The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are pleased to announce that Drew Russell has agreed terms for the 2015 USL season.

The 24-year-old defender made six appearances for the Charlotte Eagles last year under the tutelage of Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens.

“Drew is a very athletic center-back who has the ability to play anywhere across the back line,” Steffens said. “He’s big, strong and fast and he has the technical ability to build out of defense.

“He is a fantastic addition to the Riverhounds.”

Russell left his home in Mount Vernon, Iowa at the age of 16 to pursue a soccer career in Europe. He trialed with German sides 1860 Munich and Karlsruher S.C. before being referred to the Vancouver Whitecaps residency program.

He spent two seasons with the Panama City Beach Pirates in the USL’s Premier Development League before signing his first professional contract with the Eagles in 2014.