Elliot Panicco Joins Indiana’s Team via Loan from Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC; Tor Saunders Signed, Sent on Loan to USL League One Side Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven made a pair of roster transactions today involving loan agreements for goalkeepers, welcoming Elliot Panicco to the Circle City from Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC and striking a “sign-and-loan” agreement with Tor Saunders that will see him suit up for USL League One side Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Per club policy, terms of both deals will not be released, and both will be finalized pending league and federation approval.
“Elliot has long been on our radar, and his success in the USL Championship last season makes us confident he will step in ready to compete and raise the level of our squad immediately,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry. “After getting a long look at Tor during preseason we are absolutely encouraged by his potential. The ability to get competitive minutes in Chattanooga will serve him well, and we wish him all the best during the League One season.”
Panicco is entering his third professional season, his career beginning with Nashville SC after the Tennessean side selected him 13th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. After elevating himself to the back-up role with Nashville late in his rookie season, Panicco was sent on loan to USL Championship side Austin Bold for the 2021 campaign, when he registered a solid 0.95 goals against average in 28 appearances and finished last season tied for second across the league with 11 shutouts.
“I am excited to get started with the team,” said the 25-year-old netminder. “Indy Eleven is a fantastic club and I am very thankful to have this opportunity to help the team win and achieve our goals this season.”
Collegiately, the native of Huntersville, N.C. was a four-year starter at UNC Charlotte, where he made 77 appearances from 2015-19. He was a three-time All-Conference USA First Team selection for the 49ers, and also a three-time recipient of the Conference USA Golden Glove award, given to the goalkeeper with the most shutouts in conference play.
Saunders, 23, is also no stranger to Nashville SC after being drafted by the MLS outfit in the third round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to turning pro, the Bothell, Wash.-native spent most of his college career at the University of Akron, where he appeared in a total of 18 games and made 40 saves from 2016-19 while also earning Academic All-MAC accolades in 2018 & ‘19. Saunders then took his talents to Coastal Carolina University and excelled during his senior season, making 52 saves in 15 appearances and earning the 2020 Sun Belt Conference’s Newcomer of the Year and Conference Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player honors. Saunders’ off-the-field accolades also continued with the Chanticleers, including a nod as a Senior CLASS Award First-Team All-American for the 2020-21 academic year.
“I’m really excited to be joining the club and cannot wait for the opportunity to play in front of such great fans and represent the city of Indianapolis on the field,” said Saunders.
Indy Eleven will finish off its preseason exhibition schedule this weekend before turning full focus to its 2022 USL Championship regular season opener at Loudoun United FC next Saturday, March 12 (6:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+). Following is the team’s roster as it currently stands, which can also be tracked at indyeleven.com/2022-roster.
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
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, Stefano Pinho
^ = player on USL Academy Contract | * = player with club on loan | # = player away from club on loan
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.
