Courtesy of Pittsburgh Riverhounds

2009/04/24
To win in 2009, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (0-0-1 1 point) will rely on a solid group of veterans for leadership. Justin Evans, a midfielder who logged time on several MLS sides returns for the second season of his second stint on his hometown club. The Peters Township native, Penn State grad, was the first player signed during the Hounds' inaugural season in 1999, and was coaxed back to Pittsburgh by Head Coach Gene Klein last year. During the 2009 campaign, Evans will serve as one of Klein's assistants, passing his knowledge of the game to the more youthful members of the squad.

Also back in 2009 is another midfielder and fan favorite Jason Kutney, who will again be counted on for his steady play. Goalkeeper Zach Varga returns, as does solid defender Nathan Salsi. All three are Duquesne University alums.

Bolstering the defensive third this year will be another of the "original" Riverhounds, Tenywa Bonseu, who goes by the nickname, "T-Bone". The durable Bonseu brings five years of MLS experience back to Pittsburgh. That stretch includes 87 regular season games and 11 playoffs matches; he started all but three. "T-Bone" also spent four more quality seasons with one of the United Soccer Leagues First Division powers, the Rochester Raging Rhinos. His versatility will allow the Riverhounds to utilize him as a central defender, right back, or defensive midfielder.

Pittsburgh, which missed the USL-2 playoffs by one goal last season, faces a challenge to replace speedy striker Thabiso "Boyzzz" Khumalo. He and defender Greg Janicki were signed by D. C. United of Major League Soccer after the Hounds' season ended in 2008. Newly acquired Randolph Jerome, who played for the USL-2 Champion Cleveland City Stars until they moved up to the First Division, could supply some needed scoring. He tallied two goals during the preseason for Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh started the regular season with a hard fought 0-0 tie with Crystal Palace Baltimore. Klein was pleased with the effort displayed by his team, and welcomed the point on the road against a team that expected to place high this year. The Hounds go on the road again on Saturday night, April 25th, when they meet the Richmond Kickers. The home opener will be played on Saturday, May 2nd, at Chartiers Valley High School Stadium when the Hounds host the Real Maryland Monarchs.

2009 Pittsburgh Riverhounds USL-2 Pro Soccer Schedule and Results:

April 17 Pittsburgh Riverhounds 0 Crystal Palace Baltimore 0 - FINAL

April 25 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Richmond Kickers - 7:00 p.m.

May 2 Real Maryland Monarchs at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

May 9 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Harrisburg City Islanders - 7:05 p.m.

May 16 Harrisburg City Islanders at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

May 29 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Charlotte Eagles - 7:05 p.m.

May 30 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Wilmington Hammerheads - 7:00 p.m.

June 11 Bermuda Hogges at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

June 14 Richmond Kickers at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

June 20 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Western Mass - 7:30 p.m.

June 26 Richmond Kickers at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - (at Edinboro University) - 7:05 p.m.

July 2 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Bermuda Hogges - 6:00 p.m.

July 4 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Bermuda Hogges - 7:00 p.m.

July 11 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Real Maryland Monarchs - 6:00 p.m.

July 18 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Harrisburg City Islanders - 7:05 p.m.

July 24 Western Mass Pioneers at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

July 26 Western Mass Pioneers at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 3:05 p.m.

August 1 Wilmington Hammerheads at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

August 8 Charlotte Eagles at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

August 15 Crystal Palace Baltimore at Pittsburgh Riverhounds - 7:05 p.m.

For more information, call the Riverhounds office at 412 539-1191.