Pittsburgh Riverhounds

US Open Cup 2nd Round Preview: Sweet Dreams or Nightmare? Hounds host UPSL’s Virginia Dream

by
Pittsburgh Soccer Now
March 31, 2026

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Second Round

Riverhounds SC (USL Championship) vs Virginia Dream (UPSL)

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Time: 7:00 p.m. ET | Venue: Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast: Paramount+
Pittsburgh Soccer Now Coverage Team: Mark Goodman

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship) continue their 2026 U.S. Open Cup journey at Highmark Stadium, hosting Virginia Dream FC of the UPSL. After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over local rivals Steel City FC in the first round, the Hounds are aiming to reach the Round of 32 for the fourth consecutive year.

Virginia Dream arrives as the ultimate underdog, having dispatched MLS Next Pro side Carolina Core 2-1 to earn this trip to Pittsburgh. Led by a mix of veteran UPSL talent and former collegiate standouts, the Dream represents the magic of the cup and the danger of the “cupset.”

With a win last week vs Steel City FC in the Open Cup’s first round, the Hounds continued its dominance in defeating lower division and amateur squad. Since 2018, the Hounds have not lost or really been challenged, though the 2-1 scoreline last week was clearly way too close for comfort from Vincent’s viewpoint.

Head coach Rob Vincent faces a selection headache—the good kind. The Hounds are currently in a grueling stretch of four matches in ten days. Coming off a 3-2 league win against Sporting Jacksonville on Saturday, and with a trip to Indy Eleven looming this weekend, rotation is a certainty.

Key storylines for the Hounds:

The Rotation Game: The question is, will there be any first-time in 2026 starters for the Hounds? Or will Vincent lean toward using the bulk of starters from last Wednesday’s Open Cup match vs Steel City FC?
Defensive Focus: While the attack has been clicking, Vincent has noted the team has conceded 10 goals in five matches across all competitions. Tightening up against a transition-heavy Virginia side will be the priority.
Attacking Depth: Whether it’s Albert Dikwa coming off his recent brace or the creative spark of Sam Bassett or if they throw the next wave of attackers into the lineup on Tuesday for squad rotation purposes, which could include Trevor Amann, Brigham Larsen, Robbie Mertz, Jorge Garcia or Eliot Goldthorp, the Hounds should have the firepower to overwhelm lower-tier opposition if they stay disciplined.

Scouting Virginia Dream FC

Virginia Dream is not to be taken lightly. They’ve shown a clinical edge in their UPSL campaign and proved their mettle by taking down professional opposition in the previous round.

Ones to Watch: Keep an eye on forward Elijah Amo and midfielder Ibrahim Conteh. Their ability to capitalize on Hounds’ turnovers will be their best path to an upset.

The First Round: How Virginia Dream Defeated Carolina Core

Virginia Dream pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the First Round by defeating Carolina Core FC (MLS NEXT Pro) 2-1 on the road in Highmark, North Carolina (March 19).

After falling behind 1-0 in the 52nd minute, the Dream responded immediately. Akingbolahan “Mike” Akinkoye equalized just minutes later, and former USL veteran Zoumana Diarra netted the winner to seal the upset.

Michael Akinkoye turns and fires it home to give @virginiadreamfc the lead 🔄

Upset brewing in NC! pic.twitter.com/uvKvrgl5EM

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) March 19, 2026

Despite Carolina Core controlling 60% of the possession, the Dream’s veteran presence in the midfield and clinical finishing on the counter-attack allowed them to weather the storm. They played a disciplined 4-3-3 that effectively neutralized the Core’s professional speed.

Virginia Dream: Roster Pedigree

The Dream is not your typical amateur pub team. Their roster is heavily seasoned with former USL Championship and Division I talent, making them a very dangerous opponent for a rotating Riverhounds side.

Anothing fascinating note about the club and a storyline that can typically only be found in the US Open Cup — the Virginia Dream is owned by Lucas Mendes, who is recognized as a star attacking forward and midfielder for the team.

Local men’s side @virginiadreamfc pull off the @opencup #cupset with a win over pro side @CarolinaCore_FC tonight 🤯

The dream are run by former Gatorade POTY Lucas Mendes & coached by another former local standout @charlesjr_8 👏 pic.twitter.com/iHhWJTxJ2T

— DMV Soccer (@DMVSoccer96) March 20, 2026

Beyond his on-field performance, Mendes serves as the President and Chief Creative Officer and is the primary designer of the club’s distinctive kits and merchandise, which aim to blend soccer with art and fashion.

Before founding Virginia Dream FC in 2022, Mendes had a highly decorated youth and early professional career including Gatorade National Player of the Year when starring at Washington-Lee High School. Mendes also spent three seasons in the academy system, played one season (2016) for University of Virginia, then also had pro stints with New York Cosmos B and the Richmond Kickers.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline for Hounds fans is the return of defender Mike DeShields. Signed by Bob Lilley ahead of the 2023 season, the former #5 overall MLS SuperDraft pick made 13 appearances for the Hounds across a season and a half. Known for his aerial presence and passing range, DeShields was part of the 2023 squad that captured the USL Championship Players’ Shield. After a brief stint with Hartford Athletic and Charlotte Independence, DeShields has found a home in the Virginia Dream backline. DeShields started and played 83 minutes at right back in the Dream’s 2-1 upset over Carolina Core FC in the First Round. His familiarity with Highmark Stadium’s dimensions makes him an invaluable asset for the visitors tonight.

Other players of note on the Virginia Dream:

Anderson Asiedu (Midfield): Perhaps the most recognizable name. Asiedu was a mainstay for Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Championship (over 100 appearances) and was a 1st Round MLS SuperDraft pick for Atlanta United. He is a high-energy presence in the midfield.
Zoumana Diarra (Forward): A former Loudoun United striker with USL Championship experience. He is a physical presence who scored the winning goal against Carolina Core.
Jean-Christophe Koffi (Midfield): Another former Loudoun United player. He also spent time in the D.C. United academy and played professionally in USL.
Elijah Amo (Forward): Drafted by Real Salt Lake in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. He has professional experience with Real Monarchs and provides elite pace on the width.

Mike Akinkoye (WVU Connection): While not a Pittsburgh native, Akinkoye spent his collegiate career just down I-79 at West Virginia University. He likely played multiple matches in the region and against local talent, making him very comfortable with the climate and style of play in the Appalachian corridor.

Lucas Mendes (Owner/Founder): Mendes was the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year and a former D1 star at UVA. While he doesn’t have a direct “Yinzer” tie, his high-profile recruitment has brought several players with Mid-Atlantic ties (like the WVU and Maryland alums) who have crossed paths with Pittsburgh-based players in the NCAA and USL ranks.