Press Releases

RDA East tryouts announced

PITTSBURGH (April 10, 2019) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) has announced RDA East tryouts will kick off on Monday, May 13.

RDA East tryouts will stretch through the month of May and into June. It is recommended players attend tryouts in May, as competition for places is high.

“It’s incredible to think that only nine months ago at tryouts RDA East brought together 200 families and 13 teams to begin this journey,” Academy East Director James Meara said. “As we near the end of year one, it’s been a joy to watch Sterling Flunder and his coaches put together competitive teams in such a short span of time. We have also worked diligently with the RDA in Pittsburgh to ensure opportunities in the ECNL and other top leagues are provided to our East players. We look forward to continued growth as we move into year two.”

Tryouts will include U-9 to U-18.19 on the girls side whereas tryouts will run from U-9 to U-18 on the boys side. These tryouts will take place at Shallenberger SportsPlex in Connellsville, Pennsylvania.

For more information and a link to register to RDA East tryouts, please visit https://www.riverhounds.com/east-tryouts.

Riverhounds Academy announces creation of Grassroots Program

PITTSBURGH (April 1, 2019) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy has announced the formation of its Grassroots Program for both boys and girls ages 4 to 8 years old, officially kicking off this summer.

Led by program director Rich Hackenberg and assistant director Riley Butler, the Grassroots Program will be a year-round training program centered around technical development, ball mastery, building good habits and furthering the love for the game for these young players.

“We have been working hard behind the scenes to provide a year-round platform for the youngest players in the area,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “The foundation (grassroots) phase of the Riverhounds Academy model is vitally important to our future and long-term growth. We recently hired Rich Hackenberg and Riley Butler for this reason and we are looking forward to getting started. It’s our job as coaches and trainers to put our top resources into developing the players of the future. By creating this program, we want to help players fall in love with the soccer ball at an early age.”

The Riverhounds Academy is heavily focused on building a strong overall foundation and will instill its top trainers and coaches into the Grassroots Program. While working with these young players, the Academy will form emotional connections and build up confidence within participants.

Registration for the Riverhounds Academy Grassroots Program will open on April 15. For more information, please visit https://www.riverhounds.com/grassroots-training.

RDA announces 2019-2020 tryout dates

PITTSBURGH (March 29, 2019) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) has released its 2019-2020 tryout dates.

Taking place at both Highmark Stadium and Montour Junction Sports Complex, tryouts will kick off on Monday, May 6. There will be multiple rounds set for all teams, stretching through the entire month of May and into June. The boys and girls side are anticipated to combine for a total of 26 teams, ranging from U-10 to U-18/19 age groupings.

“We are delighted to open our RDA tryout dates for the 2019-2020 season and look forward to continued growth within our competitive team model,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “We will be working hard over the coming months to provide up-to-date information to all families interested in the program. Our staff is fully committed to improving the overall experience the RDA provides for all our families as we move into the 2019-2020 season.”

As the RDA moves into its new season, it remains focused on growing its program across all levels. This year, there will be improvements made to its structure in addition to the RDA II platform, which allows more players in the area to play and train within the RDA.

RDA teams are official members of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which has an unrivaled level of competition in the region. To prepare for the ECNL, younger RDA teams take part in the Ohio North Premier League in the fall and spring, providing the athletes a chance to participate in additional high-level games.

Additional announcements will be made regarding staff assignments by team at a later date. RDA East tryouts also will be released soon.

Current RDA players do not need to register. The RDA will contact these players directly in the near future with further information.

Registration for tryouts is now open. To register and to view a full listing of dates and times, visit https://www.riverhounds.com/tryouts.

Hounds sign 3 players to 2019 roster

PITTSBURGH (March 29, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has signed midfielder Robbie Mertz, forward Mark Forrest and defender Prosper Figbe to one-year contracts with a club option for the 2020 season, pending USL Championship and USSF approval.

Mertz, who previously competed for the Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA), and Figbe have been training with the team over the course of the past month. Meanwhile, Forrest originally trialed with the team when it opened preseason camp before returning to Lehigh University for academics. Unlike the other two who will be with the team immediately, Forrest is scheduled to arrive to the Hounds in May after completion of course work at Lehigh.

“Robbie is a high-energy midfielder with good technical and tactical qualities,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “He trained with us last year, and it’s nice to see a local player who passes through our Academy ready to contribute to the first team.”

Mertz, a Pittsburgh native who played soccer at Upper St. Clair High School and a stint for the RDA, was named two-time United Soccer Coaches All-North Region and two-time All-Big Ten at the University of Michigan. In his collegiate career with the Wolverines (2015-18), he totaled 76 games played (55 starts), nine goals and 12 assists.

Earlier this year, the Colorado Rapids selected Mertz with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The Rapids later released Mertz prior to their second preseason camp.

Figbe arrives with the Hounds after competing at the University of Virginia from 2017-18. During his junior and senior collegiate campaigns, the defender racked up 37 starts in 38 games played.

“Prosper was one of the top defenders in college soccer over the past few years,” Lilley said. “He is very gifted athletically, and we feel has the right attitude to help him develop quickly.”

Prior to playing for the Cavaliers, he suited up for the University of South Florida for his freshman and sophomore campaigns (2015-16). With the Bulls, he started all 20 games as a sophomore and became the first-ever underclassman to win American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The Ilorin, Nigeria native was named to the conference’s All-Rookie Team in 2015.

Forrest, playing collegiately at Lehigh from 2015-18, was twice named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, the Douglassville, Pennsylvania native earned First-Team All-Atlantic Region honors as a senior. Over the course of his career at Lehigh, he racked up 73 games played (66 starts), 41 goals and 21 assists.

“Mark is a big forward who knows where to go to score goals,” Lilley said. “Although we won’t see him until May, we are excited to have him on this year’s roster.”

Like Mertz, Forrest was selected in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The Chicago Fire drafted the striker with the No. 77 overall pick – just one selection after the Rapids grabbed Mertz.

The Hounds now have 23 players under contract.

Roster breakdown for 2019 season

Forwards (4): Neco Brett, Steevan Dos Santos, Mark Forrest, Christian Volesky

Midfielders (9): Mouhamed Dabo, Kenardo Forbes, Noah Franke, Sammy Kahsai, Kevin Kerr, Ethan Kutler, Robbie Mertz, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Anthony Velarde

Defenders (8): Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover, Prosper Figbe, Joe Greenspan, Ryan James, Dani Rovira, Caleb Smith, Uchenna Uzo

Goalkeepers (2): Ben Lundgaard, Kyle Morton

Riley Butler joins Riverhounds Academy staff

PITTSBURGH (March 27, 2019) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) has hired Riley Butler to the full-time staff for the 2019-20 season.

Butler, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, was part of the RDA coaching staff this past season but will now take on a larger role with the Academy starting immediately.

“Riley has done an exceptional job this past year coaching in the RDA,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “It is clear his hunger and passion to improve as a coach align with what we are looking for in our Riverhounds family. He will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our upcoming programs and will be a valuable help in the office. It’s also great to have a full-time coach on staff that is tied to the University of Pittsburgh and the collegiate game.”

Butler will be an integral piece of a new Academy program, which is scheduled to be announced on April 1. He also will be the head coach of three RDA teams and an essential part of the Summer Camp programs offered by Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. In addition, Butler will take up a role as an academy administrator alongside Jason Rice, who was added to the administrative staff this past week.

“I would like to thank Scott Gibson and the Riverhounds for giving me the opportunity to be part of the growth of an already established club,” Butler said. “I am excited for the opportunity to assist in launching a new program on April 1, in addition to all other areas of work for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The success of all elite clubs starts with their youngest players, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Prior to his move to the Pittsburgh area, Butler was director of youth development for New River United Soccer Association in Blacksburg, Virginia before joining Radford University as the assistant men’s soccer coach in July 2014. After a successful four years at Radford, he joined the coaching staff at the University of Pittsburgh under women’s soccer head coach Randy Waldrum in June 2018.

Over the coming week, the RDA plans to announce information on the upcoming RDA Team Tryouts for the 2019-20 season.

Hounds announce dates for youth Summer Soccer Camps

PITTSBURGH (March 25, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has announced dates for its revamped 2019 Summer Soccer Camps.

Open to girls and boys of all abilities from the ages of 4 to 13 years old, the Summer Soccer Camps will run June through August in the Pittsburgh region. Led by Summer Camp Program Director Rich Hackenberg and Summer Camp Assistant Director Riley Butler, the 2019 Summer Soccer Camps will be instructed by Riverhounds Academy coaches as well as Riverhounds SC professional team players.

“These summer camps provide an excellent opportunity for children to improve their soccer skills in a safe and fun environment,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “We have a fresh camp curriculum slated for 2019, and Rich and Riley will do an outstanding job leading the way for the youth participants to grow their technical skills and overall love for the game.”

Each participant will receive a t-shirt and camp ball, in addition to a certificate upon the completion of camp. Below is a list of dates and locations for 2019 Summer Soccer Camps.

June 7-21: Highmark Stadium
June 24-27: Cranberry TWP (Dick’s Sporting Goods Park)
July 15-18: Coraopolis (Montour Junction)
July 22-25: Highmark Stadium
July 29 through Aug. 1: Connellsville
Aug. 5-8: Coraopolis
*More dates may be added at a later time

To sign up or to view a full list of locations, dates and other Summer Camp information, visit https://www.riverhounds.com/summer-camps.

Rich Hackenberg joins Riverhounds Academy staff

PITTSBURGH (March 18, 2019) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) has hired Rich Hackenberg to the staff for its 2019-20 season.

Hackenberg, a native of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, has more than 25 years of coaching experience in the area and was the former club co-president for SCS United. He also was the architect of the merger between PA Crew Academy and Stars United in 2016.

Hackenberg will begin his duties with the club effective immediately.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Rich into the Riverhounds family,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “We have worked very hard over the last few months to get to this point and have him start full time. He brings a wealth of experience and energy, and is exactly the type of trainer and coach who is suited to the philosophy of the Academy.”

Hackenberg and the RDA have been active behind the scenes in building a new program, which is planned to be announced on April 1. This program will be a major piece in the overall framework of development for the Academy. In addition, Hackenberg will also be the head coach of two RDA-level teams and an integral part of the Summer Camp programs offered by Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

“I am looking forward to being part of this organization,” Hackenberg said. “This has been years in the making, and I can’t wait to get started. I feel like the RDA and the Riverhounds have the best platform for a full pathway, from the youngest players in the Training Academy and community partnerships, through the RDA, to the professional side. I am looking forward to contributing to the team and helping the RDA continue to move the game forward.”

Over the coming weeks, the RDA plans to announce information on upcoming RDA team tryouts for the 2019-20 season.

Club receives proclamation for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Day in City of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (March 12, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC received a proclamation from the Council of the City of Pittsburgh today at the Pittsburgh City-County Building.

The proclamation is in honor of the team’s 20th anniversary season, and today, March 12, 2019, is “Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.

“We are honored to receive this proclamation from the Council of the City of Pittsburgh,” said Kevin Johnston, general manager of Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Highmark Stadium. “We are thankful to the City Council for recognizing our club and look forward to the start of another successful season.”

Founded on March 11, 1998, by former owner Paul Heasley, the Hounds began play in 1999. This will mark the team’s 20th anniversary of its inaugural season.

Since then, the club has implemented its Riverhounds Development Academy and has been intertwined in the Pittsburgh community with philanthropic programs, such as Riverhounds Sub In for Gym Class.

The team will begin its 20th anniversary season this weekend, traveling to battle the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Al Lang Stadium. The Hounds will host their home opener on Saturday, April 13 at Highmark Stadium.

5 inducted into inaugural Riverhounds SC Hall of Fame class

PITTSBURGH (March 9, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class today at a season ticket holder 20th anniversary kickoff event.

The members of the Riverhounds SC Hall of Fame inaugural class include former players Justin Evans and David Flavius, in addition to founder and former owner Paul Heasley, first-ever Vice President and General Manager Dave Kasper and first-ever head coach John Kowalski.

Evans, a native of Peters Township, played a total of six seasons (1999-01, 03, 08-09) with the club. Over the course of his Hounds career, the midfielder totaled 101 games played, 14 goals and 22 assists. The two-time All-League selection is one of four players in team history to have recorded at least 100 appearances and 50 points.

As a forward, Flavius is the club-record holder in numerous statistics, including games played (183), goals (58) and assists (25). He is the only player to have recorded at least 100 points (141) in club history. Like Evans, Flavius also was a two-time All-League selection over the course of his eight-season Pittsburgh career.

Founding the team on March 11, 1998, Heasley constructed and formed the foundation of Pittsburgh’s very own outdoor professional soccer team. Under his and Kasper’s leadership, Belle Vernon and Bridgeville natives, respectively, the Hounds won their first-ever playoff game in team history and were awarded USL A-League Organization of the Year honors during their inaugural season in 1999.

During this inaugural 1999 season, Kowalski served as the team’s field general and coached its high-scoring attack to 63 regular season goals, which still stands as the club single-season record today. He served as the Hounds’ head coach for two seasons (1999-00).

In addition to its Hall of Fame announcement, the club disclosed that a new turf-playing surface would be installed at Highmark Stadium. This installation is scheduled to be completed prior to Riverhounds SC’s home opener on April 13.

The team also unveiled its 2019 kits, featuring a brand-new white jersey and a special patch to pay homage to its 20th anniversary season.

Prior to the season ticket holder event, Riverhounds SC revealed its team beer, Session Copper Ale, which will be sold at Highmark Stadium, Full Pint Brewery in North Versailles and Full Pint Wild Side Pub in Lawrenceville.

Hounds sign 3 trialists to 2019 roster

PITTSBURGH (March 8, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has signed midfielder Ethan Kutler, defender Dani Rovira and defender Uchenna Uzo to one-year contracts with club options for the 2020 season, pending USL Championship and USSF approval.

All three players have previously trialed with the club. Rovira and Uzo have been on trial since mid-February whereas Kutler arrived in camp this past week.

“As the quality of our group has improved during our preseason, Ethan, Dani and Uchenna have demonstrated consistency and the ability to help us moving forward,” head coach Bob Lilley said.

Midfielder Ethan Kutler

Having prior MLS experience, Kutler arrives in Pittsburgh after spending 2017-18 with New York Red Bulls and New York Red Bulls II. Last year, he played four games and logged two assists with the MLS club and appeared in 26 games, posting two goals and one assist, with the USL Championship side.

“Ethan is a versatile player who can score goals and provide quality service for our forwards,” Lilley said.

Kutler made his professional debut against the Hounds on March 25, 2017, in a 3-3 draw. Including playoffs, he went on to appear in 18 games for Red Bulls II that season en route to one goal and one assist.

New York drafted Kutler with the No. 39 overall pick of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

Prior to playing professionally, the Lansing, New York native played collegiately at Colgate University. He posted 73 games played (70 starts), 33 goals and 15 assists while with the Raiders. When he ended his Colgate career, his 81 points ranked second in program history.

Defender Dani Rovira

Playing his collegiate junior and senior campaigns at the University of Vermont from 2017-18, Rovira totaled 33 games played (23 starts) and two assists while at the school.

“Dani is a young, dynamic player with tons of energy who has grown quickly during preseason,” Lilley said.

The Bogota, Colombia native began his college career at Dean College, where he was named to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-America Second Team as a sophomore after finishing third on the squad with seven assists.

Defender Uchenna Uzo

Uzo has prior USL Championship experience, playing for Phoenix Rising FC from 2016-17. During his two seasons with Phoenix, he posted 24 games played.

“Uchenna is a physical presence with experience in this league who will add to our quality and depth at the center back position,” Lilley said.

The Houston, Texas native played three seasons collegiately, all of which at Coastal Carolina University. During his senior campaign, he started 22 of 23 games played en route to First Team All-Big South honors. As a junior, he started all 23 of his games played and was named Second Team All-Big South. He also was a mainstay on the Chanticleers backline as a sophomore, appearing in 25 matches and starting his final 23 games played.

Uzo, born in Lagos, Nigeria, was a member of the U-17 Nigeria National Team.

With these three additions, Riverhounds SC currently has 20 players under contract heading into the 2019 campaign.

Roster breakdown for 2019 season

Forwards (3): Neco Brett, Steevan Dos Santos, Christian Volesky

Midfielders (8): Mouhamed Dabo, Kenardo Forbes, Noah Franke, Sammy Kahsai, Kevin Kerr, Ethan Kutler, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Anthony Velarde

Defenders (7): Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover, Joe Greenspan, Ryan James, Dani Rovira, Caleb Smith, Uchenna Uzo

Goalkeepers (2): Ben Lundgaard, Kyle Morton

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