USL Pro: Pittsburgh Riverhounds Will Not Have Former MVP Jose Angulo Back for 2015
By Matt Gajtka
In this 2014 file photo, Riverhounds forward Jose Angulo warms up prior to a game at Highmark Stadium. (Photo: Matt Gajtka)
There is a great deal of excitement these days at Pittsburgh Riverhounds headquarters, as the leadership trio of head coach Mark Steffens, sporting director Jason Kutney and president Richard Nightingale work to finalize the team’s revitalized roster for the 2015 USL Pro season.
However, Tuesday brought some sobering news, as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League announced that they have signed former Hounds forward Jose Angulo.
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The 27-year-old Angulo leaves Pittsburgh tied for third in team history with 23 goals, including the 15 he scored in his league MVP season of 2013.
A native of Columbia, Angulo also won the 2013 USL Pro scoring title and the “Golden Boot” honor for leading goal-scorer, in addition to being named to the league’s first team two years ago.
Angulo struggled with injuries in 2014, as the Riverhounds missed the playoffs in their second season at Highmark Stadium. However, he still led the team with eight goals and remained a fan favorite on the South Side.
Angulo saluted those same Hounds supporters in a farewell tweet Tuesday afternoon:
Want to thank the @PghRiverhounds @SteelArmy fans & teammates for the past 2 seasons. Memories that will never be forgotten #unleash
— Jose Angulo (@j_angulo18) February 10, 2015
It’s likely that Riverhounds leadership knew Angulo’s departure was possible and adjusted accordingly in their negotiations with players and agents. Nevertheless, goals are difficult to replace in soccer, so it will be a challenge to make up for the raw firepower that just left town.
The Hounds’ third season on the South Side begins March 28 against in-state rival Harrisburg.