Conference

Moon Township, PA -- Robert Morris University senior soccer player Neil Shaffer (Aliquippa, PA/Beaver) signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Professional Soccer Team, a member of the United Soccer League's Pro League. Shaffer is the fifth Colonials player since 2004 to since with Pittsburgh's USL representative, joining former RMU standouts Ryan Zabinski (2004-07), Jacek Przednowek (2006-08), Allan Brown (2004-07) and Said Ali (2002-04).

Following his senior season this past fall, Shaffer was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Men's Division I All-North Atlantic Region Third Team. Shaffer, who led the squad to a 9-5-2 record as a senior, is the first Colonials player to earn that honor since Zabinski and Prezednowek were all-region selections in 2007 .

Shaffer was named to the All-Northeast Conference Second Team after producing team-high marks of six goals and 15 points. A captain, he provided leadership on a new-look Robert Morris squad that featured four freshmen and three sophomores in the starting lineup. He also ranked second on the Colonials with three assists.

A four-year starter at Robert Morris, Shaffer finished his career with 13 goals and nine assists for 35 career points.

Another former Northeast Conference standout is already a member of the Riverhounds - Tom Gray who played for the Momouth Hawks from 2004-06. Playing against RMU during a tryout period, Shaffer nearly scored against his former collegiate squad on a cross from Gray.