Hounds shore up target forward rotation with signing of playoff hero Edward Kizza

Edward Kizza came to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on loan from New England Revolution, and the former Pitt standout didn’t have a huge impact during the 2022 regular season.

In the playoffs, Kizza came on very late when the Hounds were trailing against Birmingham, and scored two equalizers, once in stoppage time and again in extra time before capping the performance with the penalty kick shootout clincher.

Young Hounds come through in epic playoff win

Kizza, 24, is will be back, this time signed to a one year deal in 2023, with a team option for 2024 pending league approval.

A former first-round MLS draft selection, Kizza scored three goals in 12 appearances with the Hounds, two of which came in the team’s dramatic Eastern Conference Quarterfinal against Birmingham that saw the Hounds advance in a shootout.

“Kizza brings goal scoring, ideas and mobility up top. He is a forward who works hard for the team, and we are excited to have him back in Pittsburgh for the 2023 USL Championship season,” Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley said.

The addition of Kizza to the 2023 roster gives Lilley a couple of solid options at target forward ahead of preseason camp, as the Hounds also picked up the contract option for Albert Dikwa for 2023.

A native of Uganda, Kizza first arrived in Pittsburgh to play collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh. In three seasons with the Panthers from 2017-19, Kizza scored 31 goals and helped lead Pitt to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 54 years.

After being drafted by the Revolution in 2020, he made 11 appearances for the MLS club while also spending time on loan with New England Revolution II in USL League One and with fellow USL Championship club Memphis 901 FC. Kizza became a free agent when his loan spell with the Hounds ended at the conclusion of the 2022 season.