Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht Returns To Indy Eleven
Indy Eleven welcomed a familiar face back to its roster today with the signing of veteran goalkeeper Kristian Nicht. Per club policy, terms of the agreement – which brings Indy Eleven’s roster to 22 players – will not be disclosed.
Nicht will be available for selection this Saturday, May 16, when Indy Eleven hosts Minnesota United FC at Carroll Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
“Knowing the qualities he brings, I’m personally excited to get Kristian back in the mix here with the club,” Indy Eleven Director of Soccer Operations and head coach Juergen Sommersaid. “His knowledge of the club is an obvious asset and strengthens our goalkeeping corps, and he’ll make our roster that much stronger and that much deeper as the long NASL season continues on.”
The 33-year-old Nicht returns to Indy Eleven after a 15-day stint with Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact. Nicht suited up for L’Impact for the second leg of their historic appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League Final on April 29 against Club America.
“My short time in Montreal was a great experience, but it’s an honor to return to some unfinished business here with Indy Eleven,” Nicht said. “The response from the fans initially was honestly a bit overwhelming, so I’m incredibly happy to be back in Indianapolis and playing in front of the Brickyard Battalion and the best fans in the NASL.”
Nicht started Indy Eleven’s first four 2015 NASL Spring Season contests, registering an undefeated 1W-3D-0L record. He currently places tied for 5th among NASL goalkeepers with at least 100 minutes of action in 2015 in both goals against average (1.00) and saves (13). His standout play in Indy Eleven’s 2-1 win at San Antonio on April 18 earned the German his first spot on the NASL Team of the Week this season (Spring Week 3).
“We are incredibly pleased to bring Kristian back into the Indy Eleven organization,” Indy Eleven President and General Manager Peter Wilt said. “The last couple of weeks provided Kristian with a unique opportunity, and we are glad to see him back wearing an Indy Eleven uniform.”
In 2014, Nicht started all 27 NASL regular season contests and both appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for Indy Eleven during its inaugural season. His 397-minute shutout streak across last September and October set a new record for a goalkeeper during the modern era of the NASL.
