USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Wiedt Remains Steady Presence Along Hounds Back Line

Published on August 22, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


Former Pitt center back has been reliable as injuries, internationals cause absences on defense

It's no secret that injuries have plagued the Hounds' back line this season:

- Jordan Dover, the club's most experienced defender, has been out since June 19 with a lower-body injury.

- Mekeil Williams (lower body) and Jelani Peters (illness) missed a crucial division game against Miami on Aug. 11, and Peters missed the next against Charlotte on Aug. 14, both of which were losses. Peters and Williams also missed time in July while playing for Trinidad & Tobago in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

- Tom Judge, who was brought in on loan July 6 to add depth, suffered a head injury just 17 minutes into his Riverhounds debut against Charleston Battery on Aug. 6.

Through all the injuries, however, Shane Wiedt has proved to be one of the Hounds' steadiest defenders, providing stability at the center back position. This season, Wiedt leads all Hounds defenders in minutes (1,601), clearances (69) and interceptions (32).

Much to the Hounds' relief, Wiedt has also been relatively healthy. He has appeared in all of the club's 20 matches, and is the only defender to start more than 15 of those.

Wiedt, who spent the last two seasons with Loudoun United FC after finishing his college career at Pitt in 2018, noted how much head coach Bob Lilley expected of his club defensively.

"I think Bob demands a lot out of our guys here and a lot of consistency throughout the season," he said. "Being able to play so many games and to play consistently has been good. I think I've had more discipline and somewhat of a leadership role, being a center back, being able to control the guys around me and give information to them. It's been good that (Lilley) put some responsibility on me to handle that."

"I trust myself. I'm confident in my ability to play," Wiedt continued. "I think that's key for any player to be able to have that confidence, to trust all the work that you put in growing up until now."

While Wiedt has been one of the most sound defenders for the Hounds, he also has his highlight moments.

Perhaps his biggest play of the year came in a 1-0 win against Charlotte Independence on July 3. In the 76th minute, Irvin Parra chipped a ball over the outstretched hands of Danny Vitiello. Wiedt, never giving up on the play, sprinted back to head the ball out of bounds and preserve the lead.

The Hounds had one of their better defensive performances of the season in their last match, a scoreless draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Hounds dominated possession, holding Tampa Bay to just one shot on target in the final 45 minutes and three total.

So, what was the difference?

"I think just being compact defensively," Wiedt explained. "A lot of pressing from our guys up top and a lot of hard work is really what it came down to."

It should also be noted that the Hounds' back line got reinforcements, as Peters returned from injury, one game after Williams' return.

The Hounds have one of their toughest defensive matchups yet when they host Atlanta United 2 at 7 p.m. Sunday. Although they've struggled on the road, Atlanta has had no trouble generating opportunities, scoring 34 goals on 265 shots.

"I think the key is just to work together defensively," Wiedt said. "I know Atlanta is on a hot streak; I think they've scored at least two goals in their last three games. They're doing well. It's just going to come down to hard work and playing together."

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 22, 2021


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