Anthony Markanich Bio
Anthony Charles Markanich Jr. is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Minnesota United. Born on December 26, 1999, in Bourbonnais, Illinois, he has developed into one of the league’s most surprising attacking contributors from the back line. Standing 6 ft 1 in, he wears the number 13 jersey for Minnesota and is recognized for his composure in possession and ability to join the attack.
Across the youth, college, and professional ranks, Markanich has built a steady path through competitive American soccer. After time in the Chicago Fire academy and a decorated college stint at Northern Illinois University, he has continued his development across multiple Major League Soccer organizations. His recent goal-scoring form with Minnesota United has marked a significant evolution in his professional profile.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Markanich grew up in Bourbonnais, Illinois, where he attended Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. He quickly stood out as a talented attacker, finishing his senior season in 2017 with 40 goals and 14 assists. That year he helped the Boilermakers reach a third-place finish at the Illinois 3A State Tournament and earned all-state honors, signaling his potential as a future professional.
Alongside his high school career, Markanich developed in the club system. He spent 2015 and 2016 with the Chicago Fire academy, making 24 appearances, and later joined Olympiacos Chicago, a leading youth club in the region. With Olympiacos Chicago, he helped the side capture the US Club Soccer 2018 U19 Super Group National Championship, further sharpening his competitive edge before college.
Path to Soccer
Markanich committed to Northern Illinois University, where he joined the Northern Illinois Huskies college soccer program. Over four seasons with the Huskies, he made 67 appearances, scoring 17 goals and adding 24 assists. He became a three-time first-team all-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honoree and a four-time All-MAC honoree, and his 24 career assists remain tied for second all-time in program history.
To gain experience against senior competition, Markanich played for USL League Two side Green Bay Voyageurs from 2019 to 2021, with the 2020 season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across his time with the Voyageurs, he made twelve appearances, scoring three goals and adding three assists. These seasons helped prepare him for the demands of Major League Soccer and culminated in his selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
Anthony Markanich Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Markanich began his senior-level career with the Green Bay Voyageurs, balancing his college schedule at Northern Illinois with summer matches in USL League Two. The experience allowed him to test himself against seasoned professionals and refine the defensive and midfield responsibilities that would later define his game. The cancellation of the 2020 season limited his opportunities, but he returned in 2021 to continue his progression.
By the end of his time at Northern Illinois, Markanich had become one of the most productive defenders in program history. His statistical impact in college, paired with consistent performances for the Voyageurs, drew the attention of Major League Soccer scouts. Those performances set the stage for his entry into the professional ranks in 2022.
MLS Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On January 11, 2022, Anthony Markanich was selected 26th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by Colorado Rapids. He signed a one-year contract on March 3, 2022, and made his first-team debut on May 22, 2022, starting in a 1–0 win over Seattle Sounders FC. The debut marked the start of his top-flight career and validated his path through the draft process.
On August 1, 2023, Markanich was traded to St. Louis City SC in exchange for General Allocation Money and a 2024 first-round MLS SuperDraft pick. He spent time with both St. Louis City SC and St. Louis City 2 before being traded to Minnesota United on August 15, 2024. The move to Minnesota provided him with a fresh opportunity and a more prominent role in the squad.
Minnesota United Era (2024–Present)
Since arriving in Minnesota, Markanich has steadily grown into a key contributor for the club. In 2025, he produced the most prolific attacking season of his career. He scored his first Minnesota goal on May 4, 2025, in a 3–0 away victory at Austin FC, and added another goal six days later in a 4–1 home win over Inter Miami. On October 4, 2025, he netted two goals against Sporting Kansas City, further establishing his offensive influence.
Markanich finished the 2025 season tied as Minnesota United’s leading scorer alongside Kelvin Yeboah, with both players reaching 13 goals. Prior to this campaign, he had not been widely known for goal-scoring output. In August 2025, Minnesota United extended his contract, which had been set to expire at the end of the season, recognizing his growing importance to the team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although primarily listed as a defender, Markanich combines the defensive awareness of a traditional fullback with the offensive instincts of a winger. He is comfortable pushing high up the field, timing his overlapping runs, and arriving late into the penalty area to finish chances. His tactical versatility has allowed Minnesota United coaches to deploy him in advanced roles when needed.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Markanich’s career are his first-team debut for Colorado Rapids against Seattle Sounders FC, his 2025 scoring burst at Minnesota United, and his contract extension in August 2025. Each milestone reflects a different stage of his development, from prospect to established Major League Soccer contributor.
Anthony Markanich Career Wins
While Anthony Markanich has not accumulated major trophy wins at the senior professional level, his career is highlighted by a sequence of individual and team accomplishments. He earned multiple All-MAC honors at Northern Illinois and contributed to youth championships with Olympiacos Chicago. His 2025 scoring campaign stands as the most decorated statistical season of his professional career to date.
MLS Highlights
Markanich’s Major League Soccer journey began with his 2022 SuperDraft selection by Colorado Rapids and continued through trades to St. Louis City SC and Minnesota United. His most recent season featured a breakout 13-goal campaign, a figure that tied him for Minnesota’s team lead and signaled his emergence as a dual-threat defender.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the top flight, Markanich collected valuable experience with Green Bay Voyageurs in USL League Two, where he posted goals and assists during his college summers. These performances helped him bridge the gap between amateur and professional soccer and prepared him for sustained success in Major League Soccer.
Anthony Markanich Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Anthony Markanich was raised in Bourbonnais, Illinois, alongside his twin brother, Nick Markanich, who also plays professional soccer. The two have pursued parallel careers in the sport, with Nick most recently playing for Spanish Segunda División side CD Castellón. Their shared path has provided a consistent source of motivation and support throughout Anthony’s career.
Personal Life
Outside of soccer, Markanich continues to be based in the United States, where he represents Minnesota United in Major League Soccer. His twin brother remains a central figure in his personal and professional life, as both continue to pursue opportunities at competitive levels of the game.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 Major League Soccer season marked a defining chapter in Anthony Markanich’s career. Deployed in an advanced role within Minnesota United’s system, he posted 13 goals across the campaign, tying for the team’s scoring lead with Kelvin Yeboah. The output came as a surprise to many observers, as Markanich had not previously been recognized for his goal-scoring capabilities.
His goals arrived in high-profile matches, including braces against Sporting Kansas City and a 4–1 home win over Inter Miami, helping Minnesota United navigate a competitive Western Conference. The mid-year contract extension underscored the organization’s confidence in his continued growth and signaled a long-term commitment from the club.
Looking ahead, Markanich’s 2025 form has set the foundation for higher expectations. With his combination of defensive reliability and newfound attacking output, he is positioned to remain a central figure for Minnesota United in the seasons to come.
