2016 OUTLOOK | Indy Eleven
Venue: Michael Carroll Stadium
Coach: Tim Hankinson (First year)
2015 Finish: 5th place (Spring); 9th (Fall); 9th (Combined)
Key Players: Colin Falvey, Jon Busch, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Dylan Mares, Gorka Larrea, Duke Lacroix
The additions of Colin Falvey, Jon Busch, Gorka Larrea, and Sinisa Ubiparipovic brings a wealth of experience to Indy Eleven. Falvey and Ubiparipovic went to The Championship Final with Ottawa last year; Larrea has had a long career in Europe; and Busch has had a long career in MLS.
Dylan Mares, 24, an Indiana product, displayed some verve and goalscoring ability coming out of the midfield before being beset by injuries that sundered much of his season. Lacroix, 21, should benefit from spending preseason with the club and beginning his first full season in the NASL.
What They’re Saying: “I think it’s a no excuses kind of lineup. It is not a development group. These are established veteran players that, in their journeys, have hoisted cups, worn captain’s armbands and know how to win.” –Coach Tim Hankinson
“The league is definitely getting better – a lot of big signings came to multiple teams in the league. There are new teams so there is new competition and that keeps things fresh. We were able to boost our roster as well and being ready to step up to the challenge is what I expect this year.” –Forward Duke Lacroix
2016 Outlook: Under new coach Tim Hankinson, the club has retooled the roster. One of the areas that was revitalized was the attack, which didn’t score nearly enough (36 goals) in 2015. In has come the veteran Eamon Zayed, 32; Justin Braun, 28, and more creativity in the midfield with addition of Sinisa Ubiparipovic, 32.
While the emphasis may be up front, the Eleven have not been ignoring the other side of the field. Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht is no longer with the club, which means that either Keith Cardona, 23, or the veteran Jon Busch, 39, (signed as a player/coach) will be between the pipes. The back line should also be stronger with the acquisition of Colin Falvey, 30, from Ottawa Fury FC and Nemanja Vukovic, 31, from Sacramento of the USL.
