| USL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHDAY 4 | 1ST HALF | 2ND HALF | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC (0W-2L-2D | 2 PTS) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC (2W-1L-1D | 7 PTS) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
PITTSBURGH, Penn. – A trying road stretch ended in less-than-ideal fashion for Birmingham Legion FC as the Three Sparks’ woes at Highmark Stadium continued on Saturday in a 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The defeat marked the first time in the 2025 USL Championship campaign that Legion FC was held without a goal as it still searches for its first ever win in the Steel City.
Goals by Robbie Mertz and Danny Griffin provided the difference for the Riverhounds, who made the most of its scant scoring chances. The two teams combined for just 20 total shots, but just six on target, with both of Birmingham’s attempts on frame coming in the second half as it chased for a result.
With the possessions numbers split 50-50, Legion FC led the match with 66 final third entries – 23 more than its opponent – but had just nine total touches in the box. Birmingham finished the match with an expected goal metric of 0.29, as the squad had trouble for much of the evening in breaking down a Riverhounds defense that focused on stymying forward Ronaldo Damus.
Legion FC found itself absorbing a lot of pressure from Pittsburgh from the opening whistle and the home side broke through in the 36th minute. An initial shot from Bradley Sample at the top of the box forced a reaction from Legion FC defender Jake Rufe, but the deflection went right into the feet of Riverhounds forward Robbie Mertz, who took a touch to settle before slotting a shot inside the near post.
It was a tough opening goal for Matt Van Oekel, who was first called into action 15 minutes earlier and made a nice kick save on a shot from short range to deny Mertz. The Legion FC goalkeeper finished with a pair of saves on the evening.
Following a turnover at midfield, Pittsburgh doubled its lead in the 70th minute with a passing sequence that ended with Roberto Ydrach slipping a ball behind the Birmingham backline that Riverhounds captain Danny Griffin finished off inside the box.
10 of Legion FC’s 11 total shots came in the final 45 minutes of the match as the second half substitutions were attacking focused. Forward Danny Trejo entered in the 74th minute to mark his first appearance since suffering an injury early in the second half of the season opener against Loudoun United FC. Eight minutes later saw the 2025 season debut of Tyler Pasher, as the veteran forward came on for Moses Mensah in the 82nd minute.
Match Details
LINEUPS
BHM: Van Oekel – GK, Suarez, Rufe, Kos (Hamouda 46′), Mensah (Pasher 82′), Martinez – C, Hernandez-Foster, Torres, Tabort Etaka (Trejo 74′), McCartney, Damus
PIT: Dick – GK, Etou (Broughton 74′), Suber, Ydrach, Biasi, Walti, Mertz (Linzoain 89′), Griffin – C, Sample (Osumanu 64′), O’Toole (Bouregy 64′), Williams (Larsen 89′)
GOALS
BHM:
PIT: Mertz 36′; Griffin 70′
DISCIPLINE
BHM: Damus (Yellow) 72′
PIT: O’Toole (Yellow) 15′
NEXT UP
Following a 10-day stretch with three consecutive road matches, Legion FC finally returns home on Sunday, April 13 when it welcomes El Paso Locomotive FC to Protective Stadium. Tickets for that match can be purchased HERE. The club is also offering a special Legion FC Tradition Package that includes specialty t-shirts and early suite access to watch the conclusion of the final day of the golf tournament in Augusta. The first annual Legion FC Sports Business Forum will also be held in the VIP Club Lounger prior to the match. Those interested can get more information and purchase their tickets HERE.
