Indy Eleven Adds Zach Steinberger On Loan
Indy Eleven continued to bolster its roster for the NASL Fall Season on Wednesday by adding former Butler University midfielder Zach Steinberger on loan from Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo.
The 23-year-old Steinberger has already reported to Indy Eleven’s camp and will be available for selection this Saturday, August 1, when the Boys in Blue welcome the Atlanta Silverbacks to Carroll Stadium.
“I’m excited to be back in Indianapolis. I was actually at the inaugural home game last spring when I was at Butler, so I’ve been following Indy Eleven since it became a franchise,” Steinberger said. “It’s pretty exciting for me to be a part of it now, and I’m ready to help the team get to win an NASL Championship.”
The native of Long Beach, Calif., returns to the Circle City after being selected in the first round (8th overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft out of Butler by the Dynamo back on January 15. The 23-year-old made his professional debut in MLS play on March 28 against Colorado and logged 29 minutes during three substitute appearances for Houston in regular season play. Steinberger also made three appearances in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play across the last six weeks, starting against the Austin Aztex (69 minutes) in the fourth round on June 17 and the Colorado Rapids (90 mins.) on June 30 in round of 16 action before entering as a substitute in the 64th minute of their quarterfinal match defeat (3-1 L) at Sporting Kansas City just eight days ago on July 21.
“We’re thrilled to bring Zach back to Indianapolis to help strengthen our midfield and remain committed to bringing in additional players that will improve the squad through the rest of the 2015 season,” Indy Eleven President and General Manager Peter Wilt said.
Steinberger earned all-conference honors in three different leagues during his time at Butler, recording 14 goals and 15 assists across 65 games for the Bulldogs. He was a first team All-Big East performer in 2013 and a second team Atlantic 10 All-Conference pick in 2012. He was named second team All-Conference in the Horizon League and chosen to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team in 2011.
“Thanks to his days at Butler we are well aware of the quality and versatility Zach brings to our team,” Indy Eleven interim head coach and Director of Soccer Operations Tim Regan said. “Zach is the type of player that will make us better by competing hard every day in training and having the ability to fill in at any spot in the midfield.”
During his collegiate days, Steinberger also played three seasons of summer ball for the Michigan Bucks of the USL Premier Development League, scoring 21 goals in 41 appearances with the competitive PDL side from 2012-2014.
