Hounds roster moves towards final shape with addition of two new talents
With the start of the regular season just two days away, the Riverhounds continue to add depth to their roster with the addition of trialist Aiden O'Toole in midfield and Gabriel Perrotta in goal, making sure they are available for Saturday's game. has been finalized. New Mexico.
O'Toole and Perrotta have seen significant playing time in the Hounds' preseason contests, and head coach Bob Lilley has been watching his two new players closely. While neither is likely to receive significant playing time in the near future, both additions are crucial for a Hounds team that continues to rebuild a deeper roster, and both need rotational coverage at their respective positions. It will be.
O'Toole joined the Hounds from the University of Denver and played in 87 career games with the Pioneers from 2019 to 2023, recording five goals and 11 assists. O'Toole was chosen as an early starter in the Pioneers' midfield as a freshman, where he continued to establish himself as a box-to-box rock. The 22-year-old earned numerous NCAA Regional team honors as a Summit League first and second team and an NCAA Tournament regular. He will join a veteran-heavy midfield led by returners Danny Griffin, Robbie Martz, Kenald Forbes and Junior Etu.
“Aidan has shown versatility in camp, is very coachable, and works every day to get better,” Lilly said in a team release. “His quickness and tenacity will make him a valuable addition to our team in 2024.”
Perrotta was a regular feature this preseason, competing for the third goalie spot on the roster. With Eric Dick entering the season as a USL/MLS veteran and presumptive starter, and Jacob Randolph signed as a promising rookie from UNC-Wilmington, Perrotta joins the team as a slightly older rookie out of Marshall University. join. Perrotta was a key member of the Thundering Herd team that won the Sun Belt Conference and earned the No. 1 overall seed in the 2023 Men's College Cup Tournament. Prior to attending Marshall as a graduate student, Perrotta also served at UNC Wilmington. The Paraguayan youth international will finalize an all-new goalie room for the Hounds in 2024, providing Rielly and goalie coach John Bush with a strong option. He's a player who made some great saves this preseason.
“Gabby reads the game well and is a good communicator from the back,” Lilly said. “His goalkeeping characteristics are solid across the board and his continued development allows him to develop into a very strong keeper in the USL.”
The Riverhounds and their new team begin the 2024 season this Saturday, March 9th, on the road against New Mexico United, before returning to Pittsburgh on March 16th for their home opener against Orange County SC. conduct.