Richmond has started the season with a five-game winning streak and sits five points clear in the American Division.
The Dayton Dutch Lions sit dead last in the USL table with no wins from their first three games and goal differential of -8. They face a stiff test against an Orlando City side that is trying to keep pace with Richmond.
Here is a preview of this weekend's action in the USL Pro.
Charleston Battery at Pittsburgh Riverhounds (Friday, 7:00)
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are holding on to a slim lead at the top of the National Division but have only managed one win out of four games. Pittsburgh's defense has kept two clean sheets this season but must get its offense on track if it is to cope with a dangerous Charleston Attack. The Battery's offense will be led by Nicholas Paterson.
River Plate Puerto Rico at Antigua Barracuda FC (Friday, 8:00)
Peter Byers shot to the top of the USL goal-scoring charts following some impressive performances over the past few weeks. Antigua will need him to continue that streak if it is to continue its winning ways.
Wilmington Hammerheads at Richmond Kickers (Saturday, 7:00)
Neither team has lost or drawn a game this season with Wilmington downing Rochester and Pittsburgh in its opening two games. Richmond is averaging over 2.5 goals per game and will test a Wilmington defense that has looked strong early on.
Charleston Battery at Rochester Rhinos (Saturday, 7:00)
Charleston will have to battle fatigue after playing less than 24 hours beforehand and face a Rochester team that has yet to find its footing this season. Two narrow losses have left Rochester with only three points but the Rhinos are talented enough on offense to put some points on the board.
Orlando City at Dayton Dutch Lions (Saturday, 7:30)
Orlando City has discovered its form and is hot on the heels of Richmond. Maxwell Griffin has scored four goals in five games to co-lead the league. He could take sole possession of top spot against a porous Dayton defense.
Harrisburg City Islanders at FC New York (Saturday, 7:30)
Both teams are in jeopardy of falling well behind in the standings despite it being early in the season. FC New York has managed only one goal in its first three games while allowing in five. With only one game played, Harrisburg is still trying to gel as a team and a victory against New York go a long way towards achieving some continuity.
River Plate Puerto Rico at Antigua Barracuda FC (Sunday, 8:00)
This will be the second meeting in three days between the two teams. Expect Antigua to perform well on home soil while River Plate has been struggling and sits dead last in the International Division with two points from three games.
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What do you think of this weekend's games? Excited to see Antigua and Richmond try to extend their leads? Can FC New York or Harrisburg turn it around?
Share your thoughts below.