I recently caught up with Steel Army favorite, Jeff Hughes, and asked him about this past offseason…

Jeff kept his skills sharp and fitness level up by playing professionally for Cincinnati 1790, an indoor club that competes in the PASL-Pro league. He bagged 21 goals and added 6 assists in just 15 games. After a very successful expansion season, his club lost in the championship game to Stockport by a score of 13-5. He did score one of his team’s five in the loss, but it was little consolation.

“Indoor was great [because] it helped me get back into form after a not-so-great season last year and improved upon my speed of play and tackling…”

Hughes’ 2008 Riverhounds campaign was interrupted by knee surgery to repair some ligament damage. Although successful, the surgery put him on the sidelines for an extended period of time. He worked hard, stayed fit and was able to make it back on the pitch by the end of season.

This year brings a new challenge as the Hounds look to improve on their 7th place finish, which saw them fall just short of the USL2 playoffs.

“I’m having a solid pre-season…nothing to write home about but solid and getting back into the swing of things”

Good luck Mr. Hughes, the Army is behind you!