TUCSON, Ariz. — USL League One squad FC Tucson has announced Anteater defender Luca Mastrantonio as its newest signee to begin his professional career.

"Luca brings a wealth of experience to our backline and we are delighted to welcome him to the club," noted his new 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 was All-Far West Region and All-Big West First Team in his lone season on the pitch for UC Irvine in 2019 playing in 17 matches and logging 1,540 minutes of play. His collegiate career was successful at every turn from from league champion at Division II Rockhurst University as a sophmore and 19 wins and an NAIA quarterfinalist as a freshman.

"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 also played the 2015-2016 season within the Italian Serie D, Italy's fourth tier of soccer as a member of AS Ostiamare Lido Calcio where he played in 28 matches, logging a total of 2,259 minutes and scoring one goal.

Mastrantonio also played in USL League Two in 2017 and 2018 prior to joining the 'Eaters with Thunder Bay Chill in 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).