Indy Eleven Signs Goalkeeper Lomeli, Defender Manning

Indy Eleven continues its 2017 preseason with a test at the University of Louisville on Friday, but they do so with two more “Boys in Blue” available in the form of defender Anthony Manning and goalkeeper Christian Lomeli. Per club policy, terms of the contracts will not be disclosed.

Manning earns a spot on Indiana’s Team after spending the 2016 season with the Portland Timbers, where he registered 180 minutes in two games on loan with Portland Timbers II, including 90 minutes against 2017 Indy Eleven preseason opponent Swope Park Rangers, on the season. Before being drafted in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by MLS side Portland Timbers, the towering 24-year-old spent all four years with the prestigious collegiate program at Saint Louis University as a Billiken where he earned Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year in his final two seasons, while also picking up consecutive first-team All-Conference nods.

“Anthony has had the opportunity to play for Portland Timbers II, so he brings some professional experience. His size and athleticism will be a great addition to an already strong defensive core,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson.
 
Lomeli signs his first professional contract after ending his college career at Indiana University, where he posted four shutouts in seven appearances (seven starts) and boasted an impressive 0.53 goals-against average. Lomeli earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Nov.1, and made three crucial saves in a 1-0 win over No. 23 Akron in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to his time with the Hoosiers, Lomeli spent the first two years of his collegiate career with IUPUI, featuring in 12 matches and earning eight starts. The 22-year-old native of Crown Point, Indiana joins Indy Eleven as the third ‘keeper on the roster behind goalkeepers Jon Busch and Keith Cardona.
 
“Adding a player like Christian creates competition and provides an opportunity for him to grow like Keith [Cardona] has under the guidance of one of the most experienced teachers of the game that you can find in Jon Busch,” said Hankinson. “Getting depth at key positions is always important. We are a senior team, so bringing in young talent that comes in with new energy and ambition is vital in building our fire.”