The first steps in the quest to repeat as kingpins of the USL Championship League were taken by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds as the club announced a series of roster moves Friday, retaining options on four key players while also declining options on six members of the club, including its leading scorer.

In addition, star goaltender Eric Dick will be playing for another USL Championship team in 2026.

Coming back next season are center backs Guillaume Vacter and Beto Ydrach, outside back Perrin Barnes and midfielder Jorge Garcia. The biggest name not retained was free-agent signing Augi Williams, who led the club in goals with nine.

Dick, who spent two seasons as the Riverhounds netminder, capped his run with a stunning finish by recording four clean sheets in the postseason, earning USL Championship game MVP and his first ring.

“I said a prayer to God for one more chance,” Dick wrote in an Instagram post Friday. “One more chance to fight for this dream of mine. He answered that prayer through you Pittsburgh. In my two years I have learned how special this city is and the people within and I’m so thankful for the chance to share my love of the game and life with yinz whilst praising the lord every step of the way.”

Dick spoke to TribLive via phone about the next step in his professional career, one that will include a new USL Championship team in 2026.

“I know my next steps, but I want to let that unfold naturally,” Dick said from his family’s home in Carmel, Ind. “The focus of that (Instagram) post was not to share what I am doing soon, but to thank the team and fans. I needed to do what I did as a way to say thanks to those who helped me, both from the staff and the fans. I let my agent handle things. I made sure I had the time to celebrate with the guys and bringing home a championship to the 412.”

Dick, 31, made it clear he has plenty left in him to play. And that he’ll remain in the USL.

“There was a lot that was pulling me towards staying here,” he said. “The family that welcomed me. Being a part of history. It’s tough to leave that. I had to look at the whole basket of life, and it led me to say goodbye to Pittsburgh. Overall, I think this a move that I deep down wanted.”

Dick has not given an indication of who he’s heading to next, but The Indy 11 could be a possible landing spot since it would bring him closer to family. Indy did retain netminder Reice Charles-Cook for next season.

Birmingham FC saw veteran goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg announce his retirement recently. Monterey Bay F.C. is also in search of a starter.

“This next move is about happiness and a life move that I have taken the time to look at, involving many factors,” Dick said. “It’s not about money. I’ve never made my decision around money. This is about life and making decisions that are going to be positive for me. My decision had certain things that I valued. Pittsburgh was here for me. It took a lot for me not to come back. But I have to chase this at this stage of my career. Soccer has always been the driving factor; I want to continue to chase that. The Riverhounds saved my career. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Dick set the team record of 30 clean sheets in just 61 appearances with the win over FC Tulsa in the championship game Oct. 22. The record had stood since 2003 and was held by the club’s first goaltender, Randy Dedini.

Dick registered six straight shutouts to end his tenure here, in addition to completing a 632-minute run of no goals allowed to end the season, the fourth longest in club history.

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