Riverhounds re-sign 9 players, including team captain Kenardo Forbes

Kenardo Forbes, an All-USL second-team selection, will continue his role as the Riverhounds’ longest-tenured player next season after the Hounds announced they have picked up his contract option, and that of eight of his teammates, for the 2022 season.

It will the fifth season in the black and yellow for the standout midfielder. Forbes, the club’s all-time assists leader, had five goals and six assists in 2021 when the Hounds finished 17-8-7 and qualified for a fourth straight USL Championship playoff berth.

The Hounds’ leading scorers, forwards Russell Cicerone and Alex Dixon, also will return for their second season with the team. Cicerone scored 16 goals last season, while Dixon had nine goals and nine assists.

Defenders Shane Weidt, Mekeil Williams and Jelani Peters, as well as midfielder Todd Wharton and wing back Ezra Armstrong also will return for a second season, and defender/midfielder Dani Rovira will be back for his fourth campaign with the Hounds.

Hounds officials said they and coach Bob Lilley are negotiating with other players whose contracts ended in 2021.