Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are pleased to have added two players with MLS experience to the first team, pending USL and USSF approval. Defender Kyle Veris and forward Jason Yeisley join the 2011 squad and bring a different dynamic to the Riverhounds.
Veris began his professional career with the L.A. Galaxy as a third-round draft pick in 2006. With two seasons under his belt with the Galaxy, Veris played alongside of two renowned international footballers, David Beckham and Landon Donovan.
“A once in lifetime experience, playing with living legend David Beckham and one of America’s best, if not the best player in Landon, was truly an honor," Veris said of his time with the Galaxy. "This experience helped me develop as a player as well as a professional.”
After leaving the Galaxy, Veris traveled abroad to play one season for IL Hodd of the Norwegian third division. In 2009, Veris returned to the United States and played one season with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the USL First Division. Last season Veris signed with Miami FC of the USSF Division 2-Pro League and made 18 appearances for the club.
“Kyle is the big physical center back that we were looking for during the offseason,” Riverhounds coach Justin Evans said. “We are looking for a lot of quality minutes out of Kyle this summer.”
Yeisley comes to Pittsburgh after spending one season with FC Dallas of the MLS. A third-round draft pick by Dallas in 2010, Yeisley made five appearances for the club last season in his rookie campaign.
“I am very excited to be in Pittsburgh for the upcoming season,” Yeisley said. “After spending some time away, I am happy to be back home in Pennsylvania with friends and family, and I am looking forward to a championship year.”
A Penn State product, Yeisley earned multiple accolades for his performance on the field for the Nittany Lions. As a freshman, he captured the honor of the Big Ten Championship’s Offensive Most Valuable Player, All-Big Ten Second Team and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Yeisley battled through injuries the next two seasons limiting his appearances for the Lions. After red-shirting in 2008, Yeisley returned for an impressive senior season landing him Big Ten and national honors, including Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Soccer News Net Regional and National Player of the Year Award nominee and was a Soccer America National Player of the Year candidate.
“We are very excited about signing a player who possesses the attacking prowess that Jason has," Evans said. "With these abilities, Jason will be an integral part of our attack this year.”