USL CHAMPIONSHIP: Late Free Kick Lifts Lexington Past Riverhounds in Preseason Finale

PITTSBURGH (Feb. 21, 2026) — A stunning long-range free kick from Aaron Molloy in the 90th minute lifted Lexington SC to a 2-1 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds this afternoon at Highmark Stadium, snapping the Hounds’ four-match preseason win streak.

Albert Dikwa opened the scoring for Pittsburgh (4-1-0) in the 17th minute with his second goal of the preseason. After goalkeeper Nico Campuzano launched a long ball forward, Dikwa beat three recovering defenders to the bounce and, with little support around him, elected to go for goal. The striker struck a perfectly weighted shot on the bounce, lofting it over the goalkeeper and under the crossbar to give the Hounds a 1-0 advantage.

Lexington nearly answered just three minutes later. A cross from the left found Marcus Epps wide on the right side, and his powerful strike rattled off the crossbar to keep Pittsburgh in front.

Campuzano delivered a strong second-half performance, recording three key saves to preserve the lead. His best stop came in the 59th minute when he dove to push aside a dangerous half-volley from Lexington’s Alfredo Midence.

The visitors finally broke through in the 87th minute on a set piece. Molloy served a ball into the box that Phillip Goodrum met with a header inside the near post to level the match at 1-1.

Just as the contest appeared headed for a draw, Molloy produced the decisive moment. From nearly 50 yards out, he unleashed a booming free kick that sailed under the bar and into the net, giving Lexington a dramatic 2-1 lead with only stoppage time remaining.

Pittsburgh used the match to continue building fitness, with the starting XI logging 70 minutes before wholesale substitutions were made for the final 20 minutes.

What’s Next?
The Riverhounds will close out preseason training this week before hosting West Virginia University at 7 p.m. Friday. They will then face the University of Pittsburgh at 6 p.m. Saturday at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

---

Scoring Summary
PIT — Albert Dikwa (Nico Campuzano), 17’
LEX — Phillip Goodrum (Aaron Molloy), 87’
LEX — Aaron Molloy, 90’