Riverhounds’ Edward Kizza earns USL Championship Player of the Week honor

Riverhounds SC forward Edward Kizza was named as the USL Championship Player of the Week, presented by Konami eFootball, the league announced this afternoon.

Kizza helped spark the Hounds offense to life last Saturday in a 3-1 road win at defending league champion Phoenix Rising FC. The third-year Hounds player set up the opening goal by Kazaiah Sterling with a tricky backheeled pass in the box; the combination also earned a nomination for USL Championship Goal of the Week.

The former Pitt standout added the game-winning goal in the second half  to snap a 1-1 tie, giving the Hounds their first road win at a Western Conference opponent in their last 12 attempts.

In addition to his scoring exploits, Kizza connected on 21 of his 25 passes in the match and harried the Phoenix back line into winning possession five times, tied for the most on the team.

For Kizza, a native of Uganda and former University of Pittsburgh standout, it is his first Player of the Week honor in the USL Championship. He took the honor by receiving 45 percent of the league-wide vote, finishing just ahead of Charleston’s MD Myers. The full Team of the Week for Week 7 will be announced at 2:30 p.m. at uslchampionship.com.

The Hounds are back at home this Saturday, when they host Detroit City FC in a 7 p.m. match at Highmark Stadium.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).