In the latest episode of Sounding Off on Soccer, host John Krysinsky is joined by Riverhounds and Riveters President Jeff Garner for an in-depth discussion on the rapidly evolving landscape of professional soccer in Pittsburgh.

From landmark corporate partnerships to the ambitious vision for F.N.B. Stadium, Garner pulls back the curtain on the business decisions driving the club's growth both on and off the pitch.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Corporate Power Play: Insights into the recent naming rights deal with FNB and the new partnership with Edgar Snyder & Associates.
• Stadium Expansion & Timetable: How does the new corporate backing accelerate the plan for a 15,000-seat stadium, and what is the realistic timeline for seeing shovels in the ground?
• The World Cup 2026 Connection: With the World Cup looming, discuss the Riverhounds and Riveters efforts to capitalize on the momentum as they host events that have already been announced (USMNT Watch Parties at FNB Stadium) plus many other ways that they're getting involved with World Cup activities in and around the Greater Pittsburgh region.
• Additionally, Garner addresses potential expansion to grass surfaces as potential way to host national teams and FIFA sanctioned competitions and events.
• Riveters Year Two: Reflecting on the inaugural impact of the Pittsburgh Riveters and what fans can expect as the organization enters its second season of W League play.
• The Major Sports Narrative: Garner addresses the social media chatter head on —as he makes his case for the franchise's evolving place as an essential part of the City of Champions
• Fan Experience: A look at what’s working, from theme nights to matchday atmosphere, and the challenges the front office is working to overcome.

And much more!

Pittsburgh native Nicky Kolarac, who has played for three different teams in the US Open Cup: Michigan Bucks, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Steel City FC, joined John Krysinsky on Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast to discuss the historic match between the Riverhounds and Steel City.

The match between the Riverhounds and Steel City (Tuesday, March 17 -- 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium) will be the first time two teams from the Pittsburgh area will face off against each other in the proper US Open Cup tournament since 1957 -- a span of nearly seven decades and 69 years!

John and Nicky discussed an array of topics, including:

• How the Pittsburgh soccer landscape has changed since he was a young player
• Playing in US Open Cup with three different clubs (Michigan Bucks -- 2014 PDL Champions, Riverhounds in 2015 and Steel City FC in 2024)
• Experience of being with Riverhounds in 2015 during its Open Cup run, when current Head Coach Rob Vincent scored in three straight matches during the Cup competition
• Being brought to Steel City FC (initially Pittsburgh Hotspurs) to help provide leadership and veteran presence, eventually helping play a key role in building successful, winning culture, which has included three straight Division championships (2023 and 2024 in NPSL, 2025 in USL League Two)
• Significance of the first match between two Pittsburgh clubs in the Open Cup since 1957!

And much more!

On the newest episode of Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast, Pittsburgh Soccer Now's John Krysinsky is joined by Steel City FC's Nick Graeca and Grant McIntosh to discuss their upcoming Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match vs the Riverhounds

Among the topics discussed included:

• Juggling post-collegiate life while still training and competing with Steel City FC
• How Steel City's roster evolved through Open Cup qualifying, building a strong player pool and rounding into form as the Open Cup and USL League Two season approaches
• Thoughts on building on a successful first season in USL League Two
• Importance of match between two Pittsburgh-area teams in the US Open Cup (First Match between two Pittsburgh clubs in USOC proper in 69 years)
• What it will be like to have Steel City FC supporters and soccer family supporting them at Highmark Stadium
• Importance of Open Cup friendlies against Robert Morris and Duquesne
• Thoughts on facing the Riverhounds