Coming off an impressive 2–0 shutout of Louisville, the Riverhounds returned to FNB Stadium to host Miami FC and win 2-0. Pittsburgh opened aggressively, using a series of long balls to probe Miami’s back line. In the 5th minute, the Hounds F Albert Dikwa came inches from converting a pinpoint cross from M Sam Bassett, missing the chance for an early breakthrough by a single step.
Miami responded almost immediately with a look of its own, but the Hounds’ defense held firm. Pittsburgh earned a free kick just outside the box moments later, with Miami M Rodrigo Da Costa cautioned for a clumsy challenge. From the ensuing set piece, M Eliot Goldthorp’s right footed effort from distance sailed high.
Miami generated pressure of its own in the 13th minute, earning a corner that was ultimately nullified by a foul in the box. In the 21st minute, Bassett forced Miami GK Felipe Rodriguez into a low save at the right post after a well worked sequence assisted by Hounds M Eliot Goldthorp. Miami countered with a dangerous free kick from M Rodrigo Da Costa, whose left footed strike from outside the area missed narrowly wide.
The Hounds continued to earn set piece opportunities, though Miami’s back line dealt with the danger. The match’s intensity increased as halftime approached, punctuated by a 39th minute yellow card to Miami D Alessandro Milesi for a reckless challenge. Both sides traded quality chances in a fast paced, end to end stretch, but despite the tempo, the first half closed scoreless at 0–0.
The second half opened at a more deliberate pace, with both sides feeling their way back into the match—until the 49th minute, when Pittsburgh broke the deadlock. Defender Perrin Barnes delivered a driven cross across the face of goal, and forward Albert Dikwa rose to meet it, powering home a header to give the Hounds a 1–0 lead.
Pittsburgh kept the pressure on and earned another free kick just outside the box in the 53rd minute. The initial attempt was blocked, but the rebound fell to M Robbie Mertz, whose follow up effort curled just wide of the left post.
Miami made the first substitution of the match shortly afterward, opting for a defensive change as they tried to stabilize play. The Hounds focused on maintaining possession, while Miami looked to strike on the counter. As the tempo increased, so did the physicality. In the 69th minute, a confrontation between Mertz and Miami M Ryon Tori resulted in yellow cards for both players.
Pittsburgh doubled its advantage in the 73rd minute with a moment of creativity. F Albert Dikwa, flicked a clever back heel into the path of M Charles Ahl, who finished clinically to make it 2–0. Miami responded with two substitutions in the 76th minute in an effort to shift momentum, but the visitors continued to struggle to generate meaningful chances and had yet to register a shot on target through the 79th minute.
The Hounds continued to dictate play, earning a corner in the 81st minute, though Miami’s defense managed to clear the danger. Pittsburgh’s control of the match remained evident as they protected their lead heading into the final stretch, securing a 2-0 win. The Hounds head to Charleston next week to take on the Battery.
