INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, June 26, 2023) – Indy Eleven today announced the acquisition of forward Stefano Pinho for a second stint with the Boys in Blue. Pinho will be available for Indy pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
Pinho appeared in 32 USL Championship matches in 2022 for the Eleven, making 22 starts and logging over 2,000 minutes of action. He registered a team-leading 13 goals, including four match winners, and three assists, while tallying 52 shots, including 21 on target.
Pinho returns to the Circle City after appearing in five matches for Brazilian club Paysandu SC (Campeonato Brasileiro Serie C) scoring one goal.
The 32-year-old opened his career in South America playing for youth club Fluminese FC and began his professional career on loan with Brazilian sides Guaratingueta (2012) and Madureira (2013) and Finnish club Mypa (2014).
Pinho burst onto the American soccer scene after finishing as the top scorer at the 2013 MLS Combine. In 2015, he opened his NASL career with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and went on to play for Minnesota United (2016) and The Miami FC (2017). He twice earned the league’s Golden Boot (leading scorer) and Golden Ball (MVP) awards, once with Fort Lauderdale and once with Miami FC. Pinho scored 16 USLC goals and had nine assists with Fort Lauderdale and added 17 goals and three assists with Miami FC.
In 2018, Pinho played 26 matches for MLS club Orlando City FC across MLS and U.S. Open Cup competition and scored three goals. The 2019 season saw him play for Xianjang Tianshan Leopard (2019) in China and he spent 2020-21 with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Washm. He returned to the States in 2021 to play for Austin Bold FC, where he registered a goal and an assist in 25 matches.
Stefano Pinho
Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Date of Birth: January 12, 1991
Age: 32
Birthplace: Minas Gerais, Brazil
The Boys in Blue host San Diego Loyal SC Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Indy Eleven Roster as of 06-26-23
Goalkeepers (4): Cayden Crawford, Yannik Oettl, Tim Trilk, Hayden Vostal
Defenders (7): Younes Boudadi, Robby Dambrot, Adrian Diz Pe, Mechak Jerome, Macauley King, Gustavo Rissi, Jesus Vazquez
Midfielders (7): Jack Blake, Cam Lindley, Aodhan Quinn, Bryam Rebellon, Harrison Robledo, Diego Sanchez, Sebastian Velasquez
Forwards (8): Solomon Asante, Benji Chavarria, Grayson Elmquist, Sebastian Guenzatti, Luca Iaccino, Douglas Martinez, Roberto Molina, Stefano Pinho
