Sep 8, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo midfielder Brian Ownby (22) reacts after a play during the second half against the New York Red Bulls at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Dynamo announced this evening the identity of two additional players to be sent on loan to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, following the three who were announced last week. Joining Jason Johnson, Anthony Arena and Bryan Salazar will be midfielder Brian Ownby and goalkeeper Michael Lisch.

The Ownby loan confirms what has been expected since the initial announcement of loanees last week. Ownby was slated to join Pittsburgh ahead of the start of the USL Pro season, however an injury to Tony Cascio caused the Dynamo to delay Ownby’s depature. In the interim, Ownby came on as a late sub on the right side of the midfield in the past two games against the Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Ownby was the 7th overall pick in the 1st round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft (the third round overall of the combined draft process). As a rookie, he made a surprise seven regular season appearances for the Dynamo as a substitute. His pace and willingness to run at opposing defenses made him an intriguing player to have on the roster.

Ownby’s rookie showing resulted in the Dynamo sending him on loan to the Richmond Kickers during 2013 for development. While there, he made 19 appearances and scored seven goals. Coming into the 2014 season, it was thought that Ownby might play an important part in the club’s campaign. However, the re-signing of Andrew Driver and the loan of Tony Cascio from Colorado pushed Ownby down the depth chart.

At Pittsburgh, he will have the opportunity to continue his development and potentially contribute to the Dynamo in the long run. While Ownby is a right sided midfielder, he could potentially be developed at right back while on loan such that he could provide depth behind Kofi Sarkodie following his return or potentially replace Sarkodie should the player depart following the expiration of his contract at the end of this season.

Michael Lisch is a rookie goalkeeper taken in the 3rd round of the draft this season. He spent four years at Wake Forest prior to transferring to the University of New Mexico. It is unlikely that Lisch will see playing time in Pittsburgh and his loan is expected to be a short-term one, necessitated by the recent injury to Pittsburgh’s starting goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap.

Gilstrap is expected to miss 3-6 weeks. In the meantime, backup Gregory Blum will get the starts while Lisch backs him up.

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