On September 23, 2013, Indy Eleven announced that it was having a special celebration to commemorate three big announcements.  One of which was to name its first ever signing for the 2014 NASL Expanion Franchise.

Stone Sports Management is excited to announce that Indy Eleven and Head Coach and former US International Goalkeeper Juergen Sommer has chosen German Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht as the foundation signing for this exciting new franchise.  A Press Conference at Indianapolis' Rathskeller took place on October 1, 2013 in conjunction with the club unveiling its shirt sponsor (Honda) and kit sponsor for its inaugural 2014 season.  

(Above is Kristian Nicht signing his contract at the Indy Eleven offices in downtown Indianapolis)

Kristian Nicht is a veteran goalkeeper with experience in the German Bundesliga 1 and 2 as well as the Norwegian Tippaeligaen.  Click HERE for his Karlsruhe SC highlights and below are his Viking FK Highlights. 

In 2005/2006, Bundesliga 2 named Kristian Goalkeeper of the Year as he helped Almenia Aachen to promotion. In February 2012, the Rochester Rhinos signed Nicht hoping that he would be the defensive lynchpin for the club as it lost the club's previous starter.  Kristian did not disappoint earning a North American record six straight clean sheets to start his Rhinos career and finished the season as the best Goalkeeper in USL Pro earning Goalkeeper of the Year honors.

(Above: Kristian Nicht poses in front of the Lady Victory War Memorial with the Indy Eleven Scarf)

Stone Sports Management would like to thank the entire Indy Eleven organization for its professionalism throughout the negotiation stage as well as the first class treatment in Indianapolis in anticipation of and through the First on the First Press Conference.  In particular, Stone Sports Management would like to thank President and General Manager Peter Wilt, Head Coach Juergen Sommer, Indy Eleven Owner Ersal Ozdemir, Director of Public Relations John Koluder, Soccer Operations Roberto Opice and the rest of the Indy Eleven staff for all their efforts.  

Kristian will be conducting interviews and meeting local business and political leaders throughout the week before he heads back to Germany for the off-season.  He will return to Indianpolis in January 2014 to start pre-season.  Congrats again to Kristian Nicht and the Indy Eleven Franchise!

 (Above: Justin Stone and Kristian Nicht at Westfield, IN's newest Sports Facility - Grand Park)