Riverhounds Championship Defender Luke Biasi Signs with Phoenix Rising FC
A key contributor to teh Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC’s historic championship run has moved to a new club, as Phoenix Rising FC announced today a multi-year contract with defender Luke Biasi, pending league and federation approval.
Biasi, 26, joins rising after four seasons in Pittsburgh, where he established himself as a vital and versatile player.Across 120 appearances – including 91 starts – Biasi registered seven assists and played a crucial role in the Riverhounds’ capture of their first-ever league title.
Throughout his professional career with the Riverhounds, Biasi consistently demonstrated a valuable two-way skillset as an outside back. He was recognized as one of the team’s most effective tacklers and defensive stoppers,while also possessing the ability to contribute to the attack and create scoring opportunities. In 2025, the defender featured in 40 matches across all competitions, anchoring a defense that impressively conceded no goals in its final six matches, culminating in a victory in the 2025 USL Championship Final.
The departure of Biasi marks the fourth meaningful loss from the championship-winning squad as contracts have expired.Postseason MVP and goalkeeper Eric Dick announced his departure on Friday, followed by All-USL Championship defender Sean Suber on Saturday, both confirming they will not return to Pittsburgh. The Riverhounds have, however, exercised contract options on four returning players while declining options on six others, including Augi Williams and Bertin Jacquesson.
The news of Biasi’s move comes as no surprise given the competitive landscape of the USL Championship. According to sources close to the team, the Riverhounds are actively working to rebuild their roster and identify new talent to maintain their competitive edge.Biasi’s departure, along with those of Dick and Suber, signals a significant roster overhaul for the Riverhounds following their championship victory. the team is facing the challenge of replacing key players as their contracts expired, a common occurrence in the USL Championship due to financial constraints and player ambitions.
John Krysinsky, a long-time soccer journalist and author of “Miracle on the Mon” – a chronicle of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – has closely followed the team’s trajectory. Krysinsky’s extensive experience covering the Riverhounds for publications including the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, and Pittsburgh Sports Report, as well as his role as a color commentator on team broadcasts, provides valuable insight into the club’s dynamics. He has also served as a coach at the collegiate and high school levels,further solidifying his understanding of the game.
Biasi’s departure underscores the challenges faced by USL Championship teams in retaining key players amidst increasing competition and opportunities for advancement. The Riverhounds will undoubtedly feel the impact of his absence, but the club appears focused on building a new foundation for future success. The Riverhounds are now tasked with identifying and developing new talent to fill the void left by Biasi and other departing players,aiming to remain competitive in the USL Championship. The team’s ability to successfully rebuild its roster will be crucial in determining its future performance.
