PITTSBURGH (March 8, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have signed defender Rich Balchan to a one-year deal pending USL and USSF approval.

Invited on trial this past February, including playing against the University of Akron and University of Charleston (W.Va) during the preseason, Balchan officially joins the club after last competing for Ottawa Fury FC in 2016.

“Rich is an experienced right back that can also play center back. We were a little thin in the back with only eight guys on the roster covering those spots, but heavy up front, so I think Rich is a really good addition for us as an experienced, solid, versatile defender,” said head coach Dave Brandt.

A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Balchan was originally drafted by current MLS affiliate Columbus Crew SC in the first round (12th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. With Crew SC, Balchan registered 19 appearances between 2011-12, including one goal, before signing with Real Salt Lake in 2013.

Following two seasons in Utah, Balchan signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2015, then of the NASL, making 15 appearances. He joined Ottawa Fury FC this past season, battling injury to make three total appearances with the club.

Internationally, Balchan competed for the United States U-20 National Team in 2008, notably making appearances against reserve squads from Manchester United and the Bolton Wanderers.

At the collegiate level, Balchan played at Indiana University from 2007-10, making 80 appearances and receiving multiple All-Big Ten honors. He also had stints with the Fort Wayne Fever and Chicago Fire Premier of the USL and FC Indiana of the NPSL during this time.

With the addition of Balchan, the Hounds are up to 27 players officially on the roster for the 2017 campaign.

Pittsburgh kicks off the regular season at home later this month against the reigning league champion New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, March 25 at 5 p.m. Tickets to the match are still available and can be purchased by visiting Riverhounds.com.