CHARELSTON, W.Va – 2015 Elite 90 Award Winner Conor Branson (Pontefract, England) was awarded a professional contract with the USL professional team Pittsburgh Riverhounds in late March of this year. 

Branson and the Hounds kicked off their 2016 campaign on April 2nd against reigning USL Champions Rochester Rhinos. Branson made his USL debut as a sub in the second half. He then made his first career start for the Riverhounds in their second match of the season,  scoring the equalizing goal from just outside the penalty area late into stoppage time. The Riverhounds are 0-1-2 on the season and play their next match on Wednesday, April 27^th against Louisville City FC.

"It's a pleasure to play professionally again, and with the Riverhounds. I am truly delighted and honored to be given the opportunity to help Pittsburgh build upon not only last year's successes, but hopefully help the club reach new heights in 2016." This will be Branson's second time playing professionally, as he previously played in the English Championship with Barnsley FC. He also spent time captaining the Nike Academy prior to his college career.

Prior to singing professionally with Pittsburgh, the Barnsley native led the Golden Eagles to record-setting seasons and consecutive final four appearances, won the coveted NCAA elite 89 and 90 Awards, and was named an NSCAA First team All-American for two consecutive seasons.

"I'm so happy for Conor. He has worked very hard and deserves this opportunity," said head coach Chris Grassie. "I know Pittsburgh Riverhounds will be getting another player from us who, similar to Rob Vincent, is capable of pushing their team forward. We were disappointed not to get Conor into the MLS combine, as he was clearly one of the best players in our division for three years now. But now he has his opportunity to play for a quality organization, and if he does well, the sky is the limit for him. I'm also happy that he has decided to combine his pro career with finishing his MBA. Conor has truly been a model for our program and has been just as dedicated in the classroom as he has been on the pitch."

Conor Branson's many career achievements in his 3 years at the University of Charleston include:

• NSCAA First Team All- American (2014/2015)
• NSCAA All-American Scholar (2014/2015)
• CCA National Defensive Player of the Year
• CCA First Team All-American (2014/2015)
• NSCAA Atlantic Regional Player of the Year
• Mountain East Defender of the Year (2014/2015)
• Mountain East Scholar Athlete of the Year
• NCAA Elite 89 Winner (2014)
• NCAA Elite 90 Winner (2015)

Staying and playing professionally in the United States has always been a goal of Branson's. "It's been a long term goal of mine to play professionally in the United States after my arrival here in 2012 and I am grateful to Pittsburgh for giving me that opportunity. I want to thank the coaching staff and all of my teammates at the University of Charleston for the huge part that they played in making my dream a reality."

Link to Conor Branson's Equalizing Goal:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJSp2hoZ26g