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RIverhounds SC defender Mike DeShields earns spot on USLC Team of the Week Starting XI; Burke Fahling and Albert Dikwa also honored

Photo courtesy Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

From Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC / USL Championship Report

Riverhounds SC defender Mike DeShields was named to the first 11 of the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 19, leading three Hounds players named in the league’s weekly honors announced this afternoon.

The center back was joined by teammates Burke Fahling and Albert Dikwa, both of whom were picked to the Team of the Week’s bench for performances in a week that saw the Hounds pick up two shutout wins over Eastern Conference rivals — 1-0 at Louisville and 2-0 at home over Detroit.

DeShields picked up his first assist as a member of the Hounds in the win over Detroit when he threaded a pass through defenders to set up Edward Kizza‘s opening goal.

 

He also recorded 10 clearances and won 10 of 16 duels across the two matches, as he played the final 26 minutes to close out the win at Louisville and the full 90 against Detroit.

It is the first Team of the Week honor as a member of the Hounds for DeShields, who signed with the club prior to the 2023 season.

Fahling and Dikwa each scored goals last week to boost their claims to the bench spots.

Fahling’s came in the second half to seal Pittsburgh’s win vs Detroit.

Dikwa scored his league leading 10th goal of the season at Louisville on Wednesday.

The Hounds will look to extend its 13-match unbeaten streak (8-0-5), when the travel to Charleston for a match with its Old Guard rivals on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET kickoff).

 

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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