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Hounds Announce Two More Signings: Gilstrap Returns To Pro Team Roster

HunterAnother day, and another of pair of Pittsburgh Riverhounds signings to share.
This time, in what was a move that was expected, the Hounds announced that goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap has returned to the pro team roster and they’ve added central defender Karsten Smith.
Gilstrap’s return to Highmark Stadium to lead the Riverhounds’ Goalkeeper Academy youth training program was announced last November. The 2010 USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year has also agreed terms to join Mark Steffens’ first team roster.
Smith, 27, played collegiately at American University before trialing with teams in France and Vietnam in search of his first professional contract.
That opportunity arose closer to home in 2011 when Smith joined former USL side F.C. New York. He played 21 games during his debut season before moving to the North American Soccer League’s San Antonio Scorpions.
Smith returned to Europe in 2013 when he signed for Finland’s VPS. He moved to KA Akureyri in Iceland a year later before spending the 2015 season with the NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers where he had ten appearances.
Like his new coach, Steffens, Smith is a native of Long Island (Huntington Station).
Roster update
The latest announcements bring the number of signed and approved players to the 2016 Riverhounds roster to 13.  You can see the complete list of 2015-16 Riverhounds offseason transactions/roster moves on our Pittsburgh Riverhounds page on Pittsburgh Soccer Report.

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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