Indy Eleven Adds Defender Cory Miller

Indy Eleven announces the signing of defender Cory Miller, with the defender eligible to face Miami FC this weekend. Per club policy, details of the contract will not be released.
 
Miller, who returns to Indy Eleven having featured over 40 times for the club since his arrival in 2014, is a welcome return to the squad after suffering a season-ending injury in October 2016. After extensive rehabilitation and training, the defender returns to the field and will wear No. 16. Miller’s return brings the Indy Eleven roster to a total of 22 players.
 
“It means a lot to return to playing for Indy Eleven," Miller said. "I’ve been working hard for the last ten months to get back in shape and get back on this team so I’m excited to be back for my fourth year. I’m so excited to play in front of our fans again! I’ve been getting messages for the last six months about when I would be back, so my first home game is going to be extremely special and I’m pumped to be back, that’s for sure.”
 
A native of Zionsville, Indiana, Miller graduated from Zionsville High School in 2006 and starred at NAIA side Olivet Nazarene University in Chicago, Ill., from 2006-09. He would go on to be the university’s first-ever professional player after signing on with the Carolina Railhawks (North Carolina FC) in 2011. After a stint with USL PRO League’s Los Angeles Blues during the 2012-13 seasons, Miller was then signed for “Indiana’s Team” on August 28, 2014, and played a big role down the stretch in starting the team’s final nine contests of the inaugural campaign.
 
Speaking on the addition, Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson wasted no time in applauding the defender for his recovery and efforts.
 
“Cory has great athleticism and pace," Hankinson said. "He can run with anybody and he’s a very physical player; he enjoys that part of the game. For me, this would start the process of being the comeback player of the year. It’s extremely important to have options in selection. Right now, we have six defenders with our starting back four, and I think the depth and experience of the squad will help as guys can step into any situation. We’re well covered now.”
 
In a related roster note, defender Anthony Manning (concussion protocol) will be placed on medical leave for the foreseeable future on the recommendation of the Indy Eleven medical staff.

Additionally, Indy Eleven President Jeff Belskus announced Wednesday that Indy Eleven has agreed to mutually part ways with defender Lovel Palmer, ending his year-and-a-half stay with the NASL club. Per club policy, details of his contract will not be released.
 
“Lovel Palmer played an important role in our run to the 2016 Spring Season Championship and ultimately to the Championship Final,” Hankinson said. “We appreciate his efforts and contributions to the team during his tenure and wish him well moving forward.”

Palmer leaves following 38 regular-season appearances where he registered one goal and one assist in over 2,500 minutes. The Jamaican's departure with Indy Eleven is effective immediately.