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Sundays Match Against Duquesne Cancelled

PITTSBURGH (March 15, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have announced their preseason match against Duquesne University, scheduled for this Sunday, March 19 at 12 p.m., has been cancelled.

“After speaking with [Duquesne Men’s Soccer head coach] Chase Brooks, we thought it the best course of action to cancel Sunday’s match,” said head coach Dave Brandt. “They’ll have a match this Friday and with already a thin spring roster, the timing wasn’t working for them. And for us, I think we’re comfortable in switching around our schedule to make sure we are best prepared for the season opener next Saturday.”

As an added note, the Hounds still plan to hold their 2017 Fan Fest this Sunday. Previously costing $15 to attend for the general public, the event will now be free and start at noon – in line with the start of the Liverpool-Manchester City match at 12:30 p.m.

The Highmark Stadium Pub will be holding a watch party and offering the same specials given to fans throughout the preseason – $2 beers and select mixed drinks. The team store will also be open during this time, holding a 15-percent off sale on select merchandise.

Following the conclusion of the match, attendees will be invited upstairs to the Club Level to partake in the originally scheduled events of Fan Fest, including the 2017 kit reveal and a player meet and greet. Festivities for the day are expected to wrap up around 4 p.m. A full schedule of events can be found below. Please note times are subject to change.

2:45 p.m. – Head coach Dave Brandt addresses attendees

3 p.m. – 2017 kits revealed

3:15 p.m. – Q&A with Brandt, Riverhounds players and front office

3:30 p.m. – Meet and greet with Riverhounds players and staff

Tickets for the 2017 season opener on Saturday, March 25 at 5 p.m. are still available. Secure your spot to watch the Hounds face off against the defending league champion New York Red Bulls II at Highmark Stadium today by visiting www.riverhounds.com or calling 412-865-GOAL.

RDA GK Jacomen Participating in US U-16 Camp

PITTSBURGH (March 10, 2017) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy goalkeeper Dane Jacomen is presently participating in the U.S. Under-16 Boy’s National Team Camp (BNT) that began on March 5 and concludes on March 13.

Jacomen has been a member of the Hounds Academy since 2014, competing under head coach Niko Katic on the 2000 RDA Boys team.

“We are extremely proud of Dane in earning the right to compete amongst the best in the country,” said Academy Director Jason Kutney. “This is a major step forward for the boys game in Western Pennsylvania and we are happy to contribute to the overall mission.”

Announced by U.S. Soccer earlier this month, Jacomen was one of 24 players invited to Bradenton, Florida, for camp by U-16 head coach Shaun Tsakiris. The camp begins preparations for the U-16 BNT’s upcoming Mondial Minimes Tournament in Montaigu, France set to take place from April 11-17.

Hounds goalkeeping coach and Goalkeeper Academy Director Hunter Gilstrap said the invite is well deserved.

“This national team camp is a huge accomplishment for Dane. He’s been putting in the work for years and now he’s been given an opportunity to see what the next level looks like,” said Gilstrap, who has worked with Jacomen since he joined the Academy. “I’m confident he’ll rise to the occasion. We train all of our players with the goal being to prepare them for a future as a professional. We’ve all felt that Dane’s been on this path for some time, and we’re excited that he’s being rewarded with this call up.”

Currently a junior at Taylor Allderdice High School, Jacomen has started at keeper for the Dragons since his freshman year. This past season saw him earn First Team All-Conference and All-WPIAL honors, as he helped his squad to the quarterfinals of the 4A Soccer Championship.

Jacomen’s latest recognition at the national level adds to a growing list of accolades. The keeper recently trained in Lakewood Ranch, Florida this past December as a part of the 2001 Olympic Development Program Boys in the US Youth Soccer ODP Nike Friendlies. He also went on trial in April of last year for D.C. United’s Academy residential program while still a member of the Hounds U-15 squad.

For more information on the U-16 training camp, visit USsoccer.com.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) seeks to identify, improve, and advance elite youth soccer players through the creation of a multi-faceted platform under the Riverhounds professional team. Players progress through a system focused upon individual player development and advancement. The club model enables the Riverhounds organization to design and manage year-round programming for highly committed players seeking advancement in the game of soccer. Through the commitment of ownership and management, and with the generous support of corporate partners, the Riverhounds provide professional level resources to all RDA players. These resources are exemplified by way of investments in current and future facilities, medical oversight from the Allegheny Health Network Orthopaedic Institute and Division of Sports Medicine, soccer and performance instruction from a licensed staff, and guidance through the college recruitment process.

Riverhounds Sign Rich Balchan

PITTSBURGH (March 8, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have signed defender Rich Balchan to a one-year deal pending USL and USSF approval.

Invited on trial this past February, including playing against the University of Akron and University of Charleston (W.Va) during the preseason, Balchan officially joins the club after last competing for Ottawa Fury FC in 2016.

“Rich is an experienced right back that can also play center back. We were a little thin in the back with only eight guys on the roster covering those spots, but heavy up front, so I think Rich is a really good addition for us as an experienced, solid, versatile defender,” said head coach Dave Brandt.

A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Balchan was originally drafted by current MLS affiliate Columbus Crew SC in the first round (12th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. With Crew SC, Balchan registered 19 appearances between 2011-12, including one goal, before signing with Real Salt Lake in 2013.

Following two seasons in Utah, Balchan signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2015, then of the NASL, making 15 appearances. He joined Ottawa Fury FC this past season, battling injury to make three total appearances with the club.

Internationally, Balchan competed for the United States U-20 National Team in 2008, notably making appearances against reserve squads from Manchester United and the Bolton Wanderers.

At the collegiate level, Balchan played at Indiana University from 2007-10, making 80 appearances and receiving multiple All-Big Ten honors. He also had stints with the Fort Wayne Fever and Chicago Fire Premier of the USL and FC Indiana of the NPSL during this time.

With the addition of Balchan, the Hounds are up to 27 players officially on the roster for the 2017 campaign.

Pittsburgh kicks off the regular season at home later this month against the reigning league champion New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, March 25 at 5 p.m. Tickets to the match are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.riverhounds.com.

Rookies Becoming Comfortable in Attack

Kay Banjo bolted through the University of Pittsburgh defense, chasing down a through-ball from teammate Corey Hertzog.

The forward collected the ball and shot it by the opposing goalkeeper, scoring his first career goal with the Riverhounds and providing the team with an insurance tally in the 86th minute of its 3-1 victory on Saturday at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

“Corey’s been trying to get me one every game and it finally came,” Banjo said.

The UMBC product followed up his goal-scoring performance with an assist during the team’s 1-1 draw against the University of Charleston (W.Va) on Sunday at Highmark Stadium. In the 51st minute, Banjo returned the favor and set up Hertzog’s score, finding him inside the 18-yard box.

“Corey gives me pointers,” Banjo said. “He talks to me every practice and he even texts me all the time back home. He sees potential in me and I obviously see the same thing and it shows on the field.”

Early in the first half against Charleston, fellow rookie Ben Fitzpatrick placed pressure on the opposing defense, showcasing a yellow cleat on his right foot and a red cleat on his left.

“I’m usually a black-shoe guy, but I went with something a little different this time,” Fitzpatrick said. “Maybe we’ll see a little more of that this year.”

The midfielder just missed on his two scoring opportunities. During his first scoring chance, Fitzpatrick sent a shot on the ground past the opposing goalkeeper, but just wide of the net. In the 19th minute, the rookie released another shot. This time the Charleston goalkeeper blocked away the ball.

“We’re coming out, training hard and learning the team philosophy and the way the team wants to play,” Fitzpatrick said. “Everyone’s had a good mentality and effort toward training.”

First-year player John Manga also contributed to the Hounds attack this weekend, assisting Kevin Kerr’s tally against the Panthers. Manga, who previously played at the University of Cincinnati, hit Kerr with a pass just inside of the 18-yard box.

Like Hertzog, Kerr also has served as a mentor for rookie players.

“It’s always a blessing playing professionally,” Banjo said. “That’s everybody’s dream. Corey, Kevin and a lot of the guys who have been here have helped a lot with the process of being a rookie.”

Hounds Battle Charleston to 1-1 Draw

PITTSBURGH (March 5, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds wrapped up a busy weekend of action with a 1-1 draw against the University of Charleston (W.Va) at Highmark Stadium.

Staying hot for the Hounds with goals in now three-straight was Corey Hertzog (51’), while Will Roberts (67’) picked up the lone tally for the Golden Eagles.

Hertzog opened up the scoring in second half with a pretty finish in the box in the 51st minute. Receiving a well placed through ball by Kay Banjo, Hertzog made a nifty move around Charleston’s goalkeeper to give himself space for the tally in tight.

The goal for Hertzog upped his team-leading total to four for the preseason.

Charleston would respond in the 67th minute after the Hounds failed to clear a corner kick in their own defensive end. Roberts was able to work himself to the loose ball and punch it past goalkeeper Trey Mitchell for the tying goal.

With the draw, the Hounds remain unbeaten in the preseason at 3-0-2. They continue preseason play on the road against the Rochester Rhinos on Monday, March 13 at 3 p.m.

Line-up:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Rich Balchan (Ritchie Duffie), Tobi Adewole (Jamal Jack), Ryan Adeleye (Gale Agbossoumonde), Jack Thompson (Taylor Washington) – Ben Fitzpatrick (Kenroy Howell), Ben Swanson (Stephen Okai), Victor Souto (Mike Green), Marshall Hollingsworth (Devaughn Elliott) – Corey Hertzog (Kevin Kerr), Kay Banjo (John Manga)

Scoring Summary:

PGH – Corey Hertzog (Kay Banjo) – 51’

UC – Will Roberts – 67’

Hounds Loaned Three Players from Crew SC

PITTSBURGH (March 4, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have received Marshall Hollingsworth, Cristian Martinez and Ben Swanson on loan from MLS affiliate Columbus Crew SC on a match-by-match basis for the 2017 season pending USL and USSF approval.

All three spending time with the Hounds this past season, Hollingsworth, Martinez and Swanson registered 24, eight and five appearances, respectively.

Hollingsworth, who was drafted 41st overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Crew SC, played primarily at left back for the Hounds in 2016, notching one assist in 1,724 minutes of play.

Martinez, acquired via transfer by Columbus this past January following his initial loan to the club from Chorrillo FC in 2016, played in the midfield for the Hounds, recording one assist.

Swanson, a Homegrown signing by Columbus in 2014, played at holding midfield briefly for Pittsburgh before seeing his season end due to a shoulder injury in late July.

The three additions give the Hounds 24 officially signed field players to go along with two goalkeepers as the club heads into its third week of the preseason.

Academy Roundup: February

From National Signing Day to clinics with professional team players, the Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) had an eventful February. Here is a look at this month’s achievements and the road ahead.

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

A combined 20 players on both our girl’s and boy’s side signed their letters of intent on National Signing Day (Feb. 1). Further commitments have followed as well for the RDA Boys, with Jacob Rice committing to Malone University and Jack Shearer to Fairleigh Dickinson University this month.

Colleges our players will attend include the University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University and the University of Notre Dame, among other schools.

Congratulations to all our signees so far. For further information on the Academy’s Signing Day class, click here.

TOURNAMENT RECAP

The RDA girl’s side faced an exceptional level of competition this month, participating in the Ohio Elite Showcase (1998-2003 age divisions) and the Richmond Ultimate Cup (2006 age division).

Grappling with high-level Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) competition and a few lightning cancelations, our ladies had an excellent showing as they ready for their spring events. The 2003 Girls team finished in first place at the Ohio Elite Showcase.

“Coming out of a rigorous winter training schedule where these players are battling with teammates more than three times per week, it’s fun to watch them take to the field for competitive matches against different opponents,” Academy/Youth Development Director Jason Kutney said.

Other highlights from this weekend include the 1999 Girls team not allowing a goal in both of its games and the 2000 Girls squad winning its final game, 2-1, to close out its tournament schedule.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Riverhounds professional team players Corey Hertzog and Ryan Adeleye teamed with our RDA to lead a Finishing Clinic and a Defensive Principles Clinic, respectively.

“These clinics provide our players with additional, hyper-specific instruction in areas of the game that are not always easy to focus upon, fully, in the normal team training environment,” Kutney said.

In the Finishing and Defensive Principles Clinics, players learn proper body positioning, approach to a ball and defensive tactics, among other skills.

Program Director Niko Katic and Director of Coaching Scott Gibson also have led a High-Intensity Technical Clinic, allowing younger players to receive extra touches and grow comfortable with the soccer ball.

ROAD AHEAD

RDA tryouts will be held in May. Exact dates, times and locations for tryouts will be released in the near future.

Our Academy has multiple tournaments scheduled for March, traveling from Las Vegas to Cincinnati. These tournaments include the Ohio Elite Showcase, Richmond Ultimate Cup, Vegas Players Showcase and Jefferson Cup Tournament on the boy’s side. Our girl’s side also will participate in the Vegas Players Showcase and Jefferson Cup Tournament, as well as the Jefferson Cup Showcase.

“There’s been a lot of training in the winter months,” Gibson said. “These groups are hungry to get out and they put in a lot of work and preparation for these tournaments.”

As the RDA travels outside of Pittsburgh, our experienced players will receive more exposure to college scouts across the country, which helps athletes who plan to make the next step in their playing careers.

“The spring events see our older players competing in front of a wide array of college coaches across the entire country,” Kutney said. “So much of the winter preparation is designed to prepare players for these identification opportunities.”

Hertzog Nets Two in 3-0 Win Over Akron

PITTSBURGH (February 25, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds continued their unbeaten play in preseason with a 3-0 win over the University of Akron at Highmark Stadium. Tallying two goals in the victory was Corey Hertzog with Marshall Hollingsworth adding the third.

The Hounds are now 2-0-1 in the early goings of preseason, scoring a total of six goals while allowing only one against.

After a scoreless first half, action picked up in the 53rd minute when Hollingsworth was able to break free with Hertzog deep in the offensive end. Receiving a feed from Hertzog from about 12 yards out, Hollingsworth finished with ease past goalkeeper Ben Lundt to give the Hounds the lead.

Hertzog would follow with a goal of his own in the 57th minute off a loose ball in the box and then again in the 67th minute off a penalty try. The latter chance came thanks to a foul in the box on Dan Bedoya.

Also of note, the Hounds saw three more players make their preseason debuts with the club. Returning to Pittsburgh for their second stint with the Hounds were Hollingsworth and Ben Swanson from Columbus Crew SC. Both are set to be with the club on loan on a game-by-game basis pending league approval of paperwork. The club also had its fifth trialist play in a match, as defender Rich Balchan started the first half for the Hounds – Balchan previously played for Ottawa Fury FC.

Preseason action continues with two matches next weekend. The Hounds will head to Ambrose Urbanic Field on Saturday, March 4 for a tilt against the University of Pittsburgh at 1 p.m. before returning to Highmark Stadium the following day for a match against University of Charleston (W.Va) also at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.riverhounds.com.

Line-Ups:

First Half – Trey Mitchell – Rich Balchan (Shane Campbell), Tobi Adewole, Nick Thompson, Taylor Washington – Ben Fitzpatrick, Stephen Okai, Mike Green, Kenroy Howell – John Manga (Chevaughn Walsh), Kevin Kerr

Second Half – Keasel Broome – Ritchie Duffie, Jamal Jack, Ryan Adeleye (Shane Campbell), Jack Thompson – Marshall Hollingsworth, Ben Swanson, Victor Souto, Dan Bedoya – Kay Banjo, Corey Hertzog

Scoring Summary:

PGH – Marshall Hollingsworth (Corey Hertzog) – 53’

PGH – Corey Hertzog (Kay Banjo) – 55’

PGH – Corey Hertzog (penalty) – 67’

Highmark Stadium Teams Up with Dave DiCello

PITTSBURGH (February 24, 2017) – Highmark Stadium is pleased to announce the addition of work done by iconic Pittsburgh photographer Dave DiCello to the stadium’s Club Level.

Positioned right on the Monongahela River with the skyline of Pittsburgh across the river, Highmark Stadium has served as the home of the Riverhounds since its opening in 2013. The addition of DiCello’s well-renowned work both at the local and national level to the club level further solidifies Highmark Stadium as one of the premier venues in the city of Pittsburgh.

For further information on DiCello’s photography, visit his site at DaveDicello.com or check out his storefront, DiCello’s Gallery, at Fifth Avenue Place.

Duquesne Match Rescheduled to March 19

PITTSBURGH (February 24, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have announced their preseason match at Highmark Stadium against Duquesne University on Sunday, February 26 has been moved to Sunday, March 19 at noon.

The club will host three preseason matches at Highmark Stadium, starting this Saturday, February 25 at 1 p.m. against the University of Akron. All matches are open to the public. For more information, visit www.riverhounds.com.

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