PITTSBURGH (Feb. 9, 2023) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has signed goalkeeper Christian Garner to a one-year deal with a club option for 2024, the team announced today. The deal is pending USL and U.S. Soccer Federation approval.
Garner, 22, is a first-year pro who completed his college career as a grad transfer last season with Northwestern. He made 13 starts and posted one shutout with a .711 save percentage for the Wildcats.
Prior to that, the 6-foot native of Orleans, Mass. stayed in his home state with Boston College, where he started for the majority of his final three seasons. In 28 games for the Eagles, Garner posted six shutouts and a .727 save percentage against a loaded ACC schedule.
“Christian has impressed us with his shot stopping and quickness off his line. He is a hard-working, coachable young keeper that we expect will grow rapidly under (goalkeeper coach) Jon Busch,” Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley said.
Garner is the second goalkeeper under contract for the Hounds for 2023, and he joins incumbent Jahmali Waite in the first season with Busch, a former MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, as their position coach.
The Hounds continue to build their squad during the preseason, which continues this Saturday with a 4 p.m. match against Penn State at Highmark Stadium. The USL Championship season begins March 11, when the Hounds travel to face Birmingham Legion FC.
