Franco, Vukovic latest Indy Eleven roster casualties
Photo credit: Matt Schlotzhauer/Indy Eleven
INDIANAPOLIS — As the Indy Eleven’s 2018 roster begins to take shape, one thing is blatantly evident: New head coach Martin Rennie wants an entirely revamped defense.
Just days after ex-captain Colin Falvey announced he wouldn’t be returning to the club, fellow defenders Marco Franco and Nemanja Vukovic became the latest castoffs.
1/2 Thank you for the memories & the tremendous support over the past 2 years. It was honor & privilege to have captained your club. pic.twitter.com/ZhwiPCBhgH
— Colin Falvey (@falvey32) January 21, 2018
Vukovic, typically a left fullback, had converted to left midfielder toward the end of the 2017 season. Former manager Tim Hankinson described the move as a way to mask his defensive deficiencies while allowing his offensive game to flourish.
Regardless of how Rennie felt about Vukovic’s unique skill set, it’s clear the Montenegrin wingback wasn’t in Rennie’s future plans. Vukovic officially announced his departure from the club Saturday morning via Instagram.
Franco was the club’s primary starting right back for the past couple seasons. He had been with the club since 2014 after a standout career at UC Irvine.
Drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire with the 13th overall pick, Franco was soon loaned to Indy where he ultimately carved out a permanent role among the back four. He took to Twitter on Friday to bid the fans farewell.
It’s been a pleasure playing for this city the past 4 years. Grateful for everyone that made it feel like my second home and a big thanks to all the fans for your unwavering support. Wish nothing but the best for this club. Looking forward to what God has planned next ✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/8n2wq3QhKI
— marco franco (@marco3franco) January 27, 2018
Who will replace Falvey, Franco and Vukovic? The Eleven unveiled three new defensive signings earlier this week: Reiner Ferreira, Brad Rusin and Kevin Venegas.
Falvey has already found a familiar landing spot with Ottawa Fury FC after being inked by his former team earlier this week. Hopefully Franco and Vukovic will draw interest and land on their feet elsewhere in the USL or a comparable league. Veteran goalkeeper Jon Busch wasn’t retained by Indy and is seeking a new team as well.
Wanted to thank the best fans in the game! It has been my honor and privilege to play for you the past two years. I wish you all the best! Thank you for all your support!@The_BYB @BYBBattery37 @Indy11EastEnd @sh19indy @11thOldSoldier
— HPG (@HPG_GK) January 23, 2018
The Eleven defense was the most porous in the NASL last season. The unit conceded a league-worst 56 goals in 2017. Clearly, revamping the entire defense was at the top of Rennie’s priority list upon landing the gig.
Rennie expects his men to report to training around Feb. 7, so look for plenty more player news — both incoming and outgoing — from the club in the near future.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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