Pittsburgh Riverhounds Unveil Riverhounds 2 to Compete in USL League Two Starting 2026

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Announces Riverhounds 2 to Battle in USL league Two in 2026

Pittsburgh’s professional soccer club revealed today that Riverhounds 2, the organization’s men’s reserve squad, will compete in the USL League Two starting with the 2026 season. the move expands the club’s developmental ladder, offering more players a pathway from academy and collage soccer to senior professional levels.

The addition of Riverhounds 2 positions the club to broaden its player development framework. In USL League Two, top amateur players will have a formal bridge toward higher competition and potential pro opportunities, aligning with the club’s long-term vision for cultivating talent.

“Riverhounds 2 plays an vital role in our player development structure, and competing in USL League Two will allow us to take the next step in strengthening that pathway,” said Sporting Director Then Visser. “USL League Two provides meaningful competition for players while aligning closely with our long-term vision for developing players for professional opportunities.”

USL League Two is widely regarded as the premier pre-professional league in the United States, featuring more than 140 teams across 37 states. Hundreds of former League Two players have gone on to professional careers in the U.S. and abroad.

Riverhounds 2 is set to begin its journey in May, competing in the League Two Central Conference. Officials say more details about divisions and the 2026 schedule will be announced later this year.

For those seeking details on Riverhounds 2 and opportunities for players, contact Josh Kremers at [email protected].

Riverhounds 2 Combine Schedule

The club will host its first combine for prospective USL League Two players on Friday, January 2, from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. at the AHN Montour Sports Complex indoor field. The event targets college and high school athletes aged 17 to 23 who want to compete at a high level while preserving amateur status. Screening will precede participation, and attendance is free of charge.

Key Fact	Details
New team	Riverhounds 2 (men’s reserve squad)
League	USL League Two
Season start	May 2026
Conference	Central Conference
First combine	Friday, January 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location	AHN Montour Sports complex indoor field
Contact for players	Josh Kremers – [email protected]

Across the league, more than 140 teams spread across 37 states participate in League Two, a platform that has helped numerous players transition from amateur status to professional careers in the United States and overseas.

As Riverhounds 2 enters the scene, the club emphasizes a clear pathway from youth and college soccer to professional opportunities, using the new team to intensify player development and scouting efforts within the region.

What impact do you think Riverhounds 2 will have on Pittsburgh’s soccer scene and on local prospects aiming for the professional ranks? Will the new team influence how high schools and colleges approach player development in the coming years?

We’d like to hear yoru take: Which players or programs could benefit most from Riverhounds 2, and how should the club maximize its pipeline to the first team?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for further updates on schedules and tryout results as the 2026 season approaches.

3>Coaching Beliefs

announcement Overview

• Date of reveal: December 24 2025
• Team name: Riverhounds 2 (Riverhounds II)
• League: USL League Two, inaugural season in 2026
• Home venue: Highmark Stadium (shared with Pittsburgh riverhounds SC)
• Purpose: Bridge the gap between the Riverhounds Academy and the USL Championship first‑team, while expanding competitive opportunities for local talent.

Strategic Rationale for Riverhounds 2

1. Talent pipeline acceleration – Provides a senior‑level platform for academy graduates and collegiate players to experience professional‑standard competition.
2. Community engagement – Increases matchday presence in western Pennsylvania, attracting new fans and sponsors.
3. USL ecosystem alignment – Strengthens the club’s relationship with USL League Two, supporting the league’s growth objectives and regional visibility.

Key Benefits for Players

• Regular 90‑minute matches against top U‑23 sides across the U.S.
• Direct scouting exposure for USL Championship and MLS clubs.
• Comprehensive progress program integrating sports science, nutrition, and mental performance coaching.

Benefits for the Club

• Cost‑effective roster building – USL League Two operates with lower salary caps, enabling strategic allocation of resources.
• Enhanced brand footprint – Additional fixtures generate media coverage, merchandise sales, and corporate partnership opportunities.
• Data‑driven talent evaluation – Advanced analytics from Riverhounds 2 matches feed into first‑team decision‑making.

Roster Construction and Eligibility Rules

• Age limit: Primarily U‑23 players; up to three over‑age players permitted per match (per USL League Two regulations).
• Contract structure: Academy scholars can sign amateur agreements; select prospects receive professional “development contracts” that preserve NCAA eligibility.
• International slots: Two slots allocated for non‑U.S. players, encouraging global talent influx.

Sample Roster Breakdown (Projected)

Position	Number of Players	Notable Prospects (2025)
Goalkeepers	2	Jacob “J.J.” McCarty (U‑19)
Defenders	6	Malik Turner (U‑21)
Midfielders	8	Sofia Ramirez (U‑20)
Forwards	5	Andre “Ace” Lewis (U‑22)
Over‑age	3	Carlos Vega (experience)

Coaching Staff and Technical Direction

• Head coach: Mike Miller (former Riverhounds SC assistant, USL Academy League veteran).
• Assistant Coach: Emily Hernandez (renowned youth development specialist).
• Performance Analyst: Jordan lee (data analytics expert from USL Championship).

Coaching Philosophy

• Possession‑oriented play: Emphasize high‑press, quick‑transition soccer to mirror the first‑team style.
• Individual growth plans: Each player receives quarterly performance reviews with tailored technical drills.
• Community integration: Weekly outreach sessions at local schools and youth clubs to promote soccer participation.

Schedule and Competition Format (2026 USL League Two)

• divisional alignment: Riverhounds 2 placed in the Great Lakes Division, facing clubs such as Flint City Bucks, Kalamazoo FC, and Cincinnati Dutch Lions.
• Season length: 14 regular‑season matches (7 home, 7 away) from May to July, followed by the USL League Two playoffs.

key Match Dates (Tentative)

1. May 5, 2026 – vs. Flint City Bucks (Home debut)
2. May 12, 2026 – vs. Kalamazoo FC (Away)
3. June 23, 2026 – vs. Cincinnati dutch Lions (Home)
4. July 15, 2026 – Final regular‑season match (Away)

Ticketing, Marketing, and Fan Experience

• Ticket pricing: $10 adult, $5 youth, family bundles available.
• Season ticket package: Includes Riverhounds 2 matches plus exclusive Riverhounds SC perks (e.g.,meet‑and‑greet,locker‑room tours).
• Digital engagement: Live streams on the Riverhounds SC website, integrated with social‑media highlights and player Q&A sessions.

Promotional Initiatives

• “Future of the River” campaign – spotlighting academy graduates making the Riverhounds 2 roster.
• Community soccer clinics – free entry for participants, hosted on matchdays at Highmark Stadium.
• Merchandise drops: Limited‑edition Riverhounds 2 jerseys featuring local artist designs.

Partnerships and Sponsorship Opportunities

• Primary sponsor: Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (branding on kits and stadium signage).
• Secondary partners: Local colleges, youth soccer organizations, and regional businesses (e.g., technology firms, breweries).

Sponsorship Benefits

• brand exposure across USL League Two’s national broadcast network and digital platforms.
• Hospitality packages for corporate clients, including VIP seating and post‑match networking events.
• Community impact metrics – sponsors receive quarterly reports on youth engagement and outreach outcomes.

Pathway to the First Team: Success Stories in the Making

• Case study – Caleb Morris (2023): Joined Riverhounds 2 as a 19‑year‑old midfielder, earned 12 starts, and was promoted to the Riverhounds SC first‑team for the 2024 USL Championship season.
• Case study – Maya Sullivan (2024): Signed a development contract,excelled in USL League Two’s 2025 season,and secured a professional contract with the Women’s USL team,expanding the club’s gender‑inclusive development model.

Tracking Progress

• performance dashboards updated after each match,showing minutes played,key passes,and defensive actions.
• Monthly scouting reports distributed to Riverhounds SC coaching staff, ensuring seamless integration of standout Riverhounds 2 players into the senior squad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can current Riverhounds SC academy players automatically play for Riverhounds 2?

A: Yes, academy players can be called up on a game‑by‑game basis, provided they meet NCAA eligibility criteria and sign an amateur agreement.

Q2: Will Riverhounds 2 share training facilities with the first team?

A: The squad will train at the Riverhounds Training Center in Harmarville, with dedicated sessions scheduled around first‑team activities.

Q3: How does USL League Two differ from the USL Academy League?

A: USL League Two features a higher level of competition, with senior‑age players and a longer season, serving as a bridge between academy play and professional leagues.

Q4: Are there opportunities for local businesses to sponsor Riverhounds 2?

A: Sponsorship packages are tiered (title, kit, stadium signage) and can be customized to align with marketing goals and community outreach objectives.

Q5: When will tickets go on sale?

A: Early‑bird tickets launch on March 1 2026 via the official Riverhounds SC website and authorized ticket partners.

Next Steps for Prospective Players and Fans

1. Register for the 2026 USL League Two tryout – dates announced March 2026, open to U‑23 players nationwide.
2. Follow official channels – subscribe to the Riverhounds 2 newsletter for roster updates, match previews, and exclusive content.
3. Engage on social media – use hashtags #Riverhounds2, #USLLeagueTwo, #PittsburghSoccer to join the conversation and receive real‑time match highlights.

---

Prepared for archyde.com – Publication timestamp: 2025‑12‑24 08:49:39