If history is any indicator, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds should make the USL Cup Playoffs in 2017. After all, they’ve been a classic yo-yo club in each of the previous six years in the league’s history, making the postseason in odd-numbered years and missing out in even-numbered. Last season was supposed to be different, with an exciting group set to return to Highmark Stadium, but early-season struggles saw Head Coach Mark Steffens replaced by Dave Brandt in mid-season, and the former standout college coach has now had a full offseason to implement his plan for Pittsburgh’s return up the standings this season.

Head Coach: Dave Brandt
Stadium: Highmark Stadium
2016 results: 6-17-7, 25pts
2016 postseason: N/A

Goalkeeper: The Riverhounds will have a new face in goal this season, following the retirement of Hunter Gilstrap – who joined Brandt’s coaching staff – and the ascent of Zack Steffen to Columbus Crew SC’s starting role after his loan stint with the Hounds last year. Former City Islanders goalkeeper Keasel Broome and Trey Mitchell are set to battle it out for the starting role, with both bringing solid professional experience to the club.

Defense: The Riverhounds made numerous changes on the back line this offseason, with the addition of former Bethlehem Steel FC fullback Taylor Washington one of a handful of additions aimed at improving the club’s defensive record. Other newcomers include Trinidad & Tobago center back Jamal Jack, who arrives from C.D. Dragon in El Salvador, and former Ottawa Fury FC defender Rich Balchan, while Nick Thompson and Danny Earls provide veteran experience as they return to the side.

Midfield: Pittsburgh’s midfield will see the return of some familiar faces, all of whom will be looking to have more productive seasons than a year ago. Kevin Kerr in particular saw a drop from 2015 as he finished a frustrating season with four goals and four assists, less than half his totals in both from the previous season. The addition of former University of Akron midfielder Victor Souto and veteran Bryan Arguez should help the side, though, as will the veteran leadership of Michael Green and Stephen Okai.

Forward: The Riverhounds received a standout season from Corey Hertzog amid all of the side’s troubles in 2016, as the forward earned USL All-League Second Team honors with 12 goals. He is joined by the returning Chevaughn Walsh, a top prospect from the PDL’s Ocean City Nor’easters when he signed late last season, and the likes of Kay Banjo, who scored 23 goals in 65 appearances during his college career before signing this season.

Strengths: The Riverhounds have some clear players to build around, particularly in attack where the likes of Corey Hertzog and Kevin Kerr have proven track records and Chevaughn Walsh has major potential. If Hertzog continues to produce as he has so far in preseason – as of writing he has four goals in four games – then the rest of the Riverhounds’ attack should improve enough to make the playoffs a reality.

Weaknesses: With as many new players as have been brought in over the past year and offseason since Dave Brandt became Head Coach, the biggest question will be can the team find the right chemistry to bring success? The Riverhounds have held their longest preseason training camp by far this season, going a full two months from the start of the season. Early results will see if it’s paid off.

Key number: 6 – The Riverhounds won only six games in the USL regular season a year ago, with only Tulsa Roughnecks FC recording fewer. After going only 4-9-2 at Highmark Stadium last season, making its home venue a tough place to play again has to be at the top of the list of improvements that need to be made.

Noteworthy matchups: There will be no better litmus test than the opening two games of the 2017 season for the Riverhounds, with the defending champion New York Red Bulls II (March 25) and FC Cincinnati (April 1)  visiting Highmark Stadium on the opening two weekends. The Keystone Derby Cup with the Harrisburg City Islanders, which sees the Riverhounds at home on April 29, and fellow in-state rival Bethlehem Steel FC (Aug. 26) will also be circled for players and fans.

Coach’s view: “I’m a big believer in setting the table, so to speak, so my communication with guys who are signed, who are going to be the majority of the team this season, has been frequent and very intentional and very directed in terms of how we’ll play, how I want them coming in, what we’ll do during preseason, who we are, and what we’re about.” – Pittsburgh Riverhounds Head Coach Dave Brandt 

Current roster (updated: March 9, 2017):
Goalkeepers: Keasel Broome, Trey Mitchell
Defenders: Ritchie Duffie, Ryan Adeleye, Jamal Jack, Taylor Washington, Danny Earls, Nick Thompson, Tomi Adewole, Shane Campbell, Rich Balchan
Midfielders: Kevin Kerr, Michael Green, Stephen Okai, Ben Fitzpatrick, Jack Thompson, Victor Souto, Bryan Arguez, Darren Elliott
Forwards: Chevaughn Walsh, Jonathan Manga, Corey Hertzog, Kay Banjo, Kenroy Howell