Robbie Mertz scored the tying goal in the 71st minute, and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC opened their 24th season with a 1-1 draw against Birmingham Legion FC in Birmingham, Ala.

The Riverhounds opened a season with a draw for the first time since 2018.

Alex Crognale had given the Legion (0-0-1) the lead when he scored off a corner kick in the first half.

The Riverhounds remain on the road for Game 2 of the 2023 season when they travel to Memphis 5 p.m. Saturday.

From local dispatches

Riverhounds add defender Trevor Zwetsloot

First Published: March 12, 2023, 1:55 p.m.