Defender | #2
Josh O’Brien | #2
Position: D
Height: 6’4
Weight: 185
DOB: 2/7/03
Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
Acquired: 2/1/24
Previous club: Hamilton Academical FC (Scotland)
Pronunciation
Scored his second Indy Eleven goal and made the winning penalty kick vs. Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Jägermeister Cup group stage on June 28. He played multiple positions and all 120 minutes in the team’s US Open Cup Third Round victory over Miami FC. In second season for the Boys in Blue in 2025, started 12 of 21 matches, playing 1,001 minutes.
Played in 25 matches in 2024, starting 18. Logged 1,666 minutes, scoring his first goal for the Boys in Blue at Pittsburgh in a 2-1 road victory. Played the full 90 in 12 matches, recording season highs of 10 clearances and five tackles vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies. Had three blocks at Louisville City and made two interceptions vs. San Antonio.
Indy Eleven signed Scottish League-One defender Josh O’Brien on February 1, 2024. 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 age 18 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 made 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 turned professional. From a soccer family, O’Brien’s oldest brother Aran played at Santa Clara, Ethan made a National Championship appearance with Notre Dame and played in 2024 for the Boys in Blue, Nicholas is currently playing at Washington, and Jake plays for De Anza Force.
