Riverhounds announce signing of rookie defender Owen Mikoy

Riverhounds SC has signed first-year pro defender Owen Mikoy for the upcoming season with a team option for 2027.

The deal is pending USL and U.S. Soccer approval.

Mikoy, 24, recently completed his college career as a graduate transfer with the University of Kentucky, where he appeared in 16 matches and started the final 11 to help the Wildcats to the Sun Belt Conference regular-season title and an NCAA Tournament bid.

“Owen is a big, strong center back who moves well and is comfortable playing out of the back,” Dan Visser, Riverhounds’ Sporting Director, said.

“He brings a mature presence to the position, and we’re excited about the contributions he’ll make to our defensive unit.”

Originally from Atlanta, Mikoy began his college career at Campbell University. He captained the team as a senior and was the only player to start all 18 matches for the Camels, who posted seven shutouts in 2024. Mikoy finished his time at Campbell with two goals and three assists, and he played a part in the team’s 2021 Big South Conference title that sent the Camels to the NCAA Tournament.

The Hounds continue their preseason preparations at noon tomorrow with a match against Western Conference opponent Lexington SC at Highmark Stadium.

John K’s Thoughts on Owen Mikoy signing

The Riverhounds headed into preseason with a solid returning core to the backline along with the addition of , but adding Mikoy provides much needed depth at the position.

As a first year player, Mikoy fits the description as a more battled-tested college player that the Hounds have been known to bring into the fold in recent years.  Mikoy will also be one of the tallest players on the squad now, along with Brigham Larsen, as the Atlanta, GA, native stands at 6’5″ and 210 pounds.  Watching Mikoy in the scrimmage against Loudoun last Friday, the former UK Wildcat was solid in 1v1 situations and a presence in the air, thought as Head Coach Rob Vincent noted after the match, the Hounds were a bit ‘gappy’ in allowing too much space to the visitors, which led to a goal.  For now, Mikoy will likely be battling to earn playing time behind the likes of Beto Ydrach, Guillaume Vacter, Illal Osumanu and Victor Souza.

Riverhounds 2026 Roster (as of 2/20/2026)

1. Junior Etou — MF — (re-signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
2. Illal Osumanu — D –(re-signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
3. Charles Ahl –MF — (signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
4. Brigham Larsen — F — (signed for 2025-26, contract option for 2027)
5. Jorge Garcia — MF — (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
6. Guillaume Vacter — D — (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
7. Beto Ydrach — D — (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
8. Perrin Barnes — D — (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
9. Bradley Sample — MF (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
10. Jackson Walti — MF (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
11. Danny Griffin — MF / Captain (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
12. Robbie Mertz — MF (signed for 2026-27, contract option for 2028)
13. Nico Campuzano — GK (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
14. Eliot Goldthorpe — MF (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
15. Albert Dikwa — F — (reacquired from Rhode Island — terms TBA)
16. Victor Souza — D (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
17. Warren Agostini – MF (signed USL Academy Contract)
18. Trevor Amann — F — (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
19. Owen Mikoy – D (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)