Indy Eleven Signs Veteran Center Back Greg Janicki
January 9, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Indy Eleven News Release
INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, January 9, 2014) - Indy Eleven Professional Soccer has added another key cog to its defensive corps with today's signing of veteran center back Greg Janicki. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
"In Greg Janicki we're getting a veteran leader with championship experience, two qualities you simply can't have enough of when you're building a successful roster," said Indy Eleven Head Coach/Director of Soccer Operations Juergen Sommer. "He's a dependable and physical presence on the field that will set a great example for our younger players to follow."
Janicki comes to Indy Eleven from fellow NASL side San Antonio Scorpions, which he helped to an NASL title last year by scoring two goals and helping the Lone Star State side to a modern NASL record of just 24 goals allowed while starting 26 of 27 regular season matches. Janicki was a fixture for the Scorpions across their first three seasons, earning 68 starting nods total from 2012-14.
"I want to thank Ersal Ozdemir, Peter Wilt, Juergen Sommer and the rest of the coaching staff for having faith in me and allowing me to be a part of Indy Eleven," said Janicki. "I couldn't be happier to be playing for an owner and president with such a great passion for soccer and will do what it takes to win.
"I am excited to be back in the Midwest and to be playing in front of such an unbelievable fan base here in Indiana," continued Janicki. "The team finished strong last year and is not far from being a contender in this league. I'm excited for this new challenge and hope to help get Indy Eleven to that championship level."
After ending his four-year run at Michigan State in 2006 as an All-Big Ten First Team performer, Janicki began his professional career in 2008 by signing with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Second Division. Following the Riverhounds' season, the native of New Baltimore, Mich., finished 2008 on loan with Major League Soccer's D.C. United, who kept him for their 2009 campaign. Janicki spent the next two years with the Vancouver Whitecaps, first in 2010 with their USSF Division II outfit and the following season for their inaugural season in MLS.
"Greg's addition will really help to stabilize our back line, thanks in large part to the invaluable knowledge he's gained in the North American Soccer League over the last three seasons and in MLS before that," said Indy Eleven President/General Manager Peter Wilt. "We expect a lot from Greg both on and off the field and know that he has the experience and attitude to deliver results and improve our squad."
Indy Eleven is now 85 days away from kicking off its second season of NASL play, which begins on Saturday, April 4, with the Spring Season opener at the Atlanta Silverbacks. A week later on April 11, Indy Eleven will open up its 2015 slate at Carroll Stadium with a high-profile contest against the New York Cosmos, the 2013 NASL champs who will bring Spanish superstar striker Raul in tow to the Circle City. Tickets for Opening Night on April 11 are currently available via the team's 2015 Season Ticket package, more information on which can be found at http://indyforever.indyeleven.com.
Greg Janicki
Position: Defender
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Born: July 9, 1984 in Rochester, MI
Hometown: New Baltimore, MI
Nationality: United States
College: Michigan State
Last Club: San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
Previous Professional Clubs: San Antonio Scorpions (NASL, 2012-14); Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS, 2011; USSF Div. II, 2010), D.C. United (MLS, 2008-09), Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Second Division, 2008)
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