Who are the best XI since the re-boot of the club in 2008?  Here is my list…

GK – Hunter Gilstrap – 93 games – The confident keeper provided stability between the sticks in 2010, leading the league in shutouts and winning the Goal Keeper of the Year award. Hunter has played more games in goal since 2008 than all other Hounds’ keepers combined.

 
RB – Jason Kutney – 75 games – 3 goals – Solid, pacey defender who could have played many more games had he not pursued and conquered the dream of building a soccer specific stadium in downtown Pittsburgh. Voted the 2008 Steel Army player of the year.

 
CB – Nathan Salsi – 56 games – 6 goals – The original El Capitan. Salsi provided stability, composure and professionalism. He led the back line better than any other defender who’s pulled on the jersey and earned the respect of his teammates.  With six goals in 56 games from the CB position, Nathan was always a threat on set pieces.

 
CB – Shintaro Harada – 58g -2g – 2010 Defender of the Year USL-2, 2010 MVP Nomination – Shintaro was a stalwart defender who had a massive year in 2010, earning Defender of the Year honors. He was also an MVP finalist in 2010.

 
LB – Sterling Flunder – 113g – 2g – Unseating fan-favorite Eddie Hayden upon his arrival, Sterling is the consummate professional and was the all-time USL Pro leader in minutes played prior to the 2015 campaign.

 
RM – Matt Dallman – 51g – 2g – All time USL Pro assist leader – A shifty, clever assist man with pinpoint crossing ability and a tireless work-rate.  Matt is the USL Pro all-time assist leader with 19 helpers.

 
CM – Justin Evans – 33g – 5g – There’s only one Justin Evans. In 2008 Justin added bite to the midfield, epitomizing a blue-collar mentality. Scored two of the greatest goals since 2008: Away at Harrisburg in 2008 to give the Hounds their first road win and a memorable 45-yard bomb at CVHS in 2009. Evans went on to coach the Hounds in 2010 leading them to the playoffs 3 times.

 
CM – Rob Vincent – 52g – 8g – “Technical” Rob has quietly entrenched himself in the middle of the Hounds lineup. After playing more of a defensive midfield role early on, Vincent has recently been pushed forward and is scoring some fantastic goals.  Rob is off to a great start in 2015, scoring twice and adding 2 assists in a 5-2 thrashing of Harrisburg.

 
LM – Thabiso ‘Boyzzz’ Khumalo – 20g – 6g – 2008 USL Team of the Year before moving on to play for DC United. Arguably the most popular cult-figure on the list, Boyzzz had an incredible 2008 campaign which earned him an MLS contract wth DC United. The incredibly fast winger was a crowd favoraite and seemed to score for fun at times.

 
F – Jeremy Deighton – 41g – 11g – Jeremy earned the USL-2 Rookie of the Year award in 2010. Forced into early retirement due to ankle injuries, Deighton had the heart of a lion and a knack for scoring big goals in crucial situations.

 
F – Jose Angulo – 47g – 23g – Started his Riverhounds career at a torrid pace, scoring 10 goals in his first 13 games. Jose’s powerful left peg bagged 15 goals in 2013 earning him the MVP and Golden Boot. He scored the most famous goal in Highmark stadium history, putting the Hounds up 1-nil over English club Wigan Athletic during a friendly. Playing injured for most of the season, his 8 goals in 2014 also led the club.