Indy Eleven’s rebuilding of its forwards corps got a major boost today with the addition of Jamaican striker Brian Brown via a loan agreement with Harbour View FC of the Red Stripe Premier League (Jamaican First Division). The 22-year-old Brown will occupy the team’s seventh and final available International roster spot.
“In Brian Brown we’re getting a young player with incredible talent and potential that can flat out finish in front of goal,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach/Director of Soccer Operations Juergen Sommer. “His speed will not only result in him getting plenty of chances, but will stretch the field and create more space for others to get involved in the final third – and that’s a quality we didn’t have consistently last season.”
While terms of the deal between the two clubs have been agreed upon, the season-long loan will become official upon U.S. Soccer’s receipt of Brown’s International Transfer Certificate from the Jamaican Football Federation. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
“I’m really happy to be joining Indy Eleven and can’t wait to meet my new teammates. I look forward to a great season both for myself and for Indy Eleven,” said Brown, who is currently in Jamaica awaiting his visa and is expected to join the squad later this month, just in time for the team’s 2015 NASL Spring Season opener on Saturday, April 4, at the Atlanta Silverbacks.
Brown, who made his full international debut for Jamaica in November 2013 against Trinidad & Tobago, joins Indy Eleven after most recently playing for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. Brown scored two goals – both against defending MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City – and added an assist in 250 productive minutes of action for the Union across eight appearances (one start) during the second half of the 2014 MLS season. Brown also played the final 57 minutes in Philadelphia’s U.S. Open Cup Semifinal Round contest at FC Dallas last August.
“Brian Brown is a rising star who’s an exciting addition not just for Indy Eleven, but for the North American Soccer League,” said Indy Eleven President/General Manager Peter Wilt. “Our staff got some great feedback on Brian from Mike Sorber and Jim Curtin in Philadelphia, and major credit also goes agent Damani Ralph for helping to get this deal finalized. We can’t wait to get Brian into camp and onto the field.”
Prior to his stint in Philadelphia, Brown enjoyed a standout 2013/14 season in the Red Stripe Premier League, the top division of Jamaican soccer, scoring a league-best 18 goals for Harbour View in regular season play and adding another pair in cup competitions. The Sandy Bay, Jamaica, native began his professional career by scoring three goals in 17 games for Montego Bay United during its 2012/13 campaign.
Brian Brown
Position: Forward
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Born: December 29, 1992 in Sandy Bay, Jamaica
Hometown: Sandy Bay, Jamaica
Nationality: Jamaica
Last Club: Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Previous Professional Clubs: Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer, 2014), Harbour View FC (Red Stripe Premier League/Jamaican First Division, 2013/14), Montego Bay United (Red Stripe Premier League/Jamaican First Division, 2012/13)
Source: Indy Eleven Official Website