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Giving thanks to our contributors, partners and sponsors

Now that Thanksgiving weekend is here — it marks the end of another soccer season in Western Pennsylvania.

Oh sure, there’s always some kind of soccer games, leagues, international competition, college recruiting, indoor/futsal, academy/club and other things to keep up with — that make following the world’s most popular sport a year-round proposition.

Here in Pittsburgh though, things really do come to a bit of a temporary halt with our coverage of Pittsburgh soccer at the end of November.

This provides a chance for reflection and a chance to say thanks.

First, here’s a collection of the most indelible, lasting images from the past year — all taken/provided by Pittsburgh Soccer Now contributors.

PITTSBURGH SOCCER IMAGES 2018

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After an unprecedented Riverhounds SC season ended abruptly — there was little time for rest as the high school playoff season was in full-swing through the conclusion of the PIAA Championships last weekend.

After a few days off the grid, I wanted to make sure that I didn’t miss out on this opportunity to say thanks.

When I created my original site, Pittsburgh Soccer Report, in early 2015, it was almost entirely an individual endeavor.

Since transitioning to this site, Pittsburgh Soccer Now, in March, it’s become a much more team effort.  I am so thankful for having so many contributions to this site, the response our coverage has received during the past six months.

As I’ve said a few times recently this has been a passion project that has morphed into something even bigger than anticipated.  The best part of it has been that it’s been done as numerous contributors have jumped on board, devoting a lot of time and energy to giving soccer fans in our region with a comprehensive site for all kinds of great coverage.

THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

This site would not be possible without talented folks who each share the same passion for soccer. Thanks to each and every one of you for what you do for Pittsburgh Soccer Now.

Writers/Reporters

  • Matt Gajtka 
  • Mark Goodman aka ‘The Soccer Rabbi’ 
  • Rachael McKriger 
  • Ed Rosensteel 
  • Zac Weiss 

Photography

  • Ed Thompson
  • David Hague 
  • J.J. Krysinsky
  • Zac Weiss
  • Rachael McKriger 

Podcasts

  • Mon Goals crew — assembled by Mike Sparks — and all those who contribute to the Podcasts that are posted on Pittsburgh Soccer Now.  These podcasts provide insights, perspectives and reactions from Riverhounds SC’s most die-hard fans.

THANKS TO OUR PITTSBURGH SPORTS NOW PARTNERS

Also, special thanks should go out to the Pittsburgh Sports Now team — namely Alan Saunders, Mike Asti, Mike Vukovcan and our site administrator, go-to-guy for all site-related issues Joe Stiegerwald.  Thanks to Mike for helping with producing the Pittsburgh Soccer Show on Pittsburgh Sports Live! We are looking to shoot some future episodes.

Hopefully, I am not leaving anyone out of this list.  It’s been really great to get feedback from so many coaches, team and school officials, media staff and especially the fans — and those who follow/watch soccer here in our region who have expressed their appreciation for what we do to provide coverage of soccer.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

I would be remiss if I didn’t include acknowledgement of our site sponsor Piper’s Pub! As someone duly noted, this is a sponsorship that makes sense on so many levels. We are very happy to have Piper’s support.  We hope that if you get a chance, you visit Pittsburgh’s best soccer pub at some point.

This year we were also able to provide fans and followers with Featured Coverage of High School soccer matches thanks to sponsors including Steel Town Auto Sales, Advanced Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation and booster clubs from Shady Side Academy, Deer Lakes and Seton-LaSalle.  Also, we have continued with adidas as an affiliate partner going back to last Fall with Pittsburgh Soccer Report.


So what about those reflections?

In covering the high school scene this Fall, there were some things that stood out — some unique human interest stories and anecdotes that I am looking forward to sharing in the coming days.

It also took me almost a month, but I did have a chance to finally catch up with Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley — who provided me with a chance to spend some extended time with him — one-on-one — on a day in the off season to learn more about his first full-season as coach of the Riverhounds, get his thoughts and find out more about how he is already intensely diving into preparations for next season.

We’ll also be making time in the coming month or two to follow-up on what was a very interesting college season — and one that’s not quite done yet if you count that Pittsburgh — and Highmark Stadium — will be host to the NCAA Division II Final Four and National Championship games next week.

We also have Mark Goodman working on an industrious series of profiling Youth Soccer programs in our region. He should have another one of these posted fairly soon.

 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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