The growth of soccer in the United States continues, and Pittsburgh has been no exception. Back for a second season of amateur play, the Pittsburgh Riveters of the USL W League begin 2026 with a home match Saturday when FC Buffalo pays a visit to F.N.B. Stadium.
The 2025 season saw the Riveters post a 4-0-1 record at home, finishing the 10-game regular season at 6-1-3 (21 points) and as champions of the Great Forest Division. The club hosted the Minnesota Aurora in a playoff matchup, losing 2-0 to end their inaugural run.
USL W League teams comprise all amateur players from the college ranks, high schools and a handful of players who are still looking to play better competition outside of “rec leagues” of sorts.
Leading the charge will be manager Scott Gibson, who returns for a second year at the helm while also serving as the director of the Riverhounds’ Academy programs, a title he’s held since 2007. With a focus on female players, Gibson has watched more than 100 of his students move on to play at various Division I schools.
“We learned a lot from last year,’’ Gibson said. “We’ve had a good week of training and have been based here at the stadium all week, just so the players can get used to the facility. New players can get used to playing here.
“Going into Year 1, we didn’t have a team, so we were working from scratch. This year we have a foundation. A lot of our players are returning and have been part of our youth program. They trained a lot in the offseason. We’ve added some depth. It was easier this year since we had something in place.”
Coming back for a second season is Piper Coffield, a Mars grad who plays her college ball in Bloomington, Ind., as a Hoosier. She was one of just four Riveters to log 800 minutes or more in 2025, recording an assist in nine games.
“I had a knee injury last fall, so I missed the season.” Piper said at practice Friday. “This experience is incredible. Being a hometown kid, it’s super special to me, seeing the new faces that are getting to experience this is exciting. We have a strong group, great coaching staff and 5,000 fans coming to see us. I feel a lot of pride about it.”
Coffied is heading into her junior season and expects to be ready to play more in the fall and knows opportunities such as this can help her on a path toward a professional career.
“Bloomington is a sports town. We just won the national championship in football. I’m coming back in the best place. I love it over there.” Piper said, unable to contain her excitement. “They did a great job of getting me ready for this summer. We’re going to have a fun time, and I would hope we are building a professional team here, but all the training and experience, hopefully, will propel me and others to a pro career.”
Forward Alexis Tylenda is another returning Riveter. The Shaler grad and Kentucky sophomore played in seven games, registering two goals and three assists along the way.
“It’s such a good environment here,” Tylenda said. “Getting back with all the players I grew up playing with and the coaches who have worked to develop me. I’m super excited to be here. It’s great to be back. My family is excited to watch us play. It’s a 20-minute drive as opposed to the longer drive when I’m in school.”
Even with her team’s amateur status, Tylenda knows very few players will get to experience what playing for the Riveters does when it comes to attendance and development.
“This gives you great exposure, especially playing in front of so many people. At the college level, you don’t get to play in front of this many people. The fan base is great and helps with that. Scott (Gibson) and (assistant coach) John (Rotz) put together really great training sessions for us every day. It’s a great way to stay sharp and work on our techniques.”
There are still some tickets available for the opener, and they can be purchased at the team’s website and at the box office. The contest starts just after 7 p.m. and will be televised on SportsNet Pittsburgh.