Written By: Brett Gombita

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Coming off a 31-17 loss to the Carolina Flyers (6-2), the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds (1-4) head into a challenging back-to-back weekend with games on Saturday and Sunday.

The defeat was a tough one against a Carolina team with championship aspirations, especially after the high of Pittsburgh's victory over the Philadelphia Phoenix (0-5) the week prior.

Reflecting on last Saturday's game, Thunderbirds Head Coach David Berg put it succinctly:

"We weren't good enough. They outplayed us pretty significantly."

One area where the Thunderbirds found success was their deep game. Pittsburgh completed a season-high 12 hucks against Carolina, though Berg believes there is still room for improvement.

"We've been trying to push our deep game this year. Some worked, but that doesn't necessarily mean they were all the correct decisions. We still need to continue to refine that and get better there."

Carolina outscored Pittsburgh 19-8 in the second half, including a 10-4 advantage in the third quarter. The Thunderbirds have yet to win a third quarter this season and have been outscored 38-16 in that frame. Berg knows his team must put together a complete performance.

"It takes a complete effort. We've shown flashes that we're capable of playing good halves, but we haven't been able to sustain that for four quarters. Teams are going to adjust, and things are going to get more difficult. We need to continue to embrace the grind. This is what we all signed up for."

To address those second-half struggles, Berg said the team plans to get back onto the field earlier during halftime to increase touches and throwing reps before the third quarter begins.

On Saturday, the Thunderbirds travel to Canada to take on the Toronto Rush. Berg expects Toronto's offensive approach to feature more deep shots than some of Pittsburgh's recent opponents.

"They're a pretty veteran team that's played together for a long time. I probably expect a little more hucking from Toronto than other teams we've seen."

The Rush enter the weekend at 3-3 and currently sit fifth in the East, one spot outside the playoff picture. With the playoff race beginning to take shape, Saturday's matchup carries significant implications for Toronto's postseason hopes.

The last time the Thunderbirds traveled to Toronto was last season, when they escaped with a thrilling 19-18 victory.

Less than 24 hours after the opening pull in Toronto, the Thunderbirds return home to host the Chicago Union at 2 p.m. Sunday at F.N.B. Stadium for Pittsburgh Night.

Fans can expect live music from EvRock Entertainment, raffle baskets benefiting autism-awareness nonprofit Logan's Landing, and the return of Wild Bill Holman as the Thunderbirds' sideline emcee. As always, children ages 12 and under receive free admission to all Thunderbirds home games.

"Chicago will probably be more of a small-ball game," Berg said. "They've burned us in the past with their junky defenses, deep pulls, and ability to pin us in difficult field positions, so we're going to have to be ready for that."

The Thunderbirds will also welcome back former captain Charlie Vukovic, who now suits up for the Union and will undoubtedly have insight into Pittsburgh's tendencies.

"Charlie was such a great teammate, and I know the guys and I will be happy to see him," said Thunderbirds General Manager Andrew Gardner. "Although maybe not too happy, because he's playing really well for Chicago right now."

Injury Report

Handler John "Jojah" McMonigal is out for both games with a leg injury. McMonigal is one of only four Thunderbirds players who had appeared in every game this season prior to the injury.

Handler Aiden Landis is expected to return for Sunday's matchup against Chicago after missing the past several games with a hamstring strain.

Wyatt Krisky is out for the Toronto game and questionable for Chicago as he continues to recover from a hand injury that requires a brace.

Dan Nichols remains sidelined as he rehabs his injury and is still awaiting his 2026 UFA debut.

Information

How to watch: WatchUFA.tv or live on Pittsburgh SportsNet

Tickets: At the F.N.B. Stadium gate or online here