San Diego FC (SDFC) announced today the Club has signed defender Ian Pilcher to a one-year contract through the end of the 2025 MLS season with Club options for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 MLS seasons.
Pilcher, 21, was selected by SDFC as the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The Charlotte, North Carolina native spent the past four years at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, making 66 appearances, scoring five goals, and recording one assist.
“This is a credit to Ian and all the hard work and dedication he’s put into this sport in his career, and particularly in the last weeks since he’s arrived for preseason,” said SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps. “He’s a talented young defender but also has a tremendous attitude and work-ethic, and we’re excited to see how he continues to grow and contribute at SDFC.”
In 2024, Pilcher earned first-team All-AAC honors while helping lead the 49ers to their second straight American Athletic Conference Championship. Pilcher started 17 games in 2024, recording one goal and captaining a back line that finished first in the nation in shutout percentage (.579) and 13th in scoring defense (.832). Pilcher was a two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Week and one-time AAC Honorable Mention of the Week.
Transaction: SDFC signs defender Ian Pilcher to a one-year contract through the end of the 2025 MLS season with Club options for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 MLS seasons.
Name: Ian Pilcher
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 170 lbs.
Born: March 21, 2003
Age: 21
Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina
Previous Club: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Pronunciation: EE-uhn PIL-chur
