Connor Maloney returns on loan from Crew for second go-around with Hounds

Connor Maloney returns to Pittsburgh on loan from Columbus Crew

Riverhounds SC has received defender Connor Maloney on loan from Columbus Crew SC on a match-by-match basis — almost a year to the day when he was called into action for the Hounds on his first loan.

Drafted by Crew SC in the Third Round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, With Pittsburgh, the defender played in two matches last season, totaling 81 minutes, including starting against Louisville City FC on May 20 and as a substitute against Harrisburg on May 24.

With the Crew, he has not appeared in a match yet this year, but last season he made one substitute appearance as a right back and one start as a right wing back, recording one assist.

Maloney made his first MLS regular season start and registered his first MLS assist for Crew SC in a road match against Real Salt Lake (July 29). Shortly after, Maloney underwent a left knee meniscectomy and subsequently missed out on Crew SC’s remaining matches in 2017.

Maloney, who’s 5’6″ — has been used mostly as a wing player in his pro career. Last year, with the Hounds he was used at outside back.

Prior to being drafted by Crew SC, Maloney, 23, competed collegiately at Penn State University from 2013-16. During his time with the Nittany Lions, Maloney tallied 26 goals and 17 assists in 73 appearances, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors on three occasions, including Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2014.

The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native is expected to be available for tomorrow night’s Keystone Derby Cup match against his hometown side Penn FC at Highmark Stadium.