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Hounds sign 'influential' veteran Forbes to strengthen midfield

When Bob Lilley started looking at the type of roster he wanted to put together when he became the Riverhounds head coach last month, one of the first players he was hoping to bring with him from his most recent Rochester Rhinos teams was Kenardo Forbes.
Riverhounds have signed former USL All-League player to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2019 season, pending league and USSF approval.
Forbes, 29, played for three years in Rochester and he is the fifth Rhino from last year’s USL Eastern Conference semifinalist squad to sign with the Hounds since Lilley took over in November – joining Jordan DoverChristiano FrançoisRaymond Lee and Dan Lynd.
“Kenardo was the most influential player in Rochester over the past two seasons,” Lilley said. “His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his leadership qualities were critical to our success. He is a player that is consistently good and always seems to show up in the biggest moments.”
Serving as team captain this past season, Forbes has been a formidable presence in the midfield for the Lilley-led Rhinos squads since 2015. He’s made no less than 20 starts in each of his three seasons there, racking up 19 assists, including playoffs, to lead all Rhinos players in that span. His league accolades include helping the Rhinos to the USL Cup in 2015 – a year in which he led the club in assists with five – as well as earning All-League Second Team honors in 2016.
By adding Forbes to a midfield that already includes two proven play makers in Kerr and François, Lilley already has assembled a very promising Hounds midfield that is not short on creativity and leadership. This trio combined for 16 assists in league play last season.
Currently, Forbes is spending his off season competing for the Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). He is Syracuse’s all-time leading scorer and has earned multiple All-League honors.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Forbes began his professional career in 2006 with Naggo Head F.C., then in the Jamaican National Premier League. After one year in Portmore, he moved back to his hometown to play for one of the top Jamaican clubs in Waterhouse F.C. Forbes captained the team for a spell during his time there and notably appeared in three matches in the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League Group Stages.
Additionally, Forbes has made three appearances for the Jamaican National Team. He debuted internationally with the Reggae Boyz in 2010.
Forbes’ signing brings the roster to an even 10 players currently under contract heading into the New Year.
Full details on the roster for 2018 can be found below.
Roster breakdown for 2018 season
Forwards (3): Kay BanjoRomeo ParkesChevaughn Walsh
Midfielders (3): Kenardo ForbesChristiano FrançoisKevin Kerr
Defenders (3): Tobi AdewoleJordan DoverRaymond Lee
Goalkeepers (1): Dan Lynd

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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