PITTSBURGH (December 15, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have added their first new additions to the 2018 roster, signing midfielder Christiano François and defender Raymond Lee to one-year deals with a club option for the 2019 season, pending USL and USSF approval.

Both players join the Hounds after spending this past season with Eastern Conference rival Rochester Rhinos. François led the Rhinos with six assists as an attacking winger despite playing in only 12 games (10 starts) due to injury, while Lee appeared in 14 matches primarily at left back.

A native of Cabaret, Haiti, François, 24, began his professional career as a loanee for the Richmond Kickers during the 2014 season. He was originally claimed by MLS side D.C. United, then parent club to the Kickers, via the Waiver Draft before being sent to Virginia. With the Kickers, François made a total of 10 appearances, making his professional debut on April 5 in a match against the Hounds.

“We’re expecting big things from Christiano,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “He’s a special athlete because he has that rare combination of breakaway speed and endurance. He’s very capable of running at players and causing chaos in the attacking end, while also doing his share of work on the defensive side of the ball.”