Pittsburgh Riverhounds Sign Two Central Defenders to Bolster Back Line for 2013 USL PRO Campaign
Published on March 6, 2013 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
Western, Pa. -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are pleased to announce the signing of central defenders, Andrew Marshall and Anthony Vazquez for their inaugural season at Highmark Stadium, pending USSF approval. Two strong and physical defenders, Marshall and Vazquez will provide the Riverhounds with depth and professional experience in the defensive third.
"This off-season, an area of focus was to search for players who would make our defense stronger and faster," stated Head Coach Justin Evans on the signing of Marshall and Vazquez. "I believe with the addition of these two men we have done just that. Both Andrew and Anthony will bring an honest, hard-working, Pittsburgh-style mentality to our back line this year. I am very pleased that we were able to come to an agreement with both of them."
Coming to Pittsburgh for his eighth professional season, Marshall will impact the Riverhounds back four with his ball-winning ability, composure, and veteran savvy. Spending the last two seasons with the Riverhounds intra-state rival, the Harrisburg City Islanders, Marshall played a key role in the Islanders back-to-back USL PRO playoff berths, highlighted by the 2011 USL PRO Championship marathon loss to the Orlando City Lions in penalty kicks.
Marshall comments about joining the Riverhounds for the 2013 USL PRO season, "It is an exciting time for soccer in Pittsburgh and I'm exciting for this season with the Riverhounds. I am eager to be a part of what the Riverhounds have planned and I am grateful for the opportunity to play for a USL PRO Championship."
A member of the Puerto Rican Men's National Team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March of 2008, Vazquez brings international experience to the Riverhounds back line. After finishing his collegiate career at Monmouth University, Vazquez signed with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the North American Soccer League for the 2012 season and received quality minutes in his rookie campaign, including ten starts, as he became a defensive anchor for the NASL Club.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to play for Coach Evans and the Riverhounds," added Vazquez. "After coming off a great season with the Puerto Rico Islanders, I hope to bring a different element of experience to the Club. I look forward to meeting the rest of my teammates, the organization, and hope to be a part of a successful season this year."
The Riverhounds will release their official 2013 preseason schedule later this week, highlighted by matchups with a USL PRO foe, a Nike- supported program of up-and-coming US soccer stars, and one of the top collegiate programs in the country. Stay tuned to riverhounds.com for the schedule details.
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