Defender Michael DeShields Signed for 2023

February 28, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release

PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has signed defender Michael DeShields for the 2023 season. The deal, pending USL and U.S. Soccer approval, is a one-year contract with a team option for 2024.

DeShields, 24, was selected No. 5 overall by D.C. United in the 2021 MLS Draft out of Wake Forest, and he has appeared in his first two pro seasons with both Loudoun United in the USL Championship and the New England Revolution II in MLS Next Pro.

"Mike is a defender who has very good tools from a defensive standpoint, but who also is a very good short and long range passer that will help us playing out of the back. We also expect him to be a presence in the air on set pieces and look forward to having him with our team in the 2023 USL Championship season," Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley said.

After being selected and signed by D.C. United, DeShields - a Baltimore native - was loaned out to Loudoun, where he made 14 appearances in his rookie season. After being released by D.C., he joined the Revolution's reserve side and made 17 more appearances in 2022.

As a college player at Wake Forest, DeShields was a three-year starter with 60 appearances for the Demon Deacons, and he helped the team reach the 2019 College Cup. He also appeared as an amateur player in USL League Two while in college, playing seven games for the Treasure Coast Tritons.

DeShields has been with the Hounds this preseason, scoring a headed goal in the team's 3-0 win over Penn State earlier this month. The Hounds play their final preseason match this Saturday, March 4 at 2 p.m. when they host Louisville City FC at Highmark Stadium.

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