Brazilian Striker Brings Ample Stateside Experience to Indiana’s Team
INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven continued to build its roster for the 2022 season with today’s signing of veteran forward Stéfano Pinho. Per club policy, terms of the contract that brings Pinho to the Circle City, pending league and federation approval, will not be released.
“I am very excited to be part of such a club and to have the backing of its amazing fans, and I thank the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to come to Indy,” said Pinho. “I am extremely happy to join this family and will give everything that I have to achieve our goals and bring the title to Indianapolis.”
Pinho brings an abundance of experience to Indiana’s Team via a 10-year career that has spanned three continents – including five squads across the USA’s top two divisions. Throughout his professional playing days he has gathered 68 goals and 21 assist in a span of 193 official games – five of which he played at Carroll Stadium against the Eleven during three seasons in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
Pinho, 31, started his career in the youth ranks of South American powerhouse Fluminese FC and began his professional path on loan with fellow Brazilian sides Guaratinguetá (2012) and Madureira (2013) and Finnish club Mypa (2014).
After getting on the radar in American soccer circles as the top scorer at the 2013 MLS Combine, his first stateside stint was spent with the NASL trio of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2015), Minnesota United (2016), and The Miami FC (2017). Pinho’s standout performances saw him earn the NASL’s Golden Boot (leading scorer) and Golden Ball (MVP) awards twice, first with Fort Lauderdale (16 goals, nine assists) and again with Miami FC (17 goals, six assists).
“Stefano Pinho is a pure attacking player whose creativity and ability to finish in every fashion will provide a true threat in the final third,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry. “Indy fans experienced first-hand how dominant and productive Stefano can be, and they should be excited for the opportunity to back him this season.”
Following a move to Major League Soccer’s Orlando City FC in 2018, Pinho took his skills overseas for a three-year run in Asia, where he suited up with clubs in China (Xianjang Tianshan Leopard in 2019), and Saudi Arabia (Al-Washm in 20-21). Last season, Pinho came back to the States for his first USL Championship campaign, collecting a goal and an assist for Austin Bold FC.
Additional announcements surrounding roster signings are imminent leading up to the squad’s 2022 preseason beginning next week. The current roster of signed players is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Bobby Edwards
Defender: A.J. Cochran, Mechack Jérôme, Alex McQueen, Karl Ouimette, Noah Powder, Jared Timmer
Midfielder: Raul Aguilera, Ayoze, Sam Brown, Neveal Hackshaw, Nicky Law, Bryam Rebellón, Alann Torres
Forward: Manuel Arteaga, Aris Briggs, Stéfano Pinho
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.
