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Historic season has 2013 ECNL Girls ready for nationals

*The Riverhounds Academy 2013 ECNL Girls*

After a stellar undefeated season in the ECNL, the RDA 2013 Girls team are preparing for national tournament play in July. The team finished top of the Ohio Valley Conference and will enter the ECNL Champions League in Seattle as the No. 3 seed out of 32 teams next month.

The girls closed out regular season with a 21-0-1 record, the best record of any Riverhounds team in the club’s 10 years as an ECNL member. This is the team’s first year playing 11-a-side, which they have taken in their stride.

“It’s a steep learning curve,” head coach Nate Salsi said. “But we have a ton of really talented girls with good soccer brains. The first half of the season was about us trying to make that jump, and they were able to do that faster than a lot of the other groups.”

The squad itself is rich with talent with scoring from across the squad contributing to the highly impressive 102 goal tally. Salsi emphasized their objective is to be able to relax and keep the soccer ball, allowing the group to develop and build out of the back and create opportunities going forward.

Not only does the team possess attacking prowess, but they are also defensively strong, conceding only 16 goals during the regular season.

“Defense wins championships,” coach Jason Kutney said. “The beauty of this team is that the defense is always on offense. So much of their defense comes down to how good they are at staying on the ball.”

In a season full of highlights, a standout moment came in the form of a 3-2 comeback win away against Ohio Premier — the eventual conference runner-up — in October. The team radiates mental toughness.

“For a group of young kids, that’s what really stands out to me,” Salsi said.

Salsi is looking to carry the momentum forward into the ECNL Champions League next month, and the team is looking forward to the challenge. With the players now out of school for the summer, practice and preparations are set to increase over the coming weeks.

The 2013 ECNL Girls are entering the tournament as the top seed from the Ohio Valley Conference, a challenging conference that will also send Ohio Premier and Tennessee SC as Champions League qualifiers. The team is aiming to showcase the strength that made them unbeaten in the season as they compete with the strongest teams in the country.

“I think the experience is just going to be tremendous for them,” Salsi said. “Ultimately, we want to be able to put these kids in a position where they have the opportunity to grow and develop as players and thrive.”

The 2013 Girls squad is a shining example of Riverhounds Academy success. Kutney, who is also involved across several age groups in the academy, said: “It means so much. What the younger players are seeing from this team is basically a blueprint for the fact this can happen, and that they can be at that level.”

“The kids are amazing,” Salsi said. “They’re young kids, and they show up, and I can’t tell you how hard they work at every training session. We are super proud of the way they conduct themselves and their work ethic.”

The tournament runs from July 11-17. Games will be available via livestream via ECNL TV.

Hounds 2 battles through challenging week

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2 starting 11 ahead of the team's match against FC Buffalo on June 3, 2026 at F.N.B. Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Ian Simms/Riverhounds SC) — *The Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2 starting 11 ahead of the team’s match against FC Buffalo on June 3 at F.N.B. Stadium. (Photo: Ian Simms/Riverhounds SC)*

Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2 faced two of its biggest tests of the season last week, drawing 0-0 against FC Buffalo on Wednesday, June 3, at F.N.B. Stadium, before traveling across state lines to play fellow newcomers Lorain County Leviathan FC on June 6, where they lost 3-2.

Riverhounds 2 0, FC Buffalo 0

Hounds 2 played their first scoreless match as they went 90 minutes deadlocked with FC Buffalo. While there were few chances in the first half, the best of the lot came from the New York side at the end of the half, when Ali Alomari won the ball at the top of the Hounds 2 box and narrowly put the ball wide left of the goal.

In the second half, Hounds 2 came out piling on pressure that wasn’t seen in the first half, but nothing resulted. Buffalo countered well out of Hounds 2 pressure, and in the 55th minute, forced an incredible double save out of Jack Moxom, stopping what looked like a certain goal.

The best chance of the game came to Hounds 2 in the 72nd minute when substitute Pablo Linzoain, the former Hounds First Team academy contract player, won the ball on a breakaway and put the ball in the back of the net, but a foul was called in the build-up, negating the strike.

“I just tried to bring energy off the bench,” Linzoain said. “(Buffalo) was getting tired, and it’s hot outside, so I just tried to press as hard as I could and make it as hard as I could for them.”

The remainder of the game was marked by half-chances and possession for Hounds 2, but the team couldn’t put one in the net. Moxom made three saves to register his third clean sheet of the season.

“In the second half, we made a slight adjustment, and we came out and controlled the second half,” Hounds 2 head coach Josh Kremers said. “To credit them, they had a couple of good chances in transition. They’re a tough team to play against. On the balance of the game, I was proud of us and disappointed not to come away with three points.”

Lorain County Leviathan FC 3, Hounds 2 2

Hounds 2 suffered its second defeat on a trip to the Cleveland suburbs.

Lorain County started the scoring early in the 13th minute after Dakota Jonke won the ball in the midfield and found a cross-field, curling pass to Sam Brittain, whose shot took a deflection over Moxom to put Hounds 2 down early. After the early shock, both sides settled into the game with Hounds 2 controlling more of the ball.

The next goal came from Pittsburgh as Adrian Biaggi found an incisive ball through the Leviathan’s low block to Nicholas Legendre, who burst through the backline and finished first time past the keeper. Hounds 2’s celebrations would be quickly cut short in the 38th minute, when the ball fell to Justin Shreffer at the top of the box off of a Lorain County corner, and he smashed the ball into the top left corner off a half-volley, giving the Ohio-based side a 2-1 halftime lead.

The Leviathan got its third in the 63rd minute, when Stefan Velickovic tapped home from close range after the rebound of a Moxom save fell to the forward in the box.

Hounds 2 dominated the remainder of the chances and possession, winning a handful of corners, but they couldn’t break through until the 87th minute when Daniel Firek won the ball in the attacking third and found Michael Lee, who played Legendre through for his second goal of the game and his team-leading fourth of the season.

Riverhounds 2 is back in action Wednesday, June 10, when they visit Steel City FC at 6 p.m.

Hounds miss shootout point after road draw

Trevor Amann wins a header amongst traffic in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' match against the Charleston Battery on June 6, 2026 at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Photo: Charleston Battery) — *Trevor Amann wins a header amongst traffic in the Hounds’ match against the Charleston Battery on Saturday at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Photo: Charleston Battery)*

(June 6, 2026) — Another Prinx Tires USL Cup road match ended in a draw for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, but again the bonus point in the Group 6 standings slipped away as the Charleston Battery won the shootout, 4-2, after a scoreless 90 minutes tonight at Patriots Point Soccer Complex in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

The Battery (2-0-1) finished with an 11-8 edge in shots, but the Hounds (1-0-2) held the advantage in that category until the 81st minute, when left back Lasse Kelp was sent off for his second yellow card and the Hounds were reduced to 10 men.

Mike Sheridan made three saves for his second clean sheet for the Hounds, but he was bested in the shootout by the Battery’s John Berner, who had the lone save in the shootout. The shootout defeat means the Hounds must win their final USL Cup match July 11 against Loudoun United and get help from other results to reach the knockout stages as a wild card.

First half

A regulation win for either side meant they would enter the final round of matches in first place, and the teams came out going for that result.

The Battery nearly struck first on the counter in the 11th minute when Emilio Ycaza got free at the back post. He cut inside of Perrin Barnes to shoot, but fired his effort off the left upright and away.

Five minutes later, Trevor Amann got free in the box to meet a high cross from Charles Ahl, but the Hounds’ striker couldn’t turn his headed effort on goal.

Eliot Goldthorp got between lines to test Berner in the 28th minute, and the veteran backup keeper came up with a diving save to his left to keep the match scoreless.

Sheridan closed out the half with his best stop of the night, staying big and keeping his hand high to touch a close-range shot by Graham Smith over the bar to safety.

Second half

Goldthorp had a golden opportunity in the box on the hour mark after Robbie Mertz found a cutting Ahl, who in turn fed Goldthorp. Only a last-minute boot stuck in by Smith kept Goldthorp from hitting the target, deflecting the ball over for a corner kick.

In the 81st minute, the Hounds were cut down to 10 men for the first time in 2026 after Kelp got his feet tangled with Douglas Martinez while trying to track down the Battery winger. The tactical foul was his second caution of the match, ending the left back’s night early.

With the numerical edge, the Battery closed the match on the front foot, winning a handful of late corner kicks. One led to a back-post header that was off target by Joey Akpunonu in stoppage time, but the Hounds largely stayed compact in their box to reach the shootout.

Both teams connected on their first two kicks in the shootout — Mertz and Jackson Walti converted for the Hounds — but Berner swung the outcome with a full-extension stop to his right that denied Jorge Garcia. Aldi Flowers-Gamboa missed wide on the Hounds’ next kick, and Akpunonu converted to earn the point for the Battery after going 4-for-4 at the spot.

Modelo Man of the Match

Victor Souza was instrumental in helping the Hounds keep a clean sheet, even after being reduced to 10 men. The center back won 7 of 10 duels, shared the team lead with five clearances and only gave away possession four times the entire 90 minutes, connecting on 41 of 45 passes (91.1 percent).

What’s next?

It’s back home and back to league play for the Hounds, who have a big Eastern Conference matchup with second-place Indy Eleven (5-2-3) and former goalkeeper Eric Dick. The teams will meet at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at F.N.B. Stadium.

Riverhounds SC lineup (4-3-3) — Mike Sheridan; Lasse Kelp (sent off 81’), Owen Mikoy, Victor Souza, Perrin Barnes; Sam Bassett (Max Viera 54’), Danny Griffin (Jackson Walti 72’), Robbie Mertz; Charles Ahl (Aldi Flowers-Gamboa 83’), Trevor Amann (Albert Dikwa 72’), Eliot Goldthorp (Jorge Garcia 83’)

Charleston Battery lineup (4-2-3-1) — John Berner; Nathan Messer, Joey Akpunonu, Graham Smith, Douglas Martinez (Alec Hughes 86’); Sean Suber, Kirill Pakhomov; Langston Blackstock (Wilmer Cabrera 15’), Emilio Ycaza (Chris Allan 69’), Maalique Foster (Jack Wayne 69’); Miguel Berry

Scoring summary

None

Discipline summary

PIT — Lasse Kelp 39’ (caution – reckless foul)
PIT — Sam Bassett 46’ (caution – reckless foul)
CHS — Emilio Ycaza 48’ (caution – tactical foul)
PIT — Lasse Kelp 81’ (caution – tactical foul)
PIT — Lasse Kelp 81’ (sent off – second yellow card)

Penalty kick shootout summary

PIT (Goalkeeper: Sheridan) — Mertz, Walti, Garcia (saved), Flowers-Gamboa (missed)
CHS (Goalkeeper: Berner) — Suber, Berry, Pakhomov, Akpunonu

World Cup watch parties slated across city with chance to win $25K

PITTSBURGH (June 5, 2026) — The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are partnering with venues across the city to host free public watch parties for every World Cup game and giving fans a chance to win $25,000, courtesy of the Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority.

Fans will have the chance to watch every World Cup moment across some of Pittsburgh’s finest venues while enjoying interactive games like bingo and trivia, as well as tasting new, nation-specific food and drink specials at select parties. As the home of the World Cup in Pittsburgh, the Riverhounds are bringing fans together throughout the city to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event.

Fans will receive one entry into the $25,000 Boot for Loot raffle each time they check in at a watch party. To win the $25,000 prize, the contestant must kick a soccer ball from midfield and have the ball rest on the goal line during halftime of the Riverhounds home match on July 11 against Loudoun United FC. Contestants must be able to attend the match at F.N.B. Stadium.

The World Cup experience also comes to F.N.B. Stadium for three marquee U.S. Soccer watch parties on June 12, June 19 and June 25. Presented in partnership with ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages and Michelob Ultra, the June 12 and June 19 events will feature big-screen viewing, interactive games, product sampling, giveaways including tickets to a World Cup match and more.

Meanwhile, the June 25 match between the U.S. and Türkiye will be a 21-and-over happy hour experience and give fans another opportunity to rally behind the home team with additional activations and games to be announced.

All three events are free to attend and will offer entries to the $25,000 sweepstakes.

The World Cup will kick off on June 11 at 3 p.m. with a match between Mexico and South Africa. Fans can RSVP for the free watch parties and begin their journey toward a chance to win $25,000 by visiting riverhounds.com/watchparty.

USL Cup Game Day: Hounds at Charleston Battery

Pittsburgh Riverhounds wing back Junior Etou lunges to play the ball ahead of the Charleston Battery's Langston Blackstock in the teams' match March 7, 2026 at Patriots Point Soccer Complex in Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Photo: Charleston Battery) — Junior Etou lunges to play the ball ahead of the Charleston Battery’s Langston Blackstock in the teams’ match on March 7 at Patriots Point Soccer Complex in Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Photo: Charleston Battery)

Match info

Prinx Tires USL Cup Group Stage
Riverhounds (1-0-1) vs. Charleston Battery (2-0-0)
Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Patriots Point Soccer Complex, Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Odds: Not available
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2
Live statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live updates: @RiverhoundsSC on X/Twitter
Match hashtag: #CHSvPIT

PITTSBURGH (June 4, 2026) — The Hounds and Charleston Battery have played 47 matches against each other, including three playoff matches, but the USL Championship’s two oldest teams are set to meet in a cup competition for the first time Saturday in the third group stage match of the Prinx Tires USL Cup.

The implications for the match are largely straightforward, particularly for the Battery, but a win by either team would move them to the top of Group 6 at the final whistle. The implications of other results for the Hounds were broken down earlier in the week, but the tl;dr version is a simple one: Lose and you’re out.

The Hounds likely will rotate some of their squad, particularly players who are freshly back off injuries, but the intention is to grab a result in the Low Country, something the team hasn’t done in their past three visits since a 0-0 draw in the 2024 regular season. Trevor Amann remains the team’s top goal scorer in cup competitions with three this season — two in the USL Cup and one in the U.S. Open Cup — and he and Albert Dikwa, fresh off a goal and an assist Saturday in the 2-0 league win over Miami FC, give the Hounds two in-form options to lead the line.

The Battery, on the other hand, have their own in-form man on attack in Colton Swan, who has four goals in league play and also posted a goal and an assist Saturday, guiding Charleston to a 2-0 win over Detroit. Former Hound Langston Blackstock netted the Battery’s other goal, and he is one of many ex-Pittsburgh players dotting the Battery’s roster, along with goalkeeper Luis Zamudio and center back Sean Suber.

Saturday’s match again will be on SportsNet Pittsburgh‘s channels. Coverage will begin live on SNP+, and the match will be joined in progress on the main SportsNet Pittsburgh channel after the conclusion of Pirates baseball coverage.

Those streaming the match will be able to do so via ESPN+, and Spanish-language coverage of the match will be on the club’s official Spanish radio partner, Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2.

Downloadable Game Notes

Game Notes at Charleston, 6/6/26 Download

USL Cup hopes hinge on Saturday’s matchup

The Hounds are approaching their penultimate Group 6 match in the Prinx Tires USL Cup this Saturday when they visit the Charleston Battery, and getting a result in South Carolina is a must if the team is to advance to the knockout rounds.

Looming for the Battery is their final group stage match against the Charlotte Independence on July 11, which means either of those teams would win the group by winning their final two matches. But that matchup also means one is assured of dropping points, giving the Hounds a clear path to — at minimum — second place and the potential to claim the one wild card in the quarterfinals.

A win Saturday for the Hounds would put them atop the group for the time being, as Charlotte does not play its next USL Cup match until June 24. It would also mean the Hounds stand a good chance to advance with one more win July 11 against Loudoun United; 10 points secured a wild card spot in the 2025 edition.

A draw would mean penalty kicks for the second Cup match in a row, and that outcome would be consequential.

Group 6 Standings	Games Played	Points
Charleston Battery	2	6
Charlotte Independence	2	5
Riverhounds	2	4
Loudoun United	1	0
Richmond Kickers	2	0
Greenville Triumph	1	0

Should the Hounds win on penalties, it would get them to six points, and nine potentially could be enough to win the division or claim the wild card. A second consecutive loss in a shootout would leave the Hounds on five points, meaning they would then need to defeat Loudoun and get help in multiple other matches to advance.

An outright defeat would eliminate the Hounds from the race for the top spot in the group, and with seven points being their maximum, they would be effectively out of the wild card hunt, as well.

The Hounds’ match against the Charleston Battery kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday, and it can be seen on SportsNet Pittsburgh (joined in progress), SportsNet Pittsburgh+ and ESPN+.

Hounds 2 splits results in two-match week

Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2 suffered its first loss in a 2-0 defeat against Steel City last Wednesday, May 27, at F.N.B. Stadium, but the team also came away victorious from their first road trip on Saturday, May 30, when they defeated the Cleveland Force, 4-3.

Steel City FC 2, Riverhounds 2 0

The first meeting between the two nearby sides started as a tightly contested battle, with the first half ending scoreless, despite good chances from each side, with likely the best falling to Steel City’s Nathan Prex, who saw his header in the 19th minute acrobatically saved by Hounds 2 goalkeeper Jack Moxom.

Steel City, the reigning Great Forest Division champions, took more control in the second half. Jaxon Ervin scored the opener in the 55th minute with a back-post header after Jake Lane dribbled past two defenders and found an incisive cross. Two minutes later, Steel City found a quick second goal after the ball was played through the middle of the field, narrowly missing the outstretched foot of Brady McGlone, with Ervin placing it past Moxom.

The final 30 minutes came to a standstill with neither side able to generate many dangerous chances as Hounds 2 took their first loss of the summer.

“We need to get in tomorrow into training and doing what we’ve been doing the entire summer,” Moxom said after the match. “Which is just working hard and playing as hard as you can. The beauty of the USL is that we have a game on Saturday now, so it’s a quick turnaround.”

Riverhounds 2 4, Cleveland Force 3

Hounds 2 went to Cleveland for their first away game of the season, looking to do the double over the Force after beating the side 5-0 in the team’s season opener.

Michael Lee opened the scoring in the 36th minute after a deflection and ensuing chaos in the box, tallying his second of the season. Lee added an assist just before the end of the half, putting in a cross off a corner, which found the head of McGlone and beat the oncoming Cleveland keeper, making it 2-0 at the half.

“The team’s first performance away from home was strong,” Hounds 2 head coach Josh Kremers said. “We came out a little slow but found our feet.

Cleveland came out hot in the second half, scoring in the 48th minute after a free kick from Elliot Miller into the box found the head of Nicolas Vagujhelyi to make it 2-1.

Despite the setback early into the second half, the Hounds struck back quickly when Max Haberman put in a cross, which found the scoring touch of Nicholas Legendre in the 55th minute. Legendre quickly added another a few minutes later, tapping in a cross from Lee, making it a goal and two assists for the Kentucky forward on the evening.

The Force’s Vagujhelyi continued to trouble the Hounds’ defense, tapping in a second goal in the 66th minute. Cleveland added a consolation goal deep into stoppage time courtesy of Anderson Gardner.

“In the second half, we started on the back foot but quickly found our footing and grabbed two more goals before making a few mistakes that made the end of the game more interesting than it should’ve been,” Kremers said. “Credit to Cleveland for fighting the full 90 and making our lives very difficult.”

Hounds 2 remains atop the Great Forest Division, but Steel City and FC Buffalo have a chance to overtake the side, with both teams holding a game in hand.

“Winning on the road is always tough, but the group is very deep, and we were able to rotate the squad and get a few guys big minutes,” said Kremers. “We dug deep and got back to winning ways.”

Hounds 2 returns to home F.N.B. Stadium on Wednesday, June 3 at 6 p.m. when they will take on FC Buffalo.

Hounds Pass introduced to launch Fan Affordability Initiative

BUY YOUR HOUNDS PASS TODAY!

PITTSBURGH (May 31, 2026) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC announces the launch of the Hounds Pass, a new limited-time and limited-quantity ticket offering designed to give fans an even more flexible and affordable way to experience summer nights at F.N.B. Stadium.

Building on the club’s longstanding commitment to delivering one of the best values in Pittsburgh sports and entertainment, the Hounds Pass gives fans access to 12 Riverhounds home matches for just $60. The pass includes standing-room access to Riverhounds matches through the rest of the 2026 regular season.

While enjoying another season of strong attendance and continued demand at F.N.B. Stadium, the Hounds Pass creates additional opportunities for fans to be part of the match day atmosphere through popular social viewing areas throughout the venue, including the Surfside CrossBar and the Goal Line Alley behind the net on the West End. While reserved seating and general admission sections continue to be in high demand, the new pass offers a flexible way for more supporters to join the crowd and experience Riverhounds soccer.

“At a time when many families and fans are feeling the impact of rising everyday costs, we want to continue finding ways to make Riverhounds match days as accessible as possible,” Riverhounds President Jeff Garner said. “We’ve always taken pride in offering an affordable sports and entertainment experience, and the Hounds Pass is another way for us to proactively support our fans while welcoming even more people into the atmosphere that has made F.N.B. Stadium such a special place.”

Pass holders will be able to claim their tickets beginning two days before each eligible match, creating a simple and flexible option for fans looking to enjoy Riverhounds soccer throughout the regular season. With 12 tickets included, the Hounds Pass averages just $5 per match.

The new offering complements the club’s existing ticket options, including season memberships, which continue to provide the best reserved seating value, priority access and a variety of exclusive member benefits.

In addition to the Hounds Pass, the club also introduces a new value concessions option for all fans. A discounted meal combo including a hot dog, chips and a soda or water will be available for $9.99 at Center Back Bites behind Section 102.

The affordability initiative will continue in the coming weeks with the launch of new value merchandise offerings, including a $15 T-shirt and $15 hat, giving supporters additional ways to represent the club at an accessible price point.

Together, the new ticket, concessions and merchandise offerings are part of the club’s broader effort to continue making Riverhounds match days welcoming, memorable and attainable for fans across the region.

“F.N.B. Stadium is one of the best summer environments in the city,” Garner said. “Whether someone joins us once a year or all season long, we want coming to a Riverhounds match to feel easy, fun and within reach. This initiative is about continuing to serve our fans with great value while creating even more ways for people to experience a night with us.”

The Hounds Pass is available now for a limited time by using the button below.

BUY YOUR HOUNDS PASS TODAY!

Dikwa, Ahl lead second-half surge past Miami

Charles Ahl watches his shot get past Miami FC goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' 2-0 win on May 30, 2026 at F.N.B. Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC) — *Charles Ahl watches his shot get past Miami FC goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez in the Hounds’ 2-0 win Saturday at F.N.B. Stadium. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)*

PITTSBURGH (May 30, 2026) — Albert Dikwa and Charles Ahl scored to break a halftime deadlock, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds returned from a 15-day layoff to capture a 2-0 win over Miami FC tonight at F.N.B. Stadium.

Nico Campuzano needed only one save to record his second straight clean sheet for the Hounds (5-4-1), and Ahl, a Florida native, has now scored in all three career matches against Miami (4-4-4).

The match was played in front of a sellout crowd of 6,053, the third-largest regular season crowd in F.N.B. Stadium history.

First half

The Hounds got an early chance when Ahl drove toward the box off a turnover, winning a free kick after being tripped up by Rodrigo da Costa. Eliot Goldthorp hit the 10th-minute free kick over the wall, but he shot didn’t dip in time, hitting the top of the net.

Miami had its own free kick chance in the 26th minute, but da Costa’s effort curled wide of the right post and a diving Campuzano.

Goldthorp continued to get in threatening positions all night, and in the 28th minute, he lashed a shot across the face of goal after carrying it forward from the front of the center circle. The English forward finished with seven total shots and forced two of Miami goalkeeper Felipe Rodriguez’s four saves.

Second half

The Hounds got the ball into the Miami box early, and it paid off in the 49th minute.

Ahl broke down the left wing and set a ball across the front of goal that neither Goldthorp nor Dikwa could reach. Perrin Barnes tracked down the cross on the right side and chipped the ball back across to the left, where Dikwa slipped around the defense and scored his sixth goal of the season with a lunging header.

Tempers rose midway through the half when Robbie Mertz and Miami’s Riyon Tori tangled in front of the Miami bench. Both players were cautioned, but cooler heads prevailed.

Ahl doubled the lead in the 73rd minute after an excellent team move that started when Owen Mikoy won the ball near midfield. Six Hounds touched the ball, culminating with Dikwa laying a soft pass wider for Ahl to finish from the left side of the box for his first goal of the season.

Modelo Man of the Match

Albert Dikwa added another two goal contributions to his 2026 tally by scoring his sixth of the season and assisting Ahl’s goal. After being held to just four passes in the first half, he sprang to life with six second-half touches in the Miami box, and was a constant threat to the Miami center backs.

What’s next?

After adding another league win, the Hounds hit the road to face the Charleston Battery in a Prinx Tires USL Cup match next Saturday, June 6. The Hounds need at least a draw — and possibly a win — to stay in contention in Group 6 of the USL Cup.

Riverhounds SC lineup (4-3-3) — Nico Campuzano; Lasse Kelp, Owen Mikoy, Victor Souza (Illal Osumanu 83’), Perrin Barnes; Sam Bassett, Danny Griffin (Jackson Walti 63’), Robbie Mertz; Charles Ahl (Junior Etou 74’), Albert Dikwa (Trevor Amann 74’), Eliot Goldthorp (Max Viera 83’)

Miami FC lineup (4-3-3) — Felipe Rodriguez; Alessandro Milesi (Brandon Bent 57’), Angelo Calfo, Daltyn Knutson (Tulu 76’), Bachir Ndiaye; Joel Soñora, Riyon Tori (Tommy Musto 76’), Gerald Diaz; Arney Rocha, Mathieu Ndongo (Alex Naranjo 70’), Rodrigo da Costa (Mame Diallo 70’)

Scoring summary

PIT — Albert Dikwa 49’ (Perrin Barnes)
PIT — Charles Ahl 73’ (Albert Dikwa)

Discipline summary

MIA — Rodrigo da Costa 9’ (caution – tactical foul)
MIA — Alessandro Milesi 39’ (caution – delaying restart)
MIA — Riyon Tori 69’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
PIT — Robbie Mertz 69’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

Game Day: Hounds vs. Miami FC

Pittsburgh Riverhounds goalkeeper Nico Campuzano rises above a crowd of players to catch a corner kick in the team's match against Phoenix Rising FC on May 2, 2026 at F.N.B. Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC) — *Hounds goalkeeper Nico Campuzano rises above a crowd of players to catch a corner kick in the team’s match against Phoenix Rising FC on May 2 at F.N.B. Stadium. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)*

Match Info

Riverhounds (4-4-1) vs. Miami FC (4-3-4)
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: F.N.B. Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Odds: Hounds -160 / Draw +270 / Miami +390
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2
Live statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live updates: @RiverhoundsSC on X/Twitter
Match hashtag: #PITvMIA

PITTSBURGH (May 28, 2026) — The Hounds are back at home for the first time in 28 days this Saturday, and awaiting them at F.N.B. Stadium is a big matchup in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack with Miami FC.

The Hounds last played back on May 15 in their Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Charlotte, which makes this the longest in-season gap between matches for the team since 2016. The extra rest couldn’t have come at a better time for the Hounds, who are starting to get healthier after dealing with a handful of bumps, bruises and more serious ailments through April and May.

Only two players are ruled out for Saturday: Beto Ydrach, who continues his recovery from hernia surgery, and Bradley Sample, who is dealing with a core injury of his own. The rest of the squad participated in training this week, including center back Guillaume Vacter, who is nearing his return from a knee injury, and Danny Griffin, who is likely to regain the captain’s armband after missing the past two matches.

Miami comes into the match riding high off a 4-3 win at home over Louisville City FC, which has them tied for third in a still-crowded Eastern Conference. Former PSV Eindhoven and Brighton & Hove Albion striker Jürgen Locadia scored a hat trick in that win, and the Curaçao international is out to stay in top form heading into next month’s World Cup alongside his club and country teammate, goalkeeper Eloy Room.

The visitors come into the match having taken results from the Hounds in both of last year’s meetings: a 1-1 draw in Pittsburgh and a 3-1 win in Miami that would be the Hounds’ last loss before their run to the USL Championship title. With a 1-2-3 record on the road this season — not including a road win at Jacksonville in the USL Cup — the Floridians have been a tough opponent for home teams to put away in 2026.

All signs point to the Hounds having their biggest crowd so far this year behind them as fans flock to F.N.B. Stadium for dual promotion nights: Pups at the Pitch and the team’s first official Star Wars Night. Limited seats are still available through Ticketmaster and at the Highmark Stadium Box Office, though Pups at the Pitch is now limited to standing-room only in the dog-approved section of the stadium.

Food and beverage selections include a number of Star Wars-themed specialty drinks at the Corona Cantina and food items around the stadium. The end of May also signals a farewell to the monthly specials, including the Bacon & Beer Cheese Burger at the Train Grill and Cheesesteak Nachos at Nacho Junction.

Saturday’s match again will be live on the SportsNet Pittsburgh channels. Coverage from the opening whistle will be shown on SNP+, while the SportsNet main channel will join in progress after the conclusion of Pirates baseball coverage. ESPN+ will have the live stream, and Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2 will have the call of the match in Spanish for the radio audience. Re-airings of the match will be shown later Saturday and Sunday on SNP and SNP+.

Downloadable Game Notes

Game Notes vs Miami, 5/30/26 Download

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