Riverhounds' Wharton announces retirement from professional soccer

Todd Wharton’s brief career with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has come to a close.

The veteran midfielder announced Tuesday via his personal Instagram account that he is retiring from professional soccer.

Wharton, 27, joined the Riverhounds prior to the 2021 season and appeared in all 32 matches.

He scored four goals on the season in a number of midfielder roles while also showing his versatility by moving back to a defender spot on occasion.

“First, I’d like to say think you to the fans for making Pittsburgh such a great place to play and supporting us through everything,” Wharton said.

“To (Riverhounds head coach) Bob (Lilley) and the staff, thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great organization in my final season. And lastly, thank you to my teammates for a season I will always cherish.”

Lilley was quick to praise Wharton’s contributions during this past season.

“Todd Wharton will most certainly be missed — a player with great habits, the right mentality and a good understanding of the game who was well-respected by his teammates and a big part of our success in 2021,” Lilley said.

“The Riverhounds organization is grateful for his efforts and wish Todd and his family the best moving forward to their next chapter.”

Before turning pro, Wharton starred at the University of Virginia where he helped the Cavaliers win the 2014 NCAA Championship before finishing up his four-year collegiate career in 2015.

He signed with the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros before the 2016 United Soccer League season, and he would remain in South Texas for three seasons before continuing his career with the Portland Timbers 2 (2019), Saint Louis FC (2020) and the Hounds.

An everyday contributor with each club in his career, Wharton played 142 regular-season matches and recorded 16 goals and 13 assists in the USL Championship league.