Connect with us

Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Rob Vincent Will Transfer From Riverhounds to DC United

It’s official — Rob Vincent will no longer be playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Here’s the official announcement from the Hounds media release sent earlier on Wednesday:

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have transferred English midfielder Rob Vincent to D.C. United after agreeing terms with the Major League Soccer side.
Vincent, 25, enjoyed a spectacular 2015 season at Highmark Stadium. He led the Hounds with 18 league goals from his role on the left of midfield. Vincent was named to the United Soccer League’s All-League first team after twice being awarded ‘Player of the Week’ honors and earning seven ‘Team of the Week’ selections.

The Liverpool, England native also scored in each of Pittsburgh’s three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games last year including a converted penalty kick against D.C. United in the Hounds’ fourth round defeat.

“We’re thrilled that Rob has earned the chance to progress to the highest level of soccer in this country,” said Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens. “And it has been earned.

“Rob’s dedication toward improving every facet of his game is phenomenal.”He has been a fantastic servant to the Riverhounds as a player and as a coach in our Academy. He is a superb role model for every aspiring young player in the Western Pennsylvania area to follow.”Vincent made 88 appearances and scored 28 goals in all competitions during his three years in Pittsburgh. He leaves the Hounds as the club’s leading regular-season scorer in the modern USL era (since 2011) with 24 goals.

Former Riverhounds head coach Justin Evans signed Vincent to his first professional contract in 2013 after he had played collegiately at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. Vincent’s steady performances earned him a regular starting slot before a change of role under Steffens gave him the freedom to pose a greater offensive threat.
Vincent’s form last year led D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen to offer him a training stint with the Black-and-Red at the end of the USL season. Vincent rejoined the MLS side last month for its preseason preparations in Bradenton, Florida. He becomes the third Riverhounds player to move to RFK Stadium in recent seasons after defender Greg Janicki and South African forward Thabiso Khumalo were transferred in 2008.

“Rob first impressed us during our U.S. Open Cup match against the Riverhounds last summer,” said Dave Kasper, D.C. United’s general manager and a former executive with the Hounds under club founder Paul Heasley. “He is a smart player who has the ability to create and score from wide midfield positions, and his tireless work rate and professionalism excite us.”

D.C. United’s season begins Feb. 23 when Olsen’s men travel to Mexico for the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal tie against Querétaro F.C.

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

Subscribe to PGH Soccer Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to PGH Soccer Now and receive notifications of new posts by email.

More in Pittsburgh Riverhounds