Riverhounds finalize signings of trialist duo Aiden O’Toole and Gabriel Perrotta

Hounds roster continues towards final shape with addition of two rookie talents

With the regular season set to kick off in just two days time, the Riverhounds continue to flesh out the depth of their roster with the addition of trialists Aiden O’Toole in midfield and Gabriel Perrotta in goal, finalizing the available talent for Saturday’s match in New Mexico.

Both O’Toole and Perrotta have seen significant minutes in the Hounds preseason contests, as head coach Bob Lilley got close looks at his two newest additions. While neither is likely to see significant minutes in the immediate future, both additions are crucial to a Hounds team that continues to rebuild much of its deeper roster and both will necessary rotational coverage at their respective positions.

O’Toole joins the Hounds from the University of Denver, where he tallied five goals and 11 assists over 87 career matches for the Pioneers from 2019-2023. O’Toole was made a starter early as a freshman in the Pioneers midfield and kept himself established there as their box-to-box rock. The 22-year-old made numerous Summit League first and second teams and NCAA regional team honors for the NCAA Tournament regulars. He’ll look to slot in to a veteran-heavy midfield led by returners Danny Griffin, Robbie Mertz, Kenardo Forbes, and Junior Etou.

“Aidan has shown versatility in camp, is very coachable and grinds every day to get better,” said Lilley in the team’s release. “His quickness and tenacity will help make him a valuable asset for our team in 2024.”

Perrotta saw regular action this preseason as he competed for the third goalkeeper spot on the roster. With Eric Dick brought in as a USL/MLS veteran and presumptive starter to begin the season and Jacob Randolph signed as a high-upside rookie out of UNC-Wilmington, Perrotta joins the team as a slightly older rookie out of Marshall University. Perotta was a key component of the Thundering Herd team that won the Sun Belt Conference and earned the number one overall seed in the 2023 Men’s College Cup tournament. Prior to his time at Marshall as a graduate student, Perrotta also featured at UNC-Wilmington. The Paraguayan youth international finalizes the all-new goalkeeper room the Hounds bring into 2024 and provides a strong option to Lilley and goalkeeper coach Jon Busch – one that impressed with some stellar saves this preseason.

“Gabby reads the game well and is a good communicator from the back,” Lilley said. “His goalkeeping attributes are solid across the board, and with continued development, he can grow into a very strong keeper in USL.”

The Riverhounds and their newest additions kick off their 2024 season this Saturday, March 9th, away at New Mexico United before returning to Pittsburgh on March 16th for their home opener against Orange County SC.