The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC hosted a festive, entertaining, at times chippy and momentous match against Atlanta United 2 on Sunday night at Highmark Stadium.
The Hounds took care of business on the field, taking command of the contest despite a back-and-forth pace early in the match, to come away with a 4-1 win.
It was a momentus night as Upper St. Clair native Robbie Mertz returned to play for his former team, with numerous fans — including many family and friends — in attendance and a bunch wearing his jersey.
Seeing a few of these tonight…#PITvATL pic.twitter.com/0VB7LIUOWZ
— John Krysinsky (@JohnKrysinsky) August 22, 2021
Pitt men’s soccer team was honored at halftime, while one of it former players who helped lead them to the College Cup, Bryce Washington, was starting at center back for Atlanta.
Great to have @Pitt_MSOC in the house tonight! The 2020 NCAA semifinalists will be recognized at halftime tonight.#UNLEASH #PITvATL pic.twitter.com/KY4h41zzmf
— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) August 22, 2021
But on the field, the night belonged to Russell Cicerone and Alex Dixon, who helped lead the Hounds victory, and keep Pittsburgh (now 11-6-4) in first place in the Atlantic Division standings for the moment (Tampa Bay plays at Loudoun on Monday evening).
The Hounds dynamic duo continue to produce at a high rate. Cicerone had his first professional career hat trick to improve to 11 goals for the season (now tied for second in the league). Dixon added two more assists to his team leading total of seven helpers for the season.
Here’s Ed Thompson’s photo gallery which captured the action on and off the field at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.