Hounds re-sign target man Albert Dikwa

Photo courtesy Justin Berl

The Riverhounds SC dropped a big hint the other day that forward Albert Dikwa would be returning to the club when they posted on Twitter birthday wishes to the then free-agent striker Albert Dikwa.

Join us in wishing a happy birthday to Albert Dikwa! @DikwaAlbert 🥳 pic.twitter.com/5x6yZSxaeQ

— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) January 2, 2022

On Wednesday, the former Cameroon U-20 International and the Hounds agreed to a new contract, a one-year deal with a club option for 2023, pending USL and U.S. Soccer Federation approval.

Dikwa, 24, will be headed into his third year with the Hounds after recording five goals and three assists across 21 games since signing prior to the 2020 season.

“Albert brings energy and intelligent movement to our attack.  He continues to grow as a striker, works hard every day, and is well respected by his teammates. His best soccer is still in front of him, and we are excited about him returning for the 2022 USL season,” Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley said.

Dikwa got off to a late start to his Hounds career after pandemic-related immigration delays kept him from joining the team at the start of his first season. Once arriving, he made a splash off the bench with three goals in his first six contests, including late game-winners against Loudoun United FC and Philadelphia Union II.

He began to find a groove last season with two goals and three assists in 15 games (11 starts) before having his year cut short by injury.

Dikwa turned pro straight out of high school at Florida’s Monteverde Academy signing with Orlando City B. He scored three goals as a rookie for Orlando in 2017 and four more in two seasons with Saint Louis FC from 2018-19.

The announcement of Dikwa’s signing brings the Hounds’ current roster to 11 players for 2022, all returners from last season’s team, ensuring that this off season, the club has maintained more roster continuity than any other season in recent memory.

Hounds 2022 roster (players announced as of Jan. 5)

Goalkeepers (0) — None
Defenders (5) — Ezra Armstrong, Jelani Peters, Dani Rovira, Shane Wiedt, Mekeil Williams
Midfielders (3) — Kenardo Forbes, Danny Griffin, Todd Wharton
Forwards (3) — Russell Cicerone, Albert Dikwa, Alex Dixon

 

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