by elevencomms
INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven has today announced Scottish League-One defender Josh O’Brien as the newest addition to the Boys in Blue ahead of the 2024 season. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed, and individual status is pending league and federation approval.
Prior to his arrival in the Circle City, the 20-year-old played 10 matches with Hamilton Academical FC across League One and Scottish FA Cup matches after being acquired in August 2023.
O’Brien signed his first professional contract in August 2021 at 18 years old with English-side Watford F.C. opening training with the U18 squad before getting called up to the U23s. In July 2022, the defender was transferred to Salford City’s (England) U21 team, before spending time with Telford United (England) on loan.
O’Brien makes his return to the States after stops with Sounders FC Academy and MLS Next program De Anza Force Soccer Club (California). During his youth days, he was twice named to Washington State’s Best XI and won a Generation Adidas Cup championship. In 2018, he started 15 matches with the Sounders, scoring six goals.
Originally committed to play at the University of Washington, O’Brien instead went the professional route. From a soccer family, O’Brien’s oldest brother Aran played at Santa Clara, Ethan made a National Championship appearance with Notre Dame, Nicholas is currently playing at Washington and Jake plays for De Anza Force.
Indy Eleven Roster as of 2-1-24
Goalkeepers (3): Cayden Crawford^, Yannik Oettl, Hayden Vostal^
Defenders (8): Danny Barbir, Younes Boudadi, Callum Chapman-Page, Adrian Diz Pe, Macauley King, Logan Neidlinger^, Josh O’Brien, Aedan Stanley
Midfielders (7): Jack Blake, Tyler Gibson, Nikola Ivetic^, Cam Lindley, Aodhan Quinn, Diego Sanchez, Max Schneider
Forwards (6): Benji Chavarria^, Elliot Collier, Sebastian Guenzatti, Douglas Martinez, Roberto Molina, Augustine Williams
^USL Academy Contract
Indy opens the 2024 slate on a two-match road swing beginning at non-conference foe Oakland Roots SC on March 9 before returning home to host 2023 Western Conference Champion Sacramento Republic FC at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on March 23.
Originally posted on indyeleven.com