Players

Nemanja Vuković

Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Born: April 13, 1984 (31) in Podgorica, Montenegro (Titograd, Yugoslavia)
Hometown: Podgorica, Montenegro
Nationality: Montenegro
Last Club: Sacramento Republic FC (USL)
Pronunciation: neh-MAHN-yah VOO-kah-vich
Instagram: @vukovic12

Previous Clubs:  Sacramento Republic (USL, 2014-15), FC Mladost Podgorica (First League of Montenegro, 2013), Columbus Crew (MLS, 2012), OFK Grbalj (First League of Montenegro, 2012), Panetolikos F.C. (Greek Super League, 2009-2011), FC Budućnost Podgorica (First League of Montenegro, 2005-2009), FK Kom Podgorica (Second League of Montenegro, 2003-2005)

Nemanja Vukovic made an immediate impact with Indy Eleven in 2016, and the defender is set to bring his bombing runs down the left side back to Carroll Stadium in 2017. Vukovic proved to be Indy Eleven's "Ironman" in his first season in checkers alongside fellow newcomer Eamon Zayed, leading or co-leadng the team in regular season action in games played, games started and minutes played

While primarily charged with locking down the left side of the field, Vukovic was never shy to get into the attack. "Vuko" was an early catalyst for Indy Eleven's offense, scoring a late goal in the home opener against Ottawa that earned a vital 1-1 draw on April 9, then adding a game-winner at Rayo OKC three weeks later. His never-ending stream of crosses - 141, to be exact - was the fifth most in regular season play in the NASL, and his nine NASL Team of the Week nods were a team-high.

2016 Statistics
NASL Regular Season:  31 GP/30 GS  | 2,728  MIN  |  3G / 3A
The Championship:  2 GP/2 GS  |  210 MIN  |  0G / 0A
US Open Cup: 2 GP/2 GS  |  210 MIN  |  0G / 0A
TOTAL:  35 GP/34 GS  |  3,148 MIN  |  3G / 3A

A native of Montenegro, Vuković arrived in Indiana on January, 19, 2016, after two seasons with the USL’s Sacramento Republic FC, where he accomplished the feat of being one of just three players to feature in over 2,000 minutes in the team’s first two years of play. In his 2015 campaign, the versatile defender appeared in 30 matches in all competitions, including 25 matches in USL play, scoring once.

In the previous season out west, Vuković was named the 2014 USL Defender of the Year after a standout campaign that also saw him named a First Team All-USL selection. “Neco” led the team in the 2014 season in total minutes (2,955) and scored four goals while also notching three assists. That inaugural season saw Sacramento win the USL PRO Championship largely in part to the play of Vuković, who became the first player in team history to notch a brace in postseason play in a 4-1 quarterfinal round win over Wilmington.

Vuković returned to the States after the 2013 season with Montenegrin First League side Mladost Podgorica, appearing in 14 matches. In the previous year, he split time between other Montenegrin First League club OFK Grbalj and the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, totaling 27 appearances between the two sides with two goals and two assists to his name.

Most of the defender’s early club experience came in both the Greek Super League and Montenegrin First and Second Leagues. Spending 2009-2011 with Greek side Panetolikos, Vuković appeared in 29 matches scoring three goals. Prior to his move to the land of the Greeks, he made his Montenegrin First League debut with professional side FC Budućnost Podgorica, appearing in over 100 matches and tallying six goals while helping the team to a league title in 2007-08.

Sticking inside his stomping grounds, Vuković’s professional career began on a similar stage, but for Montenegrin Second League side FK Kom from 2003-2005, where he appeared in 10 matches. He would hone his youth skills for Montenegrin Third League club FK Drezga from 2001-2003.

Vukovic upon his signing with Indy Eleven in Jan. 2016: "I am really excited about coming to Indy Eleven, especially alongside my friend and teammate in Justin. Indy Eleven is a very well organized club with big ambitions and goals, which is why I accepted the invitation to join the team. The club has a good coach and Justin and I hope we can help him and our teammates achieve a championship title and repeat the success we had in Sacramento.

“I also want to say a big thanks to all the people at Sacramento Republic FC and the club’s fans – especially the Tower Bridge Battalion – for their amazing support during a fantastic two years that I will never forget.”

Former Indy Eleven GM Peter Wilt (Jan. '16): “Bringing players with championship and leadership experience like Justin Braun and Nemanja Vukovic on board is further proof Indy Eleven is serious about building a team that will compete for The Championship in 2016,” said Indy Eleven general manager Peter Wilt. “Coming from Sacramento they are also used to playing in front of a sizeable fan base with tremendous passion, so they should feel right at home in Carroll Stadium.”

Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson (Jan. '16): “I first saw Nemanja Vuković play for the Columbus Crew in MLS a few years ago, where he alternated from center back to an attacking left back. At 6’3” he brings great size and stature that will help strengthen the back line, and he also possesses great composure on the ball so his technical ability can help the team get forward.”