Looks like we've signed one of the trialists. Stoked to be playin my next season with @PghRiverhounds. Time to bring the trophy to Pitt! 🏆— Brian Fekete (@Feks14) March 3, 2014
Roster guess (17) signed: Angulo (F), Ngwyena (M-F), Arteaga (F), Seth (F-D), C'Debaca (M), Vincent (M), Dallman (M), Kerr (M), Obadai (M), Green (D-M), Marshall (D), Flunder (D), Gilstrap (GK), Blum (GK), Montagalvan (M), Katic (D), Fekete (D). Possible newbies (2): Cabrillo (F), Dillon (D) Possible return (1): Seamon (M-D) if he doesn't make Union Possible Dynamo loans (4-5): Johnson (M-F), Salazar (M-F), Arena (D), Lisch (GK) (possibly Sherrod and/or Cochrane) Outside looking in (1): Lundberg
Very strong rumor that the Hounds are about to sign Collins John. He's most well known for his 5 season stint at Fulhma
He didn't make it on the Union, but also hasn't shown back up in Pittsburgh. As far as any of us know he's still under contract. We've been trying to find out but no one's said anything.
Signed: (17) signed: Angulo (F), Ngwyena (M-F), Arteaga (F), Seth (F-D), C'Debaca (M), Vincent (M), Dallman (M), Kerr (M), Obadai (M), Green (D-M), Marshall (D), Flunder (D), Montagalvan (M), Katic (D), Fekete (D), Gilstrap (GK), Blum (GK). (Note: bold indicates new player) Possible newbies (1): Cabrillo (F) Possible Dynamo loans (4): Johnson (M-F), Salazar (M-F), Arena (D), Lisch/or Deric (GK) Looks like 22 on squad. Leaves room for 1-3 more. Any more thoughts on loans or other possible signings.
Hulings is still with the team apparently. I have it on good authority that Collins John will be signed. They're just waiting on paperwork to be processed. In the interview with Evans he said 2 more signings are coming (John being one). No idea who the other person is. Maybe Cabrillo, but I don't know if he counts. Seamon is definitly gone.
Team shaping up to have far more depth and options than last year including having established veterans as well as developmental players coming off the bench Possible signings: Collins John? (veteran, former Fulham; goal scorer?) Dan Earls? (solid defender; former Rhino; played against Pitt) Miro Cabrillo - would make 3rd signing. Hulings may train with team but not sign if Dynamo send GK. No word yet on loans
Where did you hear about Dan Earls? -edit- Nevermind! I see he played for us on Tuesday. That came out of nowhere.
Good - added some additional firepower up top with Ngwenya, Collins John and Maybe Miro Cabrillo. Sounds like Montagalvan may be playing RB with Green moving back to midfield, his natural position. Feteke also playing LB with Marshall and Flunder at CB. Katic only other bonafide defender in camp. Dan Earls could be signed and take outside spot. Obadai provides some toughness to crowded midfield. Look for Johnson (M-F), Salazar (M-F) and Arena (CB) plus 3rd GK from Dynamo. Lopez could be a "wild card" to get some playing time before recall.
Dynamo reserves scrimmage yesterday against San Antonio looks like final audition for loan to Pittsburgh. Sounds like Salazar and JJ still good bets with Arena in need of play time and probably game fitness. Who is the mystery 4th man?
Dynamo post suggests Salazar not ready and Ownby could return to USL, at least for a while, for playing time. Injuries to first-team could lead to his recall. That works for me. Pitt now has Angulo, Arteaga, Ngweyna, and Collins John up top with rookie Miro Cabrillo seen to make squad. Utility man Mike Seth also capable to fill in up top. Ownby would be solid help in midfield and could get quality time as outside back where he saw action in pre-season. Is a capable scorer from midfield. Arena and Deric (or Lisch) would be solid additions. JJ would need to earn time in midfield or up top - however he along with Cabrillo should benefit from working with veteran group of attackers. With more liberal sub rule in USL, more guys can get playing time on any given night. If you travel, you'll probably play some. Depth is really important for Hounds to compete with big boys.
Ok - no real surprise, JJ, Salazar and Arena. All three will provide fresh young legs and should benefit from working with veterans. Natural defender, Arena should be welcome addition. A fourth still coming? Would still like to see a GK on loan but Ownby's name continues to bounce around. Any word on whether Danny Earls will sign? Sounds like he would be another good pick up. How about Cabrillo? Seems like he's earned a spot. Key will now be to find the combinations that work. Customary 4-4-2 may evolve to 4-3-3 or 4-1-3-2 with all the forwards we have in camp.
Early got some play time in the last preseason match on Saturday but I haven't heard anything official about him. He's not listed on the website either. Same goes for Cabrillo. He's still in school. While it's a local college, I don't know if they'll wait to officially sign him until after he graduates or not.
In brighter news per Evan's interview yesterday- http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1886260998?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAHBuCSQ~,m5He7DD2i Ownby will be the 4th
Quite an intersting line up in Orlando. Danny Earls gets the start. 3 loanees from Dynamo travel. Things looked a bit ragged for a while but inproved over the course of the game. Arena looked reasonably comfortable in the back with Marshall.
Hunter took quit a knock and certainly appeared concussed. Is Hulings still around, or might we get a short tern loan from Dynamo?
I saw him hanging around during pre-season but he never played. I don't know if he has a contract or what. He's not listed on the roster.
Per @PghRiverhounds coach Justin Evans -- the team expects to get Houston GK Michael Lisch on loan with Hunter Gilstrap out at least 2 wks.— Matt Grubba (@Matt_Grubba) April 2, 2014 @_bencole Blum to start Saturday, and I was given the impression there's no set plan beyond that.— Matt Grubba (@Matt_Grubba) April 2, 2014