Preview: Riverhounds 2 set for inaugural kickoff against Cleveland Force SC

Another new era in the Pittsburgh soccer officially begins this Sunday.

While the Riverhounds SC first team will be resting up and begin a bye week after Friday night’s USL Cup setback in penalty kicks to Charlotte, the organization’s brand-new pre-professional squad, Riverhounds 2, will make its official competitive debut on Sunday afternoon at F.N.B. Stadium.

Competing in USL League Two, Hounds 2 introduces a distinct roster philosophy to the local landscape. While their cross-town rivals Steel City FC lean heavily on continuity with 19 returning veterans, the Hounds have assembled a scouted blueprint—blending elite national recruits with top-tier local academy products to build a direct bridge to the professional ranks.

Building RH2 Roster and Three Players to Watch

Riverhounds 2 (we’ll use the acronym RH2!) is a fresh entity to the league—introducing a mix of local college talent and numerous recruits from outside the region.

RH2 are led by Head Coach Josh Kremers, a 33-year-old former Messiah College standout who has been with Riverhounds Development Academy for the past three years and Assistant James Meara, a veteran coach and former professional player in England (Watford / Doncaster Rovers), who has been responsible for helping build up RDA East’s program.

Kremers and Meara are working with a roster designed to mirror a professional environment, pulling elite talent from local powerhouses and national programs.

• Koven Johnson (Midfielder): The marquee signing of the inaugural roster. A 2026 MLS SuperDraft pick by the Colorado Rapids, the former Steel City/Arsenal youth product opted to return to High Point University this fall and will anchor the Hounds’ developmental midfield this summer.

Former Arsenal FC/Steel City FC and Shady Side Academy standout Koven Johnson selected by Colorado Rapids in MLS SuperDraft

• Jack Moxom (Goalkeeper): The University of Pittsburgh standout brings elite shot-stopping to the backline. Moxom played every single minute for Pitt last fall, racking up 55 saves, a .733 save percentage, and five clean sheets—including a massive shutout against Clemson in the ACC Tournament.

• Ashton Miles (Defender): Miles provides a hardened professional backbone to this developmental side, bringing over 3,000 minutes of USL Championship experience across 66 appearances for Orange County SC. A teammate of Koven Johnson at High Point, his leadership at the back will be crucial.

Additional RH2 Confirmed 2026 Signings:

• Josh Hardin (Pitt) – Local collegiate standout; Defender.

• Miles Imparato (Duquesne) – Local collegiate standout; Midfielder.

• Joshua Veychek (Western Michigan/Pitt) – Pittsburgh native; Midfielder.

• Daniel Firek (Loyola Chicago) – Pittsburgh native; Former RDA standout.

• Miguel Dominguez (Robert Morris) – Local collegiate standout; Midfielder/Defender.

• Caleb Borneo (UNC-Greensboro) – Morgantown, WV roots.

• Patrick Ward & Brady McGlone (Davidson College) – Defensive duo.

• Max Haberman (Connecticut College) – NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year.

• Nick Legendre (UBC) – Forward; Canadian youth international experience.

• Bennett Painter (Bowling Green) – Forward.

The Opponent: A Nostalgic Name and a Rebuilding Force

For long-time local soccer fans, the “Cleveland Force” name carries immense weight. The original Force franchise was a powerhouse charter member of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) from 1978 to 1988, packing the old Richfield Coliseum and fostering a fierce, physical indoor rivalry with the Pittsburgh Spirit.

The modern iteration of Cleveland Force SC was reborn as a pre-professional club in 2018 through a merger of three top Northeast Ohio youth academies. They joined USL League Two in 2022 and quickly established themselves as a tough out in the Valley Division, securing back-to-back second-place finishes and playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024.

However, a massive divisional realignment shifted Cleveland into the newly formed Great Forest Division, where they experienced a difficult transition, finishing fifth in the division with a 3-8-1 record.

Cleveland is looking to hit the reset button and climb back up the table, and spoiling a brand-new Pittsburgh franchise’s opening night on the riverfront would be the perfect way to kick off their campaign.

Any time Pittsburgh and Cleveland square off on a athletic field, expect plenty of physical intensity and no shortage of competitive fire.

A Tale of USL League Two Roster Blueprints: Steel City FC and Riverhounds 2 take differing approach to roster builds