PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Riverhounds kept their perfect home record intact Saturday night, battling through the rain at Highmark Stadium for a 2-1 win over Detroit City FC. In a matchup that has historically been defined by tight, defensive battles, Albert Dikwa provided the difference with a pair of goals as the Hounds improved to 3-3-1 on the season.
Dikwa wasted no time putting Pittsburgh in front. Just two minutes into the match, the Hounds turned Detroit over almost immediately after the opening kickoff. Jackson Walti sent a headed clearance back into the attack, Perrin Barnes quickly lifted the ball forward into the box, and Dikwa ran onto it before calmly finishing the bouncing ball over the shoulder of the goalkeeper. It was a dream start for Pittsburgh and an early statement in a series that had never before produced more than two total goals in a meeting.
The Hounds had to withstand Detroit’s push for the rest of the opening half, and goalkeeper Nico Campuzano came up with one of his biggest moments in the 13th minute. Connor Rutz unleashed a heavy shot from the top of the box, but Campuzano answered with a diving save to keep Pittsburgh in front. Detroit continued to look for openings, but Dikwa remained dangerous on the other end. He nearly doubled the lead after intercepting a pass in Detroit’s defensive third, only to see his shot slide just wide of the near post. Later in the half, he created another chance on his own, weaving past a defender and forcing a block after a clever dribble into space.
After Pittsburgh held a 7-4 edge in shots by halftime, the match opened up considerably in the second half. Detroit played more directly and poured pressure forward, eventually finishing with a 19-11 advantage in total shots. Even so, the visitors struggled to truly test Campuzano, putting only four efforts on target all night. And while Detroit pushed numbers into the attack, it was Pittsburgh that found the next breakthrough.
The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute, and it started with pressure from substitute Charles Ahl. Ahl forced a mistake at the feet of Detroit goalkeeper Carlos Herrera, whose pass missed its target. Dikwa pounced on the loose ball, drove straight back toward goal, and finished confidently for his second goal of the night to make it 2-0. In a match played on a slick surface and filled with back-and-forth stretches, Dikwa’s awareness and finishing touch once again delivered when the Hounds needed it most.
Detroit did not go quietly. Campuzano came up with another huge stop in the 89th minute, springing to his right to deny Darren Smith through traffic before smothering the follow-up attempt to preserve the two-goal cushion. Detroit finally spoiled the shutout deep into stoppage time, when Smith met a cross from the left and headed it back into the path of Chisom Egbuchulam, who finished from the penalty spot area with his first touch. It cut the deficit to 2-1, but it came too late to keep the Hounds from securing all three points.
Dikwa was the clear standout and earned Modelo Man of the Match honors after scoring his fourth and fifth goals of the season. In just his second home league start, he posted his second home brace, while also creating two chances, drawing five free kicks, and leading the team with seven recoveries. His all-around effort helped Pittsburgh control key moments even while Detroit chased the game with numbers.
Campuzano also played a major role in the result with three saves, including the pair of late stops that helped the Hounds protect their lead. Barnes contributed an assist on the opening goal, while Ahl made an immediate impact off the bench with the pressure that led directly to Dikwa’s second finish.
With the win, Pittsburgh remains unbeaten at home in 2026 and builds momentum heading into its next test. The Riverhounds now step out of league play and into their first group stage match in the Prinx Tires USL Cup, where they will host USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday, April 25.
Pittsburgh’s lineup featured Nico Campuzano in goal behind a back line of Illal Osumanu, Victor Souza, Owen Mikoy, and Perrin Barnes. Danny Griffin and Jackson Walti anchored the midfield, while Eliot Goldthorp, Sam Bassett, and Robbie Mertz supported Dikwa in attack. Charles Ahl, Bradley Sample, Junior Etou, and Brigham Larsen all entered as substitutes in the victory.
For the Riverhounds, it was the kind of performance that has come to define their early home form this season, sharp at the start, resilient under pressure, and powered by a striker who continues to make Highmark Stadium his stage.
(photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds)