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Hounds to face NY Red Bulls in Open Cup Round of 32

The wait is over.

Following a live draw this morning on the CBS Sports Golazo Network, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC have officially discovered their opponent and path for the 2026 U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 — as they’ll face NY Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.

After advancing past Virginia Dream FC on Tuesday, the Hounds have been placed into a high-stakes geographic pod that features some of the region’s top professional talent.

The Matchup

  • Opponent: NY Red Bulls

  • Date: Tuesday, April 14 or Wednesday, April 15

  • Kickoff: TBA

  • Venue: Sports Illustrated Arena

  • Broadcast: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Golazo Network

The Round of 32 Pod: Regional Rivals

U.S. Soccer has officially grouped the Hounds into a four-team geographic pod. This group not only determines the Round of 32 opponent but also sets the stage for the Round of 16, as the winners within this pod will face each other in the next round.

The Lamdon Donovan Pod:

  1. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship)

  2. NY Red Bulls

  3. NYCFC

  4. Westchester SC

Hosting Update

Away Match: The Hounds will be hitting the road for this round.

Despite the travel, the Hounds have a storied history of traveling well and catching MLS giants off-guard in their own backyards.

Though they’ve never faced the Red Bulls the club has played at Sports Illustrated Arena and were Eastern Conference rivals of NY Red Bulls II from 2015-21.

The Hounds are 4-8 all-time against MLS opposition, but 3-2 in their past five such matches, including a win last season over New York City FC in the Round of 32. They have never faced Red Bull NY in the Open Cup, but they are not unfamiliar with Sports Illustrated Stadium — formerly Red Bull Arena — where they previously faced the club’s reserve team, New York Red Bulls II, when they were members of the USL Championship.
The winner of the Hounds/Red Bull match will face the winner between NYCFC and USL League One side Westchester SC in the Round of 16. The Hounds would host if NYCFC advances, but they would be on the road should Westchester be the opponent.

What’s Next?

The Round of 32 is a single-elimination knockout. Should the Hounds defeat the Red Bulls they would advance to round of 16 to be played April 28 or 29 against winner of NYCFC-Westchester.

Pittsburgh Soccer Now Coverage:

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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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