Babacar Diene
 | This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (March 2024) |
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Babacar Diene | ||
| Date of birth | October 26, 1996 | ||
| Place of birth | Thiès, Senegal | ||
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | ||
| Number | 27 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2022 | FC Motown | ||
| 2022–2023 | Rider Broncs | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024– | Pittsburgh Riverhounds | 0 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Babacar Diene (born October 26, 1996)[1] is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a forward for the USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Before becoming a professional, Diene played for FC Motown in USL League Two.
Early life and education
Diene was born to Mody Diene in 1996 in Thiès. He has a younger sister, Khoudia.[2]
Diene graduated from CEM Ballabey High School before attending Rider University.[2]
Career
Amateur and college
In 2022, Diene played for FC Motown in USL League Two.[3]
Later that year, he joined the Rider Broncs. In 2022, he played all 17 of the Broncs's games and started in 16, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists. The following year, he scored 13 goals and 3 assists across 20 games. The following season, he scored 13 goals and 3 assists across 20 games.[2] On November 1, 2023, Diene scored a hattrick for the Broncs against Saint Peter's in the 4–1 win.[4] While with the Broncs, Diene played with Momo Diop, who originated from the same town in Senegal.[5]
Professional
After the conclusion of the 2023 season with the Broncs, Diene signed with the USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds.[6][7][8] Riverhounds coach Bob Lilley praised Diene for his speed and finishing ability.[9] He made his debut against New Mexico United on March 9 in the 1-0 loss.[10] In the third game of the season against Louisville City FC, Diene got his first goal contribution, assisting Edward Kizza's goal in the 3-1 loss.[11][12] A few weeks later, Diene scored his first professional goal, finding the back of the net in the 3-1 win over Phoenix Rising FC.[13][14][15]
References
- ^ "Babacar Diene". riverhounds.com. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
- ^ a b c "Babacar Diene - Men's Soccer". Rider University Athletics. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ Wolpin, Zach (2022-06-28). "FC Motown STA Roster". FC Motown. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Diene Records Hat Trick, Men's Soccer Defeats Saint Peter's, 4-1". Rider University Athletics. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Babacar Diene and Momo Diop, the Senegalese connection, help send Rider men's soccer to NCAA Tournament". Trentonian. 2023-11-15. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Pair of new additions signed to Hounds roster". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Babacar Diene Signs Professional Contract With Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC". Rider University Athletics. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ Krysinsky, John (2024-01-25). "Riverhounds sign forward Babacar Diene and defender Jake Lent-Koop plus announce release of midfielder DZ Harmon". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Pittsburgh adds forward Babacar Diene for new season". USL Championship. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "New Mexico slips past Hounds in opener". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
- ^ "Hounds unable to pick up points at Louisville". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ Coreschi, Colton (2024-03-23). "Riverhounds' stumble at Louisville, 3-1, to extend season opening season losing streak to three matches". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ "Defensive lapses cost Phoenix Rising in loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ "Hounds topple reigning champs in Phoenix". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
- ^ Triblive (2024-04-21). "Riverhounds take down defending champion Phoenix Rising FC". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved 2024-04-21.