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Riverhounds SC signs forward Dennis Chin

PITTSBURGH (February 23, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has announced the signing of former USL All-League player Dennis Chin to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2019 season, pending league and USSF approval.

Chin, 30, joins the club after most recently playing for Ironi Nesher F.C. of Liga Leumit, the second tier of professional soccer in Israel.

The Kingston, Jamaica native played a major role in Orlando City’s run-up to MLS play, scoring 22 goals in four seasons (2011-14) with the then USL Pro side. Winning Golden Boot honors, he led the league with 11 tallies during his sophomore campaign.

“Dennis is a proven winner and goal-scorer in our league,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “His speed and ability to get behind the defense makes him a constant threat for opposing teams. We also look forward to having his experience and leadership on and off the field.”

Beginning his professional career with Orlando City in 2011, Chin debuted on May 14 against the Hounds as a second-half substitute. His contributions as a whole to Orlando were considerable, as he helped the Lions to two USL Pro championships and three regular season titles. During the club’s two championship runs in 2011 and 2013, Chin scored a combined six goals in six games, including being a thorn in the Hounds’ side during the 2013 quarterfinals with one goal and one assist in a 5-0 victory.

The forward’s sophomore season in 2012 proved his most notable, as his 11 goals and 24 points both paced the league en route to All-League First Team honors. In addition, he was nominated for Most Valuable Player of the Year alongside teammate and eventual winner Kevin Molino.

Following Orlando’s jump to MLS for the 2015 season, Chin signed with Arizona United SC, now Phoenix Rising FC, before moving to Ottawa Fury FC the ensuing year. He tallied four goals between these two years in USL and NASL play.

Chin was transferred to Ironi Nesher midway through his season with Ottawa in August 2016. He finished his Israeli-side career with five goals in 29 appearances during the 2016-17 campaign.

With the addition of Chin, Pittsburgh’s roster stands at 14 players signed entering the third week of preseason for the club.

Riverhounds SC continues preseason play tonight hosting University of Charleston (W.Va) at 7:30 p.m. The match is free to attend for the public. For more information, visit www.riverhounds.com.

Riverhounds SC partners with Sheraton Hotels

PITTSBURGH (February 23, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is pleased to announce Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square as the official hotel of the club and Highmark Stadium.

Located adjacent to the East End entrance of Highmark Stadium in Station Square, Sheraton will be the primary host for visiting clubs during the 2018 regular season, as well as special event guests at the venue.

In addition, the company will utilize the Hounds’ marks for promotional advertising and marketing purposes. Sheraton’s logo and wordmark will also grace the back of the club’s kits below the player numbers.

The home opener for Riverhounds SC is a little more than a month away. Secure your spot for the 2018 season by visiting www.riverhounds.com and taking advantage of our limited time $99 Season Ticket offer available now.

About Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square: Located in the heart of the historic Station Square area of Downtown Pittsburgh, the Sheraton offers countless amenities and beautiful views capturing the essence of Pittsburgh. Station Square offers over fourteen dining and entertainment options for every pocketbook and pallet. There is also unique, locally-owned shopping available and many of the cities favorite attractions, including the Incline. Meanwhile at the hotel, guests will experience spectacular river and city views as well as the professional, friendly services of Sheraton staff. More information on the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square can be found at SheratonPittsburghStationSquare.com.

Riverhounds SC defeats St. Bonaventure, 1-0

PITTSBURGH (February 18, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC finished its second week of preseason action with a 1-0 shutout of St. Bonaventure University.

Christiano François tallied the eventual game-winning goal via a second-half penalty shot. Being awarded the try after Kenroy Howell was taken down from behind inside of the 18-yard box, the Cabaret, Haiti native blasted a shot into the upper-left corner of the net in the 72nd minute. This is the third penalty kick goal the club has scored this preseason.

Pittsburgh saw a couple additional scoring opportunities in the second half, both stemming from forward Kay Banjo. Making his preseason debut, Banjo hit a post with one shot before moments later having a breakaway chance saved by the Bonnies’ goalkeeper.

Marking the team’s second straight shutout of the preseason, goalkeepers Dan Lynd and Mike Kirk combined for the clean sheet. In total, 23 players made an appearance for Riverhounds SC.

The Black and Gold has featured at least 20 different athletes in the lineup during each of its three preseason matches.

Now sitting with a 3-0 record this preseason, Riverhounds SC will next take on the University of Charleston at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 at Highmark Stadium. All preseason matches at Highmark Stadium are free to attend for the public.

Lineups:

First Half – Dan Lynd – Phil Fives, Todd Pratzner, Hugh Roberts, Ritchie Duffie – Kevin Kerr, Stephen Okai, Ben Fitzpatrick, Bakie Goodman – Romeo Parkes, Neco Brett

Second Half – Dan Lynd (Mike Kirk) – Ray Lee, Joe Greenspan (Tobi Adewole), Hugh Roberts (Nick Groenewold), Ritchie Duffie (Christian Ramos) – Kevin Kerr (Christiano François), Mouhamed Dabo, Christiano François (Kenroy Howell), Joe Holland – Stuart Holthusen Kay Banjo

Scoring Summary:

PIT – Christiano François 72’ (penalty)

Lilley, Riverhounds SC has new energy in 2018

A new era of soccer is officially underway in western Pennsylvania.

With a fresh logo, new kits and a television deal scheduled for the upcoming season, Riverhounds SC is bringing new enthusiasm to the pitch in 2018. At a season ticket holder event on Friday, the team announced these changes, among others, it has undertaken this offseason.

“It’s new energy,” said head coach Bob Lilley, who enters his first season with the team. “It’s us saying we are going to take another step forward.”

The new logo is a circular badge, featuring the wording “Pittsburgh” at the top and “Riverhounds SC” at the bottom, each connected by a bridge. In the center, a shield contains a Hounds paw and a soccer ball. To symbolize the three rivers of Pittsburgh, water rests below the shield, and “1999” flanks it to showcase the club’s inaugural season.

A few other changes touched on during the event include plans to expand Highmark Stadium and a television deal with Pittsburgh’s CW to broadcast all road games and select home games for the 2018 campaign. More details on these announcements will be released in the near future.

“It’s going to take a lot of work, but we’re going to continue to grow this thing – not just on the field, but in the organization,” Lilley said. “We’re going to put the work in, and I think the players, the ones that are here back from last year, I think they’re hungry to win as well.”

A few of the players back from last year were featured in the jersey reveal. Modeling the new gold, black and white kits were returning players Joe Greenspan, Kevin Kerr and Romeo Parkes, respectively. The gold will be the team’s home kits for the upcoming season.

“There has been so much progress,” Lilley said, “but we want more as an organization. To grow and reach more people, to create a bigger environment, to win things and to represent the City of Pittsburgh successfully.”

For more information on the team’s new logo, click here.

Riverhounds SC unleashes New Era for club

PITTSBURGH (February 16, 2018) – A new era has officially arrived for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The club unveiled a new logo in advance of the 2018 campaign at a season ticket holder event at Highmark Stadium, swapping out the long-time “Hounds head” logo – the trademark of the club since 1999 – for a traditional badge look to coincide with an offseason of growth and change.

The lead-up to the 2018 season as a whole has been one of positive growth for the club. A member of the burgeoning USL, which confirmed its place as the second division of professional soccer in the states during the offseason, is complimented by the planned expansion of Highmark Stadium to 5,000 seats.

On the pitch, the Hounds will be led by head coach Bob Lilley, 2015 USL champion and architect of some of the most competitive outfits the league has had to offer in the past decade. In addition, the new brand is being led by worldwide sporting apparel and equipment supplier adidas.

“Tonight was meant to be a celebration of the excitement for not only the upcoming season, but also our fans and their support of this club over the past couple years,” Riverhounds SC owner Tuffy Shallenberger said. “This logo, this new era, has been something I’ve wanted to give the fans for a long time and I couldn’t be happier to see it all finally become a reality. We hope everyone can see the passion and dedication that went into this entire process, as we look to continue to build on and off the field and become part of this city’s rich sports culture.”

The new badge is rooted in the sporting culture of Pittsburgh. First and foremost, it is adorned primarily in Black and Gold to further solidify the club’s standing alongside the three major professional teams in the city. Traditional colors of the Steel City itself (most notably in the city’s official crest), Black and Gold signifies a considerable shift for the club’s identity from its original “brick and mud” scheme in its inaugural season to the blue used through the opening of Highmark Stadium.

Paying homage to the 446 bridges that grace the landscape of the city, a literal bridge links the words Pittsburgh and Riverhounds SC in the outer band of the badge. The architectural elements are a direct inspiration of Fort Pitt Bridge, which has provided a formidable presence in the West Side backdrop of Highmark Stadium since the club began play at that location in 2013. Furthermore, a checkered pattern anchors both sides of the city name, drawing from the city’s crest as well.

A uniquely shaped shield centered within the badge provides striking character, inspired directly from capstone elements within the entryway of the Allegheny County Courthouse located downtown. Split diagonally in Black and Gold, the crest holds the defining qualities of the club and is bookended by “1999,” the inaugural year of play for the Hounds. Within the shield is a soccer ball, as well as a “Hounds” paw to forever link the club with the Riverhounds name.

The shield is buoyed in the element of water, as the three levels of waves represent the three rivers of Pittsburgh – the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio.

Finally, the typography is custom, in direct inspiration of a wealth of unique examples found throughout the city defined primarily by a flare serif quality.

The new brand identity was developed by Portland, Oregon-based graphic designer, Brian Gundell – briangundell.com. Gundell specializes in graphic design for athletics organizations, having worked with major brands such as Adidas, Nike, Under Armour and numerous professional teams, such as the Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, LA Galaxy and D.C. United.

The Riverhounds began play in 1999 as a member of the USL-A League. The club has kept the Riverhounds name almost primarily throughout its existence, adding “FC” for a short spell during 2005-06. The addition of SC (short for ‘Soccer Club’) to the club name provides little doubt to what Riverhounds SC represents as a brand moving forward and its place in the soccer world both nationally and globally.

For more on the Riverhounds SC logo unveiling, visit www.riverhounds.com. Information on additional announcements made at the event can be expected to be released in the coming weeks leading up to the club’s season opener on March 24 at Nashville SC.

Hounds shutout Cleveland State, 3-0

PITTSBURGH (February 11, 2018) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds wrapped up their first week of preseason play with a 3-0 shutout of Cleveland State University.

Combining for the clean sheet in net were Kyle Morton and Mike Kirk, who played the first and second half, respectively. In total, 20 players made an appearance in the match for the Black and Gold.

The Hounds opened the scoring in the first half after the team was awarded a penalty kick as the Vikings’ goalkeeper committed a foul on Neco Brett inside the 18-yard box. Forward Romeo Parkes took and converted the chance, beating the keeper to the bottom-left corner in the 35th minute.

Pittsburgh added two more goals in the second half. In the 65th minute, Parkes added an assist to his score sheet after sending a ball in close to Skyler Milne, who then placed a shot into the net from inside the six-yard box. Brett added a late-game tally in the 90th minute, when he dribbled around the Cleveland State goalkeeper at the top of the penalty area before tallying his second goal in two preseason games.

Moving their record to 2-0 in the preseason, the Hounds will next play St. Bonaventure at 2 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Highmark Stadium. All preseason matches at Highmark Stadium are free to attend for the public.

Lineups:

First Half – Kyle Morton – Ray Lee, Sean McFarlane, Joe Greenspan, Jordan Dover – Kevin Kerr, Stephen Okai, Christiano François, Joseph Holland – Neco Brett, Romeo Parkes

Second Half – Mike Kirk – Phil Fives, Nicholas Walker, Joe Greenspan (Sean McFarlane), Jordan Dover (Ritchie Duffie) – Ben Fitzpatrick Mouhamed Dabo, Christiano François (Bakie Goodman) Kevin Kerr (Christian Ramos) – Skyler Milne, Romeo Parkes (Neco Brett)

Scoring Summary:

PIT – Romeo Parkes 35’ (penalty)

PIT – Skyler Milne 65’ (Romeo Parkes)

PIT – Neco Brett 90’

Hounds down Spring Arbor, 4-2

PITTSBURGH (February 10, 2018) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds kicked off their preseason slate with a 4-2 victory over Spring Arbor University.

Picking up the tallies for the Black and Gold were trialists Neco Brett, Bakie Goodman, Joseph Holland, as well as Ben Fitzpatrick. Action saw 25 players make an appearance for the Hounds.

Scoring got off to a quick start with Holland finding the back of the net just five minutes into the match. Taking advantage of a turnover forced by forward Skyler Milne in Spring Arbor’s defensive third, Holland found space at the top of the box for a strong finish.

Fellow midfielder Goodman followed up with a late first-half tally in the 45th minute thanks to a nice area pass from forward David Goldsmith. Working his way towards the endline, Goldsmith played the ball back to Goodman, who fired true in the upper-left corner of the goal.

Goodman, who last played for Detroit City FC, found himself once again factoring in the scoring by drawing a foul in the box in the 57th minute. Brett, a product of Robert Morris University, would go onto convert the penalty and also later assist Fitzpatrick on his goal in the 72nd minute.

The Hounds jump right back into preseason play tomorrow, as they host Cleveland State University at 2 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. All preseason matches held at Highmark are free to attend for the public.

Lineups:

First Half – Kyle Morton – Phil Fives, Sean McFarlane, Nicholas Walker, Malcolm Harris (Christian Ramos) – Mouhamed Dabo, Andre Thomas, Bakie Goodman, Joseph Holland – Skyler Milne, David Goldsmith

Second Half – Dan Lynd (Mike Kirk) – Phil Fives (Ray Lee), Mélé Temguia, Nicholas Walker (Joe Greenspan), Ritchie Duffie – Stephen Okai, Christian Ramos (Christiano François), Bakie Goodman (Jordan Dover), Ben Fitzpatrick – Skyler Milne (Darío Suárez), Neco Brett

Scoring Summary:

PIT – Joseph Holland (Skyler Milne) – 5′

PIT – Bakie Goodman (David Goldsmith) – 45’

PIT – Neco Brett (penalty) – 58’

SAU – 60’

PIT – Ben Fitzpatrick (Neco Brett) – 72’

SAU – 74’

RDA Class of 2018 looks forward to next chapter

Earlier today at Highmark Stadium, the Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) signing class grew for the second consecutive year, as 24 players signed their National Letters of Intent during the third annual Signing Day celebration.

During this recruitment process, RDA coaches have worked to prepare players to compete at the college level.

Goalkeeper Samantha Wexell said the club takes players to high-level college showcases to be scouted by collegiate coaching staffs and is always teaching players how to get in contact with these coaches, as well as how to sign up for college identification recruitment camps.

“RDA coaches push us to be the best we can be and are always making sure we are doing the right things to be prepared for the next level,” midfielder Carly Pcholinsky said.

Many of these players have excelled outside of the RDA program. During their most recent high school soccer season, eight players on the girl’s side were named Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state champions playing for Norwin and Moon Area high schools. In addition, two select players were chosen to the United Soccer Coaches Girls All-America Team for the fall 2017 season.

For a number of these girls they have been lucky enough to create bonds on and off the field. Many of these girls have played together on the pitch in high school and RDA.

“It’s bittersweet going through signing day with them because we are closing all of our memories and going our own way,” 99/00 ECNL Girls captain Alexis Kendro said. “I know we all will stay friends till the end.”

A few select players are continuing their careers close to home in the Pittsburgh area. These individuals are playing locally at Robert Morris University (Bailey Farabaugh and Courtney Hurey), Duquesne University (Alexis Kendro, Hannah Nguyen and Alyssa Victor) and Slippery Rock University (Emily Arnold, Katy Ericson and Jordyn Minda).

The Class of 2018 has high expectations for its last season together, which is already underway. The goal is to make it to the ECNL playoffs in Seattle.

“We are a new team, but I think we are definitely going to compete in the league,” said Connor Rapp, member of the 99/00 RDA Boy’s team. “I hope to finish top of the table in the ECNL and make the playoffs.”

For more information on the RDA’s celebration of the Class of 2018, visit here.

RDA holds 2018 signing day celebration

PITTSBURGH (February 7, 2018) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) celebrated Signing Day for its 2018 class earlier today at Highmark Stadium.

Capping off a successful first year in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), 24 total RDA players have declared commitments to continue their soccer careers in the college ranks. Several more athletes are expected to join this group and announce their intentions in the coming weeks.

“This time of the year is always a special moment in the RDA calendar,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “While bittersweet, it’s amazing to see our third wave of players graduate from the program and move on to the next chapters in their careers. There are a lot of people that have worked tremendously hard to contribute to the success of the players and today is a day we can all celebrate. The RDA continues to grow each year, and we look forward to many more RDA graduating classes to come.”

Notably on the boy’s side, Dane Jacomen (University of Pennsylvania) joined D.C. United Academy this past fall and most recently began preseason camp with the club’s first-team.

The girl’s side is highlighted by two All-American standouts, Emily Harrigan (Rutgers University) and Delaney Snyder (University of Louisville). This is the second straight year the RDA had two LadyHounds earn All-America status (Bailey Cartwright and Aideen O’Donoghue earned such honors in 2016).

The remaining group of RDA players is also highly decorated, featuring athletes who have helped their respective high schools win Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state titles, as well as ones who have earned Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) All-Section honors.

In total, 19 of 21 girl’s side and five of 13 boy’s side RDA graduates have announced commitments. Both girl’s and boy’s side commitments will continue their playing careers at colleges and universities ranging from NCAA Division I to Division III. Some also will stay in the Pittsburgh area, attending schools such as Duquesne University and Robert Morris University.

This year’s list of 24 players follows an impressive 2017 RDA class, which featured 20 players who signed letters of intent on Signing Day. This year’s celebration saw players and their families enjoy pictures on the field of Highmark Stadium, as well as photos during individual moments of recognition.

Below is a list of the 19 LadyHounds and five boy’s side players who have declared their intentions to play collegiately.

Girls

Emily Arnold (Norwin) – Slippery Rock University

Emily Burke (Southeast) – Georgia State University

Katy Ericson (Norwin) – Slippery Rock University

Bailey Farabaugh (Bethel Park) – Robert Morris University

Marissa Fiala (Laurel Highlands) – Clarion University

Emily Harrigan (Norwin) – Rutgers University

Courtney Hurey (West Allegheny) – Robert Morris University

Kristi Kania (Moon Area) – Miami (Ohio) University

Alexis Kendro (Norwin) – Duquesne University

Jordyn Minda (South Park) – Slippery Rock University

Lyndsee Monac (New Brighton) – University of Southern Indiana

Hannah Nguyen (Penn-Trafford) – Duquesne University

Carly Pcholinsky (South Park) – University of Akron

Lauren Schultz (Wheeling Park) – University of Memphis

Delaney Snyder (Moon Area) – University of Louisville

Alyssa Victor (Norwin) – Duquesne University

Sydney Ward (Greensburg Central Catholic) – University of Akron

Samantha Wexell (Norwin) – Ohio University

Maggie Williams (Mars Area) – Grove City College

Boys

Jakob Dunn (Fox Chapel) – Case Western Reserve

David Eitner (Uniontown) – Gannon University

Anthony Harding (Norwin) – Penn State University

Dane Jacomen (Taylor Allderdice) – University of Pennsylvania

Conner Rapp (Laurel Highlands) – York College of Pennsylvania

Hounds open camp with excitement for 2018

In the midst of full-field drills during the first practice of the season, head coach Bob Lilley centered himself in the action.

As players battled to advance the ball down the pitch, he shouted commands while coaching his team – even stopping play on occasion to further demonstrate body positioning and the style of soccer he envisions.

“We’re going to push them every day,” Lilley said. “I think they responded today.”

Opening camp on Feb. 5, the Riverhounds featured a mix of new and familiar faces. Returners from last year included Kevin Kerr, Tobi Adewole and Romeo Parkes, among others. As for athletes preparing for their first season with Pittsburgh, Lilley already has a familiarity with a number of them.

After spending time with the Rochester Rhinos in 2017, six players followed Lilley to Pittsburgh, and one is already accustomed to life in the Steel City.

“I’m really excited to be back,” Dan Lynd said. “I love it down here. It’s been a lot of fun being back in the city.”

Before beginning his professional career with Rochester in 2016, Lynd competed collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh and for the Riverhounds U-23 team of the Premier Development League. While he played for the Panthers and the U-23 team, the goalkeeper worked with current Hounds goalkeeping coach Hunter Gilstrap, which further helps his rapport with the existing Hounds coaching staff.

“You know what to expect,” Lynd said. “You have a clear idea what [Lilley] wants and how he wants to play, so I feel like some of the Rochester guys will be able to help out the rest of the group so we’re all on the same page.”

The keeper said it will take time to build chemistry on the field with the backline and expects it to evolve as training camp progresses. But for now, he and the coaching staff aims to build off of a successful first practice while the team is eager for the 2018 season to begin.

“They’re getting used to me and they’re getting used to each other,” Lilley said. “The demands and the urgency we put on them will be a little bit of an adjustment, but for the first day we’re happy.”

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