Augi Williams delivered the star turn at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, firing two first-half finishes that propelled the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to a 2–0 victory over Oakland Roots SC. Williams’ brace marked his first multi-goal outing in a Hounds shirt and lifted him into second place on the USL Championship’s all-time scoring list with 83 career goals. Between the posts, Eric Dick proved every bit as decisive, making two crucial saves and celebrating his 30th shutout in Championship play. With seven matches remaining, Pittsburgh now sits just two points shy of a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference.
Just four minutes in, a sweeping Hounds move down the left sprung Robbie Mertz, who fed Luke Biasi. Biasi’s pinpoint cross found Charles Ahl, whose header ricocheted loose—Williams was first to react, slotting a low finish past Kendall McIntosh. The Roots rallied briefly, and in the 37th minute Bradley Sample glanced a Mertz corner on target, only to see McIntosh tip it away. Moments later, Eric Dick produced a point-blank stop on Julian Bravo, keeping the one-goal advantage intact.
As first-half stoppage time ticked away, Pittsburgh pressed high and forced a turnover at the top of the box. Williams pounced on the loose ball, drew a desperate tackle from Kai Greene, and calmly converted the ensuing penalty with a blistering strike under the crossbar. Suddenly, the Riverhounds led 2–0 and momentum firmly rested on their shoulders.
The second half offered few clear-cut chances, but Pittsburgh’s defence never wavered. Sean Suber rose to head another Mertz service in the 58th minute; McIntosh foiled him again. Oakland’s lone threat came in the 80th minute when Ilya Alekseev broke into the box, only to be shepherded away by Perrin Barnes. After the break, the Roots managed just four touches inside the Riverhounds’ penalty area and no shots on goal.
Modelo Man of the Match Augi Williams was impossible to ignore. Not only did he bag both goals, he won 8 of 10 aerial duels (12 of 19 overall) and drew three free kicks, including the game-sealing penalty. His poise and work rate set the tone for a performance that never let up.
Next up for Pittsburgh is a home showdown with Eastern Conference leaders Louisville City FC. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Highmark Stadium—an opportunity for the Riverhounds to carry their road-trip form back to Pittsburgh and climb even higher in the standings.
(photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds)