Brazilian Center Back Brings Blend of Physicality and Technical Skill to Indy Backline
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, December 8, 2022) – Indy Eleven continued to solidify its backline with today’s acquisition of defender Gustavo Rissi via transfer from Rochester New York FC of MLS NEXT Pro. Per club policy, the transfer fee and contract details surrounding the move to bring the 24-year-old center back to Indiana’s Team, pending league and federation approval, will not be released.
“I’m very happy with this opportunity, and I hope to represent the fans and the club in the best possible way,” said Rissi. “I’m ready for the challenges and looking forward to meeting my teammates; together I’m sure we will achieve many great things in 2023.”
Rissi brings to the Eleven defensive corps a blend of physicality and tenacity via his 6’0” frame and technical skill on the ball that belies his Brazilian roots. Prior to playing 13 matches (all starts, 1 assist) for RNYFC during its inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season last summer, Rissi got 35 matches worth of USL Championship experience from 2019-21 with Austin Bold FC while on loan from Brazilian power Cruzeiro. Rissi made his biggest impact with Austin in 2021, when he started each of his 26 appearances and finished third on the squad with 2,247 minutes played.
“I’ve been a big fan of Gustavo for three years now,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry, whose El Paso Locomotive FC sides squared off regularly against Rissi during his tenure in Austin. “His ability and composure on the ball and his natural pace make him a standout center back at this level. It’s difficult to find that blend for a defender so we are extremely happy to bring him here.”
Prior to coming stateside, Rissi suited up for Cruziero’s reserve side in 2018 and served loan stints with Ipatinga and Boa Esporte in 2019. While he was coming through the youth ranks at another Brazilian giant, Fluminense, from 2011-14, Rissi also earned time in the set-up of Brazil’s U-15 and U-16 National Teams.
Today’s news continues several player announcements in the coming days and weeks that will build the foundation of the 2023 roster for Indiana’s Team, which currently stands as follows:
Goalkeepers: Yannik Oettl, Tim Trilk
Defenders: Younes Boudadi, A.J. Cochran, Robby Dambrot, Mechack Jerome, Gustavo Rissi, Ecris Revolorio, Jesus Vazquez
Midfielders: Cam Lindley, Bryam Rebellon, Diego Sanchez, Alann Torres
Forwards: Solomon Asante, Jonas Fjeldberg, Juan Tejada
Keep abreast of the latest roster updates and additional club news by staying tuned to indyeleven.com’s Roster page and the team’s @IndyEleven social media channels.
