The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are bringing back their leading scorer from 2016, as they’ve announced that they’ve exercised their contract option on forward Corey Hertzog for the 2017 season.
Hertzog, 26, played in all 30 matches for the Hounds last year, leading the team in minutes, goals, assists, points and shots.
“Corey is an incredibly integral part of not only the team, but I think of my vision here,” said head coach Dave Brandt.“He’s one of my favorite players that I have coached in a long time because of his work rate, his energy and his positive attitude, and, of course, his ability to put the ball in the back of the net. I’m thrilled to have Corey back for 2017.”
Joining the Hounds after a stint in the NASL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2015, Hertzog shined to the tune of 13 goals and four assists for 30 total points last season. He finished fifth in the USL in total points and sixth in goal scoring, earning All-League Second Team honors for his efforts.
The 2017 season will be Hertzog’s seventh full season as a professional. A former Penn State standout from Reading, PA, Hertzog joins midfielder Kevin Kerr as the only other returning veteran player to the roster, and provides an experienced, reliable presence at the top of the attack.
He was also the eighth player in club history to score 10 or more goals in a single season and since 2013 opening of Highmark Stadium, his 13 goals were only only behind – Rob Vincent (18 | 2015), Jose Angulo (15 | 2013).
The return of Hertzog bumps the total to eight players officially under contract for Pittsburgh for the 2017 season.
He joins returners Kerr and Chevaughn Walsh, as well as newcomers Kay Banjo, Keasel Broome, Shane Campbell, Ritchie Duffie and John Manga.