NASL Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven Inks Former Spanish La Liga Midfielder Gorka Larrea

Published on February 10, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Indy Eleven News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - Indy Eleven bolstered its strength in the middle of the field today with the signing of veteran Spanish La Liga midfielder Gorka Larrea. Per club policy, contract terms will not be announced.

Larrea becomes the 21st player to sign with Indy Eleven - and the fifth to occupy one of the club's seven international player roster slots - ahead of the team's third season of play in the North American Soccer League starting in April. Preseason preparations will begin when the team gathers for the first time in Indianapolis next Monday, Feb. 15.

"Gorka's experience in Spain's top two divisions combined with his time spent with Montreal [Impact FC] in Major League Soccer creates a great fit of experience and a working knowledge of the professional game in the United States," said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. "He is a true defensive midfielder that is most comfortable sitting in front of the defense and can act as a fifth back when that situation is necessary."

The 31-year-old Larrea brings ample playing experience in his native Spain, including time early in his career with the powerhouse country's youth international teams, with him to the Circle City. The defensive midfielder played 22 games in Spain's La Liga (first division) with Real Sociedad from 2003 to 2006 and Levante UD in 2010. He also played more than 100 games in the Segunda División (second division) for four clubs between 2006 and 2013, twice helping squads earn promotion to La Liga - UD Almería in 2006/07 and as captain of Levante in 2009/10.

Larrea most recently suited up for Major League Soccer's Montreal Impact FC, making nine appearances during the second half of the Quebec club's 2014 season.

"Gorka provides added talent and depth in a key midfield position," said Indy Eleven general manager Peter Wilt. "He comes highly recommended from Montreal as someone that will not only help on the field, but serve as a great voice in the locker room as well."

On the international scene, Larrea represented Spain on various youth teams, making 15 appearances from the U-16 to U-23 levels alongside future stars of the game like Andrés Iniesta and Fernando Torres. He was part of the squad that won the 2001 UEFA European U-16 Championship and also helped the Spanish U-23 side win the 2005 Mediterranean Games.

"I feel extremely happy to be a 'Boy in Blue,' and I thank the club greatly for this opportunity. I talked to Coach Hankinson and he expressed to me his enthusiasm for the competitive spirit of the team," said Larrea. "Soccer should bring fans happiness, so we will have to play very hard and with passion to make them proud of us. I will do my best to help the team achieve our goals, be hard to beat, never give up and dream big along with our supporters."

Head to www.IndyEleven.com/roster to more info on Larrea and the rest of the "Boys in Blue" as the club's roster continues to grow leading into the preseason. Fans can also visit the team's social media channels and www.IndyEleven.com/preseason to keep up to date on all things Indy Eleven heading into the team's third NASL campaign.

Indy Eleven begins its 2016 season on the road on Saturday, April 2, at the Tampa Bay Rowdies. "Indiana's Team" kicks off its home schedule at IUPUI's Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Saturday, April 9, against the rival Ottawa Fury, followed a week later by a visit from the defending NASL Champion New York Cosmos. Fans can currently secure their seats at Carroll Stadium via the team's 2016 Season Ticket package or the new Starting Eleven Flex Pack; for more information, visit the "Tickets" section of www.IndyEleven.com, call 317-685-1100 during regular business hours (9a-5p weekdays) or email tickets@indyeleven.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 10, 2016


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