MLIS Remembers Nermin Crnkic

Major League Indoor Soccer would like to extend its condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Rapid City FC star forward Nermin Crnkic, who passed away yesterday at the age of 30.

Crnkic was the first player to sign an MLIS contract last October ahead of its inaugural season, and he immediately made an impact on Rapid City FC and the league.

In helping lead Rapid City FC to the first MLIS championship, Crnkic led the team in goals and points, and finished ninth in the league with 28 points. He added five more points in two playoff games, including two goals and two assists in the championship game. After the season he was named to the MLIS All-Eastern Division Team. He also made his debut with the USA567 Men's National Team helping lead the US to an upset victory in the EMF Nations Games tournament in Slovakia in May, and was in the player pool for October's WMF World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

"We are heartbroken to lose a player like Nermin who was in many ways the face of the league," said MLIS Commissioner Dominic Turcotte. "It is a huge loss for our community."

"Hearing of the passing of Nermin Crnkic brings great sadness," said Rapid City FC Owner and Head Coach Louis Stephens III. "He was not only an amazing talent, but was a dear friend and teammate to many, a brother, and a son. He will be extremely missed." 

As a tribute, Rapid City FC will retire Cnrkic's #10 jersey and dedicate the upcoming season to his memory.