By: Brett Gombita

PITTSBURGH, PA – Less than 24 hours after suffering a brutal road 33-11 loss in Toronto vs the Toronto Rush (4-3), the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds responded with one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating the Chicago Union (1-4) 22-18 on Sunday afternoon at F.N.B. Stadium. The victory improved Pittsburgh to 2-5 on the season and secured the team's first home win of 2026.

"We played with passion," Reid Duncan said, who was awarded the Dave and Buster's Power Player of the Game Award. "We had a rough day yesterday, and we did not want that same feeling today."

Duncan led the Thunderbirds with seven goals and two assists, helping power a second-half comeback that was fueled by Pittsburgh's best third quarter of the season.

Quarter 1

The Thunderbirds got off to a strong start defensively, allowing just two goals in the first quarter, the fewest they have surrendered in an opening quarter this season. The quarter ended with a diving block by Aiden Landis to prevent a third Chicago score, helping Pittsburgh build a 4-2 lead.

Quarter 2

The second quarter belonged to the Union. Chicago claimed its first lead midway through the frame by scoring four consecutive goals. Overall, the Union outscored the Thunderbirds 9-4 in the quarter, including a goal as time expired after Pittsburgh had scored with just 14 seconds remaining in the half. Chicago carried an 11-8 advantage into the break.

Pittsburgh's response after halftime proved to be the turning point.

Quarter 3

Entering Sunday's contest, the Thunderbirds had been outscored 48-18 in third quarters this season. Against Chicago, however, Pittsburgh flipped the script, dominating the frame 7-2. The Thunderbirds reclaimed the lead at 14-13 late in the quarter, their first lead since holding a 5-4 advantage early in the second period.

The third quarter ended with three consecutive Pittsburgh goals from three different players: Jimmy Towle, Logan Call and Duncan. The surge gave the Thunderbirds a 15-13 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Quarter 4

The momentum carried into the final period, where Pittsburgh never relinquished control.

After the Thunderbirds scored their 16th goal early in the fourth quarter, Alex Stevenson laid out for a block that led directly to Pittsburgh's 17th goal, extending the advantage to 17-14. It marked the Thunderbirds' first three-goal lead at home this season.

Pittsburgh won the fourth quarter 7-4 to complete the comeback and secure the victory.

"I'm looking forward to continuing what we've built with this game," Duncan said.

In addition to Duncan's seven-goal performance, Jimmy Towle, Will Hoffenkamp, Dylan Best and Noah Celuch each scored twice. Seven other Thunderbirds also found the scoresheet with one goal apiece.

Hoffenkamp paced the offense with five assists, 57 completions and 364 throwing yards.

Defensively, Stevenson, Hoffenkamp and Lucas Storm each recorded two blocks.

The Thunderbirds will have the next two weeks off before returning to action on Sunday, July 5 against the Minnesota Wind Chill at F.N.B. Stadium for Beach Night. First pull is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tickets for this game can be purchased here. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a pair of Thunderbirds sunglasses.

The matchup will provide another significant test for Pittsburgh, as Minnesota enters Week 11 undefeated at 7-0 and recently won the UFA Championship in 2024.