Indy Eleven Signs Forward Duke Lacroix
May 21, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Indy Eleven News Release
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 21, 2015) - Indy Eleven Professional Soccer added depth at the forward position today with the signing of Duke Lacroix, a product of the University of Pennsylvania. Per club policy, terms of the contract will not be disclosed.
"Duke is a player with great touch and tremendous pace who can stretch defenses and give us a different look in front of goal," said Indy Eleven head coach and director of team operations Juergen Sommer. "He showed really well during his time with the team in preseason, and we can't wait to see what he can provide for us across the remainder of the 2015 season."
Lacroix was a tremendous asset for the University of Pennsylvania program across the last four years, the two-time captain serving as one of only three players in school history to receive four All-Ivy League honors (First-team honoree in 2013 & 2014, Second-team in 2012 and Honorable Mention in 2011). He was also the only Quakers player ever to be named both the Ivy League's Rookie of the Year (2011) and an Ivy League Player of the Year (Offensive POY in 2013).
Lacroix graduated with the third most appearances in Penn history with 68, during which he racked up the fifth most points with 65, coming from 25 goals and 15 assists - including seven goals and an Ivy League-best six assists as a senior in 2014.
"As the first stop after my college career Indy Eleven was a no-brainer for me, as it gives me the chance to join like-minded individuals who want to pursue greater and better things," said Lacroix, who postponed the start of his professional soccer career in recent months in order to finish his studies at Penn, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Sociology last week.
"I had the opportunity to visit with Indy Eleven over my spring break to meet the players and the coaching staff, and I think this a great program. I feel like there is really a sense of direction from the coaches and the players all the way through to the front office as well," continued Lacroix. "The energy and environment of the team is really palpable, and I'm looking forward to finding my role and making an impact across the remainder of the season."
The 22-year-old Lacroix also competed for the Ocean City Nor'Easters of the Premier Development League in the summers of 2012 and 2013, scoring four times across 21 games. The native of New Egypt, N.J., attended The Lawrenceville School, where he played four years of soccer and ran three years of track his high school, his tenure as a runner including a 4x400 relay win at the prestigious Penn Relays. Lacroix was a member of the U.S. Under-14 and Under-15 Boys National Teams and was also a member of the U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team player pool following his time in New Jersey's Olympic Development Program.
Indy Eleven will look to snap a two-game skid this Saturday, May 23, when it heads north of the border to face off against Ottawa Fury FC. Kickoff at TD Place in the Canadian capital is set for 3:00 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the affair online via ESPN3.com streaming video and at seven Official Indy Eleven Watch Party locations across Indiana.
Indy Eleven will return to its home of IUPUI's Carroll Stadium next on Wednesday, May 27, for its debut in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament, a third round affair against Louisville City FC of the USL at 7:30 p.m. ET. Three days later on Saturday, May 30, Indy Eleven will return to league play at home against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. on Indiana Craft Brew Spring Festival Night at "The Mike" (live on WISH-TV 8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590AM). Fans can purchase their tickets for both of those remaining May matches for as little as $10 via www.IndyEleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 (Mon-Fri, 9a-5p).
#14 Duke Lacroix
Position: Forward
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 155 lbs.
Born: Oct. 14, 1993 in New Egypt, N.J.
Hometown: New Egypt, N.J.
Nationality: USA
Last Club: University of Pennsylvania (2014)
Previous Clubs: University of Pennsylvania (NCAA, 2010-14), Ocean City Nor'easters FC (USL Premier Development League, 2012-13)
Pronunciation: la-KWA
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