Salt Lake City native leads league in scoring, assists after fast start in 2017

Indy Eleven forward Justin Braun has been named NASL Player of the Month for April after emerging from the first five games as the league’s leading scorer. The award is voted on by NASL media.

With three goals and two assists so far this season, Braun sits atop the league’s scoring chart and is tied for the league lead in assists. The 30-year-old veteran’s best game of the opening month came on April 1 when he tallied two goals and an assist in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Puerto Rico FC. He scored the all-important equalizer to help Indy extend its record-setting home unbeaten streak at the time, and ultimately earned NASL Player of the Week honors for his performance.

Braun’s third goal of the month came just last weekend in Jacksonville, where the Boys in Blue earned a 1-1 draw to stay undefeated on the season. He opened the scoring before Armada FC fought back to earn a share of the points.

A tireless striker who seemingly never loses energy, Braun has played every minute of every game in 2017, and also leads Indy in shots. He has been a valuable asset in the air as well, leading the club in aerial duels won.

Braun, an imposing figure standing 6-foot-3, joined the club in early 2016 from USL side Sacramento Republic, and ended up turning in a solid first season for Indiana’s Team. The Utah native scored eight goals and racked up five assists in 25 league appearances last year.

Indy, which has drawn its first five games, returns home this Saturday to host FC Edmonton, the side it beat in The Championship Semifinals last November. Kickoff at Carroll Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the Week 7 clash can be seen live on ESPN3 (U.S.) and NASL.com (Canada).