Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Russell Cicerone battles for the ball against Hartford Athletic players at Highmark Stadium on Sat., March 19, 2022. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds defeated Hartford Athletic 2-1 in their home opener on March 19 at Highmark Stadium. Hundreds of fans cheered for Pittsburgh’s professional soccer team during the first season opener since 2019 to have no COVID restrictions.

The Steel Army, the fan section of the Riverhounds, waved black and gold flags and chanted, “We all cheer for the yellow soccer team,” as the Riverhounds scored a tie-breaking goal against the Athletic near the end of the match.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds goalkeeper Kevin Silva practices before the game. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Pittsburgh Riverhounds players celebrate their first goal against Hartford Athletic. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
A ball boy positions a soccer ball at Highmark Stadium. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Pittsburgh Riverhounds defender Toby Sims (16) attempts to steal the ball from Hartford Athletic. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Hartford Athletic goalkeeper Austin Pack saves a Pittsburgh Riverhounds goal attempt. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Russell Cicerone runs to take possession of the ball against Hartford Athletic players. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Alex Dixon (7) battles for possession of the ball against Hartford Athletic. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
A referee speaks to Hartford Athletic players after pulling a yellow card at Highmark Stadium. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Two players battle for possession of the ball on a header attempt. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Pittsburgh Riverhounds midfielder Angelo Kelly battles for possession of the ball. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Pittsburgh Riverhounds defender Robby Dambrot kicks the ball at Highmark Stadium. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Pittsburgh Riverhounds players celebrate after their win against Hartford Athletic at Highmark Stadium on Sat., March 19, 2022. Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith
Credit: CP Photo: Pam Smith

This article appears in Mar 16-22, 2022.