By @_bencole

The Steel Army, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds supporters group, are proud to announce this year’s Player of the Year winner.

In 2009, we gave the first award to Jason Kutney. As a player, Jason was a veteran leader who made an impact for his team. We know him now as an icon for the Riverhounds, helping build a stadium that we can call home.

In 2010, Eddie Hayden received the award. Eddie was a fan favorite that found a way to help improve the quality of play for the Riverhounds.

After a two year hiatus, the Player of the Year Award is back. Just like the Riverhounds before them, the players should be proud to have an award that is given to them by the supporters, by the group that sings their praises game in and game out. This is an award that exemplifies performance, passion and professionalism on the field.

This year the Steel Army decided to give every player a chance to take home the award. Players were divided up by position and voted on. After that round closed, finalists rose for the next phase of voting. A decision was made between Jose Angulo, Matt Dallman, Richie Costanzo and Hunter Gilstrap. A player rose victorious.

Richie Costanzo is your 2013 Steel Army Player of the Year. Holding the armband as the Riverhounds captain this year, Rich commanded a strong back line of defense and became a physical presence on the field. Richie makes it easy for the Steel Army to cheer him on. Congratulations, Richie!

#UNLEASH