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RIVERHOUNDS ANNOUNCE NEW SIGNING; SWANSON MAKES MLS DEBUT WITH CREW

Jack Thompson made his pro debut with Charlotte last year.


The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have finally announced an additional signing — former Charlotte Independence forward Jack Thompson.  
Thompson is someone Hounds new head coach Dave Brandt is familiar with — as he played at the coach’s alma mater, Messiah College, from 2011-14. 
Last season saw Thompson start in 10 of 19 games played for the Independence. He racked up two goals and an assist including scoring the first goal in franchise history against the Charleston Battery on March 27, 2015. 

“Jack is a strong and talented left-sided player, who also knows my system and style of play,” Brandt said through the team’s official release today.
“I’m very excited to be able to coach him. He’s a very good signing for us right now.”

At Messiah, Thompson starred at forward, tallying 35 goals and 50 assists in 89 career games played. He had 10 goals in three out of his four seasons with the Falcons and notched a collegiate career-best 17 assists as a junior in 2013.  
A native of Hudson, Ohio, Thompson’s play earned him numerous accolades including Third Team Division III All-American honors as a senior in 2014 and MAC Commonwealth Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman in 2011. 
The club expects Thompson to be available for their match against Richmond this weekend 
The Hounds will face the Kickers on Saturday at 5 p.m.
SWANSON MAKES MLS DEBUT
On Wednesday,  Ben Swanson, who has been a part of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds team this season on loan from Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew, made his MLS debut against the Philadelphia Union. 
Three days before he graduated, Swanson made his Major League Soccer debut with Crew SC. With the roster thinned by call-ups and injuries, the 18-year-old was pressed into action for 16 minutes at the Philadelphia Union.
Even though the Crew lost 3-2 and Swanson struggled at times, he didn’t hesitate when asked which milestone was more special — playing his first MLS game or graduation from High School which he also did this week.

“Making my debut, for sure,” Swanson told Columbus Dispatch, adding with a laugh, “I don’t even think I have to answer that one.”

Crew coach Gregg Berthalter said that he hopes that Swanson can keep progressing in his time in Pittsburgh.  Thus far, Swanson has only played in three of the Riverhounds ten matches in 2016.  
For the complete story in Columbus Dispatch, click here.  

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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