Connect with us

Pittsburgh Riverhounds

FINAL: Riverhounds 2, Birmingham Legion FC 0

Photo courtesy Ed Thompson
USL Championship Regular Season Week 4

FINAL: Riverhounds 2, Birmingham Legion 0

Live statistics: USLC Match Center

Instant Recap

The Riverhounds couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful March evening for their contest with the Birmingham Legion. A balmy 70 degree, partly cloudy night soothed the fans after a chilly home opener, as they got to enjoy a second-consecutive win for their home team.

The Hounds were in control form the early parts of the match, dominating possession and attacking stats throughout the first half en route to taking the lead just beyond the half-hour mark.

As the chances piled up, a long ball to Aidan O’Toole on the right wing was controlled as the Hounds midfield streamed forward. O’Toole was able to pick out the oncoming Bradley Sample at the top of the box, who’s ripped shot was blocked and deflected right to the feet of Robbie Mertz. His ensuing effort was unstoppable, finding the back of the net for his first goal of the year and the Hounds opener on the evening.

Birmingham was lucky to escape to the halftime break down only one, as Sample would get another chance just before the whistle. Junior Etou found him in a nearly identical position to his first effort, and Sample ripped a 25-yard effort on-target that was parried away in panic by the Legion goalkeeper.

Ultimately, the Hounds would convert one of their three on-target chances, while holding the Legion to zero attempts on target and just one overall – entering the break up 1-0.

The Hounds found themselves slightly more on the back foot as the second half got going, with Birmingham largely dominating the possession, and the Hounds going quite a while with little attacking action.

Eventually, the hosts found some purchase. At first, it seemed like Augustine Williams had doubled the Hounds lead just past the hour mark, but the talented forward was flagged for offsides, nullifying his strike.

It wouldn’t be long before their efforts bore fruit, however. Just minutes later, after substitutions moved him from centerback to defensive midfield, Beto Ydrach played a brilliant ball ahead of Danny Griffin’s run into the Birmingham box. The captain’s sliding effort just beat the Legion keeper and found the back of the net for his second goal of the season, giving the Hounds a 2-0 advantage.

From that moment forward, the match remained firmly in control of the Hounds, who easily saw out their lead into a second-consecutive win.

It capped a momentous evening for the organization, as the win represented the 100th the Hounds have celebrated at Highmark Stadium since its opening in 2013.

The Hounds go back on the road for their next three in Charleston, Loudoun United, and Detroit City. They return home on May 3 against North Carolina FC.

Look for more to come including post match reaction, reports from Rachael Kriger and Colton Coreschi at Highmark Stadium along with more photos from Ed Thompson.

Pre-Match Notes

  • The Hounds are seeking their 100th win at Highmark Stadium since the facility opened in 2013
  • The Hounds are unbeaten at home against Birmingham in matchup history, 4-0-1
  • Bradley Sample makes his starting debut for 2025 after making a substitute appearance while recovering from injury
  • Players unavailable for the Hounds include Charles Ahl (out), Bertin Jacquesson (out), and Perrin Barnes (on bench)
  • Kenardo Forbes joins the coaching staff on the bench for the first time in his new role

Match Updates

Look for reports from Highmark Stadium, including starting lineups and in-game updates here…

FULLTIME – Hounds 2-0 Birmingham. The Hounds make it two in a row and celebrate their 100th win at Highmark Stadium! A strong performance from start to finish.

90′ – It’ll be five minutes added here for the Hounds to see out their second victory in as many games, and the 100th at Highmark Stadium!

89′ – A pair of Hounds subs to wrap their available moves: ➡️ Larsen, Linzoain ⬅️ Williams, Mertz

82′ – And now a sub for the trailing Birmingham: ➡️ Pasher ⬅️ Mensah

74′ – Subs for both sides now: ➡️ Broughton (PIT), Trejo (BHM) ⬅️ Etou (PIT), Etaka (BHM)

70′ – GOAL, HOUNDS! Beto Ydrach moved into midfield with the last subs and picks up his first career assist immediately! His through ball finds Danny Griffin, who’s sliding effort beats the keeper and finds the back of the net. Hounds lead 2-0!

67′ – The flag comes up in painful fashion for the Hounds fans in attendance, who thought Augustin Williams had scored for a moment, but offsides is the call.

65′ – A pair of subs for the Hounds now, as they look to re-take control here: ⬅️ O’Toole, Sample ➡️ Osumanu, Bourgey

64′ – A good 1v1 win for Etou on the left wing leads to a very dangerous cross, but it runs all the way across the face of goal with no Hound to meet it.

54′ – Beto Ydrach misjudges a step into the midfield and leaves the Hounds exposed at the back. Birmingham attempts to counter, but Sean Suber is well-positioned to sweep up the attempted through ball.

46′ – Back underway at Highmark, Hounds leading 1-0. Birmingham makes one sub as we get back to action: ➡️Ethan Kos ⬅️Ramiz Hamouda

HALFTIME – Hounds 1-0 Birmingham. A dominant half for the hosts. 60% possession, 6 shots to 1, 3 on-target to 0, and five corners. Hounds unlucky to not be up by 2+ entering the break. But just the kind of start Bob Lilley would’ve been hoping to see.

45′ – Bradley Sample gets another shot off, a rip from 25 yards out that’s parried over the crossbar for a corner. He’s looking strong tonight. Ensuing corner cleared and eventually removed from danger by Birmingham.

41′ – Birmingham looking to answer rings the crossbar, but the flag comes up anyway. The referee signals for a pause for the breaking of fast for Ramadan as the sun sets.

37′ – GOAL, HOUNDS! Robbie Mertz finishes off the second effort chance! O’Toole’s initial cross finds Sample, his shot is blocked, but falls right for the Hounds veteran Mertz who blasts a low shot beyond the keeper! 1-0, Hounds lead!

28′ – Another corner for the Hounds as O’Toole’s cross from the right wing is headed away. Mertz to take, but headed away, and play is stopped for a head injury in the Birmingham defense.

25′ – Jackson Walti getting a ripped shot off from the left side of goal. He takes it with the outside of his boot and it rings the crossbar. Hounds knocking on the door!

22′ – A ball over the top towards Mertz, the Legion defender attempts to shield it but Mertz fights through and wins it in the box. He rips a shot from a narrow left-wing angle and it’s parried and eventually cleared away. Huge chance for the Hounds.

18′ – Corner for the Hounds, won by O’Toole in a 1v1 on the right wing. Mertz to take, but over everyone and not much from it.

15′ – A yellow card issued to Aidan O’Toole after a late slide and collision. Unnecessary and a bit sloppy, now has to be cautious the rest of this one.

10′ – Initial Hounds corner taken near post by Mertz. Luke Biasi’s flicked header is deflected out for a second corner. Second effort flicked onwards by Birmingham’s defense and out for a throw-in.

5′ – Promising free kick from the Hounds on the left wing. Mertz to take, bodies in the box. Deflected to Sample at the top of the box, they attempt to recycle wide but it’s out for a Birmingham throw.

2′ – Promising build-up by the Hounds via Sample and Griffin. Ball goes wide to Junior Etou, but his cross is well off the mark and easy for the keeper.

1′ – We are underway at Highmark Stadium between the Hounds and Birmingham Legion! Hounds going left-to-right in their hoops, Birmingham in their white and green alternates.

0′ – Lovely Saturday night for March at Highmark Stadium, a balmy 70+ degrees and sparse clouds, gorgeous weather for the Hounds second home match of the year.

STARTING LINEUPS:

Related Topics

Subscribe to PGH Soccer Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to PGH Soccer Now and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

PSN’s Featured Community Partner: Open Field International

More in Pittsburgh Riverhounds