Branson Follows Countryman Vincent to Pittsburgh
Published on March 30, 2016 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have added English defensive midfielder Conor Branson to the team's roster for the 2016 United Soccer League season.
Conor Branson training with the Hounds at Highmark Stadium (Photo: Matt Kruth / Riverhounds.com).
Branson follows his countryman Rob Vincent in signing his first professional contract with the Riverhounds after playing collegiately at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.
He helped the Golden Eagles to the NCAA Division II national semifinals last year before losing to eventual champion Pfeiffer University in double overtime. Branson led Charleston's defense to a league-best 11 shutouts and weighed in with four goals and two assists from his holding midfield role.
Branson's assured displays earned him the Mountain East Conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 for the second straight season.
The Yorkshireman grew up playing in the academy system of local club Barnsley F.C. He captained the Nike Football Academy team based at England's National Football Centre in Burton upon Trent during the 2011-2012 season. Branson has also enjoyed training stints with the Hounds' Major League Soccer affiliate Columbus Crew SC and D.C. United.
Branson featured in the Hounds' four preseason games against collegiate opponents and earned his first start against Akron on March 18.
The following 23 players are now officially signed and registered with the team for the 2016 season:
GK (3): Brenden Alfery, Hunter Gilstrap, Mauricio Vargas
DEF (5): Willie Hunt, Jordan Murrell, Caleb Postlewait, Isaiah Schafer, Karsten Smith
MID (10): James Bissue, Conor Branson, Mike Green,Alex Harlley, Marshall Hollingsworth*, Kevin Kerr, Nick Kolarac, Lebo Moloto, Stephen Okai, Ben Swanson*
FWD (5): Zak Boggs, Ryan Dodson, Corey Hertzog, Romeo Parkes, Drew Russell
*On loan from Columbus Crew SC
Reigning USL champion the Rochester Rhinos comes to Pittsburgh for the Hounds' regular season opener on April 2. Visit Ticketmaster.com to secure your tickets.
For full information on our 2016 season ticket offerings contact our sales and ticketing manager Mike Warren directly on (412) 325-7238 or by email to mwarren@highmarkstadium.com.
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