Players

After Indy Eleven brought back 10 familiar faces from its 2016 squad, midfield Ben Speas became the first new face added to the team's roster for the 2017 season upon his signing on January 24, 2017. The versatile 26-year-old Speas will be able to fulfill the wide or central attacking roles in head coach Tim Hankinson's midfield. 

Speas comes to the Circle City with some NASL experience after one season with Minnesota United in 2016, when the Stow, Ohio, native scored four goals and dished out three assists in 23 appearances.

Speas developed in the Columbus Crew academy and in 2012, he signed a Home Grown Player contract with the club. He made his professional debut on the final day of the 2012 season, a 2-1 Columbus win over Toronto FC. Speas made 41 appearances for the Crew over his four seasons with club from 2012-15, scoring two goals and providing four assists.

Speas had an impressive college career, winning the NCAA College Cup in back to back seasons with the University of Akron in 2010 and University of North Carolina in 2011. His game-winner in the 2011 final earned him the College Cup MVP award.

Speas is familiar with a pair of his new Indy Eleven teammates, having played alongside defender Nemanja Vukovic with Crew SC in 2012 and rubbed elbows with fellow University of Akron product Sinisa Ubiparipovic while growing up in Northeast Ohio.

Speas also gained international experience early in his career. He was part of the U.S. Soccer Residency program and made 10 appearances for the U17 National Team in 2007. He was also called in to train with the U18 and U20 National Teams.

Speas upon joining Indy Eleven (Jan. 2017): “I like how Indy Eleven is set up and what Coach Hankinson has done here, so it’s something I wanted to be a part of. [2016] was my first in the NASL and I really enjoyed it. The teams and the quality of play are good, and for me Indy was at the top of the list.” 

Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson on Speas (Jan. 2017): “Ben is an experienced player who has great quickness and technical ability going to goal. He is also comfortable on either flank, so his versatility will allow us to replenish our midfield corps with a quality performer, especially on the left side.”