Draft:Ethan O'Brien

Ethan O'Brien (born 24 January 2001) is an Irish-American soccer player who currently plays as a midfielder for MLS Next Pro club Huntsville City FC, on loan from USL Championship team Indy Eleven. O'Brien played college soccer at the University of Notre Dame, where he was named as the team captain. He joined Indy Eleven in 2024.

Early life
O'Brien was born in Dublin but raised in Washington, USA.

Youth and college
Growing up in Washington State, O'Brien initially joined the Seattle Sounders Academy, where he won the Youdan Trophy with the U15 team, as well as a fourth place finish at the Cayman Airways Invitational Youth Cup in 2016.

O'Brien later joined the Columbus Crew SC Academy, where he helped lead the U17 team to the quarterfinals of the National Development Academy Playoffs in 2018.

O'Brien attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played for the Fighting Irish men's soccer team beginning his sophomore year. He made 46 total appearances over his three playing years, including 34 starts. O'Brien missed the 2022-23 season due to an injury. He scored three goals and registered 7 assists, including two assists in back-to-back matches in the 2021 NCAA tournament against Wake Forest and the University of Pittsburgh. O'Brien was named team captain during his final season at Notre Dame.

Indy Eleven (2024 – present)
On 6 March 2024, USL Championship side Indy Eleven announced the signing of O'Brien to his first professional contract. O'Brien made his first professional appearance on 16 March, replacing team captain Tyler Gibson in the 93rd minute in a 2–1 away victory over Memphis 901 FC. O'Brien made his U.S. Open Cup debut on 18 April, replacing his brother, Josh O'Brien, in the 88th minute in a 1–0 away victory over Chicago Fire FC II.

Huntsville City FC (Loan, 2024)
On May 31, MLS Next Pro side Huntsville City FC announced they had signed O'Brien on loan from Indy Eleven for the remainder of the 2024 season. O'Brien made his debut for Huntsville on 1 June, in a 4–1 victory over Carolina Core FC, replacing Isaiah Jones in the 73rd minute. He made his first start for the team on 8 June, in a 4–2 victory over Crown Legacy FC.

Personal
O'Brien is the brother of fellow soccer player Josh O'Brien. Both brothers were signed by USL Championship club Indy Eleven in 2024.