Riverhounds sign former Akron goalkeeper Mitch Budler

The Riverhounds roster ahead of this Saturday’s scheduled season opener is almost complete.

On Monday, the club announced they have signed former University of Akron goalkeeper Mitch Budler for the 2026 season with a team option for 2027, pending USL and U.S. Soccer approval.

Budler, 23, was a four-year starter for the Zips, recording 36 clean sheets and allowing only 65 goals across 76 starts on his way to being a two-time Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and a Third Team All-American as a junior in 2024. With Budler in goal, the Zips won the 2022 Mid-American Conference regular season title and reached the NCAA Tournament three times, advancing all the way to the Elite Eight last fall.

“Mitch is a first-year pro out of the University of Akron with tremendous upside, and we believe he’ll make significant strides this year working under goalkeeper coach Jon Busch,” Dan Visser, Riverhounds Sporting Director, said.

While this is the first pro deal for Budler, a Lincoln, Nebraska. native, he previously appeared in the USL Championship as an academy player with Philadelphia Union II in 2020.

Budler made six appearances that year, including one start at Highmark Stadium against the Riverhounds on Aug. 1 of that season.

Riverhounds 2026 Roster (as of 3/2/2026)

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 – (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)
20. Aldi Flowers-Gamboa – MF/F – (USL Academy Contract)
21. Sam Bassett – MF – (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
22. Lasse Kelp – D – (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
23. Max Viera – MF – (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)
24. Mitch Budler – GK (signed for 2026, contract option for 2027)

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).