Riverhounds drop season opener in New Mexico

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds couldn’t find their scoring touch in their 2024 USL Championship season opener, and it ultimately bit them.

Greg Hurst scored the lone goal in the 44th minute and New Mexico United held on for a 1-0 victory over the visiting Hounds on Saturday afternoon at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque.

Hurst broke through for New Mexico (1-0) after splitting the Hounds’ center backs and moved around new keeper Eric Dick before clicking a shot into the net.

The Hounds (0-1) had a couple of late second-half chances go by the wayside.

In the 85th minute, newcomer Sean Suber put a cross in towards Edward Kizza, but Kizza put an off-balance header wide to the right of the net.

A few minutes later, following a corner kick, Langston Blackstock got an attempt at a volley near the top of the box, but his shot took a deflection before settling in the hands of New Mexico keeper Alex Tambakis.

Outside of the one goal allowed, Dick had a solid debut in net. He made four saves, including two from close range in the first half.

Upper St. Clair grad Robbie Mertz started, making his 100th appearance with the club. He’s the 17th Hounds player to reach that achievement.

The Hounds will look to rebound in their home opener at Highmark Stadium against Orange County at 7 p.m. Saturday.