Soccer standout Warren Agostoni leaves Latrobe for academy in Texas, hopes to turn pro

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 5:24 PM

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Warren Agostoni was a foundational part of the Latrobe boys soccer team’s history-making run the past couple of seasons.

The Wildcats posted their first section title and first playoff win with him netting and building goals.

The talented All-WPIAL midfielder, though, won’t carry the momentum into his junior season. At least not at Latrobe.

Texas is his state of residence these days.

Agostoni is a member of the Austin FC professional academy in Austin, Texas. He has high hopes and a high ceiling as he looks to become a pro.

Attending an academy allows him to potentially expedite the process, get the right sets of eyes on him and chase down a spot in Major League Soccer.

With pro coaches pulling players from academies — think an MLB farm system or the NBA G League — Agostoni hopes to get his shot. He began the two-year program in January with the 16U group — now 18U — and he seems to be enjoying the experience and lifestyle.

“High school was a lot of fun,” he said. “But I had to leave; I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this.”

Agostoni is not completely removed from Latrobe. He is taking courses through the school online and will graduate from Latrobe. He had the option to attend classes at the academy but declined.

“I want to get called up, either with the second team, or the first team, where guys get paid,” he said. “I want to play in the MLS.”

The center midfielder’s training includes daily practice or games, weightlifting and conditioning, and attention to the mental approach. It all is a structured pathway meant to identify those who are ready for the next level.

Agostoni had 15 goals last season for Latrobe, which reached the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals for the first time and set a team record with 13 wins.

“It sucks to lose him, but it’s opportunity you can’t say no to,” Latrobe coach Jake Rice said. “I’ve heard he’s doing well. I know he ultimately wants to play professionally, and I think him going there was the right decision for that. I’ve always said he was one of the best players in the WPIAL, even as a freshman.”

Agostoni had a slight setback at the academy, missing about two months with a hip injury he suffered in the playoffs.

“I’m good now,” he said.

Division I colleges know about Agostoni. He has interest from Penn State, Fairfield and American. The option to attend a college program exists when he exhausts his time at the academy.

“A lot of guys go the college route, but I wanted to try this way,” he said. “It’s something I really wanted to do.”

Agostoni’s brother, Roman, the 2024 TribLive Westmoreland Player of the Year and an all-state player, graduated in June. He opted to play at Division I Mercyhurst.

Warren hooked up with Austin FC when he participated in a showcase while playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy.

“They came and watched me,” Warren said. “I was invited to a tryout. I was there three days, and the last day I joined. It worked out.”

He doesn’t wear cowboy hats, but Agostoni feels at home living in downtown Austin and training at St. David’s Performance Center.

“It’s a big city — a lot of people,” he said. “I am only two minutes from the academy.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Latrobe