DeLAND, Fla. — Former Hatter standout Charles Ahl capped his first professional season in unforgettable fashion, helping the Pittsburgh Riverhounds capture the 2025 USL Championship title on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Riverhounds secured their first league crown in the club's 26-year history, defeating FC Tulsa 5-3 in penalties after a scoreless 120 minutes at ONEOK Field.
Ahl, who started in the USL Championship Final, played 89 minutes and nearly helped break the deadlock in the 22nd minute when he delivered a precise long ball to spring Augi Williams into the box—forcing one of Tulsa goalkeeper Tyler Deric's best saves of the day. Throughout the match, Ahl remained a key link in transition, contributing to a Riverhounds side that became the first in USL Championship history to win the title without conceding a single goal in the postseason.
The Pittsburgh defense extended its shutout streak to 632 minutes, while goalkeeper Eric Dick earned Final MVP honors with five saves and a decisive stop in the shootout.
Ahl's championship performance punctuates a strong rookie campaign in Pittsburgh. The former Stetson captain appeared in 26 matches and finished the season with four goals—fourth most on the team—on 24 shots, including 13 on target. His reliability, work rate, and tactical versatility made him a fixture in the Riverhounds lineup as a first-year pro.
A native of Winter Park, Ahl played a pivotal role in leading the Hatters to an undefeated conference record and a share of the ASUN regular-season title in his senior campaign in 2024. He earned a spot on the All-ASUN First Team after previously earning Second Team honors in each of the two prior seasons. His stellar performances also secured him a place on the All-Region team.
Stetson Men's Soccer congratulates Charles on an incredible debut season and a championship-winning moment with the Riverhounds. Once a Hatter, always a Hatter.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
