When 6,077 fans packed Highmark Stadium — the fourth-largest soccer crowd in the building’s history — to witness the first match in Pittsburgh Riveters SC history, it was a significant moment both for the nascent team and for women’s sports in Pittsburgh.
Young women and girls in the hundreds, and likely thousands, attended to see the Riveters make the first step into USL W League play. Having that pre-professional platform on display in Pittsburgh was an opportunity that was not visible during the formative years for the current Riveters’ players, many of whom come from the area. And with seeing the possibility of what could be built, it allows for the younger generation to dream even bigger with the possibility of one day having a hometown team in the top professional division of U.S. Soccer.
But if the Riveters’ opening night showed anything, it’s that the team is for everyone in Pittsburgh. Fans of all ages, genders and walks of life were able to connect and enjoy the highest level of women’s club soccer that has called the city home. And as grateful as the Riveters’ players and staff were for the support on the first night, the team’s goal remains to continue pushing forward for bigger and better for the city and the fans.
