Ex-Pitt goalkeeper Dan Lynd out with head injury in USL

Pittsburgh Riverhounds goalkeeper Dan Lynd, a former standout at Pitt, currently leads the United Soccer League with 11 clean sheets, which he’s accrued over 19 starts and 23 total appearances this season. However, Lynd is unlikely to make his 20th start when the Riverhounds face the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, as he’s expected to be out with a head injury, per the team.

Lynd suffered the injury during the Riverhounds’ 2-1 win over Bethlehem Steel FC on Sunday. In the 71st minute, Lynd collided with Brenden Aaronson of Bethlehem when he came off his line and slid to make a save. Shortly after, he was helped off the field by the Riverhounds training staff, and backup goalkeeper Mike Kirk subbed in for Lynd for the remainder of the matchup.

Losing Lynd is a tough break for the Riverhounds, who are in the midst of their best season since 2004. That year, the team went 17-2-1 and finished with the best record in the league for the only time in franchise history. Now, at 12-3-7, Pittsburgh is in second place, five points out of first.

The former Pitt goalkeeper has been an integral part of the team’s success, as he’s been solid in goal with a 76.1 percent save rate in 2018. On top of that, he’s also become a mainstay between the sticks for the Riverhounds, as he’s logged the most starts in goal in a season for the team since 2013, when Hunter Gilstrap started 21 games.

The Riverhounds will face Charlotte at Highmark Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m. There is currently no timetable for Lynd’s return.