History has officially ascended into the rafters of Highmark Stadium.
Ahead of tonight’s league home opener against Sporting Club Jacksonville, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC formally commemorated their 2025 USL Championship title. In a pre-match ceremony that brought the Highmark faithful to their feet, the club unveiled both the 2025 USL Championship and Eastern Conference Championship banners.
The ceremony served as a final, triumphant salute to a season that saw the Hounds secure their first-ever league crown in a dramatic penalty shootout victory last November.
Capturing the Moment
Pittsburgh Soccer Now photographer Ed Thompson was on the pitch to capture the sights and sounds of the historic unveiling. From the emotional reactions of the players and staff to the first look at the “Gold Star” officially taking its place above the crest, check out the full gallery below.
All Photos: Ed Thompson / Pittsburgh Soccer Now
A Standard Set
While the banners represent the pinnacle of the club’s 27-year history, the atmosphere in the locker room this week has been one of focused urgency. For first-year Head Coach Rob Vincent, tonight’s ceremony isn’t just a celebration—it’s a benchmark.
“The banner is a tribute to what this club was,” Vincent noted earlier this week. “The 90 minutes that follow will define what this club is.”
As the match continues against Sporting Jax, the Hounds are looking to prove that the championship standard is alive and well in 2026.
The Unveiling on Social Media
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).
