The Riverhounds FC professional soccer team announced yesterday they will not play competitive soccer in the 2007 season.

"We need to accomplish a number of things during the year," said John Swiatek, president and managing partner of the organization. "We will take advantage of this time to secure a presenting sponsor for the team and to develop more support from the community."

The Riverhounds moved to Falconi Field in Washington County in December 2004 when Sports Facility, LLC, acquired the team. The Riverhounds played at the field for two years, even adding turf for a special exhibition match against Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew in August.

"The Riverhounds FC has been a very professional and successful organization these past two seasons," said Steven Thompson, Director of Professional League Operations for the United Soccer Leagues. "We are committed to working with this group to make sure that their reorganization project makes progress and we hope to see their return really make professional soccer more viable in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania."

"We believe in soccer, and we want to see it succeed in the tri-state area," added Swiatek. "At this point, however, we need time to reorganize. By adding our own formula of affordable family fun, we have been able to grow attendance and revenues for the club, but not yet to a point where the Hounds can be self-sustaining."

The Riverhounds' coaching and development staff will remain intact, offering youth training and tournaments. "We will keep head coach Gene Klein and youth development director Csaba Feher on board as we move through the next year," said Swiatek.

Season ticket holders were advised of the change in operations Wednesday.