Indiana Vassilev’s journey into the world of soccer has a cinematic origin. Born in Savannah, Georgia, this 23-year-old American forward carries a name that pays homage to the beloved character from the Indiana Jones movies, a tribute to his father’s enduring affection for the franchise. “It was a challenge to persuade my mom, but eventually, she agreed,” he recounted with a smile.
Now, Vassilev finds himself in a significant chapter of his career as he joins the U.S. national soccer team for the first time. As the team prepares for friendly matches against Venezuela and Costa Rica, he may make his debut as a substitute this Saturday in Fort Lauderdale and is expected to start on Wednesday in Orlando.
Affectionately referred to as Indy, Vassilev made a memorable entrance when he joined the national team in early January. Arriving at The Dalmar hotel decked out in Birkenstocks, black shorts, and a hoodie, he was carrying a Whole Foods bag with his soccer gear. His appearance sparked curiosity among the coaching staff, who must have wondered about this unique newcomer.
The young player is anticipated to take on a wide position for the Americans in these matches, especially considering that the games fall outside FIFA international windows, excluding Europe-based players from the roster. U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his confidence in Vassilev, stating he was pleased with his performance leading up to the games.
Vassilev’s soccer journey began in earnest at the IMG Academy in Florida, where he honed his skills alongside notable players such as Tim Weah and Josh Sargent during the 2017 Under-17 World Cup. He joined Aston Villa’s under-18 squad shortly after that tournament.
His professional debut came at a pivotal moment in January 2020, when an injury to Brazilian striker Wesley opened the door for Vassilev to play for Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Dean Smith, then the head coach of Villa, recognized Vassilev’s potential, appreciating his tenacity and eagerness to play.
By the age of 18 years and 11 months, Vassilev became the second-youngest American to compete in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Jonathan Spector. Reflecting on his initial experiences, he described the debut as a mixture of excitement and challenge. “Making your debut is certainly a thrill, but the real test is maintaining that status as a professional athlete,” he stated.
His time at Aston Villa saw limited first-team opportunities, as he logged just 79 minutes across six appearances. After a pair of loan spells to lower-tier clubs, he learned the ropes of professional soccer, gaining valuable experience in leagues known for their physicality.
Vassilev acknowledged the challenges of those early years, admitting it was tough not to feel discouraged. He has since turned those experiences into lessons for his growth, emphasizing the importance of hard work, preparation, and proper nutrition.
In mid-2021, he was loaned to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he made strides with five goals. This performance eventually led St. Louis to secure his rights through the MLS expansion draft, signing him to a contract that includes options for additional years.
After scoring five more league goals for St. Louis, Vassilev received an unexpected email notifying him of his inclusion in the national team’s preliminary roster, followed by an invitation to a training camp.
American captain Tim Ream spoke highly of Vassilev, praising his sense of humor and upbeat character, which have made him a welcomed addition to the squad. As Vassilev prepares for his debut, his family plans to drive down from Georgia to witness the game. His father, Dencho, a former college soccer star, and his mother, Margarita, faced some teasing from relatives over Indiana’s unconventional name, but he stands proudly by it, stating, “I think it’s an awesome name.”
Vassilev’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and the deep bonds of family support that have shaped him both on and off the field.
