Riverhounds Ready To Run After Off-Season Upheaval
Team Kicks Off New Season After Changes On And Off Field
By Stephen Flinn

Off-seasons usually are a time for a professional sports team to relax a little. Instead of the grueling schedule of travel and games, the major events usually include evaluating the past year's performance and making plans for the new season.

In the case of A-League soccer's Pittsburgh Riverhounds, however, this past off-season was anything but a time of rest and relaxation. It leads to a new season of questions and anticipation.

The 'Hounds have undergone a complete overhaul from top-to-bottom in what was an eventful six months. Major actions were taken in almost every facet of the franchise, from facilities, to management and coaching to player personnel.

Riverhounds owner Paul Heasley held a press conference last year to announce the building of a major soccer complex. It never got off the ground. The plan had to be officially scrapped due to last-minute hitches Heasley would not expand upon other than to say, "It is apparent that economic and construction issues cannot be resolved within the time frame required for acquisition and development."

After leading the Riverhounds to A-Leauge "Franchise of the Year" honors in their inaugural season two years ago, former general manager Dave Kasper resigned to take a position with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.

That was not the only change at the top. The failure to make the playoffs last season, and the fact the team won only one road game the entire year contributed to the team not renewing former head coach John Kowalski's two-year contract.

They were replaced by 45-year-old Kai Haaskivi, who will serve as general manager and coach. Haaskivi, a Finn, was lauded by Heasley for bringing both on-field and off-field expertise to Pittsburgh.

"His administrative experience in all aspects of sports management will benefit the franchise now and in the future," Heasley said. "Kai also brings experience as both a player and a coach to the team."

Haaskivi was a member of the Finnish National Team from 1977 to 1984. He also played for several years in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) as a member of the Cleveland Force and player/manager of the Cleveland Crunch. He lined up against Riverhounds assistant coach Paul Child many times while Child was with the Pittsburgh Spirit.

On a personnel front, the game of A-League Professional Soccer is always a balancing act because key players are subject to be called up to the major soccer league on a moment's notice. The Riverhounds were hit hard with off-season losses as four starters from last year's squad were plucked by the Major League. Defender Tenywa "T-Bone" Bonseu and forward Phil Karn were selected by Columbus, midfielder Gary DePalma was selected by Dallas and Justin Evans was selected by Chicago.

In order to fill those gaps, the Riverhounds drafted players they believe will help the team field a formidable squad this season. In the first round, a territorial round, the 'Hounds selected University of Pittsburgh standout Ben Garry, who led the Panthers in goals and was second in scoring.

"I have wanted to play professional soccer since high school," Garry said. "This opportunity came for me at a good time with the Riverhounds losing four players in the off-season."

Haaskivi said the loss of players is to be expected.

"We expected these players to also be drafted by MLS teams, but often times they are not ready to play at the top level yet, and we will be able to provide the perfect environment for them to develop," Haaskivi said. "Having players also involved with MLS teams is something you have to face in this league, it's a double-edged sword, but our philosophy will be to draft the best talent."

Their talents will be put to use quickly. The 'Hounds open the season April 28 at home against the Indiana Blast. Home games once again will take place at Bethel Park Stadium. The final home game will be played Sept. 1 against the Toronto Lynx.

The regular season will end at Montreal Sept. 7.

Stephen Flinn is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh.