Riverhounds rally for draw in season opener at Birmingham

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds underwent not-insignificant roster changes in the offseason, but a familiar face made sure the team didn’t leave its season opener empty handed.

Upper St. Clair grad Robbie Mertz netted the equalizer in the 71st minute to give the Riverhounds a 1-1 draw at Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday night.

Birmingham took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute when Alex Crognale headed in a Jacob Rufe corner kick at the near post.

Mertz scored the tying goal after taking a long diagonal lob pass from Arturo Ordóñez on the left wing and firing inside the far post.

The Riverhounds were robbed of the potential game-winning goal a few minutes later when Birmingham keeper Matt Van Oekel made a diving stop on Tola Showunmi as he attempted to cash in the rebound of a Tony Lopez shot from distance.

The Riverhounds will go back on the road for their second game next Saturday, visiting Memphis 901 FC.