Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs New York City FC
This 2025 season, we’ve made it one of our primary missions to cover as many US Open Cup games as possible. It’s the oldest and most historic competition in America, giving opportunities for lower-league teams to slay giants and for communities to be swept up in the excitement of what only a true open tournament can bring.
Ecstasy. What we experienced in Pittsburgh still hasn’t fully sunk in. The Fort Pitt Bridge, the Monongahela River, and all of America bore witness to one of the greatest Cupsets in recent history. Thousands descended upon Highmark Stadium with the hopes of slaying a giant. Black and yellow colors filled the stands like every weekend, but there was something extra special about this Wednesday night. The chants coming from the Paul Child Stand cut deeper. The imposing city skyline stood taller. It was meant to be. The last 20 minutes were a masterclass in synergy between players and supporters pushing for that inevitable winner. And when it finally came, well, you wouldn’t have wished to be anywhere else on the planet. It’s a victory that will live on in Riverhounds history forever. And one that many beyond the Steel City surely savored with just as much joy.
This is what photographer Nicolas Polo had to say about the match:
What were some of the most notable things you saw in the stands or around the stadium in general?
The most notable thing has to be the stadium’s surroundings. Nestled between train tracks, the Fort Pitt Bridge, the Monongahela River, a mountain, and the city skyline, it’s truly one of my favorite stadiums in the U.S. In the stands, the iconic black and yellow of Pittsburgh were everywhere. From hair and earrings to sneakers, the fans bleed those colors.
What was the atmosphere like?
The energy in the stadium was special, though it built gradually. Fans were excited to see an MLS team play in their stadium — it was packed — but the atmosphere wasn’t nonstop chants and edge-of-your-seat tension right away. That intensity really kicked in during the final 20 minutes. Credit goes to the passionate supporters in the Paul Child Stand, who kept up brilliant songs and didn’t hold back their opinions of NYCFC players and fans. They gave the team real energy.
How did the club you were covering experience this game? How did the players react? What about the fans? From a fan’s perspective, the crowd was fairly tame until the last 20 minutes. The team was hustling and often looked more dominant. But in the 78th minute, a NYCFC defender was red-carded, and that changed everything. You could feel the shift. The fans came alive, the players fed off it, and suddenly everyone was locked in. They could taste blood.
What approach/mindset did you go with to cover this game?
My approach was to highlight the landscape around the stadium and showcase the style and spirit of Pittsburgh. I’ve been coming here for over a decade and love what this city represents, especially in sports. Throughout the match, I paid attention to where the energy peaked and how the colors interacted with the cityscape. In hindsight, the best decision I made was staying with the fans instead of switching to the team’s attacking side. Player celebrations are great, but nothing compares to witnessing fans transcend into another world when their team scores in the 96th minute. It was pure magic.
What was your favorite thing about the night?
While the 96th-minute winner was unforgettable, one quieter moment stuck with me even more. Just before the goal, I was taking pictures of a young adult and a kid waving a flag. A man named Sid, standing nearby — not wearing any team merch, not even looking like a typical soccer fan — came up to me with the proudest smile and said, “See those kids? Those are my boys. I’ve played soccer all my life, but seeing them live out their passion and support this team is my happy place. I just try to hang back and let them do their thing.” Moments like that, where fans open up and give you a glimpse into their world, remind me why photography is such a gift.
How did this game change or uphold your perspective on the Open Cup?
This game only reaffirmed my belief that the Open Cup is the tournament in America. It breaks my heart that some MLS teams — or even MLS NEXT teams — draw hardly any fans. I’m constantly torn, because while I love that smaller clubs and grassroots teams show so much passion for this cup, it’s frustrating that many MLS teams don’t seem to buy into its magic. Until that changes, I’ll keep showing up, documenting, and celebrating what makes this tournament so special.
