USL CHAMPIONSHIP:Riverhounds Close Out Preseason with 2-0 Win Over Pitt

Jonathan Turner
14 hours ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

PITTSBURGH (Feb. 28, 2026) — The Pittsburgh Riverhounds wrapped up their 2026 preseason campaign in winning fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating the University of Pittsburgh 2-0 at Highmark Stadium.

Danny Griffin and Eliot Goldthorp struck less than a minute apart early in the second half to seal the victory, while former Pitt goalkeeper Nico Campuzano logged a full 90-minute clean sheet. The Hounds finish preseason play with a 6-1-0 record as they shift focus to the upcoming USL Championship regular season.

Early opportunities were limited primarily to set pieces. In the 15th minute, Beto Ydrach rose for a header off a corner kick but sent his effort just over the crossbar. Around the half-hour mark, Goldthorp delivered a clever backheel to free Junior Etou along the goal line, but Etou’s chipped ball into the six-yard box went untouched.

The breakthrough came in the 50th minute. Etou once again created danger down the left side and fired a shot that struck the post. The rebound fell directly to Griffin near the penalty spot, and the Riverhounds captain calmly finished for his first goal of the preseason.

Moments later, the Hounds doubled their lead. Ydrach pushed the ball forward to Charles Ahl, who served a low pass across the face of goal from the right flank. Goldthorp made a well-timed run to the back post and tapped home his second goal of the preseason.

For the second straight match, Pittsburgh allowed the majority of its players to log full 90-minute performances, making just two substitutions as the squad builds match fitness ahead of league play.

What’s Next?

The Riverhounds open their USL Championship title defense next Saturday, March 7, renewing the league’s longest-running rivalry on the road against the Charleston Battery. Kickoff from South Carolina’s Lowcountry is set for 6 p.m.