PITTSBURGH (January 12, 2018) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have made their first signing of the New Year, adding former Minnesota United FC defender Joe Greenspan on a one-year deal with a club option for the 2019 season, pending USL and USSF approval.

Loaned to the Hounds this past year by the Loons, Greenspan, 25, made 10 appearances for the Black and Gold at center back.

“We’re excited to have Joe join the team,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “I really like his skillset for a center back – he’s a good ball winner, reads the game well and has great leadership qualities. Joe’s going to be a great fit for us and someone that can turn into a top-end player for our team and in this league.”

The Westfield, New Jersey native excelled in his time with Pittsburgh, helping the backline record four clean sheets in 10 starts and finishing fourth on the club with 66 clearances. Greenspan’s efforts saw him earn Team of the Week honors twice, as well as earning a Player of the Month nomination for the month of May.

Acquired by Minnesota from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for the club’s third round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft prior to last season, Greenspan made four appearances, including three starts, for the Loons.

Greenspan was originally drafted by the Rapids in the second round (26th overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. From 2015-16, Greenspan made four appearances with the Rapids, as well as had loan stints in the USL with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and the Charlotte Independence.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Greenspan split time playing in Colorado and on loan, while also fulfilling his military duties. He spent one year in active duty with the Navy after graduating in 2014 before being transferred into the Navy Reserve and allowed to pursue a soccer career.

Greenspan played four seasons at the Naval Academy, helping the school to its first NCAA tournament win in 42 years in 2013. For his collegiate career, he tallied 18 goals in 78 appearances, earning All-American honors both his junior and senior seasons.

With the addition of Greenspan, the Hounds now have 11 players under contract heading into the 2018 season. Training camp for the club is expected to kick off on Feb. 5.

Full details on the roster for 2018 can be found below.