Albert Dikwa will be back in Pittsburgh.
The Riverhounds have reacquired the Cameroonian forward who previously played four seasons in Pittsburgh– capping with a record-breaking season in 2023 when Dikwa won League’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year Award.
Dikwa has spent the past two seasons with Rhode Island FC, where he helped lead the expansion club to two deep postseason runs.
According to reports, the Riverhounds’ agreed to terms with Rhode Island FC to secure the transfer of Dikwa back to the Hounds for the 2026 season and beyond.
Dikwa, 28, was the 2023 USL Championship Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner with the Hounds, as his league-best 20 goals help the team bring home the Players’ Shield with the best record in the league. He spent the past two seasons with Rhode Island, scoring 19 goals and adding 10 assists across all competitions while helping the expansion club reach the USL Championship Final in 2024.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Albert back home to Pittsburgh!” said Sporting Director Dan Visser, who was the team’s top assistant coach during Dikwa’s first stint in Pittsburgh. “His familiarity with our club and our city makes this move a natural fit. He’s been a big part of our past and he’ll be a big part of our future.”
Dikwa already ranks among the scoring leaders in club history from his first tenure with the team from 2020-23. His 37 goals are the second-most all-time for the Hounds, and his 20-goal season in 2023 made him just the third player with at least 20 in a single season with the club.
“I’m extremely happy to be back home in Pittsburgh. I can’t wait to get back to work and representing my city again. Let’s go Hounds!” Dikwa said.
A native of Garoua, Cameroon, Dikwa attended high school at Florida’s Monteverde Academy before signing professionally directly out of school with Orlando City B, at that time a USL Championship club. In a career that includes stints with Orlando (2017), Saint Louis FC (2018-19), the Hounds and Rhode Island, he has scored 56 regular-season goals in the Championship and another seven in cup and postseason play.
Financial terms of the transfer are not disclosed, and the transfer is pending USL and U.S. Soccer approval.
Earlier this week, in Lilleyball in Pittsburgh: An Oral History series (Part II), we dive a lot more into Dikwa’s first two seasons in Pittsburgh.
Riverhounds 2026 Roster
Junior Etou — MF — (re-signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
Illal Osumanu — D –(re-signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
Charles Ahl –MF — (signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
Brigham Larsen — F — (signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
Jorge Garcia — MF — (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
Guillaume Vacter — D — (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
Beto Ydrach — D — (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
Perrin Barnes — D — (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
Bradley Sample — MF (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
Jackson Walti — MF (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
Danny Griffin — MF / Captain (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
Robbie Mertz — MF (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
Nico Campuzano — GK (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
Eliot Goldthorpe — MF (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
Albert Dikwa — F — (reacquired from Rhode Island — terms TBA)
This is a developing story. Look for more information including details on transfer from Rhode Island and more to follow.
John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of ‘Miracle on the Mon’ — a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).
