Franklin Regional grads happy to be part of Pittsburgh Riveters’ inaugural season

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Aris Lamanna is known for soccer goaltending ability, but this season she took on a different role with the Pittsburgh Riveters SC.

Fan girl.

Lamanna, a Franklin Regional alum and a rising sophomore at Coastal Carolina, was out with a shoulder injury and did not take the field with Pittsburgh’s new pre-professional club during its inaugural season in the USL W League.

The injury occurred during her spring training at Coastal Carolina.

Cheering for the team was her best contribution.

“I was able to participate in some practices, only using my feet,” Lamanna said. “While I wasn’t able to play, the talent on the team has been incredible. It was great to meet girls from across the world.”

Lamanna wasn’t the only local player on the roster. Towson redshirt junior Sydney Lindeman, another Franklin Regional product, signed with the team in January and saw playing time for the Riveters, who went 6-3-1 to win the Great Forest Divisio before bowing out with a loss to Minnesota Aurora FC during the first round of the playoffs.

Lindeman is a defender. She and Lamanna are former TribLive Westmoreland players of the year.

Lindeman scored the tying goal in a 2-1 win over Steel City FC that clinched the division title.

“Playing with the Riveters this season has been an incredible experience,” Lindeman said. “I have been able to play with and against so many great players. I am continuing to evolve into an even better player as my career goes on. The competition has been good, and we have been working day in and day out to better each other and become the best team we can be.”

Lamanna would have added depth at goalie. She played in 13 games in her first college season, starting eight and posting two shutouts.

The former all-state and All-WPIAL shot stopper is working to make a return.

She always has been enamored with training side of the sport.

Her knowledge of the game and experience could lead her to a future coaching role.

“Outside of practices, I have been doing physical therapy, working on my hand-eye coordination with a tennis ball, working on different types of distribution with my feet, strength training and improving my agility,” she said. “With the extra time away from practices, I have begun a coaching career not only with the Riverhounds but with private goalkeeper training.”

Lindeman played in 14 games last season at Towson, including nine starts.

“Practicing with the Riveters has really prepared me to get back with my college team and have a great senior season,” Lindeman said.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional