Veteran Midfielder Brad Ring Returning to Indy Eleven
Published on December 11, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Indy Eleven News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - Another member of the "Boys in Blue" will return to Indy Eleven next season after the club exercised the contract option on midfielder Brad Ring. Per club policy, financial terms of the contract for the 2016 NASL season will not be disclosed.
"I couldn't be happier to remain with Indy Eleven," said Ring. "Although it's difficult to part ways with several close friends and teammates from last year's squad, we have a solid core of returning players to build around. We have improved each year so far and I'm positive that trend will continue in 2016. I can't wait to get back on the field this spring to again play in front of our amazing supporters."
The 28-year-old midfielder is among nine players confirmed to return from last year's team to play under the direction of newly named head coach Tim Hankinson in 2016.
"The return of a player with Brad's experience both with the club and in the American game puts a strong building block back into an Indy Eleven jersey," said Hankinson. "I look forward to our work and victories together."
Ring appeared in 21 games, including 16 starts, for Indy Eleven in 2015 and made his lone goal of the season a memorable one, knocking home a first-time blast from distance to cap off a 3-1 win over Minnesota United at Carroll Stadium on October 17. Ring grinded through multiple injuries to pile up 1,469 minutes of action last year while providing stout tackling and smart distribution largely from the defensive midfield position.
The Rockford, Ill., native is now one of three remaining original members from Indy Eleven's opening day squad in 2014 alongside fellow midfielders Dylan Mares and Don Smart. Ring contributed one goal in 12 games (10 starts) during the team's 2014 inaugural season, which was cut short with more than two months left to play due to a broken right foot.
"The club is excited to bring back a great player and even better person in Brad Ring," said Indy Eleven President/General Manager Peter Wilt. "Brad's hard-nosed style has won him the respect of his teammates and fans alike, and that will be an important component to the re-building of our roster for next season."
Listed at 5'11" and 165 pounds, Ring was among one of Indy Eleven's first player signings in January 2014, returning to the Hoosier State after completing his senior season at Indiana University in 2008. Ring began his career in Major League Soccer after being selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes, spending nearly four seasons with the club before joining the Portland Timbers for their 2013 campaign.
Season tickets for Indy Eleven's 2016 NASL campaign are available starting at just $9 per match - if first payment is received by December 31 - at IndyEleven.com, over the phone at 317-685-1100, and in person at the Indy Eleven front office (47 S. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 611) weekdays from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
North American Soccer League Stories from December 11, 2015
- FC Edmonton Headed to Scotland for 2016 Preseason - FC Edmonton
- Veteran Midfielder Brad Ring Returning to Indy Eleven - Indy Eleven
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