TULSA, Okla. — The Pittsburgh Riverhounds had always been the bridesmaid.
This club made the postseason every year from 2018 to 2024 but never managed to win more than a single match. As late as this October, the Riverhounds looked like they could fade from contention. Instead, Pittsburgh rallied and has now claimed their first USL Championship title.
When legendary manager Bob Lilley was placed on administrative leave less than two months ago, this club was fresh off a loss against a bad Miami team and could’ve rolled over. Instead, acting manager Rob Vincent upheld Lilley’s longstanding principles (i.e., physical defending within a 5-4-1 block) while adding a new level of freedom in possession.
In the end, these Riverhounds proved to be the USL’s most resilient team. Entering the title game, Pittsburgh hadn’t conceded in 512 minutes, posting a +4.4 xG margin and 62% field tilt across the Vincent era. The adoption of a 3-1-5-1 attacking shape proved to be inspired, bolstering an always-elite defense with sharper offensive patterns.
Now, Pittsburgh are your 2025 title-winners after going into ONEOK Field and handing FC Tulsa their first home loss since May. This championship is a testament to Pittsburgh as a top-to-bottom organization, from owner Tuffy Shallenberger to sporting director Dan Visser to Vincent.
