In the end, it is the same game as always for Gene Klein.

Sure, in this current job as first-year coach of the Riverhounds, the players running around Falconi Field are bigger, stronger and faster. The players in those shorts and shin guards undoubtedly are more skilled than the ones Klein guided as a highly accomplished boys' soccer coach at Quaker Valley High School for 25 years.

"I think you are always learning," Klein said.

"That is one of the great things about this game and what I enjoy about it the most. You are always learning. No matter what level it is, whether it is a U10 team or a professional team, you are picking something up and it is a special challenge."

And this current crop of Riverhounds players -- who are on the cusp of beginning their home schedule this weekend -- realize the advantages of having Klein as their leader.

"When you have a team like Quaker Valley, and as good as they were under coach Klein, I think he brings a big level of credibility to the Riverhounds," said Brian Bajek, a Riverhounds forward and former standout at Ambridge.

"He's been great for soccer in this region and to have him coaching here is great for the Riverhounds. There is no question about that."

What also is true is that the Riverhounds' management is looking for Klein to have the team deviate from its course of last season, when it finished 6-11-3, winning just one of the final five games. Thirteen current players were on that squad, and they plan to mesh well with top newcomers defensemen Jason Kutney and Gabe Bernstein, midfielder Tyler Suffron and forward Walter Blake.

The players understand that their effort and performance in practice will impact their playing time.

"If you don't show up and play hard one day, there are three guys behind you ready to take your spot," Bajek said.

"The level of soccer is very, very good here."

Which is why Klein had no reservations about making the leap from high school to the United Soccer Leagues Second Division.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't think the Riverhounds were a viable entity for the game and the area," Klein said.

"I am convinced that everyone here wants to turn this into a franchise that is one of the top ones in the league and standard bearer for organizations such as ours."

The Riverhounds will play two home games at Falconi Field in Washington, Pa., this weekend, taking on Harrisburg at 7:05 p.m. tomorrow and Western Massachusetts at 7:05 p.m. Saturday. ... The game tomorrow will be followed by a fireworks display. ... Six of the 19 players on the club's roster hail from Western Pennsylvania. ... Former Pittsburgh Spirit standout Paul Child begins his second stint as an assistant coach with the team. He previously worked for the Riverhounds from 1999-2002.

First Published: May 4, 2006, 4:00 a.m.