Another player who has history with Hounds coach Bob Lilley is headed to Pittsburgh.
Steevan Dos Santos, a 29-year-old striker who played for Lilley with the Rochester Rhinos in 2015 and 2016, was signed Tuesday to a one-year deal by the Hounds with a team option for the 2020 season.
Dos Santos scored 17 goals in his two years under Lilley in Rochester and 15 goals over the past two seasons for the Ottawa Fury. The 6-foot-4 native of Cape Verde gives the Hounds a physical presence in attack the team lacked last season in front of goal.
“Steevan is a versatile target player who can help the team win games in many ways,” Lilley said. “He can score goals, set up goals and hold the ball in tight areas. His size allows him to be a factor on restarts at both ends, and his willingness to work for the team is exceptional.”
The addition of Dos Santos brings in a player with a complimentary skill set to Neco Brett, the Hounds' leading scorer a season ago. Dos Santos' size should allow Brett to make runs into the box off the bigger striker, which should set up Brett for the quick shots with either foot that were so effective during his 15-goal 2018 season.
Dos Santos and Brett are the only two strikers currently under contract with the Hounds, who have 12 total players locked in for 2019. Action in the free agent market, especially for younger players, should pick up next week after the MLS Draft on Friday in Chicago.
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