December 29, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
Defender Joe Farrell with Phoenix Rising FC
(Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC)
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC made its first addition of the offseason by acquiring veteran defender and former All-League selection Joe Farrell on a transfer from Phoenix Rising FC, the teams announced today.
Financial terms of the transfer, which is pending USL and U.S. Soccer approval, were not disclosed.
Farrell, 28, joins the Hounds after five seasons with Phoenix, where he appeared in 128 matches – second-most in Rising history. During that time, the 6-foot-2 center back helped anchor a defense that won the Western Conference in 2018 and 2020 and finished with the USL Championship’s best record in 2019.
The transfer reunites Farrell with Hounds coach Bob Lilley, who he played for in his first two pro seasons with the Rochester Rhinos. In his first pro season in 2016, Farrell was a finalist for USL Rookie of the Year and a second-team All-League selection, and he appeared in 64 league matches for the Rhinos, missing just two games in two seasons.
In addition to his defensive work, he has scored 15 goals in his seven years as a pro.
“Joe is an experienced center back that is very strong in the tackle and has a presence in the air. He is also comfortable on the ball and a good organizer from the back line. I’m excited to bring Joe to Pittsburgh after seeing his habits and quality for two years in Rochester,” Lilley said.
Farrell is a native of Blue Bell, Pa., in suburban Philadelphia, and he played his college soccer at La Salle University from 2012-15. While in college, he also played in the amateur NPSL for the New York Red Bulls U-23s.
Farrell joins a core group of eight players confirmed to be returning from last year’s Riverhounds team that reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The team is actively in negotiations with additional new and returning players in preparation for the 2023 USL Championship season beginning in March.
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