INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven made three big additions to its defense for the 2018 USL season on Thursday, with the signings of defenders Reiner Ferreira, Brad Rusin and Kevin Venegas. The signings are pending league and federation approval, and the receipt of Ferreira’s P-1 visa.

“I’m pleased to let Indy Eleven fans know we have our first new signings for the 2018 squad,” Indy Head Coach Martin Rennie said. “These players bring exceptional professional soccer experience and position expertise that will form the nucleus we need to build a dynamic and exciting team.”

Ferreira is coming off a championship season with the San Francisco Deltas, with the Brazilian having been individually recognized as part of the league’s Best XI. Ferreira made 31 appearances for the Deltas, and led the league with 86 interceptions in a stellar year for the 32-year-old.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Indy Eleven,” said Ferreira. “The feeling of winning a championship is incomparable and [Indy Assistant] Coach [Philip] Dos Santos and I know that first-hand from last year’s success.”

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Rusin brings extensive experience from his professional career, having previously played for Indy Head Coach Martin Rennie while the duo were in North Carolina. A 2014 USL All-League selection for Orlando City SC, Rusin has also played in Major League Soccer for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and most recently featured for the Miami FC side that reached the Quarterfinals of the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup before falling to FC Cincinnati.

“It’s quite special to come back home to the state I was born and raised in to play for Indy Eleven and its great fans,” said Rusin. “I’m excited to get to work on making 2018 a memorable year for soccer in Indianapolis.”

Venegas joins the “Boys in Blue” after spending the last six seasons with Minnesota United FC, with the right back having been one of the first two MLS signings for United prior to its inaugural season in the top flight last year. The 28-year-old made more than 100 appearances for Minnesota, and in 2015 earned Best XI honors.

“I am very excited and anxious to play for Indy Eleven,” said Venegas. “I can’t wait to contribute to an already highly competitive club and hear the support of the Brickyard Battalion every weekend.”