PITTSBURGH (Aug. 18, 2025) — Riverhounds II closed its season July 27 with a 0-0 draw against Kings Hammer FC at Highmark Stadium.
The 2024 campaign reinforced the club’s commitment to providing a first-team pathway and professional training environment for the region’s top young talent. Head coach Justin Evans said the group’s progress came from a steady focus on improvement.
“Whether in training sessions or during games, their focus, effort and willingness to push themselves was evident week after week,” Evans said. “They showed up with a mindset geared toward growth, and that attitude made a real difference in their development.”
Forward Nathan Katari said the high standard set by the staff and teammates pushed players daily.
“The coaches set a high standard from the beginning and held us to it,” Katari said. “If we weren’t meeting it in a practice or game, our teammates and coaches addressed it right away to raise the level.”
That demand for consistency, he added, will serve him as he continues his career.
“Understanding that soccer is a process where we have to perform day in and day out, I can push myself and my teammates to bring the best out of us every training and game,” Katari said.
Like any professional development setting, Riverhounds II faced challenges, particularly on the road.
“Despite the challenges, we held our own throughout the summer,” Evans said. “The players gained valuable experience playing in high-level matches against strong opponents. These games tested us and also accelerated the players’ development by exposing them to a higher level of competition.”
Competing in the Great Forest Division, Riverhounds II faced clubs affiliated with both USL Championship and USL League Two organizations.
“Each of these clubs is committed to providing a top-tier platform for youth players, with the goal of preparing them to move into first-team environments,” Evans said. “Being part of this environment pushed our players to raise their level and gave them a clear view of the standards required to progress in the USL pathway.”
Evans highlighted the team’s improved speed of play and composure on the ball as signs of growth.
“The progress from the entire pool of players was clear and consistent across the board,” he said. “Over the course of the summer, the speed of play noticeably improved, and the players became more confident and composed.”
Midfielder and captain Tyler Prex said that composure was one of the key lessons he’ll carry forward.
“One lesson I learned is that no matter what, when stepping out on the field, your team has the same goal as you — to win,” Prex said. “To do that, you need to be as comfortable and confident as possible, so be yourself.”
The team also built chemistry off the field, learning from each other and training alongside Riverhounds’ professional players.
“Younger players learned from the older ones, while the older players gained insight and inspiration from training with college-level players and pros,” Evans said. “That mix of experience and energy created a unique and valuable environment for everyone involved.”
That bond was critical for midfielder Aidan Thomas, who recalled bouncing back from a tough stretch.
“The away game against Cleveland after a loss to Lexington was important to me because the coaches believed in me and I felt supported,” Thomas said.
For Evans, those moments are the most rewarding part of coaching.
“Watching players push through challenges and then experience those light-bulb moments is incredibly rewarding,” Evans said. “The true highlight is building meaningful connections with a great group of young men and seeing their growth on and off the field.”
As Evans prepares the next group of aspiring professionals, he offered one piece of advice.
“Keep improving,” he said. “Soccer is a great teacher of lessons you can use in life, and this is the time to make lifetime memories. Enjoy every day and don’t take anything for granted.”
Prex echoed that message.
“Make sure when you get your chance, you put in a shift no matter how young you are,” Prex said. “Riverhounds II is an opportunity to open doors for yourself, and it can start at any age.”
