Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175 lbs.
Born: June 15, 1985
Hometown: Lodi, Calif.
Club: Houston Dynamo (MLS)

A strong, physical defender who is solid in the air, Ianni is a leader both on and off the field. The California native turned a standout college career at UCLA into a promising professional career when he was drafted eighth overall by the Houston Dynamo in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.

• A MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist as a junior at UCLA, he was named an NSCAA second-team All-American in 2005 as well.
• Started at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2005 as part of a defensive unit that did not give up a goal during the group stage of the tournament.
• Scored a goal in the 3-3 draw with China during the U-23s trip to the far East in December of 2007.

U.S. National Team – 2008: Participated in all three Under-23 MNT training camps in 2008 before being named to the final squad for Olympic Qualifying … 2007: Traveled to China with Under-23 MNT for two-game tour… Scored a goal in 3-3 draw on Dec. 16… Started both matches in China … Under-20s: 2005: Starter on Under-20 U.S. National Team at the World Youth Championships … Key member of defensive unit that shut out all three opponents in group play … Scored first international goal in a 2-0 friendly win over China … 2003: Played with the U.S. Under-20 National Team on a trip to Spain … played on U14 and U16 National Teams

Professional – 2007: Appeared in 16 games for Houston in his second season, starting nine… Scored the first goal of his career in his first start, on June 24, 2007, helping the team to a 1-0 win over Kansas City … 2006: Drafted in the first round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo …Was the eighth overall selection … Made two appearances for the first team, coming on as a late sub in two regular season games … Also captained the reserve team in 10 matches during the year … College: A MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist as a junior at UCLA in 2005

Personal: Brother Tayt was a member of UCLA’s NCAA championship team in 1990 … Tayt also played professionally with the San Jose Clash … Favorite soccer memory is playing in the U20 World Cup… Likes all kinds of music but prefers Country and Christian …