Riveters dominate in home opener against Buffalo, 5-0

USL W League — Great Forest Division 

FINAL: Riveters SC 5, FC Buffalo 0

USL W League Match Center 

Last year’s positive momentum carried right from the start of year two for the Riveters as they were on the front foot early and often.

Local product and captain Piper Coffield (Mars / Indiana) opened the Riveters 2026 scoring with a goal via a header in the 12th minute — and from there the floodgates opened.

The Irish international, Ellen Malloy, performed as advertised. First with an assist in the 12th minute on Coffield’s goal, then a massive strike on the hop in the 23rd, and constantly creating havoc in the attacking third.

After being sidelined during the Riveters inaugural season, Lola Abraham (Riverview / Pitt) was active and aggressive early, testing Buffalo GK Jordan Senz twice in the first 21 minutes.

With a 2-0 lead, the home side didn’t take the foot off the gas.

A high press from Molloy forced a turnover deep in the attacking third in the 36th minute, then moved into penalty area, but a point-blank shot is handled by Senz to keep the margin at two.

A minute later, the rout became official when Brielle LaBerge picked apart the Buffalo defense, carving them open with a dangerous diagonal ball from the left wing.

Shannon Studer timed her run perfectly, ghosting into the box completely unmarked to smash home the third goal of the half.

The Riveters flew out of halftime with all the momentum of the first 45 fresh.

In the 49th minute, University of Pittsburgh and FC Buffalo defender Sophie Rourke was called for a foul inside the box on her collegiate teammate, Lola Abraham. The referee awarded a penalty and the incoming college junior stepped up to the spot.

However, Senz, who finished the match with nine saves, dove correctly to the right and blocked the shot. A follow up smacked off the crossbar and was eventually cleared.

The Riveters did find their fourth goal, though. In the 52nd minute, Taylor Green slotted her shot in front of goal past a defender. The ball was played with a back-heel assist by Bella Vozar.

Vozar also got the assist on the fifth and final tally of the night, which came from halftime substitute Sabrina Bryan. The 27-year-old volleyed the ball to herself and put it up and over Senz for the final goal.

Riveters will return home in one week, on Saturday, May 23, for a clash against Flower City 1872, at F.N.B. Stadium. The match will kick off at 7 PM.

Riveters Post Match Notes

• The Riveters carried over its strong form at home from the 2025 season, as they now have an all-time 5-0-1 record at home. Last year, the Rivs finished the 10-game regular season at 6-1-3 (21 points) and as champions of the Great Forest Division. The club hosted the Minnesota Aurora in a playoff matchup, losing 2-0 to end their inaugural run.
• The Riveters enjoyed a sellout crowd of 5,088 at F.N.B. Stadium. It is the second-straight year of a home opener sellout.
• The Riveters are returning last year’s leading goal scorer Tanum Nelson, who earned six goals and two assists in 2025. Additionally, Sabrina Bryan brings heavy experience, as well as goals with three last year.
• The club also introduced a new mascot: Nellie.