Hounds Add Two Players Ahead of Season Opener

March 26, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release

PITTSBURGH (March 26, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are pleased to announce that defenders Willie Hunt and Jereme Raley have agreed terms for the 2015 season.

Hunt, 27, signed his first professional contract with the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2011. He helped the team win the North American Soccer League's spring season in 2013 and was a substitute in the Silverback's Soccer Bowl loss to the New York Cosmos that year.

Greenville, S.C. native Hunt spent last season with the NASL's Tampa Bay Rowdies. He is a central defender that can play anywhere across the back line.

"We're very excited to sign such an experienced defender as Willie," said Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens. "He's a tough defender, he's strong in the air and his organizational skills will help us at the back."

Raley, 22, enters his rookie season as a professional after four stellar years with Sasho Cirovski's University of Maryland program.

The St. Inigoes, Md. native helped the Terps to a Big Ten regular season and tournament double last fall in the school's inaugural year in the conference. Raley also played in the 2013 NCAA College Cup Final when Maryland lost out to Notre Dame at PPL Park.

"Jereme's work ethic and determination will enable him to mature quickly as a professional," Steffens said. "We believe he has a bright future in the game."

Hunt and Raley add depth and versatility to the Hounds back line after Matt Dallman, Sterling Flunder and Drew Russell picked up injuries during the preseason.

Tyler Pasher is also unavailable for Saturday's home opener against the Harrisburg City Islanders at Highmark Stadium after he was called into the Canadian national team's exhibition games against Guatemala and Puerto Rico this weekend.

Tickets for Saturday's game are still available. Visit Riverhounds.com or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a ticket representative.

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