Chico and The Captain: Riverhounds’ Albert Dikwa and Danny Griffin have each other’s back

Some connections in soccer are built through tactics and timing.

Others are forged through shared beginnings, trust, and years of having each other’s back.

For Albert Dikwa and Danny Griffin, it’s always been the latter.

The two first arrived in Pittsburgh in 2020, young players finding their footing in a new city during an uncertain time. What started as a professional relationship as Riverhounds’ teammates quickly grew into something deeper.

“When I first came here, Danny was the one who made everything easy for me,” Dikwa said. “I didn’t even have a car. I was using his car for two or three years. We lived together. He always put people first.”

That sense of support never faded.

Even when Dikwa left Pittsburgh for a two-year stint in Rhode Island, the distance didn’t weaken the bond.

If anything, it reinforced it.

“Every week he was calling me, telling me I needed to come back,” Dikwa shared with a smile.

“Danny is my brother.”

Dikwa’s left for the challange of joining a new expansion club, Rhode Island FC.

In his first season with RIFC, Dikwa led the club in goals in 2024 with 10; but in 2025 he had a quieter year, with just three goals and four assists to his name.

From March to July last season, Dikwa was the defacto starting striker for RIFC’s coach Khano Smith. But with just two goals over that stretch, he was benched in favor of JJ Williams.

It was fitting then, that in the playoffs, Dikwa roared to life when coming off the bench, grabbing the go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute with a perfect back-post header off a set piece; and then chipped in an empty net goal off of a recovery in Extra Time to seal the deal just minutes later.

Dikwa did all that coming off the bench.

After three goals in 1,691 minutes in 2025, Dikwa’s playoff brace showed that he is still can be one of the most dangerous scorers in the Championship.

On that same night, when things finally quieted down, following yet another one of Riverhounds thrilling postseason matches, beating Detroit City FC in a dogfight in the Eastern Conference Semifinal that came down to a penalty kick shootout, Griffin checked his family group text chat.

Congratulations weren’t just being directed his way, but also for Dikwa,

A week later, Dikwa would be back in Pittsburgh to battle Griffin and the Hounds in the Eastern Conference Final in a meeting was anything but cordial on the field.

The Hounds pulled through, denying Dikwa and his RIFC squad from returning to USL Cup Final, winning a 1-0 nail biter, as Robbie Mertz’s second half goal was the difference in sending Pittsburgh to its first-ever USL Championship Final.

Heading into the offseason, despite title winning success, Rivehrounds Sporting Director Dan Visser and Head Coach Rob Vincent decided to shake things up at the top of the attack, as the club struggled to maximize production from the target forward position primary filled by veteran Augi Williams and Bertin Jacquesson last year.

The Hounds opted not to pick up contract options for Williams or Jacquesson.

Even though Dikwa was under contract for one more season with Rhode Island, the Hounds found a way to work out a transfer deal to bring him back to Pittsburgh, as one of the primary additions intended make Pittsburgh more dangerous in the final third this season.

Chico’s Back! Riverhounds reacquire Albert Dikwa

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Albert back home to Pittsburgh!” Visser, who was the team’s top assistant coach during Dikwa’s first stint in Pittsburgh, said.

“His familiarity with our club and our city makes this move a natural fit. He’s been a big part of our past and he’ll be a big part of our future.”

Dikwa already ranks among the scoring leaders in club history from his first tenure with the team from 2020-23. His 37 goals are the second-most all-time for the Hounds, and his 20-goal season in 2023 made him just the third player with at least 20 in a single season with the club.

After Dikwa left for Rhode Island, the long-time Hounds’ captain Kenardo Forbes stepped into a lesser role in 2024, then retired before the start of 2025 season. As this happened, Griffin became the club’s new captain.

The New England native who’s made Pittsburgh his home, signed a new deal with the club in the offseason.

Riverhounds captain Danny Griffin excited to return to club with a new contract

And yet, something felt like it was missing for Griffin.

When the Hounds began its roster build for the 2026 campaign, Griffin continued to beat the drum in sharing how much he wanted Dikwa back in black and gold.

When the return finally became reality, it felt less like a reunion and more like things snapping back into place.

“It’s good to have him home,” Griffin said.

“He’s perfect for this community and this organization. He knows exactly what we want from a forward.”

Dikwa comes back along with Griffin and Mertz as part of the squad’s core veterans who are determined to carry on the core principles and winning culture they helped create in playing together before under Lilley, and now another club staple, Rob Vincent, leading the way.

“Even when I left, I felt like part of my soul stayed here,” Dikwa shared.

“I have friends and family here, and I’m proud to represent my city again.”

Dikwa’s time in Rhode Island proved formative. Playing for a new club in a new stadium and making a run to the USL Cup helped shape his perspective

“I learned patience,” Dikwa added.. “There will be bad moments in your career, but you have to trust the process, keep working, and stay focused.”

That growth is something Dikwa hopes to bring back to Pittsburgh as the Riverhounds look to defend their championship.

“My role is to score goals, but also to help the team in other ways — pressing, defending, and creating chances,” Dikwa said.

“I want to do everything I can to help us win another title.”

As the Riverhounds prepare to defend their title, the return of Dikwa brings goals, experience, and edge.

But just as important is the reunion of two players whose bond has helped shape the culture of the group — a reminder that sometimes the strongest connections in soccer aren’t drawn up on a whiteboard, but built over years of trust, loyalty, and shared journey.

On the field, their connection shows in the details — Griffin knowing Dikwa’s movements, trusting his relentless work rate, and understanding how his runs stretch defenses and create space for others.

Off the field, it’s simpler.

“He always has my back,” Griffin said. “On the field and off the field.”

Ask Dikwa the same question, and the answer doesn’t change.

“He always has my back wherever I go,” Dikwa said.

“I know that.”

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).