Pulse of Pittsburgh Soccer: Recharged Bridge City FC face Canadian Crusaders in battle of unbeatens

Happy New Year!

As we look toward 2026, while this may be the quietest time of the year for Pittsburgh’s soccer schedule, we are keeping close tabs on a number of things plus we do have one team currently competing — Bridge City FC are undefeated through its first two matches in its debut season in MLIS.

On Saturday night, in a battle of unbeaten squads, Bridge City FC (2-0-0) returns home in the new year on Saturday night, hosting the Canadian Crusaders from Toronto (5-0-0) at Sewickley Sports Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Tickets are going fast but available on the team website)

The Crusaders arrive in Pittsburgh riding a perfect 5–0 record, sitting atop the Northern Conference and firmly establishing themselves as a league benchmark. Toronto’s high-powered attack and organized defensive structure will provide Bridge City with its toughest test to date.

This week, we caught up with one of Bridge City FC’s veteran players — Stefan Lundberg, who is excited about being part of the first pro indoor soccer team in Pittsburgh in nearly 30 years.

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Click here or visit your favorite Podcast platform to listen to the full interview. 

Pittsburgh’s first pro indoor team since 1996 (when the Stingers were playing at the Civic Arena), Bridge City have won two matches two different ways.  The first victory came on November 22 in a higher scoring, come-from-behind effort, winning 9-8 at Fort Wayne (IN), then in their home debut on December 13, despite a snowy weather conditions still packed Sewickley Sports Arena treating the fans to an impressive win and shut down of Lansing, 6-2.  Grant Glorioso made 21 saves in the win for Bridge City.

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In the home debut win many familiar names to those in the Pittsburgh soccer community came through with big performances: Jamie Luchini led the attack with a brace, while goals from Gabe Norris, Marquis Flowers Gamboa, Josh DiMatteo, and Anthony Rowan rounded out a balanced offensive night. Jack Shearer pulled the strings in the final third, recording two assists, while Nathan Dragisich, Louis Newell, and Stefan Lundberg each added an assist of their own.

Glorioso was the number one star on the evening, conceding just twice, coming up with a crucial shootout stop to shut the door on Red Cedar.

With its last win, Bridge City FC improved to 2–0 on the season, collecting six points and sitting second in the Northern Conference, just behind Toronto.

The Crusaders arrive in Pittsburgh riding a perfect 5–0 record, sitting atop the Northern Conference and firmly establishing themselves as a league benchmark. Toronto’s high-powered attack and organized defensive structure will provide Bridge City with its toughest test to date.

Leading the charge offensively is former North Allegheny/Lehigh standout Jamie Luchini, who has been electric to start the season, tallying six goals in two appearances. Jack Shearer IBeaver / Duquesne, St. John’s) has been equally influential, contributing a goal and four assists, orchestrating play and driving tempo from an attacking standpoint. Gabe Norris (Highlands / Robert Morris) and recent Riverhound Nate Dragisich (West Allegheny / Duquesne) have also chipped in with three points apiece, adding balance and secondary scoring to an already dangerous lineup.

At the defensive end, Bridge City will rely on a confident and experienced back line featuring Josh Dimatteo (Chartiers Valley / WVU), another former Riverhounds and USL Championship player Neil Shaffer (Beaver / RMU), Jake Plumb (Moon / RMU), Anthony Rowan (Connellsville / Delaware), and Lundberg. Behind them, goalkeeper Grant Glorioso (North Allegheny / RMU) is coming off a standout performance, recording 21 saves while conceding just two goals, providing a critical foundation as the competition stiffens.

Midfield control will be key against a disciplined Crusaders side, and Cam Territo (South Allegheny / Duquesne) is expected to play a vital role in winning possession, linking play, and setting the tone physically and tactically. Adding to the intrigue, Keane McIvor (RMU and played professionally in Sweden with Gottne IF) is set to make his Bridge City FC debut, bringing fresh energy and another dynamic option into the squad.

Riverhounds are moving efficiently, but are not rushing with remaining 2026 roster build… 

The Riverhounds have been busy with its roster build, hosting combines in December and announcing the return of 12 players from its USL Championship title winning squad, plus they began the New Year with three new player signings, including the return of the club’s second all-time leading goal scorer, Albert Dikwa (additional signings include former Pitt goalkeeper, Nico Campuzano and English attacking midfielder/winger, Eliot Goldthorp).

There are some USL Championship clubs who will begin training as early as next week — while the Hounds are slated to start preseason on Monday, January 26.

The addition of the new players are the first big steps in the process for Sporting Director Dan Visser and Head Coach Rob Vincent as they look to fill in the squad’s most glaring needs, namely at forward and goalkeeper positions, along with more depth on the back line and midfield.

With the latest signings, the Hounds roster for the 2026 season is up to 15 players.

With that in mind, expect to see a few more signing announcements, but also there will likely be numerous additional players who will be with the team on trial.

The Hounds have yet to announce the preseason schedule, but that should be coming very soon.

Lilleyball in Pittsburgh: An Oral History (Part I and Part II)…

While the particulars of his departure go unanswered — for now — as Pittsburgh Soccer Now has provided the most in-depth and continuous coverage of Bob Lilley’s coaching tenure in Pittsburgh, we have begun to take a comprehensive look back at soundbites and most memorable moments during the Riverhounds’ last eight years under the direction of the American Soccer coaching icon.

Due to the large amount of content — this subscriber exclusive feature has been divided into multiple parts. Originally set as a three-part series, this will be completed as a five-part series.  This is the second part focusing on the two-year period during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic).

(Part I – 2017-2019 – Simply put, Bob Lilley took Riverhounds to another level)

(Part II – 2020-2021 – Bob Lilley, Riverhounds navigate ‘Anything but Normal Times’)

Next week, look for Part III, providing a look back through lens of PSN’s coverage of the Riverhounds 2022 and 2023 campaigns under Lilley’s direction.

Pittsburgh Soccer Schedule (January 2026)

Saturday January 10

Saturday, January 24

7:15 pm — Bridge City FC at Toronto (Scarborough Soccer Centre) Watch Live

Monday, January 26

Riverhounds first day of preseason training (*tentative*) 

John Krysinsky

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).