Rhode Island FC Signs Dani Rovira
The former Pittsburgh Riverhounds' fullback is the club's third major signing this offseason
Rhode Island FC announced the signing of former Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ fullback Dani Rovira. The 28-year-old Colombian defender brings a wealth of USL Championship experience to Rhode Island’s back line, and captain Koke Vegas will surely be glad of the extra assistance, as RIFC has traditionally lacked true fullbacks, with only Stephen Turnbull naturally playing the position on the Tide’s roster during its previous inaugural season.
Rovira moved to the United States at 17, and played college soccer at Dean College (where he was named to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-American Second Team) and then transferred to the University of Vermont, making 67 appearances.
The defender joined the Pittsburgh Riverhounds after graduating in 2019, and after apprenticing for his first two seasons, became a full-time starter for the club in 2021. Rovira ultimately made 138 total appearances for Pittsburgh, including 129 USL Championship appearances, four playoff appearances, and five U.S. Open Cup appearances. He also scored 1 goal and added 14 assists over 6,870 minutes of play.
Prior to signing with Rhode Island FC, Rovira had played his entire six-season professional career with Pittsburgh. He was the second-most tenured player on the 2024 team, and had been in the top 10 all-time for appearances. He joins former fellow Riverhounds Marc Ybarra and Albert “Chico” Dikwa, who will hopefully help him settle here in Rhode Island.
Rovira joins RIFC’s other recent signings, defender Hugo Bacharach and midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, in a Eastern Conference Champion roster already looking much stronger than last season. It remains to be seen whether head coach Khano Smith has any more roster moves to make before the club’s second season kicks off this March.