Chandler Hoffman provided the only goal for Birmingham Legion FC in a 4-1 loss on the road tonight to a surging Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (5-7-2) team.

The win was Pittsburgh’s third straight in recent United Soccer League action. Legion FC’s goal was the first against the Riverhounds since early June, with Pittsburgh having 5-0 and 3-0 shutouts the last two weeks.

The Riverhounds’ recent dominance was on full display Saturday night at the picturesque Highmark Stadium in downtown Pittsburgh, especially in the first half.

Three of Pittsburgh’s goals came in the first period, with the first two coming especially early.

Steevan Dos Santos scored in the 13th minute and Robert Mertz scored in the 25th minute. Mertz added another goal in the 39th minute to put the home team up 3-0 at halftime.

Despite a goal by Pittsburgh’s Christian Volesky in the 75th minute, the second half saw better play from Legion FC. The team limited Pittsburgh’s movement and finally took advantage of a scoring opportunity.

Hoffman scored in the 83rd minute when he beat Pittsburgh goalkeeper Kyle Morton for his fourth goal of the season.

Hoffman now leads all scorers for Legion FC in the team’s inaugural USL season.

Birmingham’s quality second half play was seen on the stats sheet, where Legion FC had 11 shots overall to Pittsburgh’s nine. Five of Legion FC’s shots were on target, but the team was unable to capitalize whereas Pittsburgh scored on all four of its on-target shots.

Birmingham also led Pittsburgh on the possession arrow, at 51% to 49%.

Legion FC is now 0-5-1 in its last six matches and sits at 3-10-4 overall, but the second half of the season. which starts on July 13 at home, could provide some respite and regrouping for Birmingham.

After a grueling road schedule in recent weeks, Legion FC will get the July 4 weekend off and then have three straight home games -- July 13 against North Carolina FC; July 20 against Atlanta United 2; and July 27 against Charlotte Independence. All games are played at BBVA Field on the UAB campus.