Another familiar face for Bob Lilley is joining the pack.

On Thursday morning, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC announced the signing of Christian Volesky. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Volesky has signed a one-year deal with a club option for 2020.

The 26-year-old forward most recently featured for the Oklahoma City Energy FC in 2018. He made 20 appearances, scoring nine goals, last year. He arrived in Oklahoma City during the midseason, after being traded from St. Louis FC.

Meanwhile, he’s a familiar face due to his background.

From 2015-16, Volesky featured for the Rochester Rhinos. Current Riverhounds SC head coach, Bob Lilley, coached the Rhinos from 2009-11 and 2014-17. Under Lilley, Volesky led the team in 2015 — the same year Rochester won the USL title — with 19 points. During his time in Rochester, Volesky scored 20 goals in 55 appearances.

“Christian has exceptional movement, great pace and knows how to get behind defenses,” Lilley said. “He’s always active in attacking areas and knows how to score goals. We feel his best soccer is still in front of him.”

After his time in Rochester, Volesky joined St. Louis FC, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances. He spent two years down in St. Louis.

Volesky began his USL career in 2014, joining FC Tuscon.

In 2011, Volesky began his collegiate career with the Denver Pioneers. He remained there for one season, transferring then to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He scored 23 goals in 58 appearances for the Cougars.

Out of the 14 players currently under contract for Pittsburgh, six are former Rochester Rhinos players. Steevan Dos Santos and Kenardo Forbes were teammates with Volesky during the 2015 championship season.

Riverhounds SC Current Roster

Forwards: Neco Brett, Steevan Dos Santos, Christian Volesky

Midfielders: Mouhamed Dabo, Kenardo Forbes, Noah Franke, Kevin Kerr, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Anthony Velarde

Defenders: Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover, Joe Greenspan, Ryan James

Goalkeepers: Kyle Morton

Preseason starts this weekend

This week, preseason preparations began for the Riverhounds SC.

Practice began on Monday. However, on Friday, Pittsburgh will host its first of nine preseason matches at Highmark Stadium. Friday’s tilt will have the Riverhounds competing against Cleveland State University. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Pittsburgh has another contest against Gannon University. Sunday’s match will kick off at 1 p.m., directly following the Steel Army’s general meeting.

Other preseason contests are as followed:

• Riverhounds SC vs. Duquesne Univ. on Feb. 15
• Riverhounds SC vs. Univ. of Charleston on Feb. 17
• Riverhounds SC vs. Univ. of Pittsburgh on Feb. 22
• Riverhounds SC vs. Bethlehem Steel FC on Feb. 24
• Riverhounds SC vs. Univ. of Akron on March 1
• Riverhounds SC vs. Lansing Ignite FC on March 3
• Riverhounds SC vs. Toronto FC on March 9

PHOTO: Christian Volesky is the newest member of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, reuniting with former head coach Bob Lilley. Photo courtesy of Mark Guthrel/St. Louis FC.

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