Drogheda United is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Ethan O’Brien.
The 24-year-old joins the club from Huntsville City FC, where he made 41 appearances in an 18 month spell.
Huntsville City competes in the MLS Next Pro League, as the affiliate club of Nashville SC. O’Brien made his first team debut for MLS side Nashville SC in a 3-2 US Open Cup tie against Orlando City; a competition Nashville would go on to win.
The midfielder was most recently called into Nashville’s matchday squad in the MLS in September.
O’Brien had joined USL Championship side Indy Eleven in 2024, making a number of league and cup appearances for the Indiana based side before joining Huntsville on loan.
Prior to this, Dublin born O’Brien had played three collegiate seasons with Notre Dame in NCAA Division 1.
O’Brien reached the NCAA Tournament Semi-Finals in 2021 before captaining Notre Dame to the Tournament Final in 2023, and winning goal of the season in his final year.
The midfielder is the third new addition to Kevin Doherty’s side for 2026, following on from Brandon Kavanagh and Mark Doyle.
Manager Kevin Doherty said: “He’s a player that we have watched a lot of. He can play a number of different positions in midfield. He can play the 6 and the 8, and has played in both positions really well.
“I was very impressed watching him. He has a very good pedigree too, coming through Notre Dame. He has MLS Next Pro experience, which is again a very high level, along with being involved with the first team in the MLS.
“From talking with him, he really wanted to play for us. He’s a player I’m really excited to work with, and one who will bring another dimension to our game.
“He’s comfortable on the ball, and physically competitive. He can be a box-to-box midfielder but is also very good defensively. He’s very aware of his surroundings on the pitch, and contributes to goals and assists too.”
Ethan O’Brien said: “I’m delighted to have signed with Drogheda United. I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of this amazing club.
“I can’t wait to get started and give everything for the supporters. I’m looking forward to a big season ahead.”
