US Open Cup First Round Preview: Riverhounds SC vs Steel City FC, 7 p.m.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup — Steel City Derby — First Round 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship)

vs

Steel City FC (USL League Two)

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET | Broadcast: U.S. Soccer YouTube

Follow along with Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s coverage team:  John Kryinsky (reporting/commentary), Mark Goodman (reporting/commentary) and Ed Thompson (photos)

PSN’s Social Media Platforms: Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, BlueSky, YouTube

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Key Storylines / What to Expect

The all-Pittsburgh Derby is the first match between two Pittsburgh area teams in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 69 years.

Initially scheduled to kickoff on Tuesday, March 17, the highly anticipated match was postponed due to the harsh winter weather conditions in Pittsburgh.  The match will now be played on Wednesday, March 25, at Highmark Stadium.

Pittsburgh Derby Open Cup Freeze-Out: Riverhounds vs Steel City FC clash moved to March 25

It’s a match-up that features a fascinating contrast: the Riverhounds’ professional squad rotation vs. a Steel City FC roster that has become a refuge for high-level collegiate and professional-tier talent.

For Steel City FC, this is an opportunity they’ve been waiting for a long time, as the club has built upon its grassroots, community-based initiative strong Men’s and Women’s First Teams.  Under the direction of Dan Brower, Steel City have captured three straight Division titles in their respective leagues (NPSL in 2023 & 2024, USL League Two in 2025)

“We are excited about the opportunity. As you know, we tasted the Cup competition in the past, and we can’t wait to try to make a magical run in 2026,” Brower told Pittsburgh Soccer Now.

“It’s important to have a Derby.  To have a match like this. It’s going to be a fantastic vibe and something that the City deserves.”

While many of the Hounds’ starters from Saturday’s league loss (potentially Danny Griffin and Albert Dikwa) are likely to rest, Steel City will still have some strong core players from its successful USL League Two Great Forest Division winning side captained by former NCAA Division III All-American and All-USL League Two Central Conference XI selection Nick Graeca and features numerous local collegiate standout players who started on successful Robert Morris and Duquesne squads in the past few years, but Steel City are also poised to unleash several “X-Factors” who have recently joined their Open Cup squad.

The question for the Riverhounds will be how much squad rotation will Rob Vincent use when he pencils in his 18 player lineup sheet and which players will get the start. Vincent feel strongly about his team’s overall depth, with many players who have not started in the team’s first three league matches may provide the core of Wednesday night’s lineup.

However, Vincent has suggested that he will look to fill a very strong lineup and may lean on having a good balance that propels the squad forward as they’ve continued to struggle early in the season, allowing seven goals in three league matches.

In the all-Pittsburgh Derby — Steel City will be the squad of the two that will boast a lot more local, homegrown players on its roster, but the Riverhounds are not without its own players with local ties, led by veteran Robbie Mertz, an Upper St Clair native, who is now entering his eighth pro season, most spent with his hometown club and two recently signed players signed to a USL Academy Contracts: Warren Agostoni and Aldi Flowers-Gamboa.  This marks the first season the Riverhounds have two players signed to USL Academy Contracts. Both left Pittsburgh to pursue higher-level opportunities with USL League One and MLS Next Pro clubs, and now have returned with the Hounds.

On the flip side, Steel City’s roster includes a handful of local talent — with a mix of players who have been called up to train with the First Team from its Academy along with a number of players who are in their post-collegiate years but have continued to play and train with Steel City.  Keep in mind, many of the current Steel City players who are still in college, who make up a strong group of its League Two (Spring/Summer) roster, are unavailable for this match as they are locked into Spring season commitments with their college programs.

Western PA “Homegrown” Local Talent on Both Squads

Tonight’s match features 16 players with deep roots in the Pittsburgh soccer landscape.

Player	High School	Academy / College Affiliation	Club
Aldi Flowers-Gamboa	Plum	Current Hounds Academy Player	Hounds
Warren Agostoni	Latrobe	Current Hounds Academy Player	Hounds
Robbie Mertz	Upper St. Clair	University of Michigan	Hounds
Ryan Schoemer	Norwin	Current Steel City Academy Player	Steel City
Nick Niebauer	Butler	Current Steel City Academy Player	Steel City
Michael Bishop	Allderdice	Current Steel City Academy Player	Steel City
Sean Regan	Fox Chapel	Current Steel City Academy Player	Steel City
Zander Pliza	Hampton	Pitt-Greensburg	Steel City
Luke Kost	Trinity Christian	Geneva College	Steel City
Logon Poppert	Central Catholic	Current Steel City Academy Player	Steel City
Nathan Prex	Seneca Valley	Lebanon Valley College	Steel City
Cam Territo	South Allegheny	Western Illinois University	Steel City
Nick Graeca	DuBois	John Carroll University	Steel City
Clint McElheny	Shaler	Robert Morris University	Steel City
Nolan Hutter	Montour	University of Dayton	Steel City

The Historical Context

This match marks the first time in 69 years that two Pittsburgh-based clubs have met in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The last occurrence was in 1957, when the Harmarville Hurricanes defeated Morgan-Strasser.

While the Riverhounds enter as the professional mainstay and defending USL Championship regular-season titleholders, Steel City FC arrives as the hungry Giant Killer having navigated three grueling qualifying rounds.

A Bridge Across Seven Decades: Riverhounds, Steel City FC to face off in historical in US Open Cup First Round match

Riverhounds Open Cup History Spans 25 Years

Overall, the Riverhounds boast a 20W-20L record in the Open Cup.

While the Hounds may be Goliaths tonight, they have been Giant Killers in recent years in the US Open Cup.

In 2023 and 2025, they were the farthest-advancing team from outside MLS, reaching the Quarterfinals (2023) and Round of 16 (2025).

Maybe more relevant to tonight’s match is the Hounds’ Recent Record vs. Lower Division / Amateur Clubs during Bob Lilley’s tenure as Head Coach (2018-25): The Hounds have been remarkably disciplined against lower-tier opponents at Highmark Stadium and on the road, rarely falling for the “cupset.”  During this stretch, the Hounds are 6W-0L and have outscored these opponents by 11-1 margin.

Vincent will be tasked to keep this record going against Steel City FC.

• 2025: Defeated Columbus Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)

• 2022 & 2023: Defeated Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA) 2-0 in consecutive years

• 2023: Advanced over Rochester NY FC (MLS NEXT Pro) via forfeit.

• 2019: Defeated Dayton (USL League Two) 3-0 

• 2018: Defeated Erie Commodores (NPSL) 2-1 on the road—the last time they faced a Western PA amateur side

In 2024, by virtue of winning USL Players Shield the previous year, the Hounds began the tournament in the Fourth Round when they faced USL Championship side, Tulsa (losing 1-0). There was no tournament held in 2020 or 2021.

Prior to Bob Lilley’s tenure, the Hounds did suffer a number of ‘Cupset’ losses to lower division and amatuer sides including at Ocean City Nor’easters (2013), Landsdown Bhoys (2016) and Chicago United FC (2017).

The “Summer of Rob.” — Current Hounds Head Coach Rob Vincent scored in three straight Cup matches, including the game winners against amateur side West Virginia Chaos and then-NASL side, Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Steel City FC: Building An Open Cup Legacy

Steel City is only the second Pittsburgh amateur club in the modern era to qualify for the tournament proper (following the Tartan Devils Oak Avalon in 2017).

• 2024 Debut: Their first appearance ended in a narrow 1-0 loss to professional side Michigan Stars (NISA).

• 2026 Pathway: To get here, they won three grueling qualifying matches, including a 3-2 thriller over FCY New York.

• Local History: This is the first “Derby” in this tournament since 1957. A win tonight would make them the first Pittsburgh amateur side to defeat a pro team in the Open Cup since the Tartan Devils beat Derby City Rovers in 2017.

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Weather Impact

Conditions: 32°F Wednesday night in Pittsburgh will be cloudy with a low of 33°F and a 10% chance of rain.

• While the blustery, snowy conditions from last week are gone, it’s still going to be a cold night at Highmark Stadium.

• The Goalkeeper Challenge: For the keepers, handling a freezing, slick ball is the primary concern. Expect both teams to test the keepers with low, skipping shots from distance early on.

• Physicality: Cold weather often leads to a more physical, direct game. It will be a test for all of the skilled midfield technicians on both sides if they can maintain their technical touch in the freezing weather and wind.

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John K’s Projected Lineups and Match-Ups to Watch

Rob Vincent made it clear that his team will put out a strong side geared toward winning the match. The weekend’s 3-2 win at Loudoun United provided three points for the Hounds, but Vincent was not pleased with a second consecutive slow start and falling behind in both matches this season.

The only player the Hounds have listed on its injury report for this match is Eliot Goldthorpe, who is still working his way back from a lower leg injury.  Interestingly, Robbie Mertz, who suffered a knee injury at the start of preseason, saw his first action this season coming off the bench on Saturday.  It would be fitting for Mertz, the Hounds’ most decorated player in the Highmark Stadium era from the Pittsburgh area, would be in the lineup for the first all-Pittsburgh Derby in Open Cup in 69 years.  The Upper Saint Clair native’s brother, Ryan Mertz, who played at University of Delaware, was a key contributor for Steel City for a number of years, but has since moved to New York.

In the midfield, it will be a fascinating match-up between two sides that have intent to want to possess and will opt to play through the middle, if possible.  The middle of the pitch could very well see a blue collar battle between former Pitt standout Jackson Walti against Nick Graeca that should be fun to watch.

In all likliehood we’re looking at the Hounds base 3-4-2-1 against a Steel City side that won’t by shy about pushing numbers forward when ever possible — as Head Coach Dan Brower can mix-up a lineup that usually features 4-3-3 formation.

If the Hounds turn deeper into its roster for support on the back line, Lasse Kelp and Owen Mikoy, each who’ve yet to make an appearance since the season started, could give Pittsburgh massive aerial dominance (both stand 6’4″+) to neutralize Steel City’s crossing game.

One would think that the Hounds would want to use this match as an opportunity for its youth prospects, specifically Flowers-Gamboa and Agostoni, a chance to shine. However, they are running into a Steel City side that is significantly more “pro-ready” than a typical amateur outfit. Agostoni has been part of the Hounds 18 in its opening match and Flowers-Gamboa saw valuable playing time in USL League One last season (Texcoma FC).

Steel City have added some talented players to its roster for 2026 which could be X-Factors in this match and for their pending USL League Two campaign.

These players include:

Martin Dominguez (GK) – A marquee addition between the posts. Unlike many local keepers, Dominguez brings experience from elite NCAA programs — SMU and Oregon State (ACC & Pac-12). His shot-stopping ability at the professional-trialist level is what Steel City needs to survive an early Hounds barrage.

Dylan Sumner (MF/F) – The 2024 NEC Player of the Year. Sumner is a prolific goal-scorer who successfully transitioned Mercyhurst to Division I. He’s clinical, experienced, and has the “clutch” gene—scoring 14 goals in 2023. If the Hounds’ backline sleeps, Sumner will find the net. Sumner is now a coach at Point Park.  

Joel Sangwa (DEF) – A physical, modern center-back. Sangwa brings MLS NEXT Pro experience from Nashville SC’s affiliate, Huntsville, where Danny Griffin played briefly along with Sean Suber. His familiarity with professional speed of play means he won’t be rattled by the Hounds’ press, and his aerial dominance (6’0″+) is key to neutralizing the Hounds’ set pieces.

Jervel Tobierre (DEF) – Tobierre brings a level of veteran leadership that amateur sides often lack in the Open Cup. His ability to organize the backline under pressure will be vital during the inevitable Hounds waves of pressure.  Tobierre is also a coach now at Slippery Rock. 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (3-4-2-1)

• GK: Michael Sheridan / Mitch Budler

• CB: Lasse Kelp, Illal Osumanu, Owen Mikoy

• RM: Max Viera

• CM: Jackson Walti, Warren Agostoni

• LM: Junior Etou

• RAM: Jorge Garcia

• LAM: Robbie Mertz

• ST: Trevor Amann

Players most likely available for selection:  Eliot Goldthorpe, Danny Griffin, Brigham Larsen, Aldi Flowers-Gamboa, Sam Bassett, Bradley Sample, Perrin Barnes

Steel City FC (4-3-3)

• GK: Martin Dominguez

• DEF: Will Afawuba, Joel Sangwa, Jervel Tobierre, Nolan Hutter

• MID: Anass Hadran, Carlos Santamaria, Nick Graeca

• FWD: Nathan Prex, Dylan Sumner

 

Steel City FC Roster

Goalkeepers (GK)

• Martin Dominguez: SMU / Oregon State (ACC All-Tournament standout)

• Garret Watson: Shippensburg University (Veteran presence in qualifying rounds)

Defenders (DEF)

• Joel Sangwa: University of Akron (Former Huntsville City FC / MLS NEXT Pro)

• Jervel Tobierre: University of South Carolina Aiken (Former captain / St. Lucia youth international)

• Will Afawuba: Robert Morris University (Key defensive starter)

• Nolan Hutter: University of Dayton (Montour HS alum)

• Clint McElheny: Seton Hill University (Shaler HS alum)

• Victor Koah: Robert Morris University (Kinetic Academy roots)

• Michael Bishop*: Allderdice HS (Steel City Academy Homegrown)

• Sean Regan*: Fox Chapel HS (Steel City Academy Homegrown)

• Zander Pliza*: Pitt-Greensburg (Hampton HS alum / Academy Homegrown)

Midfielders (MF)

• Anass Hadran: Robert Morris University (2024 All-Horizon League)

• Dylan Sumner: Mercyhurst (2024 NEC Player of the Year)

• Grant McIntosh: Duquesne University (Plano, TX / Dallas MLS Next Pro) — UPDATE — A key contributor to 2025 Steel City FC squad that won USL Great Forest Division, Grant will be unable to play in this match.

• Nick Graeca: John Carroll University (DuBois HS alum)

• Cam Territo: Western Illinois University (South Allegheny HS alum)

• Luke Kost*: Geneva College (Trinity Christian alum / Academy Homegrown)

• Logon Poppert*: Central Catholic HS (Steel City Academy Homegrown)

• Will Dunda: Geneva College (All-PAC selection)

Forwards (F)

• Nathan Prex: Lebanon Valley College (Seneca Valley HS alum)

• Nick Niebauer: Butler (Steel City Academy Homegrown / WPIAL standout / MLS Nest Pro)

• Ryan Schoemer*: Norwin HS (Steel City Academy Homegrown / WPIAL standout)

• Sam Boehm: Regional standout (Connecticut College)

Coaching Staff

• Dan Brower: Head Coach

• Steve Rerick: Assistant Coach / GK Coach

• Mike Gardner: Assistant Coach

• Mike Sapsara: Assistant Coach

*Denotes Homegrown/Steel City Academy player status.

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Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s Open Cup Coverage

Pittsburgh Derby Reboot: Steel City FC prepared to strike while the iron is cold

Sounding Off on Soccer: Having worn crest for both Riverhounds and Steel City FC, Nicky Kolarac understands significance of historic Open Cup clash

A Bridge Across Seven Decades: Riverhounds, Steel City FC to face off in historical in US Open Cup First Round match

The Full Circle: Homecoming of Aldi Flowers-Gamboa, Warren Agostoni mark Riverhounds’ ambition to invest more in local, young talent

Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast: Steel City FC’s Nick Graeca and Grant McIntosh look forward to facing Riverhounds in Open Cup