After a postseason berth in 2015, the Riverhounds were unable to either push on, or even retain the form that had thrilled fans at Highmark Stadium this year. Part of that could have been due to the departure of midfield talisman Rob Vincent to D.C. United, but the team’s run of one win in its first 11 games put it in a hole it couldn’t dig out of.

That brought about a coaching change midseason, with legendary college coach David Brandt tasked with overhauling the Riverhounds and making the side playoff contenders again. Some moves came during the season, but a renovated lineup could be in the cards for the new season after few players shone brightly this summer.

2016 USL Season in Review

Record: 6-17-7, 25pts
Place: 13th in the Eastern Conference
Goals For: 31
Goals Against: 50
USL Cup Playoffs: N/A

2016 leaders: Corey Hertzog (13 goals, 4 assists), Kevin Kerr (4 assists), Mauricio Vargas (41 saves) 

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The leading light for the Riverhounds was forward Corey Hertzog, whose goal-scoring exploits landed him on the USL All-League Second Team. The Pennsylvania native proved adept both playing as a main striker, or in a secondary role, and will be a big block to build around alongside the other creative talent in Kevin Kerr and Lebo Moloto at the club’s disposal.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The Riverhounds’ early struggles were to a large extent thanks to the team’s inability to get out on the right foot against opponents. In only four of its first 11 games did Pittsburgh hold the lead, and in only one of those contests was it able to make it stand up for a win. Overall, the Riverhounds were outscored 27-17 in the first halves of games in 2016, which made most matches an uphill struggle.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Lebo Moloto’s finish against Toronto FC II in the Riverhounds’ first win of the season was a brilliant piece of imagination, as his curling effort from the left side caught the goalkeeper flat-footed with pin-point precision.

Corey Hertzog led the Riverhounds in scoring, and no goal proved better than his curled finish against Wilmington Hammerheads FC that saw a quick give-and-go open up the chance for a great finish.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Mauricio Vargas made the most starts of the three goalkeepers used by the Riverhounds in 2016, and came up with a number of big stops over the course of the season, including this penalty save against Harrisburg.

Vargas’ biggest performance of the season came against FC Cincinnati. While his eight saves weren’t enough to earn the Riverhounds a point in a 1-0 defeat, they highlighted the Costa Rican’s talent.

HE SAID IT

“It really is the recruiting trail. I don't even know that there are differences. We've been working hard on it already. It's not like we're starting [this week]. There are some different dynamics, but it is recruiting — being at games, at combines, being on the phone with people.” – Riverhounds Coach Dave Brandt on rebuilding the club’s roster