Indy Eleven Roster Takes Shape Ahead of 2017 Season
Indy Eleven is in full preparation for the 2017 NASL season as the club announced two new signings on Wednesday. Indy will open the 2017 season on the road on Saturday, March 25, before opening its 16-game regular season home schedule at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium on Saturday, April 1.
NASL Soccer News: Indy Eleven’s roster is beginning to take shape as the North American Soccer League (NASL) club signed Daniel Keller and Craig Henderson ahead of the upcoming 2017 season.
Keller marks the 13th member from last season’s Indy Eleven side to return for the Boys in Blue. The Carmel native logged 531 minutes in nine games (five starts) across NASL regular season and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches during his second season with his hometown club in 2016. The 25-year-old made 15 appearances in NASL action during his rookie season in 2015 across the backline and at his usual defensive midfield position.
“We had such a successful campaign last season and came up just a little bit short, so I’m looking forward to working with this group to get back to the Final,” said Keller. “I’m more comfortable heading into this preseason just knowing how everyone plays and knowing Coach Tim Hankinson’s style, so it’s exciting to get back to work.”
Henderson is making his return to the United States, where he attended Dartmouth University from 2006-09, including an All-Ivy League performance in 2008. The 29-year-old midfielder spent his entire professional career in Scandinavia, most recently with Swedish second division squad GAIS in 2016. He also crossed paths with ex-U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley while in Norway with first division club Stabaek in 2014. Henderson has recorded nine goals in his 69 first team appearances in Sweden (GAIS and Mjallby AIF) and Norway (Stabaek and Mjondalen IF) since 2012.
Additionally, Henderson represented New Zealand at all age groups, including earning two senior caps in 2013 – one coming against Mexico in a World Cup Qualifier playoff match. He also appeared in all three of the Kiwi U23’s matches in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“It was time to come back to the U.S. and try a new environment, and I’m very glad that Indy Eleven presented itself as an option,” said Henderson. “This is a group of experienced guys that seem to be a real tight-knit unit and enjoyed a lot of success last year, so I’m happy to be part of a squad with some momentum and a lot of good things to look forward to.”
View Indy Eleven’s roster, which now stands at 16 players, here.
