In front of a record-setting crowd of 6,745 at Highmark Stadium, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC secured their place in the USL Championship Final with a gritty 1-0 victory over Rhode Island FC. Pittsburgh native Robbie Mertz delivered the decisive moment, scoring ten minutes into the second half to send the home fans into jubilation. Goalkeeper Eric Dick was equally heroic, recording five saves to notch his 15th shutout across all competitions — a new single-season club record.
The opening half was a tense affair, with Rhode Island threatening first. Noah Fuson forced Dick into a diving save at the near post, and Hugo Bacharach’s header from the ensuing corner sailed high. The Hounds responded in transition, with Marc Ybarra earning a yellow card for pulling back Perrin Barnes in the 30th minute. Danny Griffin nearly broke the deadlock six minutes later, but his close-range effort was denied by Rhode Island keeper Koke Vegas.
Momentum shifted after halftime. Augi Williams came close in the 51st minute with a sharp-angle shot that whistled just wide. Four minutes later, the breakthrough arrived. Griffin flicked on a high ball from Luke Biasi, and Mertz showcased his composure, cutting inside before firing a shot under the crossbar to give Pittsburgh the lead. The goal electrified the stadium and set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Rhode Island’s hopes dimmed in the 60th minute when Ybarra, already booked, was sent off for a reckless foul on Bradley Sample. Despite being reduced to ten men, the visitors pressed forward, forcing Dick into his biggest save of the night. Former Hound Albert Dikwa played JJ Williams through on a breakaway in the 74th minute, but Dick leapt to tip the shot over the bar. Minutes later, he denied Hamady Diop’s free kick, ensuring the clean sheet.
The Riverhounds defense held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time, withstanding Rhode Island’s final push. The dual performances of Mertz and Dick earned them joint honors as Modelo Man of the Match. Mertz not only scored the winner but also led the team with six recoveries and an impressive 89.5 percent passing accuracy. Dick’s late heroics sealed the victory and underscored his record-breaking season.
With the win, the Riverhounds advance to their first-ever league championship match. They will face FC Tulsa, who claimed the Western Conference crown with a 3-0 victory over New Mexico United. The final is set for Saturday, Nov. 22, with a noon kickoff on CBS. For Pittsburgh, the opportunity to capture their first USL Championship title represents the culmination of a historic season — one built on resilience, defensive strength, and timely moments of brilliance.
(photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds)