Ryan Caugherty, a former Penn Hills High School soccer standout and a recent addition to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer team, has stepped up his game and excelled as a player on the professional pitch.

The Penn Hills native has come a long way since beginning his soccer career at the age of 4.

"When I was about 12, I made my first real commitment to the game and set goals to become a professional soccer player," Caugherty said.

After competing in college and also overseas, Caugherty returned to Pittsburgh as a central midfielder for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Football Club.

His experience with a team in Hungary last fall helped him improve his overall skills.

"It is a good opportunity for me to play in front of friends and family that haven't seen me play since high school and to help out the organization in its first year back in the United Soccer League," he said.

"I think, as an athlete, it's always a good feeling to come home and play again."

A three-time WPIAL All-section player and a high school regional All-American, Caugherty graduated from Penn Hills in 2001 and went on to play Division I soccer as a four-year starter for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Caugherty helped the Demon Deacons to their first ever undefeated season in 2002.

After college, Caugherty began the pursuit of his professional career.

He was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards of the United States' Major League Soccer league out of college but decided to try his luck overseas where soccer is the No. 1 sport.

He has played for pro teams in Denmark, Sweden and Hungary.

"The fans, the atmosphere and the history of the sport in Europe made playing there a great experience that has helped my game grow over the past three years," Caugherty said.

"Each country has its own specific style of play, but the passion for the game remains the same."

Despite suffering a near career-ending ankle injury while playing in Sweden, Caugherty overcame the odds and returned to the field only six months later.

"I broke and completely dislocated my ankle and was told that I would never play again, but I came back in six months to play my first game," he said.

"It was a huge setback in terms of the timing of the injury, but it also was one of my biggest accomplishments."

Now back in his hometown, Caugherty brings a wealth of experience and determination to the River- hounds' game plan.

He has one assist this season as the Hounds have struggled to a 1-7-4 record.

"Playing in Europe for three years has given me experience, which separates me from my teammates," Caugherty said.

"Reading the game and being involved both defensively and offensively is required as a central midfielder and eliminates dull moments on the field. I'm a player who likes to keep the ball moving all the time. I like being that important link between the defense and offense."

While professional soccer has its benefits, Caugherty admits that the constant focus on the sport can be overwhelming.

"Every athlete is different in what they do, but I believe all need time to get away from their sport," he said.

"Knowing when you need to step away for a little is key. I have always been a person where if I get a day to do something, I usually hang with friends or golf, anything where my mind if off soccer, then I can recharge."

So, does the future hold potential for a Major League Soccer or U.S. National team debut? "Yes. Abso- lutely," Caugherty said.

As for his advice to younger players looking to pursue professional soccer, Caugherty encourages them to give 100 percent and never abandon their dreams.

"Put in an honest effort now, and anything is possible," he said.

"I grew up here in Pittsburgh, which is not a traditional soccer hot-bed for professional players to come out of, but truly giving an honest effort every time you train and play and doing extra work all of the time can make playing professionally achievable."