PITTSBURGH (April 10, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have received defender Joe Greenspan on loan from Minnesota United FC of MLS. Greenspan, who was acquired by Minnesota via trade this past December from the Colorado Rapids, is expected to remain on loan with the Hounds for one month.
MLS has entered into 2017 Standard USL Loan Agreement for Greenspan. This agreement contains a right of recall for MLS, which enables Greenspan to play for a USL club and a MLS club throughout the duration of the loan period (through end of 2017), subject to roster rules and compliance.
Greenspan, 24, was originally drafted by the Rapids in the second round (26th overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. From 2015-16, Greenspan made four appearances with the Rapids, as well as had loan stints in the USL with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and the Charlotte Independence.
Minnesota acquired the 6-foot-6 center back this past offseason from Colorado in exchange for the club’s third-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and active member of the Navy, Greenspan split time between Colorado and on loan, while also fulfilling his Navy duties. He spent one year in active duty with the Navy after graduating in 2014 before being transferred to the Navy Reserve and allowed to pursue a soccer career.
Greenspan played under Riverhounds head coach Dave Brandt for four seasons at Navy, helping the school to its first NCAA tournament win in 42 years in 2013. For his career, he tallied 18 goals in 78 appearances, earning All-American honors both his junior and senior seasons.
Fresh off picking up their first win of the 2017 campaign against the Charleston Battery last weekend, the Hounds (1-1-1) next face Saint Louis FC (2-0-1) at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, April 12 at Highmark Stadium. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.riverhounds.com.
