INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven announced on Wednesday the club had signed Venezuelan international Juan Guerra to its 2018 roster pending league and federation approval. A former member of both the New York Cosmos and Tampa Bay Rowdies, the veteran midfielder is expected to bring strong leadership to the club.

“Juan has excellent character on and off the field,” said Indy Head Coach Martin Rennie. “His experience as a leader is going to be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game and bringing the team together as the roster continues to take shape.”

“I’m very happy to be in Indianapolis and excited about the project that Coach Rennie and Ersal [Ozdemir] are building here, and I believe in it,” said Guerra. “I also can’t wait to play in front of this amazing crowd of Indy Eleven supporters in the best stadium in the USL.”

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Guerra marshaled the Cosmos’ midfield in 2017, scoring five goals and one assist in 27 starts as the side reached the postseason. Over his professional career, the 30-year-old has competed both in his native Venezuela for clubs including Monagas SC and Caracas FC, the most successful club in Venezuelan history, and had two successful seasons with Tampa Bay upon his arrival in the United States.

Guerra has four caps with the Venezuelan national team, including two appearances for La Vinotinto during 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.