Michael Acquired via Transfer from USL League One Side South Georgia Tormenta FC; Torres Joins Forward Madison FC for 2022 League One Campaign
Indy Eleven today announced two transactions involving USL League One sides, including the signing of forward Rodney Michael via transfer from South Georgia Tormenta FC and a loan of midfielder Alann Torres to Forward Madison FC for their 2022 season. Terms involving both transactions will not be released, per club policy.
Michael, 22, joins Indy Eleven after impressing while on trial during the team’s preseason across February and March. The native of Freetown, Sierra Leone, began his professional career in 2021 with South Georgia Tormenta FC, where he originally looked to play for the club’s pre-professional USL League Two side in order to retain his final season of collegiate eligibility. However, he soon was offered a professional contract with Tormenta’s League One squad and made his pro debut last June, eventually contributing a goal, two assists, 15 shots, and 13 chances created across 16 appearances (11 starts).
“I cannot wait to put on the Indy Eleven shirt and give my all for the club,” said Michael. “I know how good this group is and what we can achieve this season, and I’m looking forward to playing my part.”
Michael spent his college career with UC Santa Barbara, where in three seasons with the Gauchos he started all but one of his 59 appearances, netted 23 goals, and tallied 15 assists. His accolades at UCSB included the 2017 Big West Freshman of the Year and nods to the 2017 & 2018 All-Big West First Teams and 2018 All-Far West Region Team. Michael was also an accomplished high school player in the state of California, being named the 2016-17 California Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year after leading Santa Barbara Soccer Club to a U18 National Championship in 2016.
“We’ve had a long look at Rodney throughout preseason and are thrilled to come to an agreement with Tormenta FC that brings his energy and skill into our squad,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry. “Rodney is a player with fantastic instincts in and around the final third, and he’ll provide danger whether he is playing the final pass or finishing one off.”
Torres made club history two months ago from today by becoming the first Indy Eleven player to move directly from a USL Academy contract to a professional deal. The Elkhart, Ind. native originally joined Indy Eleven last August 9, when he signed a USL Academy contract.
“We see Alann playing a big role on the field in the future for Indy Eleven, and this will fast track that progression so he can come back and make a big impact,” continued Lowry. “Getting meaningful minutes is so important for players at Alann’s stage of development, and we believe he’ll be able to get those in a competitive environment at the League One level. We thank Forward Madison for working with us and wish Alann all the best throughout their upcoming season.”
After making his pro debut off the bench just days prior to his 18th birthday last Sept. 23, with an eight-minute appearance at Memphis 901 FC, Torres earned his first start in USL Championship play a week later on Sept. 30 at OKC Energy FC, playing 86 minutes and helping the Eleven to a 1-1 road draw. In all, Torres logged 139 minutes of regular season action across three appearances last fall. He also assisted on Indy Eleven’s lone goal in a friendly against Chicago Fire’s reserve outfit during a 60-minute stint on Sept. 14 at Carroll Stadium.
After contributing mightily to Indy Eleven’s USL Academy League squad that captured the East Central Region title across the summer and fall, Torres continued to lead the side in the inaugural USL Academy League Playoffs in Tampa last December. Torres was an All-Tournament First Team selection after notching a pair of goals and assists across all four of the team’s matches, including a start in the 3-1 final triumph that allowed Indiana’s Team to capture the tournament title.
With today’s signing of Michael, Indy Eleven’s official 2022 roster includes 29 players:
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, Rodney Michael, Stefano Pinho
^ = player on USL Academy Contract | * = player with club on loan | # = player away from club on loan
Indy Eleven will end its three-game road trip to start its 2022 regular season this Saturday, March 26, when it kicks off this year’s Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest rivalry series with Louisville City FC at Lynn Family Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET (live streaming video on ESPN+).
Following that LIPAFC showdown, Indy Eleven will return to the Circle City for its 2022 Home Opener at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Saturday, April 2, against LA Galaxy II. Fans can secure tickets for that 7:30 p.m. kickoff and all 2022 matches at “The Mike” via a plethora of ticketing avenues – including single-game tickets, 2022 Season Ticket Memberships, discounted group tickets for parties of 10 or more, and expanded Premium Hospitality options – by visiting indyeleven.com/tickets or calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.
