Pittsburgh Riverhounds

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is a professional soccer club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Established in 1999, the club competes in the United Soccer League (USL), the second tier of the American soccer pyramid. The Riverhounds have been a consistent presence in the league, contributing to the growth and popularity of soccer in the region.

The club was founded by Paul Heasley, a local businessman, with the aim of providing high-quality soccer entertainment to the Pittsburgh community. The Riverhounds played their inaugural season in 1999 in the USL A-League and have since then been a part of the USL Championship, the top level of the United Soccer League.

The Riverhounds' home ground is the Highmark Stadium, a soccer-specific stadium located in the Station Square neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The stadium, which opened in 2013, offers a stunning view of the city's skyline and is considered one of the best soccer venues in the country.

Throughout their history, the Riverhounds have had several notable players and coaches. The club's all-time leading scorer is David Flavius, a former player from St. Lucia who scored 64 goals for the team. The current head coach is Bob Lilley, a respected figure in American soccer who has led the team to multiple playoff appearances.

The Riverhounds have a strong community presence and are committed to developing local soccer talent. The club operates the Riverhounds Development Academy, which provides training and development opportunities for young players in the region. The academy has produced several players who have gone on to play for the Riverhounds' first team and other professional clubs.

The club's mascot is "AMO," a black and gold dog that is a popular figure at home games and community events. The Riverhounds' colors are black and gold, reflecting the sports tradition of Pittsburgh. The club's supporters are known as the "Steel Army," a passionate group of fans who create a lively atmosphere at home games.

The Riverhounds have had their share of success on the field. They won the USL Pro League Regular Season Championship in 2015 and have made multiple appearances in the USL playoffs. However, the club is still seeking its first USL Championship title.

Off the field, the Riverhounds have made significant contributions to the Pittsburgh community. The club's charitable arm, the Riverhounds Foundation, supports various community initiatives and youth soccer programs in the region. The Riverhounds also host annual events such as the "Hounds for Heroes" game, which honors local military and first responders.

In summary, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is a club with a rich history and a strong commitment to its community. Despite the challenges of competing in a growing soccer market, the Riverhounds have remained a vital part of the Pittsburgh sports landscape and continue to contribute to the growth of soccer in the region.