San Diego FC Selects Pilcher as the 24th Gem in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft!

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Charlotte Men’s Soccer’s Ian Pilcher has been chosen 24th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by San Diego FC on Friday (Dec. 20) afternoon.

The senior back became the fifth 49er in the program’s history to be picked in the first round and the 17th player from Charlotte overall.

“Honestly, this is all just beyond words,” expressed Pilcher. “I am mainly thrilled to make many people proud and continue to represent God, my family, my teammates, my coaches, and the program further. I am immensely grateful for everything they have done for me.”

Throughout his four-year tenure at Charlotte, Pilcher led the 49ers to back-to-back American Athletic Conference Championships in 2023 and 2024, in addition to three NCAA Tournament appearances (2021, 2023, 2024). The native of Charlotte, N.C., and team captain participated in 66 matches, starting 60 and totaling five goals and 11 points for the Niners. Earlier in December, Pilcher was among 44 collegiate players invited to join the 2024 adidas MLS College Showcase in San Diego, Calif.

“We are extremely thrilled for Ian and look forward to following his future endeavors with pride,” stated Charlotte Head Men’s Soccer Coach Kevin Langan. “San Diego is gaining not only a great player but also a remarkable young man.”

Pilcher is a two-time All-East Region and All-AAC selection. In 2024, he received first-team accolades, was named a CSC Academic All-American, and recognized as the AAC’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. The two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Week and single-time AAC Honorable Mention of the Week led a defensive unit that ended first in the nation in shutout percentage (.579) and 13th in scoring defense (.832) in 2024.

In 2023, the Ardrey Kell High School alumnus was awarded Most Outstanding Player of the American Athletic Conference Championship. In 2021, Pilcher secured a position on the All-Conference USA Freshman Team.

Pilcher is the first Charlotte player to be chosen in the first round since Elliott Panicco, who was drafted 13th overall by Nashville SC in 2020. He joins former 49ers stars Mac Cozier (1996 – 10th overall pick by the Columbus Crew), Ben Parry (1998 – third overall pick by the San Jose Clash), and Callum Montgomery (2019 – fourth overall pick by FC Dallas) as the only other first round picks.

San Diego FC is set to commence play in 2025 as the newest expansion franchise in Major League Soccer.

For the latest information regarding Charlotte Men’s Soccer, be sure to follow the team on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, and also visit Charlotte49ers.com for the most recent updates.