CINCINNATI, OH --- Andrew Wiedeman has officially retired to finish his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley.
Wiedeman, a forward from San Ramon Valley, Calif., played 30 games and logged 1,859 minutes in 2017. Over 22 league starts, he had 31 shots and scored twice to go along with three assists. Wiedeman put the ball into the back of the net against Charleston Battery and Pittsburgh Riverhounds and was voted to the USL Team of the Week. He played in all six U.S. Open Cup matches and assisted on two goals, including the game-winning goal against AFC Cleveland.
“Before moving to Cincinnati, I had no idea what to expect. I knew next to nothing about the city, the people, or what this club could become,” said Wiedeman. “Two years later, I don’t have a single ounce of regret about my decision. Cincinnati welcomed me and my fiancée (now wife) with open arms and made us feel right at home from day one. Some of my best memories both on the field (not offsides) and off the field were made in the Queen City.
I want to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who has worked and fought to build this club into what it is today. Thank you to the front office and coaching staff for giving the players a platform to succeed. Thank you to all of my teammates that I’ve met along the journey. I’ve made lasting friendships that you don’t often see in a sport with so much turnover. And thank you to the fans. The main reason this club has experienced the success that it has is entirely due to your passion and unconditional support. I’ve never seen anything like it in North American professional soccer.
And finally thank you to my wife. These last two years never would have happened had you not agreed to follow me anywhere so I could pursue my dream.”
A member of the inaugural team, Wiedeman was a key figure for two seasons. In 2016 he was the team’s second leading scorer with seven goals and four assists and had a pair of season-best, three-point efforts with a goal and assist against Bethlehem Steel FC and Charlotte Independence. He had the Goal of the Month in May and penned his name in the FCC records after scoring the club’s first official goal against Bethlehem Steel FC.
“We wish Andrew the best as he pursues his bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley,” said Jeff Berding, President and General Manager. “As part of the inaugural class, he will always be a special part of the FC Cincinnati family. Andrew was visible around town and worked to give back to our fans and the broader community. We look forward to bringing Andrew back to recognize his contributions to FCC at some point in the future.”
Wiedeman wraps up a solid career that includes an NASL Fall Championship and tenures with FC Dallas, who advanced to the MLS Cup finals in 2010, as well as Toronto FC.
