NASL Veteran Stephen DeRoux Joins Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven took one of the last steps towards finalizing its 2016 roster Friday with the signing of yet another veteran presence in defender Stephen DeRoux.

The native of St. Mary, Jamaica,, is the 22nd player signed by Indy Eleven in advance of its third season of NASL play, for which preparations will officially begin Monday when the team reports to the Circle City for physicals. As the holder of a United States Green Card, DeRoux will not count against the team’s allotment of seven international player slots, leaving Indy Eleven with one such spot to fill.

“The addition of Stephen DeRoux rounds out what we believe will be the deepest and most experienced defensive corps in the NASL this season,” Indy Eleven General Manager Peter Wilt said.

DeRoux’s move to Indianapolis reunites him with head coach Tim Hankinson, who coached the Jamaican during the 2013 season with the San Antonio Scorpions. Across the last three years DeRoux set records for the most games (74) and minutes (6,234) played in Scorpions history, overtaking his new Indy Eleven teammate Greg Janicki in both categories.

“Stephen has established himself as one of the elite left backs in the North American Soccer League,” Hankinson said. “His ability to bring a warrior mentality to his defending duties and yet attack with great skill and speed makes him a dangerous dual threat.”

Last year, DeRoux finished second on San Antonio in games played (28), games started (25) and minutes played (2,244) from his left back position – and finally tacked on his first goal for the squad in October. DeRoux has most recently suited up for the Milwaukee Wave in the Major Arena Soccer League, staying sharp in the offseason by playing in three games since signing in January.

“I want to thank everyone at Indy Eleven for the opportunity to contribute and play for a top-class organization that is second-to-none in the NASL," DeRoux said. "I feel very excited, humbled and blessed for this new chapter in my career to begin and look forward to great things.

“Every time I came to Indianapolis with San Antonio I got goose bumps and my adrenaline was flowing because of the way the crowd supported their team to the end. As a player I can’t wait to be on these fans’ side rather than be against them.”

DeRoux has been in North American soccer circles for over a decade, starting his professional career with three seasons for Major League Soccer’s D.C. United from 2005-07. From there, DeRoux would jump to the USL First Division from 2008-10, suiting up for Minnesota Thunder and Montreal Impact, helping the latter to the 2009 USL Championship. After a year of indoor play with the MISL’s Baltimore Blast in 2011, DeRoux would go back to the Caribbean in 2012 to join the Puerto Rico Islanders in the NASL and run in the CONCACAF Champions League.