Hounds add former Creighton standout Noah Franke

former Creighton defender appeared in two games for the Hounds during the preseason as trialist

Remember that point in the preseason when the Riverhounds didn’t have any depth in their back line?

That should not be an issue now, as the club has signed a versatile player who can play both on the back line and in midfield, preseason trialist Noah Franke, to a one-year deal with a club option for the 2019 season, pending USL and USSF approval, bringing the total number of defenders on the 24-man roster to eight.

Franke, 23, appeared in two games for the Hounds during the preseason, last playing for Creighton University. He was drafted by FC Dallas during the offseason with the No. 80 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, but did not make an appearance with the club.

“Noah is a quick, dynamic player who is very comfortable jumping into the attack and is versatile enough to play in a wide midfield or defending position,” head coach Bob Lilley said.

Starring at midfield for the Bluejays, Franke racked up 71 games played (43 starts), four goals and 10 assists over the course of his career at Creighton from 2014-17. He logged the most playing time during his junior campaign, recording 1,953 minutes while starting all 23 of his appearances. His junior season also was his highest scoring of his collegiate career, as he posted eight points (one goal and six assists).

Prior to arriving at Creighton, the Orlando, Florida native played for the U-23 team of Orlando City during its run into the third round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He also played on the Orlando City U-18 team in 2013-14.

The addition of Franke now has the Hounds roster with 24 players under contract, as Franke joins Thomas Vancaeyezeele as the lone rookies with the club.

Riverhounds SC is set for its home opener this weekend against Penn FC in a Keystone Derby Cup clash on March 31. Set to kick off at 7 p.m., tickets to the match are still available and can be purchased for as low as $13.

Roster breakdown for 2018 season
Forwards (4): Kay Banjo, Neco Brett, Dennis Chin, Romeo Parkes
Midfielders (9): Mouhamed Dabo, Ben Fitzpatrick, Bakie Goodman, Kenardo Forbes, Joe Holland, Christiano François, Kevin Kerr, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Ben Zemanski
Defenders (8): Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover, Noah Franke, Joe Greenspan, Raymond Lee, Andrew Lubahn, Todd Pratzner, Hugh Roberts
Goalkeepers (3): Mike Kirk, Dan Lynd, Kyle Morton