This season, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC’s conversion rate marks as one of the highest clips in the USL Championship. Choregraphing those chances for Pittsburgh, midfielder Kenardo Forbes’ hallmark is at the center of all the action.
Leading the Hounds with nine assists, Forbes’ impact on the team this has not gone unnoticed. He was awarded USL Championship Player of the Week in Week 30 for his two-goal performance against Indy Eleven on Sept. 28. In addition, he’s been named to Team of the Week on six occasions this season.
“Kenny’s been top class,” teammate and fellow midfielder Sammy Kahsai said. “I think one of the best midfielders in the league by far. Not just on the field, but even off the field. His character is big for this team.”
As one of the veteran players in the USL Championship, Forbes’ experience in the league has helped fellow youngsters entering the professional ranks of soccer.
Kahsai mentioned the impact Forbes’ style of play and work ethic has helped him in his rookie season. He credits Forbes as one of the key figures assisting him in his own development and looks to him as a mentor.
For Forbes though, he sees himself as a leader for the Hounds, but knows he can continue to further develop his own game.
“I think I could do better, but it’s been a good season for me,” Forbes said. “The consistency is now, as far as stats go, basically the same as last year. I think one assist more than last year. I mean, just being consistent over the years. And just know your opponent and respect the game. Respect who we’re playing against, training well, listen to the coach and be a good teammate.”
Being a great teammate, this perception radiates across the ranks of the club. Even to the veteran players, in addition to those in the midst of their first season.
“It was easier when you have friends,” forward Steevan Dos Santos said. “He was one of my friends who spoke with me before coming here. And I think it was an easy decision after talking with Kenny about Pittsburgh and the team.”
Along with his character off the field, Forbes’ ability to create chances on the pitch is unmeasured. Along with his nine assists, Forbes is tied for fifth on the Riverhounds with four goals on 21 shots.
“He plays with a lot of class and composure,” Kahsai said. “You can see every game. He’s so composed on the ball even with pressure, three or four guys around and he still gets out. He is just a top-class player and is actually a box player as well. He’s underrated for his goals, but he’s scored some beautiful goals this year. He is a big-time player.”
Forbes was awarded Player of the Year from the Riverhounds’ supporter section, the Steel Army, for his unmatched performance on the field this season. While Forbes realizes he has made an impact on the field, he still looks at the game from a team perspective.
Knowing first place in the Eastern Conference is on the line in the regular season finale, Forbes’ perspective is on Birmingham Legion FC this Sunday.
“They’re in the chase for a playoff spot to so it’s not going to be easy, so just going to go there,” Forbes said. “If it requires to be patient, we have to be patient. If it requires to just go after the game in the first five to ten minutes. That’s what we have to do just do. Nothing less than a win going there.”
