TUCSON, Ariz. (Mar. 1, 2021) — FC Tucson announced today that the club has signed center back Luca Mastrantonio, pending league and federation approval. The 24-year-old UC Irvine standout signs his first professional soccer contract with the Men in Black.
“Luca brings a wealth of experience to our backline and we are delighted to welcome him to the club,” said FC Tucson Head Coach John Galas. “He comes from a great collegiate program, has USL League Two experience, and Luca is a wonderful young man who fits our culture, playing style, and profile as a ball-playing center back.”
Mastrantonio joins FC Tucson following one season with UC Irvine’s NCAA Division I Men’s soccer program. A pivotal member of UC Irvine’s backline in 2019, Mastrantonio played in 17 matches, logged 1,540 minutes of play and earned All-Big West First-Team honors. Prior to joining UC Irvine, Mastrantonio played the 2017 season for Rockhurst University of NCAA’s Division II, helping lead the team to become Conference regular season and tournament champions with a 12-1-1 record. Mastrantonio was named to the NCAA Division II All-Tournament Team and All-Midwest Region after starting all 21 matches and playing 1,900 minutes as a defender.
“I am really excited to join this great team and finally have a chance to show what I am worth,” said Mastrantonio. “I am enthusiastic about the soccer culture that this club is creating, and being a part of it is a great privilege. I can’t wait to raise the cup and become champions with Tucson.”
A native of Rome, Italy, Mastrantonio played the 2015-2016 season within the Italian Serie D, Italy’s fourth tier of soccer. A member of AS Ostiamare Lido Calcio, an Italian association football club located in Ostia, a municipality of Rome, the defender played in 28 matches, logging a total of 2,259 minutes and scoring one goal.
Mastrantonio’s USL experience includes two seasons (2017, 2018) within USL League Two, making a total of 31 appearances for the Thunder Bay Chill based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The standout defender helped the Chill reach the 2017 PDL Championship – leading all defenders in total minutes played (1497), goals scored (3), and assists (1).
With the addition of Mastrantonio, FC Tucson’s roster currently stands at 16 players total with more players to be announced ahead of the 2021 USL League One season.
Luca Mastrantonio
Country: Italy
Born: May 27, 1996 (24)
Position: Defender
Height: 6 ft 2
Weight: 172 lbs
Number: 4
Previous Club: UC Irvine