At the beginning of the season, Riverhounds goalie Danny Vitiello was sitting on Pittsburgh’s bench.
But Wednesday afternoon, Vitiello was named the USL Championship Golden Gloves award winner, which honors the league goalkeeper with the lowest goals-against average during the regular season. It is Vitiello’s first USL Championship season.
Hands down 100% a team award, couldn’t be more thankful to the whole squad @RiverhoundsSC https://t.co/QQm7sQpgtu
— Danny Vitiello (@dannyvitiello_) October 7, 2020
The Massapequa, N.Y., native played eight games and recorded a league-leading .50 goals-against average with a .788 save percentage. His .50 GAA is also a Riverhounds record as Vitiello is the first Riverhound to win the Golden Glove award.
He made his first professional appearance, and his first start, July 26 against New York Red Bulls II as the Riverhounds lost 2-1. But Vitiello went on to record five clean sheets, including being a main part of a five-game stretch when the Riverhounds didn’t allow a goal. He also saved two penalty kicks during that period.
As the Riverhounds prepare for their first-round playoff matchup against Louisville City FC at 7:30 on Saturday, they are tied for the most clean sheets in the league and have conceded the fewest goals.
