Staff report
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — June 20, 2023
Indiana University’s men’s soccer coach, Todd Yeagley, unveiled three new additions to the team’s freshman class for the upcoming 2023 season on Tuesday, June 20.
The trio of freshmen brings with them valuable experience from training at Major League Soccer academies. Joel Demian, hailing from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, joins the team along with Alex Kara and Luke Reidell, both from Sporting Kansas City.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joel, Alex, and Luke to our 2023 class,” said Yeagley. “All three players bring crucial skills to address our positional needs and ensure that we have the quality and depth required to compete for titles. We have great confidence in this class, and we believe they will proudly represent IU men’s soccer.”
With the addition of these three players, Indiana’s incoming class now consists of a total of 13 individuals, including 12 freshmen and one transfer. The program had previously announced its initial group of newcomers in February.
The upcoming 2023 season promises to be a challenging one for the team, with a schedule featuring matches against seven teams that participated in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Additionally, eight opponents finished in the top 40 of the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) last fall. Fans can look forward to watching the team compete in 10 home games at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Season tickets are currently available for purchase, offering the opportunity to attend all home matches for a one-time payment of $40.
Here is a closer look at each of the newly added freshmen:
Joel Demian | Defender | 5-10 | 165 | Langley, British Columbia, Canada | University Hill Secondary School
Joel Demian, a native of Langley, British Columbia, Canada, has been part of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS) Academy since 2019. Last season, he earned recognition as the U17 player of the year. During the preseason training of Whitecaps FC 2, the club’s second team, Demian showcased his skills before the start of the MLS NEXT Pro campaign. He has also had the opportunity to train with the Canada Soccer Men’s National Team, with his most recent participation occurring in 2022. Demian’s brother, Nathan Demian, currently plays soccer at Ohio State.
Alex Kara | Goalkeeper | 6-4 | 185 | Louisville, Ky. | Louisville Collegiate School
Alex Kara, a goalkeeper from Louisville, Kentucky, joins Indiana from the Sporting KC Academy, where he has been training since 2021. Kara previously played for Javanon FC in Louisville before making the move to Sporting KC. During his time with Javanon, Kara contributed to the team’s success, helping them secure two Kentucky state titles in 2018 and 2021. He also played a pivotal role in the club’s Midwest regional final appearance in his final season. Kara has an additional claim to fame as a two-time state champion with Louisville Collegiate School.
Luke Reidell | Defender | 5-7 | 130 | Rochester, N.Y. | Olathe Northwest
Defender Luke Reidell, a native of Rochester, New York, also arrives in Bloomington from the Sporting KC Academy. Reidell’s consistent performance helped Sporting KC Academy reach the playoffs each season. Throughout his club career, Reidell participated in United States Youth National Team Identification Camps alongside some of the nation’s most promising prospects.
