The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC are laying down the framework for their 2021 roster. After a disappointing end to the 2020 season, the Riverhounds saw a lot of familiar faces leave the organization. Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Robbie Mertz and Tobi Adewole are just a few names heading to different clubs.
Currently, the team has only eight players under contract.
Two new signings highlight the Riverhounds roster. One was made earlier in December, while the other was signed today. In December, the club announced the signing of forward Russell Cicerone. Today, another forward was added to the mix, Alex Dixon.
Cicerone is coming to Pittsburgh from St. Louis. The 26-year-old forward spent the last two seasons with Saint Louis FC. However, the team folded ahead of the 2021 season, to make way for the city’s MLS club. In two seasons in Missouri, Cicerone scored 10 goals in 49 appearances.
“We are excited to welcome Russell on board. His versatility, energy, and competitiveness are traits that we value on our roster,” Bob Lilley, Riverhounds coach, said. “He’s a dynamic player with good pace who likes to get behind defenses, and he has the ability to score goals as well as create for others. Russell is a big part of our plans for 2021.”
Cicerone began his professional career with the Portland Timbers 2 in 2017. He scored one goal in 29 appearances. Then, he moved across the country to FC Cincinnati, during the team’s final year in the USL. In Cincinnati, Cicerone struggled to find time, featuring in 10 games and scoring one goal.
At the time of his signing, the Riverhounds only had Albert Dikwa listed as a forward.
The newest Hound is excited to get to work! @SteelArmy #UNLEASH pic.twitter.com/xoStAr5dgw
— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) January 7, 2021
Riverhounds bring another forward, Dixon
Now, there’s three forwards on the Riverhounds’ roster.
Alex Dixon was the leading goal-scorer for Hartford Athletic last year. That was the same team that leapfrogged over Pittsburgh to take first place in Group F. Just like the Riverhounds, though, Hartford crashed in the playoffs early. Dixon scored six goals last year, leading the team.
In Pittsburgh, he’ll reunite with former coach Lilley, as Dixon was part of the Rochester Rhinos from 2014-15, where he won a championship in 2015. Dixon had time on an MLS roster when he signed a Homegrown player contract with the Houston Dynamo in 2011. However, in three seasons, he scored one goal and made 13 appearances. During his time in Houston, he even went on loan to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Dixon, 30, has featured for the Jacksonville Armada and also the Oklahoma City Energy. His best numbers came in the Midwest, when he scored 18 goals in 65 appearances for Oklahoma City.
“Alex is a dynamic player who has a good understanding of how to get into dangerous spaces,” Lilley said. “He can play multiple positions, can score goals, and will help provide leadership in the locker room. We are excited to have him in Pittsburgh for the 2021 season.”
It’s time!! Excited to be joining a great group of guys and can’t wait to get started! #UNLEASH @RiverhoundsSC @SteelArmy https://t.co/RENzIcjwHh
— Alex Dixon (@alexdixon19) January 8, 2021
Full Hounds Roster
Goalkeepers: Danny Vitiello
Defenders: Jordan Dover
Midfielders: Danny Griffin, Kenardo Forbes, Anthony Velarde
Forwards: Russell Cicerone, Albert Dikwa, Alex Dixon
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