IndyStar Sports

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Midfielder Ben Speas is Indy Eleven’s first new player acquisition for the upcoming 2017 season.

Speas, 26, accounted for four goals and three assists last year in 23 games with Minnesota United FC.

A standout at the University of Akron and North Carolina, Speas began his professional career with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, appearing in 41 games form 2012-15.

“I like how Indy Eleven is set up and what coach (Tim) Hankinson has done here, so it’s something I wanted to be a part of,” Speas said in a news release. “Last year was my first in the NASL and I really enjoyed it. The teams and the quality of play are good, and for me Indy was at the top of the list.”

Speas spent time in the U.S. Soccer residency program and represented the U.S. at the U-17 level.

On Tuesday, the Eleven also announced the team will play United Soccer League side Louisville City FC in a preseason game March 18 in Evansville. The Eleven open the 2017 NASL Spring season March 25.

Indy Eleven to play first home game April 1