In a city that lives and breathes sports, most Pittsburghers think about the Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates when professional teams come to mind. But in a comparatively short time period since first taking the field in 1999, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds have become another staple of athletic professionalism that honorably represents the long-standing heritage of competition and champions that makes Pittsburgh known worldwide as a sporting town. The Strip! magazine recently sat down with two impressive Riverhounds players from very different backgrounds, but who are very much the same when it comes to their love of soccer, Pittsburgh, and the Strip District!
He started playing soccer at age five and pursued his dream of being a professional athlete here in the U.S. at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and then at West Virginia University—so he was somewhat familiar with Western Pennsylvania even before starting with the Riverhounds.
After only a few months, Broughton already appreciates Pittsburgh and feels strongly connected to the city. “With its people and its fans, everything is amazing—it’s one of the best sporting cultures that I’ve been a part of,” he says. Beyond playing for the Riverhounds, Broughton also embraces his relationship with the city through youth coaching at the Riverhounds Academy and its Grassroots Program. “I really enjoy working with kids and making them excited about soccer, as well as keeping them involved in sports and staying active—that has always been a big part of my life.”
Biasi quickly fell in love with Pittsburgh because it reminds him of where his parents originated in Upstate New York. “From what I was always told about Syracuse, Pittsburgh also seems to be that same deep-rooted, tight-knit, family-based community. So I think that is what Pittsburgh has meant for me—I really have fallen in love with the place and find so much joy in playing for a city where they care so greatly about their sports and their people.” He even describes himself as a player in terms very familiar to the history of Pittsburgh sports: “I’m pretty versatile and tend to play with a chip on my shoulder—just like all those legendary, blue-collar-type players this city has fostered. I’m willing to get dirty too, if need be!”
Not only do both players enjoy their time in Pittsburgh proper, but they have a special affinity with the Strip District. As a matter of fact, in addition to residing close to the Strip, Broughton describes himself as its biggest fan: “I love being in walking distance of all the local businesses, small shops, and traditional franchises. There are so many different smells and senses all around—from upscale restaurants to public markets. It’s just a perfect variety and representation of the city, and it’s so awesome being able to take it all in on any given day!” His favorite place to grab a bite is DiAnoia’s Eatery, and when he’s not practicing for game days, Broughton also likes keeping his miniature-golf stats up at Puttshack in The Terminal.
Biasi feels that the Strip District perfectly encapsulates all the things he loves about Pittsburgh as a city, and he often brings his family here when they visit. “For me, I’ve always thought Pittsburgh is a very cool city just because it has all these little, different areas and cultural places—there’s just so much to do and so much to see. I’m not just saying it because this is for The Strip! magazine, but typically my favorite place to go and bring people to is the Strip.” Showing his Italian heritage and roots a bit, it’s no surprise that Biasi is also a fan of DiAnoia’s and he often hits La Prima Espresso Company for his caffeine fix. Coop De Ville is a regular go-to spot for him as well. “Again, I think the Strip District is one of those great areas because there are so many shops and stores where you can easily walk to and explore,” he notes.
Both players agree that the connection between the Riverhounds and the Pittsburgh community is growing stronger every season. While Biasi acknowledges the challenge of playing in a town dominated by the other big-three sports teams, he also sees a loyal and expanding fan base for the Riverhounds. He explains, “People are blown away when they come to Highmark Stadium for the first time—they’re like, ‘I can’t believe I didn’t know this was here’ or ‘I can’t believe I haven’t been to a game before’—and then they come back again and again. We’ve had record-breaking nights, sellouts, and they’re now talking about expanding the stadium to nearly triple its capacity!”
(3/29/25 at Highmark Stadium).
To find out more about the Riverhounds and their 2025 schedule, visit riverhounds.com. Tickets are currently on sale through Ticketmaster and the Highmark Stadium Box Office, which can be reached at ticketing@riverhounds.com or by calling 412-865-GOAL.
Christopher Cussat is a Pittsburgh-based freelance writer who believes he also could have been a soccer contender … if not for that trick knee! Read more of his work at: cussat.com.