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Mertz bags winner on Fourth of July

Robbie Mertz celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in their 1-0 win over New Mexico United on July 4, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC) — *Robbie Mertz celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal for the Hounds in their 1-0 win over New Mexico United on July 4 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)*

PITTSBURGH (July 4, 2025) — The Pittsburgh Riverhounds had an Independence Day to celebrate after Robbie Mertz scored the only goal of the match for a 1-0 win over Western Conference-leading New Mexico United tonight at Highmark Stadium.

Mertz’s tally was his third of the season for the Hounds (6-6-2), and goalkeeper Eric Dick made three saves for his sixth shutout of the season across all competitions.

The Hounds are now 5-2-1 all-time on the Fourth of July at Highmark Stadium, and they picked up tonight’s win by outshooting New Mexico (8-5-1), 18-6, despite having only 31 percent of possession.

First half

New Mexico, the top possession team in the USL Championship, came out on the ball and with a territorial edge in the opening minutes. But the Hounds quickly worked their way into the match and showed their intent on the counter, starting with a near-breakaway for Augi Williams that was turned away by New Mexico goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.

The Hounds continued to work forward, and in the 21st minute, Guillaume Vacter turned a corner kick by Mertz onto the left post, the first of many near misses in the contest.

In the 38th minute, Vacter struck the opposite bar after Sean Suber headed a free kick by Mertz back across the face of goal, denying the French defender a first pro goal for a second time.

Second half

New Mexico’s best chance came after Luke Biasi mistimed his tackle on Mukwelle Akale just outside of the box, giving the visitors a free kick. Akale took the free kick and tried to curl it over the wall, but Dick shuffled quickly to his left to get a palm on the ball and knock it over the bar.

Williams would be the next Hounds player denied by the post, as he worked his way into the right side of the box and struck a firm shot that rebounded straight back into play after hitting the upright squarely in the 62nd minute.

Finally, Mertz made the breakthrough in the 73rd minute after Danny Griffin intercepted a pass in New Mexico territory. Griffin fed Williams on the left, and the initial shot was saved, but Mertz followed up on the play and smashed the ball home from 7 yards out.

The Hounds saw out the match from that point, allowing only one shot — a rising effort over the bar from atop the box — after taking the lead.

Modelo Man of the Match

Robbie Mertz was a menace in attack all night for the Hounds even before finding the net. He finished with four chances created, eight touches in the opponents box and won three free kicks, in addition to winning 6 of 10 duels.

What’s next?

The Hounds have a few extra days of rest in the coming week before hosting a key Eastern Conference matchup against Loudoun United FC (8-4-1) at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 13. The Hounds fell in their first meeting this season with Loudoun, 2-1, in Virginia back in April.

Riverhounds SC lineup (3-4-2-1) — Eric Dick; Guillaume Vacter, Sean Suber, Beto Ydrach; Luke Biasi (Junior Etou 72’), Jackson Walti (Bradley Sample 72’), Danny Griffin, Perrin Barnes; Robbie Mertz (Max Broughton 88’), Charles Ahl (Bertin Jacquesson 72’); Augi Williams (Jason Bouregy 90+3’)

New Mexico United lineup (4-2-3-1) — Alex Tambakis; Will Seymore (Christopher Gloster 88’), Talen Maples, Ousman Jabang, Jaylin Lindsay; Gedion Zelalem, Sergio Rivas; Luiz Fernando, Zico Bailey (Tomas Pondeca 87’), Mukwelle Akale (McKinze Gaines 73’); Marlon Vargas (Thomas Amang 73’)

Scoring summary

PIT – Robbie Mertz 73’

Discipline summary

PIT — Luke Biasi 54’ (caution – tactical foul)
NM — Luiz Fernando 87’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
PIT — Perrin Barnes 87’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

Game Day: Hounds vs. New Mexico United

Fans sit on the field at Highmark Stadium to watch the City of Pittsburgh fireworks after the Pittsburgh Riverhounds match against the Charlotte Independence on July 4, 2017. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)

Match info

Riverhounds (5-6-2) vs. New Mexico United (8-4-1)
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Highmark Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Odds: Hounds -105 / Draw +230 / New Mexico +260 at Fan Duel
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh
Streaming: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Radio: Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Live statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live updates: @RiverhoundsSC on X/Twitter
Match hashtags: #PITvNM and #Grittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (July 2, 2025) — With two wins from two matches in a four-match homestand, the Hounds will try to keep things rolling when they host Western Conference-leading New Mexico United in a special Friday night contest at Highmark Stadium.

While the soccer match is the main event, Friday’s match marks the return of the Hounds’ Independence Day home matches, a tradition in the early years of Highmark Stadium before the 2020 pandemic interrupted the nearly annual event. As was the case from 2013-19, fans will be able to remain in the stadium after the match to enjoy the City of Pittsburgh’s fireworks display without having to worry about finding a good viewing spot or a place to park at the last minute. Fireworks begin at 9:35 p.m., and tickets are still available for the match through Ticketmaster and the Highmark Stadium box office.

The Hounds are 4-2-1 in seven Independence Day matches at Highmark Stadium — including two wins in the first two seasons under Bob Lilley — but those have little bearing on this year’s match, which will be a challenge against a potent New Mexico squad that is sixth in the Championship with 21 goals scored.

New Mexico has done it with balance in attack, as six different players have multiple goals for them, led by four from Luiz Fernando and five assists from Mukwelle Akale, another player with multiple goals in 2025. They have also been solid, if not spectacular, at the back with only 14 goals allowed, and that starts with one of the Championship’s most experienced goalkeepers, Alex Tambakis, who is one clean sheet away from tying the league’s all-time record of 58 career shutouts.

The Hounds were able to get some regular players rest last week in the Jägermeister Cup win over Westchester SC. Eric Dick and Guillaume Vacter both had the full night off, while Jackson Walti, Luke Biasi and Augi Williams all played limited minutes off the bench last Saturday, and all will be available to fill their usual roles Friday night, as will Bertin Jacquesson, who opened his scoring account with the lone goal in the 1-0 win.

Highmark Stadium will still open at its normal time — Tailgate Zone at 5 p.m. and gates at 6 p.m. — after the USL W League semifinals being played earlier in the day. The full day of soccer will be the debut of this month’s new food specials, which include Beef Brisket Nachos at the Nacho Junction stand, as well as the return of two summer favorites to the train grill on the East End: footlong chili dogs and cheeseburgers topped with pineapple, Swiss and a teriyaki barbecue sauce.

Friday’s match will air live on both SportsNet Pittsburgh (joined in progress after Pirates baseball coverage) and SportsNet Pittsburgh+ (in its entirety), and CBS Sports Golazo Network will carry the live stream of the coverage. Re-airings of the match will be shown on SNP and SNP+ throughout the day Saturday, and Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2 will have the Spanish-language radio broadcast live on Friday night.

Downloadable Game Notes

Game Notes vs New Mexico, 7/4/25 Download

Jacquesson fires Hounds to Jäger Cup win

Bertin Jacquesson, the match's lone goal scorer, turns the corner around Westchester SC's Stephen Payne in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' 1-0 win June 28, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Ryan Shaffer/Riverhounds SC) — *Bertin Jacquesson, the match’s lone goal scorer, turns the corner around Westchester SC’s Stephen Payne in the Hounds’ 1-0 win Saturday at Highmark Stadium. (Photo: Ryan Shaffer/Riverhounds SC)*

PITTSBURGH (June 28, 2025) — Bertin Jacquesson’s goal early in the match was the only tally of the night, and it gave the Pittsburgh Riverhounds a 1-0 win over Westchester SC in the USL Jägermeister Cup tonight at Highmark Stadium.

It was the first goal of the season for Jacquesson, who began the year late after a preseason injury, and Hounds goalkeeper Jacob Randolph made two saves for his second shutout of the season across all competitions.

Despite the win, the Hounds can no longer advance in the Jägermeister Cup with their 1-2-0 record after Hartford Athletic drew with Detroit City FC tonight. Westchester, a USL League One team, is also eliminated at 0-3-0.

First half

The early stages were a feeling-out process between two team that had never faced each other, though an early header won by Westchester’s Sebastian Palma could have been dangerous but sailed over the bar.

In the 15th minute, the Hounds put together a good team move down the left side to get on the board. Robbie Mertz and Junior Etou combined on a series of give-and-go passes that sprung Etou toward the goal line on the left. Jacquesson made the near post run and turned Etou’s low pass into the net with his first touch.

Jacquesson nearly doubled the lead 10 minutes later after Mertz chipped a pass through on the right to a wide-open Bradley Sample. Sample picked out Jacquesson with his pass to the front of goal, but Westchester goalkeeper Dane Jacomen — a Pittsburgh native and former Hounds Academy player — hurried across his goal to make an close-range stop.

Second half

One of Westchester’s best chances came minutes after the break, when former Hounds striker J.C. Obregón teed up a bouncing ball on his right foot but fired the shot from inside the box over the goal.

Etou nearly created a second goal in the 55th minute, but his curling pass from the left was too long for Mertz to reach, and Jacomen arrived to the ball just before Jacquesson.

The Hounds searched for an insurance goal, but Jacomen denied them in the 86th minute with a lunging stop to his right to deny Augi Williams in a 1-on-1 situation, before recovering to deny Charles Ahl with a spectacular save diving back the other direction to tip the ball wide.

Modelo Man of the Match

Bertin Jacquesson got into the scoring column and was active leading the line. He finished with four total shots, won six of his team-leading 12 duels and had a pair of successful dribbles before coming off in the 68th minute.

What’s next?

With three wins from four June matches, the Hounds turn back to USL Championship play for the return of an old Highmark Stadium tradition — the Independence Day game. The Hounds (5-6-2) will host Western Conference leaders New Mexico United (8-4-1) at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4 with fans invited to stay in the stadium for City of Pittsburgh fireworks after the match.

Riverhounds SC lineup (3-4-2-1) — Jacob Randolph; Sean Suber, Beto Ydrach, Max Broughton; Junior Etou (Luke Biasi 84’), Danny Griffin, Bradley Sample (Jackson Walti 68’), Perrin Barnes; Robbie Mertz (Jason Bouregy 83’), Jorge Garcia (Charles Ahl 68’); Bertin Jacquesson (Augi Williams 68’)

Westchester SC (4-4-2) — Dane Jacomen; Josh Drack, Bobby Pierre, Sebastian Palma (Andrew Jean-Baptiste 64’), Stephen Payne (Noah Powder 46’); Dean Guezen (Bryan Vasquez 83’), Joel Johnson, Daniel Bouman (Ermin Mackic 77’), Prince Saydee (Mink Peeters 64’); Jonathan Bolanos, J.C. Obregón

Scoring summary

PIT — Bertin Jacquesson 15’ (Junior Etou)

Discipline summary

PIT — Sean Suber 48’ (caution – tactical foul)
WES — Mink Peeters 71’ (caution – tactical foul)
WES — Ermin Mackic 90+6’ (caution – reckless foul)

Jäger Cup Game Day: Hounds vs. Westchester SC

Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Augi Williams dribbles past the Tampa Bay Rowdies' Lewis Hilton in the Hounds' 2-1 win on June 21, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC) — *Riverhounds forward Augi Williams dribbles past the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Lewis Hilton in the Hounds’ 2-1 win last Saturday at Highmark Stadium. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)*

Match info

USL Jägermeister Cup Group Stage
Riverhounds (0-2-0) vs. Westchester SC (0-2-0)
Date: Saturday, June 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Highmark Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Odds: Not available
TV: KDKA+
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Live statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live updates: @RiverhoundsSC on X/Twitter
Match hashtags: #PITvWES and #Grittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (June 26, 2025) — The Hounds step back out of USL Championship action for their third match in Jägermeister Cup play when they face USL League One foe Westchester SC for the first time ever Saturday at Highmark Stadium.

Neither side is mathematically eliminated from the competition after each dropped their first two matches, but it would require two wins — and a fair share of favorable results elsewhere — to advance to the Cup’s knockout rounds. But regardless of their odds to move on, the Hounds will want to maintain their momentum at home after winning their last two league matches at their home ground.

Coming off a 2-1 win in which they blitzed the Tampa Bay Rowdies early with two goals in the first 20 minutes, the Hounds will also try to take the game to a Westchester team that has only four wins on the season, two of which came against lower-league opposition in the U.S. Open Cup. Augi Williams regained his scoring touch by netting his second of the season in the Rowdies win, and though he didn’t get credited for an assist, Robbie Mertz continued his strong rate of creating chances with the corner kick he served leading to a Rowdies own goal.

Because the Jäger Cup match falls on the regular schedule — and with no midweek matches until next month — the Hounds can start their strongest lineup on normal rest. However, there are likely to be some tweaks to the lineup, starting at the back, where Jacob Randolph has started both previous Jäger Cup matches in goal for the Hounds.

Westchester, a first-year club, is still getting its footing but has its share of talented players, led by top scorer and former Hounds forward J.C. Obregón (6 goals) and veteran playmaker Conor McGlynn (4 goals). Their team is coming off a 10-day layoff since their last match, but they have a little momentum of their own after claiming a 2-1 road win at Forward Madison behind goals by Obregón and another Championship veteran, Prince Saydee.

At the stadium, fans will want to arrive early to partake in another $1 Beer Night promotion, with I.C. Light on sale from 5 p.m. until kickoff in the Tailgate Zone and in the stadium after gates open. Tickets for the match are still available on Ticketmaster and at the Highmark Stadium Box Office.

Saturday’s match will air live on KDKA+ and stream in-market on KDKA.com and everywhere else on ESPN+. The Spanish-language radio broadcast of the match will be carried by Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2.

Downloadable Game Notes

Game Notes vs Westchester, 6/28/25 Download

2009 Girls take on ECNL’s Champions League

The Riverhounds Development Academy's 2009 Girls train at Highmark Stadium prior to leaving for the ECNL Champions League beginning June 26, 2025 in San Diego, Calif. (Photo: Julia Wasielewski/Riverhounds SC) — The Riverhounds Development Academy’s 2009 Girls train at Highmark Stadium prior to leaving for the ECNL Champions League beginning June 26 in San Diego, Calif. (Photo: Julia Wasielewski/Riverhounds SC)

By Addy Jacoby

Summer has officially begun, and for most kids, that means the pool and going on vacation.

For the Riverhounds 2009 ECNL Girls team, this summer starts with one big business trip, as the 09s are the first-ever Hounds Academy girls team to qualify for the Champions League, the top tier of the ECNL Playoffs.

Academy Director and coach Scott Gibson couldn’t be happier with the teams success and paving a way for rising teams among the club.

“The Champions League is at the top, so for them to lay that benchmark, I think is awesome. I think this will be the first of many,” Gibson said.

As for the players, the excitement is still high among the team. Before going to the ECNL Playoffs, the ladies ended their showcase season at the end of May in North Carolina, where the girls placed first overall out of 78 teams.

“It’s very special to be a part of this team, and I am extremely proud of myself and my team for accomplishing all we have so far. It’s exciting to be a part of the first Riverhounds team to have made it to Champions League playoffs, and I think that speaks to how great of an environment we as a team have built,” 09s midfielder/defender Anelise Castrodale said. “We have worked for this the whole season and constantly push each other to be better to give us the best possible shot at winning.”

The girls are also led by Joenal Castma, who is a first-year coach with this specific team.

“We’ve put in a ton of hours and hard work. These girls have put in the hard work on and off the field,” Castma said. “I’m really impressed by their overall drive, and they’re having so much fun together. Whether it’s positioning, attacking or defending as a unit, they’re just having so much fun.”

This year’s ECNL Playoffs are being held in San Diego, Calif. In the U16 level where the 2009 team competes, the best 48 teams from around the country qualified for the Champions League.

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four, and they will play three group stage games. The 12 group winners, along with the four best second place teams, will go to the Round of 16 which starts the knockout rounds. Those teams are competing for a spot at the ECNL Girls Final which is hosted in Richmond, Va. in the end of July.

Castrodale and Marina Hajnosz both shared how the Riverhounds organization has set them up for success and prepared them for these upcoming big moments.

“Our coaches are incredible. Both Coach Scott and Joenal challenge each of us at every single practice. They push us to be our best in every aspect of the game, which allows success as a team.” Castrodale said.

“My coaches have shared and encouraged the team’s goals from the beginning and always held high expectations for us,” said Hajnosz, a midfielder for the 09s. “There is such a high level of training at practice, and I think it has prepared us for the elite level of competition and the fast pace of the game that we will face. I am confident that we can succeed here, and it is thanks to our coaches for always pushing us to be better.”

Before they left for California, Castma shared the mentality that has been shared among the players and team.

“We just have to do what we’ve been doing and can’t overthink it. Play the soccer we play, and hope that everything else falls into place. We can’t overthink and tense up and you may not play your game,” he said.

Through their first game, the 09s are sticking to that mindset. The team began the tournament on June 26 by taking a 5-1 win over Atlanta Fire United, a great start that puts them two wins away from being assured of a place in the knockout rounds.

Early lead stands up in victory over Tampa Bay

Augi Williams (center) is flanked by teammates Bertin Jacquesson and Beto Ydrach celebrating Williams' goal in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on June 21, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC) — Augi Williams (center) is flanked by teammates Bertin Jacquesson and Beto Ydrach celebrating Williams’ goal in the Hounds’ 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)

PITTSBURGH (June 21, 2025) — A pair of early goals gave the Pittsburgh Riverhounds the offense they needed to claim a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies tonight at hot, humid Highmark Stadium.

The scoring opened with an own goal by former Hounds defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele, and shortly afterward, Augi Williams headed the Hounds (5-6-2) into a two-goal lead.

Manuel Arteaga pulled a goal back for the Rowdies (2-9-2) five minutes before halftime, but the Hounds protected the lead to win their second straight home match.

First half

The Hounds were in attacking mode from the start, and Luke Biasi had a good chance when he got around the left side and into the box, but his shot hit the side netting. Shortly afterward, Bertin Jacquesson picked out Robbie Mertz 15 yards from goal, but Mertz’s shot was too close to the goalkeeper and saved.

In the 15th minute, the Hounds went ahead from a corner kick served by Mertz. The ball zipped toward the back post, and Vancayezeele’s errant first touch put the ball into the net.

Five minutes later, Biasi was working the left side once again and lofted a cross to the back post. Williams drifted off the back of his defender to get free, and he headed the ball in from close range for his second goal of the year.

Beto Ydrach nearly added a third goal at the half-hour mark after a feed from Charles Ahl, but his close-range effort was denied by another of Rowdies goalkeeper Ethan Bandré’s five saves.

In the 40th minute, Arteaga got the Rowdies’ goal with a finish from the top of the box that was set up by some clever dribbling and a short pass from Ollie Bassett.

Second half

Hounds goalie Eric Dick had his biggest moment shortly after halftime, when he denied a blast on goal by Blake Bodily shooting from the left side of the box. Dick finished with two saves in the match.

Jacquesson responded with a good chance of his own in the right side of the box, but Bandré cut off the angle and saved the ball wide of the goal.

Jackson Walti nearly added the third goal when Mertz found him in space late in the match, but a defender’s boot was enough to deflect the chance high. Over the final 40 minutes of the match, the Hounds limited the Rowdies to two shots — one blocked and one off target.

Modelo Man of the Match

Luke Biasi had an effective two-way effort in a 90-minutes shift on the left wing. He recorded the assist on Williams’ goal and created two chances, while adding three clearances and winning possession four times.

What’s next?

The Hounds stay at home but switch back to play in the USL Jägermeister Cup when they host League One side Westchester SC at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

Riverhounds SC lineup (3-4-2-1) — Eric Dick; Guillaume Vacter, Sean Suber, Beto Ydrach (Junior Etou 76’); Luke Biasi, Jackson Walti, Charles Ahl (Danny Griffin 68’), Perrin Barnes; Robbie Mertz (Max Broughton 88’), Bertin Jacquesson (Jorge Garcia 68’); Augi Williams

Tampa Bay Rowdies lineup (4-4-2) — Ethan Bandré; Blake Bodily (Nick Moon 72’), Aaron Guillén, Laurence Wyke (Joey Skinner 72’), Robert Castellanos; Luis Álvarez, Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Danny Crisostomo 81’), Lewis Hilton, Ollie Bassett (Endri Mustali 90’); Woobens Pacius, Manuel Arteaga

Scoring summary

PIT — Thomas Vancaeyezeele 15’ (own goal)
PIT — Augi Williams 20’ (Luke Biasi)
TBR — Manuel Arteaga 40’ (Ollie Bassett)

Discipline summary

PIT — Sean Suber 52’ (caution – tactical foul)
TBR — Woobens Pacius 66’ (caution – tactical foul)
PIT — Luke Biasi 90+4’ (caution – tactical foul)
TBR — Manuel Arteaga 90+7’ (caution – dissent)

Game Day: Hounds vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Guillaume Vacter moves upfield with the ball in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' 2-0 win over Detroit City FC on June 7, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC) — *Guillaume Vacter moves upfield with the ball in the Hounds’ 2-0 win over Detroit City FC on June 7 at Highmark Stadium. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)*

Match info

Riverhounds (4-6-2) vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (2-8-2)
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Highmark Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Odds: Hounds +115 / Draw +230 / Tampa Bay +200 at Fan Duel
TV: KDKA+
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Live statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live updates: @RiverhoundsSC on X/Twitter
Match hashtags: #PITvTBR and #Grittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (June 19, 2025) — A return to the friendly confines of Highmark Stadium will provide a boost to the Hounds, as they kick off a stretch of eight home matches in their next 10 overall by hosting the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night.

The Hounds will want to get out on the front foot against the Rowdies after last weekend’s 1-0 loss in Indianapolis that was the first time since 2021 the Hounds were held without a shot on goal. The aim will be a performance more like the team’s previous home match, a 2-0 win over Detroit in which the Hounds pulled off the same feat, holding their visitors without a shot on goal and to just one shot total.

Despite the uneven start to the season, the Hounds are 4-2-0 at home in all competitions in 2025 — 3-1-0 in USL Championship play — and all four of the wins have been clean sheets for Eric Dick and the Hounds defense. Apart from center back Illal Osumanu, who is questionable after pulling up with an injury against Indy, the Hounds expect to have a full compliment of players to put their best foot forward beginning the homestand.

The Rowdies, meanwhile, have been uncharacteristically poor to begin 2025, with a 2-8-2 record leaving them second from the bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, many of their quality pieces of recent years remain, including Laurence Wyke, Lewis Hilton and Manuel Arteaga, the latter two of whom combined for the game-winning goal in stoppage time last weekend for the Rowdies in a win over in-state rival Miami FC. Their attack has been spearheaded by young Canadian Woobens Pacius, who has five goals for Tampa Bay on loan from Nashville SC.

It will be an entertaining night at Highmark when it concludes with the team’s second Firework Frenzy postgame show. The fireworks will cap the team’s Soccer is for Everyone Night, when we celebrate the diverse groups that unite here in the City of Pittsburgh and around the sport of soccer. Tickets for the match are available through Ticketmaster and at the Highmark Stadium Box Office.

Coverage of the match will be aired live on KDKA+ and streamed on ESPN+. The Hounds’ partners at Radio Las Palmas, 92.9 FM HD2 will also have a Spanish-language broadcast of the match available on air and online.

Downloadable Game Notes

Game Notes vs Tampa Bay, 6/21/25 Download

Ydrach reflects on his World Cup journey

Beto Ydrach (17) stands with his teammates on Puerto Rico National Team during the playing of the national anthem before their FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Suriname on June 6, 2025 in Paramaribo, Suriname. (Screen shot courtesy of CONCACAF) — Beto Ydrach (17) stands with his teammates on Puerto Rico National Team during the playing of the national anthem before their FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Suriname on June 6 in Paramaribo, Suriname. (Screen shot courtesy of CONCACAF)

Beto Ydrach has been an influential contributor in his first season with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, but the past few weeks, he has been far away from Pittsburgh.

The center back, who just turned 24 in May, was away with the Puerto Rico National Team for two weeks trying to help the island nation advance to the final stage of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And though the bid by El Huracán Azul — The Blue Hurricane, as the team is nicknamed — fell agonizingly short, it was a learning experience for Ydrach and one he hopes to build from personally and in his future with Puerto Rico.

His three-match stint with Puerto Rico began with a friendly match in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where they played to a 1-1 draw with Nicaragua, another nation prepping for crucial qualifying matches in the CONCACAF region.

“It’s always good to get back with the national team. It’s always an honor to represent my island. But it was a long two weeks,” Ydrach said. “It started with the friendly, and (the Riverhounds) had just played in Rhode Island, so I went from Rhode Island to Pittsburgh and right back to Rhode Island, so that was perfect.”

That was only a short first leg of Ydrach’s travels, however. The next destination was more than 2,500 miles away in South America, where the team faced group-leading Suriname in Paramaribo, the capital of the former Dutch colony and smallest independent country in South America. Despite a resilient effort to get a result on the road, Puerto Rico was beaten 1-0 on a 79th minute goal that stacked the odds against them in the final week of qualifying.

That last match came at home for Puerto Rico against another Caribbean nation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Needing a win and a loss by El Salvador — who were hosting Suriname — to advance, Puerto Rico handled its end of the deal with a 2-1 victory. Unfortunately, El Salvador managed to hang on for a 1-1 draw, allowing them to finish one point ahead of Puerto Rico to take second place and the last spot in the next round.

“Unfortunately, in Suriname, we gave up a goal that we don’t think we should have, and it ended 1-nil and ultimately cost us. … We didn’t move on to the next round, but I think we can hold our heads up high. We played with all of our heart,” Ydrach said. “Once our game (against St. Vincent) ended, we were checking the score of the other game, but you could just see the last two minutes weren’t going anywhere. We kind of knew our fate, but we can’t do anything but be proud of ourselves that we gave it our all.”

Even though it is a United States territory, Puerto Rico fields its own national teams, in the same way nations such as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and many Caribbean and Pacific island territories have their own teams. But one thing Puerto Rico has in common with the rest of the U.S. is a divided sports market.

Just as soccer in the 50 states has to compete with the popularity of football and other sports, Puerto Rico historically has been a nation known more for baseball and basketball. But Ydrach and the current group are trying to bring soccer to the forefront.

They are making progress, as evidenced by winning promotion from the C Division to the B Division in the 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League. And while this World Cup qualifying campaign came up short of the final round, the team has a new Nations League and the start of qualification for the 2027 Gold Cup to look forward to in the coming year.

“We like to think that our team is very young, so we’d like to use this as experience for us in the long run. We’re getting closer and closer to our goals, but we’ve fallen one step short. So, we hope this can be a stepping stone in terms of experience for the guys. I’m one of the older guys, and I’m only 24 years old, so hopefully through the next cycle, we grow up a little bit, become bigger men and get the job done.”

*Beto Ydrach has appeared for the Hounds in every league match when has been available, and he leads the team’s first-year pros in minutes played. (Photo: Ryan Shaffer/Riverhounds SC)*

For now, Ydrach’s focus is back to getting the job done with the Hounds.

He rejoined the team last Thursday and made the trip for last Saturday’s match at Indy Eleven, where he was named to the bench. There would be little rest for weary legs, however, as Ydrach was called into action after only 27 minutes when Illal Osumanu picked up an injury and had to be substituted.

Having played in all three matches and all 180 minutes of the two qualifiers, Ydrach eclipsed the 300-minute mark in a two-week span. With that — and racking up his fair share of frequent flyer miles — Ydrach is happy to be back in Pittsburgh for a full week and preparing for a home match Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

“I slept amazing on Sunday,” he said with a laugh. “You’ve always got to be ready. You never know what’s going to happen, and then Illal goes down. Mentally, I was ready. Physically — it’s a long season, so everyone’s going through it — I just had maybe a little more of toll on my legs. But nothing too serious, and I’m glad to be back in Pittsburgh.”

Hounds win streak stalls out at Indy

Guillaume Vacter plays a pass for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in their match against Indy Eleven on June 14, 2025 at Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis. (Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski/Indy Eleven) — *Guillaume Vacter plays a pass for the Hounds in their match Saturday against Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis. (Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski/Indy Eleven)*

(June 14, 2025) — A goal by Jack Blake moments before halftime was the difference in the match as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds fell to a 1-0 defeat against the Indy Eleven tonight at Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.

The loss snaps a two-match win streak in league play for the Hounds (4-6-2) and prevented them from winning back-to-back road matches for the first time this year.

For Indy (3-3-5), it was their first home win against the Hounds in five tries at Carroll Stadium, having last won at home against Pittsburgh in 2020 at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Colts.

First half

Both teams started out in a defensive posture, but Hounds goalkeeper Eric Dick had to make the match’s toughest save from a corner kick in the 17th minute.

Indy’s James Murphy curled a ball to the back post that the Hounds didn’t deal with, allowing Ben Ofiemu the first to try turning it toward goal before former Hounds defender Pat Hogan smacked an effort on net from inside the 6-yard box. Dick got low and stayed big to turn the shot away, and he would hold a soft shot by Aodhan Quinn moments later to alleviate the pressure.

The Hounds’ best chance of the half came when Robbie Mertz timed a backheel pass into the path of Augi Williams between defenders, but Hogan lunged in to block the shot behind for a corner kick.

Indy’s goal came two minutes into stoppage time on the counter, after the Hounds’ Perrin Barnes slipped trying to receive a long diagonal pass in the Indy half. The home team took possession and moved forward quickly, creating a 3-on-3 situation where Quinn fed Blake on his right. Blake took a touch inside in the box, and his shot took a deflection off Sean Suber and found the back of the net.

Second half

The Hounds had much more of the ball after the break — 62 percent compared to 49 percent in the first half — but their best chances came from broken plays.

In the 65th minute, Danny Griffin almost caught Indy napping as he raced around Hogan to get to a bouncing ball between the defender and goalie Hunter Sulte. Griffin was first to the ball, but Sulte was able to palm the ball wide of the goal, where Griffin recovered it first but had no angle to shoot.

Shortly afterward from a loose ball, Jackson Walti struck a hard shot toward goal on his first touch from the top of the box. His shot might have had the top corner picked out, but Quinn was in position, 7 yards from goal, to deflect the shot over the bar with his head.

Williams had one late chance when he received a cross from Junior Etou in the box in the 89th minute. The striker was able to settle the ball and snap a quick shot between the legs of Hogan, but the effort missed about a foot wide of the left post.

Modelo Man of the Match

Sean Suber had a busy day defensively, and almost managed to get his body in the way fully to block Indy’s goal. For the match, the center back won 6 of 8 aerial duels and had team-highs with seven clearances and gaining possession six times.

What’s next?

After a stumble on the road, the Hounds will be at home for four straight matches and eight of their next 10. The long home spell begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 21, when they host the struggling Tampa Bay Rowdies (2-8-2), who got their second win of the season at home tonight against Miami FC.

Riverhounds SC lineup (3-4-2-1) — Eric Dick; Guillaume Vacter, Sean Suber, Illal Osumanu (Beto Ydrach 27’); Luke Biasi (Jorge Garcia 80’), Jackson Walti (Bertin Jacquesson 80’), Bradley Sample (Charles Ahl 46’), Perrin Barnes (Junior Etou 80’); Robbie Mertz, Danny Griffin; Augi Williams

Indy Eleven lineup (3-5-2) — Hunter Sulte; James Musa, Pat Hogan, Ben Ofeimu; Finn McRobb (Hayden White 69’), Aodhan Quinn (Elliot Collier 84’), James Murphy (Brem Soumaoro 77’), Cam Lindley, Bruno Rendón; Elvis Amoh (Edward Kizza 69’), Jack Blake (Maalique Foster 69’)

Scoring summary

IND — Jack Blake 45+2’ (Aodhan Quinn)

Discipline summary

None

Game Day: Hounds at Indy Eleven

Perrin Barnes plays a long pass in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' 2-0 win over Detroit City FC on June 7, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC) — *Perrin Barnes plays a long pass in the Hounds’ 2-0 win over Detroit City FC last Saturday at Highmark Stadium. (Photo: Chris Cowger/Riverhounds SC)*

Match info

Riverhounds (4-5-2) vs. Indy Eleven (2-3-5)
Date: Saturday, June 14
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Michael A. Carroll Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
Odds: Hounds +190 / Draw +230 / Indy +125 at Fan Duel
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh
Streaming: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Live statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live updates: @RiverhoundsSC on X/Twitter
Match hashtags: #INDvPIT and #Grittsburgh

(June 12, 2025) — The Hounds will be on the hunt to win three consecutive league matches for the first time this season on Saturday, when they travel to face one of their most familiar opponents of recent years, Indy Eleven.

Coming off an excellent performance to dispatch Detroit, 2-0, the Hounds want to keep their momentum going on both sides of the ball.

From an attacking standpoint, new dad Robbie Mertz is coming off a vintage performance with a goal and an assist to earned his first-ever USL Championship Player of the Week honor. The energy of Mertz and Danny Griffin harried Detroit into mistakes, and with Augi Williams occupying center backs with his runs, the Hounds were able to find plenty of space working the ball from side to side, leading to the goals by Mertz and Perrin Barnes jumping into attack as a wing back.

Defensively, the Hounds were stout, despite a small lapse in the final minutes. The team held Detroit to only one shot and a expected goals (xG) number of 0.02. Both of those numbers tied the lowest allowed by the Hounds since the USL began using Opta stats tracking in 2017, and it led to Eric Dick recording his 20th clean sheet as a member of the Hounds, tying Jahmali Waite for third-most in team history.

In Indy, the Hounds face an opponent that hasn’t won in the league since their third match of the season, but the Eleven are no easy-beats, having drawn 50 percent of their matches — 5 out of 10.

Elvis Amoh leads Indy with four goals this season, but the hosts have their share of firepower with former Hounds forward Edward Kizza and always creative and dangerous Aodhan Quinn, who leads the team with four assists, in the midfield. The weak link for Indy has been their defense with 20 goals allowed, which ties them for the second-most goals allowed in the Championship and the most in the Eastern Conference.

Of course, Hounds matches with Indy are usually nail-biting affairs, as 12 of the 15 all-time meetings between the teams have been settled by a goal or fewer. And Indy remains the only team the Hounds have played every season since 2018, the year the Eleven joined the Championship.

This week’s road match will be televised locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh, which will also show multiple re-airings throughout Sunday and Monday on both SNP and their SNP+ alternate channel. The match will also be streamed live for free on CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Downloadable Game Notes

Game Notes at Indy, 6/14/25 Download

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