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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Republic FC Signs Defender Shane Wiedt to Contract for 2023 Season

January 12, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced the club has signed defender Shane Wiedt (pronunciation: WEET) for the 2023 season. He will be added to the club's roster pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Shane brings a physical presence to our backline and will suit our style of play with his composure on the ball," said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. "His work ethic and mentality are what stood out to us the most, and we think he will be a natural fit in Sacramento."

The Akron, Ohio native spent the past two seasons with Eastern Conference side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, where he was an integral part of strong defensive squads that led the Hounds to back-to-back postseason appearances. In 2022, the defender appeared in a career-high 35 matches across all competitions, leading his squad in successful tackles and ranking second in intercepted passes. Throughout the season, he earned three USL Championship Team of the Week selections and was a key member of a defensive unit that recorded 11 clean sheets. In 2021, he was part of a back line that allowed the third-fewest shots faced in the entire league, and the third-fewest goals against.

Wiedt's signing with Republic FC adds him to a core of 17 returning players from the club's 2022 roster and reunites him with a pair of former teammates. He featured alongside forward Russell Cicerone, who signed with the club in December, in each of his two seasons in the Steel City. Wiedt, Cicerone, and current goalkeeper Danny Vitiello all shared the pitch with Pittsburgh in 2021.

Prior to Riverhounds SC, Wiedt played two seasons with Loudoun United FC. After tallying seven appearances in his 2019 pro debut season, the defender was among the club's top contributors during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. He finished the season leading the Virginia club in appearances (13), minutes (1,040), and interceptions (24).

Wiedt played four seasons at the collegiate level at the University of Akron and University of Pittsburgh. After a redshirt freshman season at Akron, he played in 32 matches for the Zips from 2015 to 2017, logging over 1,700 minutes. His Junior season squad advanced to the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA D1 College Cup, where they fell to eventual champion Stanford. He played his senior season at the University of Pittsburgh, helping the Panthers make a run to the ACC Tournament quarterfinals.

Republic FC will continue to build its roster for 2023. The club will host its annual Open Tryouts this weekend, giving local players the opportunity to be evaluated by Republic FC's first-team staff - and at least one player will be invited to join first team training camp in February for a chance to earn a professional contract. Interested players can learn more at SacRepublicFC.com/Tryouts.

TRANSACTION: Republic FC signed defender Shane Wiedt.

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