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Riverhounds to add USL League Two squad in 2026

The roster of Pittsburgh soccer teams keeps growing.

On Monday morning, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC announced its intentions to add a developmental team in USL League Two, joining Steel City FC as the second Pittsburgh-area club in US Soccer pyramid’s Fourth Division.

The Riverhounds USL League Two squad will begin play in the 2026 season.

With the addition of Riverhounds 2, the club will be able to provide additional opportunities for players to compete at a high level and continue their development toward the professional ranks. The League Two platform will serve as a critical bridge for top amateur players transitioning from academy and college soccer to senior-level competition.

“Riverhounds 2 plays an important role in our player development structure, and competing in USL League Two will allow us to take the next step in strengthening that pathway,” Sporting Director Dan Visser said.

“USL League Two provides meaningful competition for players while aligning closely with our long-term vision for developing players for professional opportunities.”

USL League Two is the top pre-professional league in the United States with more than 140 teams across 37 states, and hundreds of former League Two players have advanced to play professionally in the U.S. and top leagues overseas.

This is also not the first time the Riverhounds are venturing into having a team in USL’s Fourth Division league.  The Riverhounds competed previously as Riverhounds U-23’s in the USL’s Premier Division League (PDL) in 2014 and 2015.   The Riverhounds U23’s finished 2-11-1 in 2014 and 3-9-2 in 2015.  The Riverhounds didn’t field a team in 2016, citing lack of resources.

Riverhounds 2 will begin play this May competing in League Two’s Central Conference, with more information about divisions and schedule to come in 2026.  In its first season in USL League Two after competing in NPSL for the previous half decade, Steel City FC competed in the Great Forest Division, where it won the regular season title.

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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