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Riverhounds Sign Trey Mitchell

PITTSBURGH (January 10, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have signed goalkeeper Trey Mitchell to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2018 season, pending USL and USSF approval.

Mitchell, 25, joins the Hounds after spending this past season as a MLS League Pool Goalkeeper and training with Sporting Kansas City. He has served as a League Pool Goalkeeper since 2015, including a stint with the Colorado Rapids in the 2016 U.S. Open Cup, as well as showings with D.C. United, Orlando City B, the Philadelphia Union and Sporting in 2015.

With the addition of Mitchell, the Hounds now have 22 players officially under contract for the 2017 season. He is the second keeper to be signed by the club this offseason, joining Keasel Broome, who was added this past November.

“Trey gives us another goalkeeper very capable of being a No. 1 option,” said head coach Dave Brandt. “He’s a good goalkeeper that is athletic, strong in the box, and a good shot stopper, who also really has a good bit of high-level experience.”  

A native of Alta Loma, California, Mitchell played collegiately at Citrus College for two years before transferring to Division II side Cal State Dominguez Hills. With Citrus, Mitchell racked up 81 saves and a 2.09 goals-against average. His time with Cal State was even more successful, as he made 20 appearances, notching 71 saves for a .085 GAA.

Outside of his time with the Toros from 2013-14, Mitchell had stints with FC Hasental of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the Chivas Under-23’s and the Ventura County Fusion of the Premier Development League (PDL). He also has extended his experience into the coaching realm, serving on the staffs of Hollywood FC and Pepperdine University.

Mitchell’s professional career kicked off in 2015, when he signed with the LA Galaxy prior to becoming a League Pool Goalkeeper.

Just in time for the start of the New Year, don’t miss out on your chance to root on the Hounds in 2017 with season tickets. On sale now, contact our ticketing department at 412-325-7247 to speak to a Hounds ticket representative and learn more today.

Ryan Adeleye (Club option exercised in December)

Tobi Adewole (Signed to one-year deal on January 9)

Bryan Arguez (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kay Banjo (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Keasel Broome (Signed to one-year deal on November 11)

Shane Campbell (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Ritchie Duffie (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Danny Earls (Club option exercised in December)

Devaughn Elliott (Signed to one-year deal on December 8)

Ben Fitzpatrick (Signed to one-year deal on December 29)

Mike Green (Re-signed to one-year deal on December 28)

Corey Hertzog (Club option exercised in December)

Kenroy Howell (Signed to one-year deal on December 12)

Jamal Jack (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kevin Kerr (Already under contract)

John Manga (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Trey Mitchell (Signed to one-year deal on January 10)

Victor Souto (Signed to one-year deal on December 29)

Jack Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Nick Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Chevaughn Walsh (Already under contract)

Taylor Washington (Signed to one-year deal on December 20)

Riverhounds Sign Tobi Adewole

PITTSBURGH (January 9, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have signed defender Tobi Adewole to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2018 season, pending USL and USSF approval.

Adewole, 21, joins the Hounds after competing collegiately at George Washington University, where he made 64 appearances (61 starts) for the Colonials, recording five goals and five assists across four seasons.

“Tobi is a player I knew from the college game at George Washington. He’s a big, rangy center back with long legs and a great tackler with good speed that reads the game well,” said head coach Dave Brandt. “I believe he’s one of the better center backs in the country at the college level, period. And I think he’s been overlooked by a lot of people.”

A native of Ashton, Maryland, Adewole was selected to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team in 2013, leading the Colonials freshmen in minutes played (1,144) en route to George Washington Athletics Male Rookie of the Year honors. 

He started in all but one of his appearances for the Colonials in the ensuing three seasons, finishing in the top-two in minutes played each year. His play was highlighted by back-to-back All-Conference honors in 2015 and 2016, as well as National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Midwest Region recognition in 2015.

The defender’s senior season was particularly notable; as Adewole helped anchor the Colonials defense to a program-record nine clean sheets and league-bests in goals-against average (.062) and goals allowed overall (12).

With the addition of Adewole, the Hounds now have 21 players officially under contract for the 2017 season.

Just in time for the start of the New Year, season tickets for the Hounds are on sale now! For more information, contact our ticketing department at 412-325-7247 to speak to a Hounds ticket representative today

Ryan Adeleye (Club option exercised in December)

Tobi Adewole (Signed to one-year deal on January 9)

Bryan Arguez (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kay Banjo (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Keasel Broome (Signed to one-year deal on November 11)

Shane Campbell (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Ritchie Duffie (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Danny Earls (Club option exercised in December)

Devaughn Elliott (Signed to one-year deal on December 8)

Ben Fitzpatrick (Signed to one-year deal on December 29)

Mike Green (Re-signed to one-year deal on December 28)

Corey Hertzog (Club option exercised in December)

Kenroy Howell (Signed to one-year deal on December 12)

Jamal Jack (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kevin Kerr (Already under contract)

John Manga (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Victor Souto (Signed to one-year deal on December 29)

Jack Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Nick Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Chevaughn Walsh (Already under contract)

Taylor Washington (Signed to one-year deal on December 20)

USL Granted USSF Provisional Division 2 Status

TAMPA, Fla. (January 6, 2017) – The United Soccer League (USL) today was granted provisional Division 2 status by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) Board of Directors, beginning with the 2017 season.

Earlier this year, the USL submitted its application and supporting documentation for entry into Division 2. This landmark decision by USSF supports the USL’s vision to become one of the most globally recognized second division professional soccer leagues. 

Since 2014, the USL has more than doubled in size. Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies are joining as new clubs for next season while Nashville SC will begin play in 2018 with further expansion on the horizon.

“The USL is honored to receive U.S. Soccer Federation Division 2 status, which provides further validation about our League’s financial sustainability, national footprint, ownership quality, stadium infrastructure and player development,” said Alec Papadakis, the USL Chief Executive Officer. “Our teams have invested more than $100 million into stadium development in the last year to enhance the experience for the 1.5 million passionate fans that attended games in 2016, the 1,000-plus players and nearly 100 coaches that have positioned our League as a highly sophisticated competition model that cultivates strong regional rivalries.”

The USL’s expansive national footprint features teams in 21 of the top 50 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas and three of the top six populated Canadian cities. This year, team markets reached 75 million people including 30 million who lived in a region where the USL was the only professional league.

“After an exhaustive process working with both leagues, in the best interest of the sport the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors has decided to grant provisional Division II status to the USL,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “U.S. Soccer will create an internal working group that will work with the league to set a pathway to meet the full requirements for Division II and allow for the larger goal of creating a sustainable future. We look forward to another productive year for professional soccer in this country.”

With the USL kicking off its 2017 season in late March, the League will be announcing its official schedule and conference alignments soon.

“We are extremely excited to see the United Soccer League earn Division II status. The decision exemplifies the exceptional growth that this league has undergone and we look forward to continue help furthering the standing of the USL and professional soccer in both the greater Pittsburgh area and nationwide,” said Pittsburgh Riverhounds Owner Tuffy Shallenberger.

More Information: www.USLSoccer.com.

About United Soccer League

The United Soccer League is the fastest growing professional soccer league in the world with teams in 19 states and three Canadian provinces. Since 2014, the USL has doubled in size and established a sizeable North American footprint with strong ownership, experienced executives and regional rivalries.

The USL prides itself on three key tenets when identifying a potential expansion city. First, a strong local ownership group. Second, a millennial and diverse population. Third, plans for a soccer-specific stadium to showcase the game in the way it was supposed to be, while giving supporters a first-class venue.

In 2016, the USL experienced record growth with a total season attendance of almost 1.5 million, a 33 percent increase from 2015. The average attendance for the league’s top-10 drawing teams was 6,724, a 25 percent increase year-over-year.

Creating an engaging environment for passionate fans, the USL aims to establish all clubs as owners or primary tenants of 8,000-10,000 seat soccer-specific stadiums by 2020. Teams have invested more than $100 million into stadium infrastructure in the last year to enhance the experience for the USL’s passionate fans, 900-plus players and nearly 100 coaches in building a highly sophisticated league.

Expanding its broadcast reach with ESPN and SiriusXM partnerships, USL “Games of the Week” were available this year on ESPN3 to 99 million households. The USL aired more than 500 games last season through its Match Center. Recently, the USL finalized a $10 million investment and partnership with VISTA Worldlink to create USL Productions, which will create more than 1,000 hours of live match coverage for 2017. Additionally, statistical analysis will be powered by Opta – the world’s leading provider of live, detailed sports data – who will manage and deliver in-depth details for all USL games.

Based in Tampa, Fla., the USL supports its teams with operational excellence through 50-plus employees and 16 departments including Analytics, Competition, Creative, Digital, League Operations, Marketing, Merchandise/Licensing, Team Services, USL Productions and more.

Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, on USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

RIVERHOUNDS SIGN BEN FITZPATRICK AND VICTOR SOUTO

PITTSBURGH (December 29, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have made two more additions to their roster, signing midfielders Ben Fitzpatrick and Victor Souto to one-year deals, pending USL and USSF approval. Both deals include an option for the 2018 season.

The latest signings come on the heels of re-signing Mike Green earlier this week and continue a busy month of December for the Hounds. The club has now finalized 13 additions to the roster this month and is at 20 players officially under contract for the upcoming season.

Fitzpatrick, 22, comes to Pittsburgh after competing collegiately for Ohio State University and Urbana University, while Souto, 23, joins the club from the University of Akron.

A native of Hilliard, Ohio, Fitzpatrick starred at midfield for Urbana before transferring to Ohio State for his senior year.

“I was able to catch Ben at multiple combines over the past couple months and on each occasion I thought he was really good, one of the top guys there,” said head coach Dave Brandt. “I think he’s an under the radar, smart player that we like a lot with an ability to attack with good speed and good pace.”

With the Division II Blue Knights, Fitzpatrick was a three-time All-Atlantic Region and All-Mountain East Conference (MEC) selection. He was awarded conference Freshman of the Year in 2013, while his junior year as co-captain with the club in 2015 saw him earn Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association (OCSA) All-Ohio First Team recognition and score the game-winning goal in the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament game – a 1-0 victory over No. 21 Millersville.

At Ohio State, Fitzpatrick excelled, finishing fourth on the team in points with eight on two goals and four assists. He made 18 appearances, 14 starts, for the Buckeyes, helping the club reach the Big Ten Championship quarterfinals earlier this year.

In all, across his four years of collegiate play, Fitzpatrick tallied 15 goals and 11 assists in 68 career appearances.

Also of note, Fitzpatrick competed for PDL side Michigan Bucks the summer before joining the Buckeyes. He totaled 18 games played with nine goals and three assists en route to helping the Bucks capture their league-record third title.

For Souto, the Sao Paolo, Brazil native comes to the club with 66 career appearances, all starts, with the Zips. Playing both in the attack and defensive midfield, Souto finished his collegiate career with nine goals and three assists. He was named All-Mid-American Athletic Conference (MAC) on two occasions, as well as OCSA All-Ohio First Team in 2014.

“Victor is a top Division I college soccer talent,” Brandt said. “He’s a talented holding midfielder that we’re really excited to have join the club for this season.”

Souto displayed a wide range of skill on both ends of the pitch in his time with Akron. During his freshman year, he helped solidify the Zips defense at midfield, starting in all 22 matches, as the club limited opponents to one or fewer goals in 19 games and nine shutouts overall.

Souto’s junior year saw him excel offensively, as he finished tied for third on the club with eight goals and fifth in total points (19) – both career-highs.

Prior to coming to Akron, Souto spent 10 years in the Corinthians prestigious youth academy.

The current roster for the 2017 season is as follows:

Ryan Adeleye (Club option exercised in December)

Bryan Arguez (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kay Banjo (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Keasel Broome (Signed to one-year deal on November 11)

Shane Campbell (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Ritchie Duffie (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Danny Earls (Club option exercised in December)

Devaughn Elliott (Signed to one-year deal on December 8)

Ben Fitzpatrick (Signed to one-year deal on December 29)

Mike Green (Re-signed to one-year deal on December 28)

Corey Hertzog (Club option exercised in December)

Kenroy Howell (Signed to one-year deal on December 12)

Jamal Jack (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kevin Kerr (Already under contract)

John Manga (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Victor Souto (Signed to one-year deal on December 29)

Jack Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Nick Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Chevaughn Walsh (Already under contract)

Taylor Washington (Signed to one-year deal on December 20)

RIVERHOUNDS RE-SIGN MIKE GREEN

PITTSBURGH (December 28, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have re-signed midfielder Mike Green to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2018 season. Green returns to the Hounds as currently the longest-tenured member of the club, having played for Pittsburgh since the 2012 season.

A native of Strongsville, Ohio, Green was fourth on the team in minutes played (2,234) in 2016, appearing in 29 matches and recording three assists.

Head coach Dave Brandt said he has high expectations for the 27-year-old midfielder entering his sixth season with the club.

“I challenged Michael right after the season to pick up his entire game and take it to a new level – actually, essentially, trial him a month after I said that and challenged him to be the best player there and he was the best player there,” Brandt said. “I saw a completely different Michael Green from the one who was already a good player. I challenged Michael to be a great player and I think people are going to see some great things from him in 2017.”

In his time with Pittsburgh, Green has played a variety of positions – he served primarily at right-back under Brandt last season – and has scored five goals and ranks fourth all-time in club history in appearances at 117.

With the addition of Green, the Hounds have officially brought back six players from their 2016 squad, joining already under contract returners Kevin Kerr and Chevaughn Walsh. The club currently has 18 players signed heading into 2017.

The current roster for next season is as follows:

Ryan Adeleye (Club option exercised in December)

Bryan Arguez (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kay Banjo (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Keasel Broome (Signed to one-year deal on November 11)

Shane Campbell (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Ritchie Duffie (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Danny Earls (Club option exercised in December)

Devaughn Elliott (Signed to one-year deal on December 8)

Mike Green (Re-signed to one-year deal on December 28)

Corey Hertzog (Club option exercised in December)

Kenroy Howell (Signed to one-year deal on December 12)

Jamal Jack (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kevin Kerr (Already under contract)

John Manga (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Jack Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Nick Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Chevaughn Walsh (Already under contract)

Taylor Washington (Signed to one-year deal on December 20)

RIVERHOUNDS SIGN TAYLOR WASHINGTON

PITTSBURGH (December 20, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have signed defender Taylor Washington to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2018 season, pending USL and USSF approval.

Washington, 23, comes to the Hounds after spending this past season on loan with cross-state foe Bethlehem Steel FC. He was originally drafted by the Steel’s parent club, the Philadelphia Union of the MLS, in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.

“Taylor is a player who I have really liked since his college days at George Mason and playing against him there [with the United States Naval Academy],” said head coach Dave Brandt. “In the three games we played Bethlehem Steel this year, Taylor played just about every minute of left-back, so he’s just a player that I have liked for quite a long time and I’m thrilled to have him as part of our back four this year.”

At Bethlehem, Washington started in 28 of the Steel’s 30 matches and was second on the club in minutes played at 2,473. The defender was also a part of seven clean sheets and played a full 90 minutes in all but four of his starts on the year.

Washington made one appearance with the Union, getting the nod in a friendly against Crystal Place FC this past July.

Prior to the Steel, Washington competed collegiately first at Boston University then George Mason University. With the Terriers, Washington started in 14 of the team’s 18 games, picking up his first collegiate goal, a game-winner, against conference rival Harvard.

Moving to George Mason before his sophomore year, Washington excelled with the Patriots over three seasons, notching a goal and three assists in 52 career starts. He was named Atlantic-10 All-Conference first team in 2013 and NSCAA All-Midwest Third Team in 2015 for his efforts, as well as George Mason Student-Athlete of the year at the school’s 2016 Senior Salute award ceremony.

A native of Somers, New York, Washington also had stints with PDL side Worcester Hydra FC in 2012 and the D.C. United U-23 squad in 2015.

With the addition of Washington, the Hounds now have 17 players officially under contract. The current roster for the 2017 season is as follows:

Ryan Adeleye (Club option exercised in December)

Bryan Arguez (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kay Banjo (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Keasel Broome (Signed to one-year deal on November 11)

Shane Campbell (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Ritchie Duffie (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Danny Earls (Club option exercised in December)

Devaughn Elliott (Signed to one-year deal on December 8)

Corey Hertzog (Club option exercised in December)

Kenroy Howell (Signed to one-year deal on December 12)

Jamal Jack (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kevin Kerr (Already under contract)

John Manga (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Jack Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Nick Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Chevaughn Walsh (Already under contract)

Taylor Washington (Signed to one-year deal on December 20)

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY A HOUNDS HOLIDAY

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are here to help out with all your last-minute holiday shopping needs. The official team store at Highmark Stadium will be open Monday through Friday of next week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Customers interested in purchasing the latest Hounds gear should contact Administrative Assistant Jess Ohler by e-mail at jessicao@highmarkstadium.com or by phone at 412-325-7247 to ensure entry upon arrival to the stadium’s West End Gate.

Special for only next week, all purchases will include a free Hounds car magnet. For purchases of $50 or more, customers will receive a free Hounds car flag, for $75 or more, customers will receive a Hounds Christmas ornament, and for $100 or more, a free “Talk Is Cheap” Dave Brandt t-shirt. This limited time offer applies to in-store purchases only, not online, and will run while supplies last.

To view all our team store has to offer prior to purchasing, visit online at Shopify here.

RIVERHOUNDS SIGN BRYAN ARGUEZ AND JAMAL JACK

PITTSBURGH (December 15, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have made two more additions to their roster this month, adding midfielder Bryan Arguez and defender Jamal Jack on one-year contracts, pending USL and USSF approval. Both deals include an option for the 2018 season.

The latest signings continue a flurry of moves for the Hounds this month, as the club has now finalized nine additions to the roster in December and is at 16 players officially under contract for the upcoming season.

Arguez, 27, comes to Pittsburgh from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he competed for the Strikers in the NASL this past year. Jack, 28, joins the club from C.D. Dragón of the Primera División in El Salvador, reuniting with his former teammate Kenroy Howell, who was signed by the Hounds earlier this week on a one-year deal.

A native of Miami, Arguez has nearly 10 years of experience professionally and has also represented the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) at all youth levels.

“Bryan is a highly-experienced midfield player, who is someone that I think will help us immensely on the field this season,” said head coach Dave Brandt.

Drafted by D.C. United in the first round, 11th overall, in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Arguez spent one season in Washington before joining Bundesliga side Hertha BSC. In Berlin, Arguez made 10 appearances for the club’s second team. His one appearance for the first team came on February 2, 2008, in the process becoming the then-youngest American player to debut in the Bundesliga at 19 years old – Christian Pulisic of Borussia Dortmund recently captured the honor in 2016, debuting at 17.

Following his time in Germany, Arguez stayed primarily in the U.S. professional circuit, save for a stint on loan from Miami FC with G.D. Estoril Praia in Portugal in 2010.

He returned to the MLS briefly in 2012 with the Montreal Impact, but did not record an appearance. The midfielder though did experience success on loan from the club with FC Edmonton, tallying a goal over 13 appearances and earning NASL Player of the Week for his efforts.

After brief stays with Minnesota United FC and the Carolina RailHawks in 2013, Arguez played for Miami Dade FC, FC Miami City and Miami FC over the next three years. He returned to Fort Lauderdale for his second stint with the Strikers this past year and has notched 33 appearances in total for the club – Arguez helped the club to the league final in 2011.

Internationally, Arguez has made appearances for the USMNT at the U17, U20 and U23 levels. Totaling 44 appearances in all, he recorded two goals and most notably participated in the 2007 and 2009 U20 FIFA World Cups.

For Jack, a bulk of his experience comes within the TT Pro League of his native Trinidad and Tobago, where he has played for four different clubs. Jack has also registered two caps with his country’s national team.

“Jamal is a big body, and a strong and experienced technician and athlete,” Brandt said. “We expect Jamal to have an immediate impact within a rebuilt back four for this upcoming season.”

The defender started his professional career with Tobago United FC in 2009 before moving onto San Juan Jabloteh for two seasons. Following his time there, Jack spent the 2012-13 season with the St. Ann’s Rangers and then finally with Central FC from 2013-16.

Jack’s time with Central FC was particularly notable, as he helped the club to two league championships. He was loaned to Guyanese side Alpha United FC in 2014, helping the club capture a league championship as well.

His strong play with Central FC over the past three seasons, coupled with his successful stint with Alpha United, earned him a contract with Dragón in 2016. Jack helped bolster the back line for the CONCACAF Champions League in particular. He recorded two assists in four starts against the Portland Timbers of the MLS and Deportivo Saprissa of the Costa Rican Primera División.

The current roster for the 2017 season is as follows:

Ryan Adeleye (Club option exercised in December)

Bryan Arguez (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kay Banjo (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Keasel Broome (Signed to one-year deal on November 11)

Shane Campbell (Signed to one-year deal on November 23)

Ritchie Duffie (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Danny Earls (Club option exercised in December)

Devaughn Elliott (Signed to one-year deal on December 8)

Corey Hertzog (Club option exercised in December)

Kenroy Howell (Signed to one-year deal on December 12)

Jamal Jack (Signed to one-year deal on December 15)

Kevin Kerr (Already under contract)

John Manga (Signed to one-year deal on November 15)

Jack Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Nick Thompson (Club option exercised in December)

Chevaughn Walsh (Already under contract)

ACADEMY BOYS JOIN ECNL FOR 2017

PITTSBURGH (December 15, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy Boys (RDA) have officially joined the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) of US Club Soccer for 2017. Announced by the ECNL yesterday, the RDA Boys will compete as inaugural members of the Midwest Conference.

A brand new league offering sanctioned by US Club Soccer earlier this year, the Boys ECNL is meant to serve as a counterpart to the successful Girls ECNL, which has represented the highest level of play for youth female soccer players in the United States for nearly seven years.

Coupled with the RDA Girls officially joining the ECNL this past August, the Hounds Academy will have teams from Under-14 through Under-18/19 compete in top-level national leagues starting in the fall of 2017.

Hounds Director of Youth Development, Jason Kutney, said joining the Boys ECNL made perfect sense for the RDA on a number of levels.

“We have worked very hard to become one, cohesive club since forming a single, pilot girls side back in 2012 – with one philosophical approach that defines our playing style, training standards, approach to player identification, and competition structure,” Kutney said. “In seeing the ECNL Directors set a path upon which the boy’s league structure would mirror that of the girls, it was clear that young players in our market would greatly benefit from involvement.”

The league will feature in-conference play across five age groups: U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18/19. It is anticipated that teams will play between 16 and 22 conference games with an additional three-to-six games in cross-conference regular season events depending on the age group. As is the case with the ECNL girls division, scheduling will allow for players to participate in high school soccer.

So far, the league has announced three conferences. The Hounds will be joined by Vardar SC (MI), St. Louis Scott Gallagher (IL and MO), Michigan Wolves, FC Wisconsin, FC Pride (IN), Ohio Elite, and Ohio Premier in the Midwest Conference. The Southeast Conference, announced in late November, will include Atlanta Fire, Birmingham United SA, Carolina Elite SA, Concorde Fire, Florida Elite SA, Florida Kraze Krush, GSA, Jacksonville Armada, Orlando City, NASA Tophat, Tampa Bay United, and Tennessee SC. Lastly, the Northeast Conference, announced last week, includes Albertson Fury, Baltimore Celtic, Connecticut FC, Continental FC, East Meadow, FC Boston, FC Bucks, FC Stars, FSA, Maryland United, Match Fit, Penn Fusion, and World Class.

A unique feature of the Boys ECNL will include teams advancing out of their respective ECNL conferences to participate in the newly formed Elite National Premier League (ENPL). Serving as US Club Soccer’s most competitive postseason competition, the ENPL will include ECNL conference champions, as well as winners of US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues (NPL), creating one national playoff series.

“We deliberately set our sights on high-level league opportunities that would require some time as we, internally, developed our own model to the extent it could compete on a national stage,” Kutney said. “Heading into 2017, we are extremely proud to offer league opportunities to all players in Western Pennsylvania who are seeking consistent, national competition and exposure opportunities. This is an extension of everyone’s efforts in the area to further cement Western Pennsylvania as a contributor in player development and identification.”

The RDA will soon unveil information regarding participation in the ECNL for families of aspiring boys and girls players. Tryouts for 2017-2018 RDA teams will be set and announced as part of this informational campaign, expected to commence in April/May of 2017.

JASON DAWBIN NAMED DIRECTOR OF TICKET SALES & SERVICE

PITTSBURGH (December 13, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have hired Jason Dawbin as Director of Ticket Sales and Service for the club. Dawbin will oversee all aspects of the department’s ticketing operations, including sales and management, development of marketing and ticketing campaigns, and enhancing fan engagement.

“We’re very excited to have Jason join our team,” said Highmark Stadium General Manager Kevin Johnston. “His success at San Antonio over the last few years is something that really stood out to us in terms of what we hope to achieve as a club moving forward. I have no doubt our ticketing department will continue to progress under Jason’s lead heading into 2017.”

Dawbin comes to the Hounds with over 15 years of experience working in the sports ticketing and sales industry. He most recently served as the Franchise Ticket Manager for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Spending the last six years with San Antonio, Dawbin handled ticketing operations for the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL, the San Antonio Stars of the WNBA, as well as this past season for USL expansion side San Antonio FC.

Before his move to San Antonio, Dawbin worked in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs and Iowa Stars and had a stint in the NHL with the Florida Panthers. He held the title of VP of Ticket Sales with Rockford in 2007-08, Ticket Sales Manager for Iowa from 2004-07 and was a Ticket Sales Representative for Florida in 2003-04.

Dawbin started his career not too far from the Pittsburgh area, serving as a Ticket Sales Representative with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL from 2001-03.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work for the Riverhounds,” Dawbin said. “I have been familiar with the Hounds ever since my days working with the Wheeling Nailers and I could not ask for a better situation to be a part of. The city of Pittsburgh has such a rich tradition of supporting its sports teams and opens the door for so much potential for not only the Riverhounds, but the sport of soccer as well.”

Originally from Gardiner, Maine, Dawbin received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine and his master’s in Sports Management from East Tennessee State University. He replaces Mike Warren, who served as a full-time employee in the same capacity for the club since 2015.

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