PITTSBURGH (May 5, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have signed forward Romeo Parkes to a one-year deal with a club option for both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, pending USL and USSF approval.

Parkes, 26, joins the club after making 26 appearances for Asociación Deportiva Isidro Metapán of the Primera División, the top tier of the El Salvador football league system, between 2016-17.

A native of Saint Mary, Jamaica, Parkes spent part of the 2016 season with the Riverhounds, netting five goals in six appearances. His stint with Pittsburgh came to an end following an incident with Karl Ouimette of New York Red Bulls II on May 7, resulting in the termination of his contract.

“Romeo has shown tremendous improvement and maturity as an individual and expressed remorse for his actions last year,” said Riverhounds owner Tuffy Shallenberger. “I fully believe he is more than deserving of a second chance to help improve this club. I look forward to embracing his contributions to the Riverhounds organization both on and off the field.”

Parkes, who is expected to be eligible to play in the next match for the Hounds at Ottawa on Saturday, May 13, expressed his excitement to rejoin Pittsburgh for the 2017 campaign.

“It is with humility and excitement that I am returning to the Riverhounds,” Parkes said. “My main objective is to deliver quality soccer and exemplify sportsmanship, and have the opportunity to earn respect, both as a person and a soccer player. Not only have I learned my lesson, but I am more determined than ever to have a positive impact on my community, my team and to make a difference on the field.”

Prior to joining the Hounds in 2016, Parkes made 70 appearances for Metapán over two seasons, most notably helping the club capture the Apertura Championship in December 2014 with 10 goals. He began playing professionally in 2009.

The forward has experience for the Jamaican National Team as well, appearing for the under-20 and under-23 sides and debuting with the senior squad in 2012. Parkes scored his first international goal on March 30, 2015 in a friendly against Cuba and was named to the Copa America roster that same year.

For Pittsburgh, Parkes joins an impressive attack up front including Corey Hertzog and Kay Banjo, who have scored four and two goals, respectively. The Hounds (3-3-2) currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference and have won two-straight matches.

“Romeo is a talented player, and beyond that, someone who we think can fit very well into the type of team we are building here in Pittsburgh,” said head coach Dave Brandt. “He joins a Riverhounds squad that is quite different from the one he left early last season, and he will join an already exciting and talented group that we have in the attack.”

For more information on the Hounds upcoming tilt against Ottawa Fury FC, visit Riverhounds.com.