Rhode Island FC Signs MLS Defender
“Hugo is a young defender that we believe has a lot of upside"
Rhode Island FC has bolstered its back line as it looks to retain its crown as kings of the Eastern Conference in 2025. The Tide have signed Hugo Bacharach pending league and federation approval.
“Hugo is a young defender that we believe has a lot of upside,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “He is very good in and out of possession and will add quality to our defensive unit.”
The 2024 first-round MLS SuperDraft selection joins RIFC after finishing his first season with nine appearances for Minnesota United FC 2, scoring one goal and one assist. Bacharach also made three appearances for Minnesota United.
Bacharach played collegiately at Fairleigh Dickinson University before transferring to Indiana University in 2023. He earned 20 starts and helped lead the Hoosiers to a Big Ten regular season championship, scoring four goals and four assists. The defender was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team and All-Big Ten Tournament Team after helping the Hoosiers win their 12th Big Ten Tournament Championship and 29th NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal appearance before being selected ninth overall by Minnesota.
Originally from Spain, Bacharach spent twelve years in the Spanish Academy system in his youth development years, spending a decade with Villarreal.