Indiana University Athletics
Ambersley, Ring Sign with Indy Eleven
1/22/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Jan. 22, 2014
Release Courtesy of Indy Eleven
INDIANAPOLIS - Indy Eleven Professional Soccer took to Indiana University's iconic Assembly Hall this afternoon to introduce a pair of former IU Men's Soccer greats - forward Mike Ambersley and midfielder Brad Ring - to the expansion club's roster ahead of its inaugural season in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
As the ninth and tenth players on Indy Eleven's inaugural roster, Ring, who jumps to the Circle City after turns with two Major League Soccer sides, and Ambersley, a consistent scoring threat in the NASL in recent years, become the first two IU alumni to sign for the club.
Today's signings emphasize the local ties that Indy Eleven has stressed the importance of since its January 2013 launch. Ambersley and Ring have joined a roster that already includes three native Hoosiers - goalkeeper Nathan Sprenkel and defenders Baba Omosegbon and Chris Wey - and former IUPUI Jaguars defender Kyle Hyland.
"Adding Mike Ambersley and Brad Ring not only gives our roster two more starting-caliber players, it also strengthens the bonds to the finest collegiate soccer program in the country," said Indy Eleven President/General Manager Peter Wilt. "Indiana University has provided soccer fans across Indiana championships to celebrate on a regular basis and has done so with great integrity, and that's the blueprint Indy Eleven will strive to follow."
As well-known Hoosier products, the two new signings provide tangible proof of the budding connection between Indy Eleven and Indiana University Men's Soccer program, which has won eight national championships under coaches Jerry Yeagley, Mike Freitag and current coach Todd Yeagley.
"To have proven professionals like Mike Ambersley and Brad Ring come back to the Hoosier State to grow Indy Eleven from the ground up speaks volumes to the type of players we're looking to build around," said Indy Eleven Head Coach/Director of Soccer Operation Juergen Sommer, who himself helped the Hoosiers to the 1988 NCAA National Championship. "Brad and Mike know the work that must go into forming a winning team and greatly appreciate the bond the club will have in the community, and they are ready to contribute on both fronts immediately."
The addition of Ring means Indy Eleven now boasts another experienced professional to anchor the team's midfield. The Illinois native has played the last five seasons in MLS, starting out with the San Jose Earthquakes after they selected him in the second round of the 2009 SuperDraft. After four seasons in the Bay Area, Ring spent the 2013 campaign with the Portland Timbers under the watch of another fellow Hoosier, head coach Caleb Porter.
"I was very excited when I heard Indiana was getting a professional soccer team and knew I had to be a part of it. When I learned that Peter Wilt had hired Juergen Sommer as its first head coach, I knew the organization was going to be a success," said Brad Ring. "I am very grateful to be joining Indy Eleven for its inaugural season and anxious to get out on the field with my teammates. Since college, Indiana has felt like home to me and I can't wait to play in front of Hoosier fans again."
Ring put together an impressive collegiate career that included being a two-time MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2007 and 2008. Overall, he played in 78 matches for the Hoosiers and led the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
No stranger to sequels in eight years as a professional, former Hoosiers star Mike Ambersley arrives in Indiana to write yet another chapter in his Hoosier State saga, having previously made homecomings in both Rochester and his native St. Louis. Initially selected by FC Dallas in the MLS SuperDraft, he has split the time since his 2005 graduation among multiple second division clubs, from the Rochester Raging Rhinos and AC St. Louis to current NASL outfits Tampa Bay Rowdies and Minnesota United FC. While his residence has varied his recent form has not, as the striker has scored 30 goals--21 in the NASL--since the start of the 2010 season and added 17 assists in NASL regular season play over the last three years.
"I am really excited to be a part of Indy Eleven and to play for two highly regarded coaches in Juergen Sommer and Tim Regan," said Ambersley. "This is an organization with high expectations for the team, and that is something that motivates me as a player. I have many great memories from playing at Indiana. There is a rich history of soccer in the state and it's exciting to have the opportunity to build on that."
Ambersley lands at Indy Eleven with glimmering memories to recollect from his stint as a Hoosier. Despite missing out on Indiana's title-winning season in 2003 due to a back injury, as well as having to adjust to the departure of longtime head coach Jerry Yeagley following the same year, he still earned the Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor in 2001, made two College Cup appearances, and converted the decisive penalty in the 2004 NCAA men's soccer final to ensure IU would retain the championship, the program's seventh.
