On a gorgeous early spring evening at Highmark Stadium on Tuesday night, the hosting Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC started slow but found their footing in the second half to see off amateur challengers Virginia Dream, 2-0. The result secured the Riverhounds’ advancement to the Round of 32 for the third consecutive U.S. Open Cup.
“We just had to try some things, find some creativity,” said Pittsburgh Head Coach Rob Vincent. “I think we were just too happy to play around the perimeter, so I don’t think it was a lack of intensity, just some creativity and bravery.
“So that’s what we addressed at halftime, and we came out in the second half and got more chances earlier on. Once you get a goal or two it forces them to open up and gives you a bit more room and time.”
Despite being massively out-possessed in the first half, the visitors from Virginia admirably held to their effective low block and stifled the Riverhounds attack. While Pittsburgh put together some strong sequences of passing the lack of space made finding the final pass difficult, and several corners and set pieces went wanting amongst a relatively undersized ‘Hounds starting XI.
The major event of note in the first half was thus relegated to a yellow card issued to Pittsburgh forward Trevor Amann for time-wasting, mostly out of frustration as a promising attack was called offside before he fired a shot into the back of the net. Otherwise, the Riverhounds remained stymied through the halftime whistle, with Dream FC surely happy with their defensive play despite remaining mostly in their own half.
Vincent’s halftime message seemed to work, as the ‘Hounds came out flying to start the second half. Amann had a huge opportunity less than a minute in when a bouncing ball found his feet in the box, but his rocket shot was blocked by a Virginia defender. Moments later, Pittsburgh earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, which Eliot Goldthorp put inches above the crossbar.
Their next free kick in the 51st minute proved more fruitful. Veteran midfielder Robbie Mertz stood over the ball 35 yards from goal and left-of-center, from where he swung in a pinpoint effort to the back post. The service found a lurking Danny Griffin for an easy tap-in and, finally, a breakthrough for the ‘Hounds. The goal was Griffin’s second of the 2026 tournament and the fourth of his career in Open Cup play for Pittsburgh, tying him with his sideline boss Vincent for the most in the club’s history.
Pittsburgh wouldn’t wait long for their second. In the 58th minute, Goldthorp embarked on a magnificent run beyond several defenders, ultimately managing to stave off heavy physical pressure in the Virginia box before drawing a foul that immediately earned a point to the penalty spot.
Well-earned, Goldthorp stepped up to take the penalty himself and coolly slotted it into the bottom-right corner to give the ‘Hounds a two-goal advantage. Not to shirk his defensive duties, Goldthorp also picked up a yellow card just a few minutes later for a late foul in his defensive third. He nearly followed that up with another stunning, if accidental, goal, as he floated in a cross that beat everyone – Dream FC ‘keeper Hector Guerrero included – but banged off the far post and back out.
Finally, after the hectic start to the half, Pittsburgh slowed things down and settled into calmer possession. After subs from both sides, and another yellow for Virginia for dissent, the hosts continued to apply a slow, steady pressure as they sought a third goal while the game progressed into the latter stages.
While the third never materialized, the Riverhounds did have a great chance to find it when Max Viera crossed a beautiful ball centrally for Brigham Larsen. All alone near the penalty spot, the big British forward was unable to keep his one-time shot on target, unluckily pushing it just wide to the dismay of the home crowd.
Ultimately, the final whistle sounded with Pittsburgh securing a thorough shutout victory. While Virginia Dream FC exited the 2026 Open Cup having spoiled one professional team’s tournament, the Riverhounds again reached the Round of 32 and await a to-be-determined opponent from Major League Soccer that will be unveiled during Thursday’s draw.
