Indiana Soccer Captain Joey Maher, Hugo Bacharach Invited To MLS College Showcase

Indiana men's soccer players Joey Maher and Hugo Bacharach were invited to the MLS College Showcase in Arizona from Dec. 6-9. From freshmen to graduates, 44 college players will be put in front of MLS scouts ahead of the 2024 SuperDraft in two weeks.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana men’s soccer seniors, team captain Joey Maher and Hugo Bacharach, were two of 44 players invited to the MLS College Showcase, which will take place this week from Dec. 6-9 in Arizona. 

The four-day showcase will put prospects in front of MLS scouts and staff from each club ahead of the 2024 SuperDraft. Players will participate in training sessions, testing, interviews and match play.

Maher was part of an Indiana backline that ranked No. 11 in the nation in goals-against average, conceding fewer than one goal per match. He scored his two goals this season on penalty kicks. Bacharach played beside Maher on the backline until midway through the season, when the 6-foot-4 transfer moved to the midfield and tallied four goals and assists in his new position. He scored two during Indiana’s 3-2 victory at No. 10 Wake Forest to advance to the Sweet 16.

Maher’s brother and former Hoosier defender, Jack Maher, participated in the 2019 MLS College Showcase and currently plays for Nashville SC. In the 2021 College Showcase, three Hoosiers were invited: Roman Celentano, Daniel Munie, and Herbert Endeley. Celentano was selected No. 2 in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. The latter two were picked in the first round of the 2023 SuperDraft. The 2024 draft will take place on Dec. 19.

“In October, MLS announced that, for the first time in SuperDraft history, the expanded prospect pool will feature eligible collegiate sophomores and juniors,” the MLS release on Tuesday afternoon said. “The eligible player list for the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, presented by adidas, will be announced at a later date following the 2023 adidas MLS College Showcase.”

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