Indiana’s team adds two new players
Photo credit: Indiana University Athletics
The Indy Eleven now have 20 players announced for the 2017 spring season. The additions of Tanner Thompson and David Goldsmith bring much-needed depth to the NASL’s returning runner-up.
For Indy, the signings are none too soon. The season kicks off for the boys in blue this Saturday in San Francisco and Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson was without a full compliment of substitutes.
There are now five Indy players with Indiana ties. This much local talent hasn’t been available since Indy’s inaugural season.
Tanner Thompson joins fellow Indiana University Hoosiers Brad Ring and Christian Lomeli. He was awarded Big Ten Midfielder of the Year along with First-Team All-Big Ten honors.
“Looking at this injection of young talent, Tanner clearly fits that category. We’re fortunate to have him join us. He’s a very good attacking midfielder who can also play as a second forward, With his talent, he can play anywhere in the midfield. We’ll look to utilize him very quickly in our line-up,” said Eleven coach Tim Hankinson in the club press release announcing the signings.
David Goldsmith is Indy’s third-ever Butler signing, but the only one on the current roster. He comes to the Eleven as Big East Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2016, and was also honored as a unanimous selection to the All-Big East First Team.
“An adjustment to the philosophy of building our 2017 roster led us to see that we had a senior group and needed an injection of young, ambitious players. David showed in his trial that he may be the most technically-gifted player in and around the goal in the squad,” Hankinson said.
Photo credit: Butler University Athletics
With team captain Colin Falvey working his way back from injury, it is unknown if he’ll be able to go this weekend. Combine that with a superfluous goalkeeper on the roster and Hankinson is not left with many selection choices for the first match of the year.
There were 23 players available for selection at this time last year, but Hankinson has informed Soc Takes he intends to go for a roster of about 20 this year. That is currently where this team stands.
There is still one more player rumored to make the official team. Dino Williams’ name has come up multiple times as a possible signing, which would bring the roster to 21 players.
The Jamaican was on the radar last offseason as well before an injury forced the Eleven to go another route. There is no doubt he is a target for Hankinson — he was recently spotted at the team’s annual Kickoff Ball — but it is not known if he will be available ahead of the Eleven’s season opener.
You can follow Soc Takes and Aaron on Twitter @SocTakes and @AGunyon.
