PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC midfielder Todd Wharton announced on Tuesday his retirement from the professional ranks, bringing a career that saw him make more than 140 regular-season appearances in the USL Championship to a close.

Wharton joined the Hounds before the 2021 season and was a steady contributor and versatile piece of the team throughout the season. He appeared in all 32 matches and scored four goals while moving between multiple midfield roles and occasionally stepping in as a defender.

“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,” said Wharton in a post to Instagram. “To Bob 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.”

Wharton began his career in the Championship with Rio Grande Valley FC in 2016 and spent three seasons with the Toros, helping them reach the USL Championship Playoffs in their inaugural season and his rookie year. He then spent a season apiece with the Portland Timbers 2 and Saint Louis FC before joining Pittsburgh this past season. Wharton recorded 142 appearances in the Championship’s regular season and recorded 16 goals and 13 assists in his career.

“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,” said Hounds Head Coach Bob Lilley. “The Riverhounds organization is grateful for his efforts and wish Todd and his family the best moving forward to their next chapter."

Wharton, originally from Glen Allen, Va., was a 2014 NCAA Champion at the University of Virginia and finished his four-year career with the Cavaliers in 2015.