PITTSBURGH, PA – Rider University men's soccer senior forward Babacar Diene (Thies, Senegal/ CEM Ballabey) has signed a professional contract with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, the team today announced. Diene becomes the Broncs' first player to join the professional ranks since Jose Aguinaga joined Red Bulls II for the 2018 season. Florian Valot also appeared for three different MLS teams – the New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati and Miami FC and is currently playing for Loudoun United FC of USL Championship.

Diene, a United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I All-East Region Third Team and All-MAAC First Team honoree this season, led the Broncs with 13 goals and 29 points in 2023. Both figures were the most by a Bronc since Craig Wicken scored 18 goals and accumulated 45 points in 1998. Diene scored eight times in the Broncs' final seven games of the season, including a hat trick against Saint Peter's in the regular-season finale, the first goal in the Broncs' 3-1 MAAC Quarterfinal victory over Marist, the game-winner in the 83^rd minute of the MAAC Championship Game at Iona and the Broncs' tally in the NCAA Tournament First Round at Vermont.

The hat trick against the Peacocks was the Broncs' first in more than nine years. The last Bronc to achieve the feat was Zach Bond on Oct. 22, 2014, also against Saint Peter's. The last time a Bronc had as many as seven points in a single game came exactly 21 years prior, when Sandro DeCristofaro had a hat trick and an assist at Iona on Nov. 1, 2002.

Diene concluded his Rider career with 16 goals and 37 points over 37 games played in two seasons.

"Babacar brings power and pace to our front line and combines well with players around him," Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley said. "He has the ability to make defenders uncomfortable, and we look forward to working with him in 2024."

The Hounds open preseason training next week as the team gears up for the USL Championship season, which begins March 9 with a 4 p.m. match at New Mexico United.