Thunderbirds Drop Opener in Highest Scoring UFA Game Since 2022

PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Thunderbirds opened their 2026 campaign by falling to the Montreal Royal, 32-24, the highest scoring UFA game since Oakland defeated Oregon 36-21 in June of 2022 per the Monday Morning Scoober newsletter. 

The Thunderbirds (0-1) took their first lead of the game 4-3 with 6:32 left in the first quarter as rookie Alex Stevenson recorded a block and then completed the "bookends" (recording a block and then subsequently scoring) by catching a pass from Noah Celuch. 

After much back-and-forth play, Pittsburgh took its first two-goal lead 11-9 with five minutes left in the second quarter as captain John McMonigal found Wyatt Krisky from 20 yards out for the goal. The lead was short-lived however as Montreal (1-3) quickly brought it to within one goal 11-10, then scoring a Callahan to tie the game at 11. 


Jojah McMonigal on offense is being marked by a Montreal player  |  Photo: Jeff Gamza

The Thunderbirds found themselves trailing 14-13 with 46 seconds left in the first half, their first time trailing since 3-2 early in the first quarter. 

The entire first half was either tied or separated by just one goal for all but 33 seconds. 

With 7:53 left in the third quarter, Jimmy Towle made an acrobatic, one-handed catch over two Montreal defenders for his third goal of the game, thrown by Will Hoffenkamp.

Late in the third quarter, Lucas Storm had a pair of goals for the Thunderbirds. However, Montreal outscored Pittsburgh 10-5 in the third, carrying a 24-18 lead into the final quarter.

Ian Piper found Dylan Best from 79 yards away for a goal to begin the fourth frame. Piper then hit Reid Duncan from 77 yards away on Pittsburgh’s next possession. Montreal would ultimately outscore Pittsburgh 8-6 in the fourth, hanging on for a 32-24 win.


Thunderbirds Ian Piper throws a huck through a diving Montreal Royal player  |  Photo: Jeff Gamza

Reid Duncan led the Thunderbirds in goals in the contest with six, picking up an assist as well. Jimmy Towle and Ian Piper each finished with five assists, and Will Hoffenkamp was not far behind with four.  

The Thunderbirds are back on the field this Friday, May 15 when they host the Madison Radicals (1-0). The theme for Friday’s game is 2016 Night. Tickets can be purchased by clicking the following link here, or by going to pghthunderbirds.com/tickets