Forward Luca Iaccino and Defender Bryce Warhaft Become Sixth and Seventh Academy Contract Players Named to Eleven’s 2022 Roster
Indy Eleven’s focus on youth development continued today with a pair of USL Academy Contracts signings in forward Luca Iaccino and defender Bryce Warhaft. Both signings will be finalized pending league and federation approval, and per club policy contract details will not be released.
Since the start of the 2019 season, Indy Eleven has now signed 16 players to USL Academy contracts, continuing the club’s standing as one of the premier player development destinations in the USL Championship. In joining Indy Eleven as USL Academy contract signings, both Iaccino and Warhaft will retain their NCAA eligibility.
“We saw Bryce at our open tryouts and he stood out above everyone else, and when we found out he was only 18 he became a very interesting prospect for us. We believe he has a very good future in the game and will be a great addition,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry. “Luca is well known in the region as a top prospect and has shown his ability in training with us. We are excited to see what he can bring to the team and is another valuable asset for the future.”
The 18-year-old Iaccino comes to the Boys in Blue after playing for Chicago area club soccer powerhouse Sockers FC, where he tallied 11 goals and three assists for their U18/19 squad in just nine outings during their 2020/21 MLS Next season. In 2018, Iaccino represented the Chicago Fire Academy, which he helped to capture the U-15 Division crown in the prestigious Dallas Cup tournament courtesy of scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over FC Dallas.
“I’m very grateful to have the chance to learn everyday under Coach Lowry and the rest of the staff and I’m motivated to achieve big things here in Indy,” said Iaccino.
Warhaft joins Indiana’s Team after his impressive showing at January’s Open Tryout at Grand Park earned him an invitation to the team’s preseason training camp. Prior to that, the 18-year-old defender gathered a plethora of experience playing at several quality academy systems in recent years, including with the Indiana Fire Academy’s U19 squad in 2021. Before coming to Indy, the native of Weston, Fla., gained experience in the academies of Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City SC, and also suited up for hometown side Weston FC.
“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to represent this great club and I can’t wait to get out there and help to achieve our goals for this upcoming season,” said Warhaft.
Indy Eleven is just days away from its 2022 USL Championship regular season opener at Loudoun United FC this Saturday, March 12 (6:00 p.m. ET kickoff, live on ESPN+). Following is the team’s 28-man roster as it currently stands:
Goalkeeper: *Elliot Panicco, #Tor Saunders, ^Alex Svetanoff, Tim Trilk
Defender: A.J. Cochran, Justin Ingram, Mechack Jérôme, Alex McQueen, Karl Ouimette, Noah Powder, ^Ecris Revolorio, Jared Timmer, ^Bryce Warhaft
Midfielder: Raul Aguilera, Ayoze, ^Aiden Benitez, Sam Brown, Neveal Hackshaw, Nicky Law, Bryam Rebellón, ^Diego Sanchez, Alann Torres, Jonas Fjeldberg
Forward: Manuel Arteaga, ^Palmer Ault, Aris Briggs, ^Luca Iaccino, Stefano Pinho
^ = player on USL Academy Contract | * = player with club on loan | # = player away from club on loan
Indy Eleven’s full 2022 USL Championship schedule is now out, and fans can secure tickets for the 17 matches at Carroll Stadium – starting with the April 2nd home opener against LA Galaxy II – immediately via a 2022 Season Ticket Membership, discounted group tickets for parties of 10 or more, and one of the many Premium Hospitality options at Carroll Stadium. To receive ticketing details and lock in your seats at “The Mike”, visit indyeleven.com/tickets or call 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Single-game tickets are expected to go on sale in early February.