News

#INDvATL Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Atlanta United 2

Saturday, October 2, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by    

Live stats: #INDvATL MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-6D (-11 GD), 30 pts.; 7th in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 7W-12L-9D (-6 GD), 30 pts.; 6th in Central Division

 

While the math dictates Saturday’s season series finale between Indy and Atlanta is not a “do-or-die” affair for both sides’ playoff chances, for all intents and purposes it is exactly that. With the amount of games to be played dwindling (five for Indy, four for ATL), neither side can afford missing the chance to make up ground on the five-point gap they share behind fourth-place OKC Energy FC … and then there’s fifth-place Memphis sitting three points under OKC, but with a minimum of three games in hand on the other three competitors.

While a draw keeps a lifeline going for Atlanta and Indy, they also both know a sharing of the spoils likely won’t be enough to help reel in OKC and Memphis down the stretch. Does that mean a wide-open affair leaving caution to the wind? Or perhaps a lock-tight affair in which the sides wait to exploit one golden opportunity – or fatal mistake by the other – then look to shut things down? The most recent #INDvATL sample set looked the latter, a moment of individual brilliance by Aiden McFadden midway through the first half pushing ATL UTD 2 to a 1-0 win despite the Eleven’s 16-8 shot advantage.

As the urgency for points mounts, the good news for Indy Eleven is that reinforcements have arrived. Midfielder Kevin Partida and defender Tobi Adewole both made their club debuts with solid starts in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw in Oklahoma City, and summer USL Academy signing Allan Torres also impressed in his first meaningful midfield minutes under Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. It’s always good to have options, and between injuries and heavy legs Rogers will need to mine that depth on Saturday, when the squad closes out a five-game, 15-day gauntlet that marks the team’s most crowded stretch of 2021.

For Atlanta, that Sept. 4th win at Carroll Stadium provided more than a glimmer of hope for their postseason aspirations; however, gaining just two of a possible 15 points from its five matches since has put the Georgians in a deep hole. Head coach Jack Collison’s side stopped the bleeding of a three-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw of their own on Wednesday night against Central top dog LouCity FC, providing another proof of concept that Atlanta has the chops to compete against any club in the Championship on any given night.  

One thing Atlanta United will have to overcome is its dismal road form, as the recent triumph at Carroll was one of the few bright spots in a now 2W-8L-3D ledger outside of the Peach State. Atlanta’s once-high flying attack has been grounded as of late as well; after scoring multiple goals in half of their first 20 contests, the Five Stripes have done so just once across their last eight outings – and that coming in a 2-3 defeat to Rio Grand Valley FC last weekend.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

-OKC Energy (4th place, 35 points, 27 games played)

vs. San Antonio FC (Sunday, 6:00 p.m.)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

-Memphis 901 FC (5th place, 32 pts., 24 GP)

at FC Tulsa (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

-Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 30 pts., 28 GP)

at Indy (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

-Indy Eleven (7th place, 30 pts., 27 GP)

Vs. Atlanta United 2 (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. ATLANTA UNITED 2

USL Championship regular season: 2W-3L-2D (8 GF/11 GA)

USL Championship at home: 2W-1L-0D (3 GF/1 GA)

First, a natural segue between this section and the last: ATL UTD 2 will hold a potential postseason tiebreaker over Indiana’s Team courtesy of their insurmountable advantage in the season series that stands at 2W-0L-1D for Atlanta heading into Saturday night.

Indy Eleven trails the all-time series against Atlanta United 2 by a 2W-3L-2D margin, with ATL breaking the series deadlock in that aforementioned 1-0 win at Carroll Stadium on Sept. 4. The first two meetings of the season were contested at Fifth Third Bank Field in suburban Keenesaw, Ga., where the teams dueled to a 1-1 draw on July 7 before ATL dominated from the jump in a 6-2 win on August 8.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF AYOZE 

It’s a tale as old as time: Give Ayoze the ball and watch something magical unfold. The midfield maestro has been a mainstay on Indy Eleven’s team sheet since his arrival to the Circle City in 2018, and he’s remained just as proficient now as he was then. The 35-year-old typically marches along the left flank, darting through the opposing lanes and masterfully picks out his teammates having completed just under 83% of his passes this season. A midseason knock impacted his availability, but the Puerto de la Cruz born midfielder has made the most of his minute on the pitch this season.

Historically, Ayoze has been asked to track across the entire left side of the pitch, but with Wednesday’s apparent shift to a 4-4-2 formation at OKC Energy FC he was given more freedom to run amok in the attacking third. The change paid off in Indy’s favor when the Spaniard played creator for Manuel Arteaga’s close-range header with a beautiful cross play in through the top corner of OKC’s 18 for his third assist of the year. With the captain coming off in the 74th minute in the midweek contest, that likely sets him up for a fair share of Saturday’s play time as well.  

 

ATL PLAYER TO WATCH: MF ROBBIE MERTZ 

Trying to plan tactics around a team like Atlanta United 2 is often a difficult task with 39 players between USLC, Academy, and First Team rosters having made appearances for the Five Stripes Jr. in 2021. However, ATL UTD 2 has called upon on a solid core of players throughout the campaign to see the side fighting for playoff contention in the Central Division, and USL Championship three-year veteran Mertz is among those leading the charge. 

Prior to joining ATL, the Pittsburgh native tallied 12 goals and eight assists in 48 appearances with his hometown Riverhounds SC. While his production has taken a dip since arriving to “The A”,  having netted a lone goal in 23 shots across this season’s 24 appearances, what the 24-year-old lacks in scoring he makes up for in his ability to cover ground. Mertz’s box-to-box play has kept opposing teams busy throughout the year, having won 113 of 224 duels while combatting deep in his team’s half. Mertz’s ability to switch to an attacking role has paid dividends, as he currently leads his side with five assists on a club-second-best 37 chances created. Ten of those were produced during Atlanta’s three games versus the Eleven, which means shutting down Mertz before he has chance to create scoring opportunities will be a must for Indiana’s Team come Saturday evening.

#INDvATL Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Atlanta United 2

Saturday, October 2, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by    

Live stats: #INDvATL MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-6D (-11 GD), 30 pts.; 7th in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 7W-12L-9D (-6 GD), 30 pts.; 6th in Central Division

 

While the math dictates Saturday’s season series finale between Indy and Atlanta is not a “do-or-die” affair for both sides’ playoff chances, for all intents and purposes it is exactly that. With the amount of games to be played dwindling (five for Indy, four for ATL), neither side can afford missing the chance to make up ground on the five-point gap they share behind fourth-place OKC Energy FC … and then there’s fifth-place Memphis sitting three points under OKC, but with a minimum of three games in hand on the other three competitors.

While a draw keeps a lifeline going for Atlanta and Indy, they also both know a sharing of the spoils likely won’t be enough to help reel in OKC and Memphis down the stretch. Does that mean a wide-open affair leaving caution to the wind? Or perhaps a lock-tight affair in which the sides wait to exploit one golden opportunity – or fatal mistake by the other – then look to shut things down? The most recent #INDvATL sample set looked the latter, a moment of individual brilliance by Aiden McFadden midway through the first half pushing ATL UTD 2 to a 1-0 win despite the Eleven’s 16-8 shot advantage.

As the urgency for points mounts, the good news for Indy Eleven is that reinforcements have arrived. Midfielder Kevin Partida and defender Tobi Adewole both made their club debuts with solid starts in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw in Oklahoma City, and summer USL Academy signing Allan Torres also impressed in his first meaningful midfield minutes under Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. It’s always good to have options, and between injuries and heavy legs Rogers will need to mine that depth on Saturday, when the squad closes out a five-game, 15-day gauntlet that marks the team’s most crowded stretch of 2021.

For Atlanta, that Sept. 4th win at Carroll Stadium provided more than a glimmer of hope for their postseason aspirations; however, gaining just two of a possible 15 points from its five matches since has put the Georgians in a deep hole. Head coach Jack Collison’s side stopped the bleeding of a three-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw of their own on Wednesday night against Central top dog LouCity FC, providing another proof of concept that Atlanta has the chops to compete against any club in the Championship on any given night.  

One thing Atlanta United will have to overcome is its dismal road form, as the recent triumph at Carroll was one of the few bright spots in a now 2W-8L-3D ledger outside of the Peach State. Atlanta’s once-high flying attack has been grounded as of late as well; after scoring multiple goals in half of their first 20 contests, the Five Stripes have done so just once across their last eight outings – and that coming in a 2-3 defeat to Rio Grand Valley FC last weekend.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

-OKC Energy (4th place, 35 points, 27 games played)

vs. San Antonio FC (Sunday, 6:00 p.m.)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

-Memphis 901 FC (5th place, 32 pts., 24 GP)

at FC Tulsa (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

-Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 30 pts., 28 GP)

at Indy (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

-Indy Eleven (7th place, 30 pts., 27 GP)

Vs. Atlanta United 2 (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. ATLANTA UNITED 2

USL Championship regular season: 2W-3L-2D (8 GF/11 GA)

USL Championship at home: 2W-1L-0D (3 GF/1 GA)

First, a natural segue between this section and the last: ATL UTD 2 will hold a potential postseason tiebreaker over Indiana’s Team courtesy of their insurmountable advantage in the season series that stands at 2W-0L-1D for Atlanta heading into Saturday night.

Indy Eleven trails the all-time series against Atlanta United 2 by a 2W-3L-2D margin, with ATL breaking the series deadlock in that aforementioned 1-0 win at Carroll Stadium on Sept. 4. The first two meetings of the season were contested at Fifth Third Bank Field in suburban Keenesaw, Ga., where the teams dueled to a 1-1 draw on July 7 before ATL dominated from the jump in a 6-2 win on August 8.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF AYOZE 

It’s a tale as old as time: Give Ayoze the ball and watch something magical unfold. The midfield maestro has been a mainstay on Indy Eleven’s team sheet since his arrival to the Circle City in 2018, and he’s remained just as proficient now as he was then. The 35-year-old typically marches along the left flank, darting through the opposing lanes and masterfully picks out his teammates having completed just under 83% of his passes this season. A midseason knock impacted his availability, but the Puerto de la Cruz born midfielder has made the most of his minute on the pitch this season.

Historically, Ayoze has been asked to track across the entire left side of the pitch, but with Wednesday’s apparent shift to a 4-4-2 formation at OKC Energy FC he was given more freedom to run amok in the attacking third. The change paid off in Indy’s favor when the Spaniard played creator for Manuel Arteaga’s close-range header with a beautiful cross play in through the top corner of OKC’s 18 for his third assist of the year. With the captain coming off in the 74th minute in the midweek contest, that likely sets him up for a fair share of Saturday’s play time as well.  

 

ATL PLAYER TO WATCH: MF ROBBIE MERTZ 

Trying to plan tactics around a team like Atlanta United 2 is often a difficult task with 39 players between USLC, Academy, and First Team rosters having made appearances for the Five Stripes Jr. in 2021. However, ATL UTD 2 has called upon on a solid core of players throughout the campaign to see the side fighting for playoff contention in the Central Division, and USL Championship three-year veteran Mertz is among those leading the charge. 

Prior to joining ATL, the Pittsburgh native tallied 12 goals and eight assists in 48 appearances with his hometown Riverhounds SC. While his production has taken a dip since arriving to “The A”,  having netted a lone goal in 23 shots across this season’s 24 appearances, what the 24-year-old lacks in scoring he makes up for in his ability to cover ground. Mertz’s box-to-box play has kept opposing teams busy throughout the year, having won 113 of 224 duels while combatting deep in his team’s half. Mertz’s ability to switch to an attacking role has paid dividends, as he currently leads his side with five assists on a club-second-best 37 chances created. Ten of those were produced during Atlanta’s three games versus the Eleven, which means shutting down Mertz before he has chance to create scoring opportunities will be a must for Indiana’s Team come Saturday evening.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Indy Eleven claimed a vital point on the road tonight at Taft Stadium, as forward Manuel Arteaga’s early goal helped earn a 1-1 draw at OKC Energy FC in a Central Division clash with playoff implications all over it.  

The result allowed Indy Eleven (8W-13L-6D, 30 pts.) to stay within arm’s reach of Energy FC (8-8-11, 35 pts.), which maintained its five-point grip on the Central’s fourth and final playoff berth over both the Eleven and Atlanta United 2, which also drew 1-1 at home tonight against division leading Louisville City FC. Memphis 901 FC remains wedged in between in fifth place on 32 points heading into a hectic full weekend of action for the playoff hopefuls.  

"I’m really proud of the players’ efforts this evening. I thought they worked really hard and showed good tactical organization and things that maybe don’t come across on the television, they followed exactly what we were after," said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. "The good thing is that now we have a goal, we stopped a run of defeats and we’ve got five games with no more midweek games. We can prepare and attack these last five games.”

With Indy playing its fourth match in 12 days and in need of fresh legs, Rogers made four changes to the starting XI in an effort to insert much needed fresh legs. The quartet included two of last week’s three new roster signings – defender Tobi Adewole and midfielder Kevin Partida – and midfielder Alann Torres, the 17-year-old Elkhart native who made his professional debut off the bench in Sunday evening’s “round one” of the Eleven’s doubleheader in Oklahoma City.  

After coming off the bench to score OKC’s second goal on Sunday night, Energy FC striker Aiden Daniels signaled his intentions from the start this evening, his 20-yard effort bouncing off the left post and away from goal in the fifth minute.  

The fourth of Indy’s starting lineup changes was the reinsertion of Ayoze, and the captain made his presence felt early and often, starting with the game’s opening goal in the 12th minute. Manning the left flank 30 yards from the endline, Ayoze put his defender on skates to gain a yard of space before snapping off a cross to the six-yard box. Arteaga met the pacy pass with a lunging header, steering it into the lower right corner to give Indy the lead on its first true chance of the match. The play gave the Venezuelan striker his team-high eighth goal of the season, while Ayoze’s third assist of the campaign boosted his club record in the category to nineteen. Another service from the Spaniard five minutes later nearly paid off as well, but Torres couldn’t beat his mark to the well-driven ball to the six. 

The Energy FC attack had little more to show until the 34th minute, when Villyan Bijev’s dipping blast from 20 yards flew just over the crossbar. Six minutes later it was Bijev looking to finish a swift OKC counter, but a backtracking Indy defender clipped the chance off the Bulgarian’s foot, allowing it to dribble weakly to Eleven ‘keeper Bobby Edwards for collection. The half’s final minute of regulation saw Sunday’s other Energy FC goal scorer, Jaime Chavez, nearly equalize, but he pushed his header off Yuki Kurimoto’s looping cross just wide of the left post, sending Indy into the interval with the 1-0 advantage.  

It was Chavez looking dangerous again six minutes into the second stanza, his attempt whistling just over the bar. Partida would exit the match after a dutiful shift in the 63rd minute, and his replacement in midfield, Aboubacar Sissoko, would make a key play just seconds after entering via a close-range block of Lamar Batista’s volleyed rocket.  

After playing provider all night Ayoze took his try at finishing in the 67th minute, but after beating a man inside the area his shot from eight yards was stopped by a fine reaction save by OKC goaltender CJ Cochran on his line. The 80th minute saw Arteaga’s hustle pay off with a point to the penalty spot, as he was pulled down by Mitch Osmond inside the area seconds after stripping the ex-Eleven defender of the ball. Arteaga would take the chance himself and tried to pick out the same lower right corner that paid dividends in the first half, but Cochran was up to the task with a diving, two-handed save to keep OKC’s deficit at one. 

Indy’s defense more than held its own as the half progressed, holding Energy FC without a shot for 20 minutes following Batista’s earlier blocked effort. However, the home side would get its equalizer in the 87th minute on a delivery and finish remarkably similar to Indy’s opener, Seyi Adekoya rising to meet Arun Basuljevic’s cross from the right flank. Indy garnered the best chance deep into the eight minutes of stoppage time when defender Liam Doyle’s header from the six had eyes for the right post, but Cochran was there again to make the tense evening’s final save. 

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium this Saturday, Oct. 2, with its final of four 2021 meetings against fellow postseason contender Atlanta United 2. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on the club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Financial Center First Credit Union and Morales Group, can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. 

Fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. 

 

USL Championship Regular Season 

OKC Energy FC  1 : 1  Indy Eleven 

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 

Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla. 

 

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-6D, 30 pts.; 7th place in Central Division 

OKC Energy FC: 8W-8L-11D, 35 pts.; 4th place in Central Division 

 

Scoring Summary 

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Ayoze) 12’ 

OKC – Seyi Adekoya (Arun Basuljevic) 87’ 

 

Discipline Summary 

OKC – Jaime Chavez (yellow card) 28’ 

OKC – Lamar Batista (yellow card) 64’ 

IND – Manuel Arteaga (yellow card) 66’ 

IND – Bobby Edwards (yellow card) 90+3’ 

OKC – Villyan Bijev (yellow card) 90-+3’ 

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2): Bobby Edwards; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole (Karl Ouimette 74’), Jeremiah Gutjahr; Ayoze (captain) (Liam Doyle 74’), Gershon Koffie, Kevin Partida (Aboubacar Sissoko 63’), Allan Torres (Aidan Liu 86’); Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga 

IND substitutions: Jordan Farr (GK) Nick Moon, Gordon Wild 

 

OKC Energy FC line-up (3-4-3): CJ Cochran; Lamar Batista, Conor Donovan (captain), Mitch Osmond; Tucker Stephenson, Charlie Ward, Hiroki Kurimoto (Arun Basuljevic 65’), Mueng Sunday (Kodai Iida 83’); Villyan Bijev, Jaime Chavez (Seyi Adekoya 77’), Aidan Daniels 

OKC substitutions: Sam Howard (GK), Deklan Wynne, Brad Dunwell, Zachary Ellis-Hayden 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Indy Eleven claimed a vital point on the road tonight at Taft Stadium, as forward Manuel Arteaga’s early goal helped earn a 1-1 draw at OKC Energy FC in a Central Division clash with playoff implications all over it.  

The result allowed Indy Eleven (8W-13L-6D, 30 pts.) to stay within arm’s reach of Energy FC (8-8-11, 35 pts.), which maintained its five-point grip on the Central’s fourth and final playoff berth over both the Eleven and Atlanta United 2, which also drew 1-1 at home tonight against division leading Louisville City FC. Memphis 901 FC remains wedged in between in fifth place on 32 points heading into a hectic full weekend of action for the playoff hopefuls.  

“I’m really proud of the players’ efforts this evening. I thought they worked really hard and showed good tactical organization and things that maybe don’t come across on the television, they followed exactly what we were after,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “The good thing is that now we have a goal, we stopped a run of defeats and we’ve got five games with no more midweek games. We can prepare and attack these last five games.”

With Indy playing its fourth match in 12 days and in need of fresh legs, Rogers made four changes to the starting XI in an effort to insert much needed fresh legs. The quartet included two of last week’s three new roster signings – defender Tobi Adewole and midfielder Kevin Partida – and midfielder Alann Torres, the 17-year-old Elkhart native who made his professional debut off the bench in Sunday evening’s “round one” of the Eleven’s doubleheader in Oklahoma City.  

After coming off the bench to score OKC’s second goal on Sunday night, Energy FC striker Aiden Daniels signaled his intentions from the start this evening, his 20-yard effort bouncing off the left post and away from goal in the fifth minute.  

The fourth of Indy’s starting lineup changes was the reinsertion of Ayoze, and the captain made his presence felt early and often, starting with the game’s opening goal in the 12th minute. Manning the left flank 30 yards from the endline, Ayoze put his defender on skates to gain a yard of space before snapping off a cross to the six-yard box. Arteaga met the pacy pass with a lunging header, steering it into the lower right corner to give Indy the lead on its first true chance of the match. The play gave the Venezuelan striker his team-high eighth goal of the season, while Ayoze’s third assist of the campaign boosted his club record in the category to nineteen. Another service from the Spaniard five minutes later nearly paid off as well, but Torres couldn’t beat his mark to the well-driven ball to the six. 

The Energy FC attack had little more to show until the 34th minute, when Villyan Bijev’s dipping blast from 20 yards flew just over the crossbar. Six minutes later it was Bijev looking to finish a swift OKC counter, but a backtracking Indy defender clipped the chance off the Bulgarian’s foot, allowing it to dribble weakly to Eleven ‘keeper Bobby Edwards for collection. The half’s final minute of regulation saw Sunday’s other Energy FC goal scorer, Jaime Chavez, nearly equalize, but he pushed his header off Yuki Kurimoto’s looping cross just wide of the left post, sending Indy into the interval with the 1-0 advantage.  

It was Chavez looking dangerous again six minutes into the second stanza, his attempt whistling just over the bar. Partida would exit the match after a dutiful shift in the 63rd minute, and his replacement in midfield, Aboubacar Sissoko, would make a key play just seconds after entering via a close-range block of Lamar Batista’s volleyed rocket.  

After playing provider all night Ayoze took his try at finishing in the 67th minute, but after beating a man inside the area his shot from eight yards was stopped by a fine reaction save by OKC goaltender CJ Cochran on his line. The 80th minute saw Arteaga’s hustle pay off with a point to the penalty spot, as he was pulled down by Mitch Osmond inside the area seconds after stripping the ex-Eleven defender of the ball. Arteaga would take the chance himself and tried to pick out the same lower right corner that paid dividends in the first half, but Cochran was up to the task with a diving, two-handed save to keep OKC’s deficit at one. 

Indy’s defense more than held its own as the half progressed, holding Energy FC without a shot for 20 minutes following Batista’s earlier blocked effort. However, the home side would get its equalizer in the 87th minute on a delivery and finish remarkably similar to Indy’s opener, Seyi Adekoya rising to meet Arun Basuljevic’s cross from the right flank. Indy garnered the best chance deep into the eight minutes of stoppage time when defender Liam Doyle’s header from the six had eyes for the right post, but Cochran was there again to make the tense evening’s final save. 

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium this Saturday, Oct. 2, with its final of four 2021 meetings against fellow postseason contender Atlanta United 2. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on the club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Financial Center First Credit Union and Morales Group, can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. 

Fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. 

 

USL Championship Regular Season 

OKC Energy FC  1 : 1  Indy Eleven 

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 

Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla. 

 

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-6D, 30 pts.; 7th place in Central Division 

OKC Energy FC: 8W-8L-11D, 35 pts.; 4th place in Central Division 

 

Scoring Summary 

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Ayoze) 12’ 

OKC – Seyi Adekoya (Arun Basuljevic) 87’ 

 

Discipline Summary 

OKC – Jaime Chavez (yellow card) 28’ 

OKC – Lamar Batista (yellow card) 64’ 

IND – Manuel Arteaga (yellow card) 66’ 

IND – Bobby Edwards (yellow card) 90+3’ 

OKC – Villyan Bijev (yellow card) 90-+3’ 

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2): Bobby Edwards; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole (Karl Ouimette 74’), Jeremiah Gutjahr; Ayoze (captain) (Liam Doyle 74’), Gershon Koffie, Kevin Partida (Aboubacar Sissoko 63’), Allan Torres (Aidan Liu 86’); Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga 

IND substitutions: Jordan Farr (GK) Nick Moon, Gordon Wild 

 

OKC Energy FC line-up (3-4-3): CJ Cochran; Lamar Batista, Conor Donovan (captain), Mitch Osmond; Tucker Stephenson, Charlie Ward, Hiroki Kurimoto (Arun Basuljevic 65’), Mueng Sunday (Kodai Iida 83’); Villyan Bijev, Jaime Chavez (Seyi Adekoya 77’), Aidan Daniels 

OKC substitutions: Sam Howard (GK), Deklan Wynne, Brad Dunwell, Zachary Ellis-Hayden 

#OKCvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at OKC Energy FC

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 – 8:30 P.M. ET  

Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #OKCvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-5D (-11 GD), 29 pts.; 7th in Central Division

OKC Energy FC: 8W-8L-10D (-1 GD), 34 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Sunday’s 0-2 defeat in “Round 1” of Indy Eleven’s doubleheader trip to Oklahoma City denied Indiana’s Team the opportunity to keep the Central Division’s fourth playoff spot within a win’s reach. That result makes Wednesday’s return contest at Taft Stadium all the more pivotal for the Boys in Blue. While a midweek draw would at least staunch the bleeding for an Indy outfit that has dropped three straight and four of its last five, another loss means some nearly impossible math to overcome – and the need for ample help down the stretch in fixtures involving others in the quartet of playoff hopefuls.  

After Sunday’s game, Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers stressed the need to continue focusing on making things difficult for the opposition and eliminating the individual errors that have led to unnecessary concessions in recent contests. While that approach can keep things even or close, Indy can only claim three points if it holds down its fort in defense and manages to scratch across a goal or two itself.

Indy’s Achilles heel in attack used to be an inability to finish more of the numerous quality chances being created, but recently the well has dried up in creating those chances in bulk. For a squad that has scored just twice across its last five outings and managed only 14 shots and four shots on target combined across its last three games, the willingness to leave some caution to the wind and commit more numbers to the attack must be one of the cards the Eleven have up their collective sleeve if they hope to turn its offensive drought around

That said, close games can be a recipe for success for the Eleven, which has collected five wins against seven losses in one-goal margin games this season – including victories in its first three such results on the road across May and June. As mentioned in Sunday’s preview, goals at Taft Stadium are every bit as hard to come by as they are at Carroll Stadium (the two lowest scoring venues in the whole of the Championship); now that the Boys in Blue are plenty familiar with the environment, surface, and opposition, the margins between the sides should be closer than ever when they close out their even season series on Wednesday night.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

OKC Energy (4th place, 34 points, 26 games played)

vs. Indy (Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. ET) & vs. San Antonio FC (Sunday, 6:00 p.m.)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Memphis 901 FC (5th place, 32 pts., 24 GP)

at FC Tulsa (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 29 pts., 27 GP)

vs. Louisville City FC (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.) & at Indy (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

Indy Eleven (7th place, 29 pts., 26 GP)

at OKC Energy FC (Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.) & vs. Atlanta United 2 (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. OKC ENERGY FC

USL Championship regular season: 1W-1L-1D (3 GF/4 GA)

USL Championship on the road: 0W-1L-0D (0 GF/2 GA)

Wednesday’s fourth and final meeting of 2021 between Indy and OKC will serve as the “rubber match” in the series between the Central Division combatants. Their ledger began at Carroll Stadium on June 2, when Nick Moon’s finish off a Gordon Wild corner late in the first half was cancelled out by Frank Lopez’s redirect in the 69th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The two teams tried to renew acquaintances in Oklahoma City on July 10, only to see the game halted at 1-1- early in the second half, and ultimately abandoned due to stormy weather and a subsequent power outage at Taft Stadium. The Central Division foes then circled back to the Circle City on August 14, when Manuel Arteaga assisted on Nicky Law’s 26th minute opener before the pair reversed roles on Arteaga’s 53rd minute game-winner in a 2-1 Indy triumph.

Energy FC evened up the series on Sunday evening with a 2-0 triumph at Taft that saw Villyan Bijev set up goals on either side of the half for Jaime Chavez (30’) and Aidan Daniels (74’). Wednesday’s season series finale will officially serve as the make-up match for the abandoned affair in July.

 

IND PLAYER(S) TO WATCH: DF TOBI ADEWOLE & MF KEVIN PARTIDA

Minutes continue to add up for the squad in a congested September slate that has seen the Boys in Blue power through six games (seven if you include the September 14 exhibition with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire FC) in under 30 days. With approximately 72-hours until the second away round with OKC Energy and the injury list not getting any shorter, Coach Rogers may look to call upon Indy’s newest arrivals in Adewole and Partida.

Defender Rece Buckmaster’s early exit from Sunday’s contest following an apparent injury in the 18th minute, five-year USL Championship veteran Adewole may be primed to see his Indy Eleven debut just days after joining Indiana’s Team. The former Pittsburg Riverhounds SC (2017-19), Saint Louis FC (2020) and Phoenix Rising FC (2021) defender has averaged 70 clearances and 36 interceptions per-season since joining the league. The Ceverly, Maryland native spent the start of his 2021 campaign in the Western Conference, tallying nine of his 100 appearances with Rising FC before making the move to the Hoosier state. While A.J Cochran and Neveal Hackshaw continue to recover, Adewole’s fresh legs in Indy’s defending third may prove beneficial as the team heads into its fourth league game in 12 days.

Partida made his first appearance on Indy’s bench during Sunday’s outing at Taft Stadium after spending little over a week trialing with the team. Now with squad rotation being a key factor heading into a busy Week 23 schedule, his USL Championship credentials make him a strong contender for minutes as early as Wednesday evening. The Sparks, Nevada-native helped lead former USLC heavyweights Reno 1868 FC to the top seed of the league’s 2020 postseason, advancing as far as the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to Phoenix Rising FC. His 17 key passes, one assist, and four goals – two of which came in Reno’s pair of postseason contests – helped earn Partida a spot on the USL Championship’s All-League Second Team and ultimately a move to Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC at the end of the season. Though he hasn’t seen any playtime in 2021, his offensive awareness will be called upon as Indy seeks an uptick in goal production through the final weeks of the regular season.

 

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW VILLYAN BIJEV

Since joining the Sooner State side from Sacramento Republic in the offseason, Bijev has been an absolute superstar in the attacking third for Energy FC. The 2016 All-League First Team and Assists Champion hasn’t shown any signs of slowed production, leading his teammates and currently ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference in goals scored with 11. The Liverpool FC youth product has been just a proficient in creating scoring opportunities, leading his side in assists (6) and chances created (29) heading into Wednesday’s fixture.

The Sofia, Bilgaria native’s skills were on full display Sunday evening, having assisted on both goals and created an additional two chances in Energy’s 2-0 win. Bijev’s awareness is what makes him a true threat to opposing defenders, his timing often beating opposing players in a game of inches in offside decisions or his ability to create chances out of pinpoint accurate crosses. A stout Indy Eleven midfield will need to be ready at a moment’s notice to keep Bijev’s passing lanes limited.

#OKCvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at OKC Energy FC

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 – 8:30 P.M. ET  

Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #OKCvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-5D (-11 GD), 29 pts.; 7th in Central Division

OKC Energy FC: 8W-8L-10D (-1 GD), 34 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Sunday’s 0-2 defeat in “Round 1” of Indy Eleven’s doubleheader trip to Oklahoma City denied Indiana’s Team the opportunity to keep the Central Division’s fourth playoff spot within a win’s reach. That result makes Wednesday’s return contest at Taft Stadium all the more pivotal for the Boys in Blue. While a midweek draw would at least staunch the bleeding for an Indy outfit that has dropped three straight and four of its last five, another loss means some nearly impossible math to overcome – and the need for ample help down the stretch in fixtures involving others in the quartet of playoff hopefuls.  

After Sunday’s game, Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers stressed the need to continue focusing on making things difficult for the opposition and eliminating the individual errors that have led to unnecessary concessions in recent contests. While that approach can keep things even or close, Indy can only claim three points if it holds down its fort in defense and manages to scratch across a goal or two itself.

Indy’s Achilles heel in attack used to be an inability to finish more of the numerous quality chances being created, but recently the well has dried up in creating those chances in bulk. For a squad that has scored just twice across its last five outings and managed only 14 shots and four shots on target combined across its last three games, the willingness to leave some caution to the wind and commit more numbers to the attack must be one of the cards the Eleven have up their collective sleeve if they hope to turn its offensive drought around

That said, close games can be a recipe for success for the Eleven, which has collected five wins against seven losses in one-goal margin games this season – including victories in its first three such results on the road across May and June. As mentioned in Sunday’s preview, goals at Taft Stadium are every bit as hard to come by as they are at Carroll Stadium (the two lowest scoring venues in the whole of the Championship); now that the Boys in Blue are plenty familiar with the environment, surface, and opposition, the margins between the sides should be closer than ever when they close out their even season series on Wednesday night.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

OKC Energy (4th place, 34 points, 26 games played)

vs. Indy (Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. ET) & vs. San Antonio FC (Sunday, 6:00 p.m.)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Memphis 901 FC (5th place, 32 pts., 24 GP)

at FC Tulsa (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 29 pts., 27 GP)

vs. Louisville City FC (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.) & at Indy (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

Indy Eleven (7th place, 29 pts., 26 GP)

at OKC Energy FC (Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.) & vs. Atlanta United 2 (Saturday, 7:00 p.m.)

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. OKC ENERGY FC

USL Championship regular season: 1W-1L-1D (3 GF/4 GA)

USL Championship on the road: 0W-1L-0D (0 GF/2 GA)

Wednesday’s fourth and final meeting of 2021 between Indy and OKC will serve as the “rubber match” in the series between the Central Division combatants. Their ledger began at Carroll Stadium on June 2, when Nick Moon’s finish off a Gordon Wild corner late in the first half was cancelled out by Frank Lopez’s redirect in the 69th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The two teams tried to renew acquaintances in Oklahoma City on July 10, only to see the game halted at 1-1- early in the second half, and ultimately abandoned due to stormy weather and a subsequent power outage at Taft Stadium. The Central Division foes then circled back to the Circle City on August 14, when Manuel Arteaga assisted on Nicky Law’s 26th minute opener before the pair reversed roles on Arteaga’s 53rd minute game-winner in a 2-1 Indy triumph.

Energy FC evened up the series on Sunday evening with a 2-0 triumph at Taft that saw Villyan Bijev set up goals on either side of the half for Jaime Chavez (30’) and Aidan Daniels (74’). Wednesday’s season series finale will officially serve as the make-up match for the abandoned affair in July.

 

IND PLAYER(S) TO WATCH: DF TOBI ADEWOLE & MF KEVIN PARTIDA

Minutes continue to add up for the squad in a congested September slate that has seen the Boys in Blue power through six games (seven if you include the September 14 exhibition with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire FC) in under 30 days. With approximately 72-hours until the second away round with OKC Energy and the injury list not getting any shorter, Coach Rogers may look to call upon Indy’s newest arrivals in Adewole and Partida.

Defender Rece Buckmaster’s early exit from Sunday’s contest following an apparent injury in the 18th minute, five-year USL Championship veteran Adewole may be primed to see his Indy Eleven debut just days after joining Indiana’s Team. The former Pittsburg Riverhounds SC (2017-19), Saint Louis FC (2020) and Phoenix Rising FC (2021) defender has averaged 70 clearances and 36 interceptions per-season since joining the league. The Ceverly, Maryland native spent the start of his 2021 campaign in the Western Conference, tallying nine of his 100 appearances with Rising FC before making the move to the Hoosier state. While A.J Cochran and Neveal Hackshaw continue to recover, Adewole’s fresh legs in Indy’s defending third may prove beneficial as the team heads into its fourth league game in 12 days.

Partida made his first appearance on Indy’s bench during Sunday’s outing at Taft Stadium after spending little over a week trialing with the team. Now with squad rotation being a key factor heading into a busy Week 23 schedule, his USL Championship credentials make him a strong contender for minutes as early as Wednesday evening. The Sparks, Nevada-native helped lead former USLC heavyweights Reno 1868 FC to the top seed of the league’s 2020 postseason, advancing as far as the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to Phoenix Rising FC. His 17 key passes, one assist, and four goals – two of which came in Reno’s pair of postseason contests – helped earn Partida a spot on the USL Championship’s All-League Second Team and ultimately a move to Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC at the end of the season. Though he hasn’t seen any playtime in 2021, his offensive awareness will be called upon as Indy seeks an uptick in goal production through the final weeks of the regular season.

 

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW VILLYAN BIJEV

Since joining the Sooner State side from Sacramento Republic in the offseason, Bijev has been an absolute superstar in the attacking third for Energy FC. The 2016 All-League First Team and Assists Champion hasn’t shown any signs of slowed production, leading his teammates and currently ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference in goals scored with 11. The Liverpool FC youth product has been just a proficient in creating scoring opportunities, leading his side in assists (6) and chances created (29) heading into Wednesday’s fixture.

The Sofia, Bilgaria native’s skills were on full display Sunday evening, having assisted on both goals and created an additional two chances in Energy’s 2-0 win. Bijev’s awareness is what makes him a true threat to opposing defenders, his timing often beating opposing players in a game of inches in offside decisions or his ability to create chances out of pinpoint accurate crosses. A stout Indy Eleven midfield will need to be ready at a moment’s notice to keep Bijev’s passing lanes limited.

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sunday, September 26, 2021) – Indy Eleven’s frustration in front of goal continued Sunday night, as Indiana’s Team fell 0-2 at OKC Energy FC in the first of two meetings in four days’ time at Taft Stadium.

The result puts Indy Eleven (8W-13L-5D, 29 pts.) now five points behind playoff position in the Central Division. Meanwhile, OKC Energy FC (8W-8L-10D, 34 pts.) used the three points to wrestle back the fourth and final playoff position in the division from Memphis 901 FC (32 pts.).

Indy Eleven will get an immediate chance for revenge – and the season’s head-to-head tiebreaker against OKC – this Wednesday, Sept. 29, when the two sides re-rack things at Taft Stadium with an 8:30 p.m. kickoff. The match will serve as the make-up for the squads’ postponed contest back on July 10.

A mundane start had only two reflection points until the match neared the half hour mark, starting in the 18th minute when a lower leg injury forced Indy Eleven midfielder Rece Buckmaster from the match. Three minutes later, an OKC clearance of an Eleven free kick towards the six hit the outstretched arm of Energy FC captain Conor Donovan, but the incidental contact did not earn a point to the spot despite cries from several Indy players.

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sunday, September 26, 2021) – Indy Eleven’s frustration in front of goal continued Sunday night, as Indiana’s Team fell 0-2 at OKC Energy FC in the first of two meetings in four days’ time at Taft Stadium.

The result puts Indy Eleven (8W-13L-5D, 29 pts.) now five points behind playoff position in the Central Division. Meanwhile, OKC Energy FC (8W-8L-10D, 34 pts.) used the three points to wrestle back the fourth and final playoff position in the division from Memphis 901 FC (32 pts.).

Indy Eleven will get an immediate chance for revenge – and the season’s head-to-head tiebreaker against OKC – this Wednesday, Sept. 29, when the two sides re-rack things at Taft Stadium with an 8:30 p.m. kickoff. The match will serve as the make-up for the squads’ postponed contest back on July 10.

A mundane start had only two reflection points until the match neared the half hour mark, starting in the 18th minute when a lower leg injury forced Indy Eleven midfielder Rece Buckmaster from the match. Three minutes later, an OKC clearance of an Eleven free kick towards the six hit the outstretched arm of Energy FC captain Conor Donovan, but the incidental contact did not earn a point to the spot despite cries from several Indy players.

It took 29 minutes for the first shots of the game to be registered, as defender Liam Doyle – making his first Indy Eleven start – and midfielder Nicky Law saw chances off a corner kick blocked inside the area. Energy FC took the lead on a counter attack straight off that sequence, set up by Villyan Bijev’s perfectly timed through ball to Jaime Chavez, who beat Indy’s backline trap before poking past an onrushing Bobby Edwards with his first touch to move the scoreboard.

Chavez nearly doubled up two minutes later with a turn and fire from 15 yards, but Edwards popped the blast over with a strong two-handed save. That last quarter hour of the opening stanza played out with Indy earning some set piece opportunities in the final third that were left wanting, sending the match to the break at 1-0 in favor of OKC.

While Indy started on the front foot in the second half, offensive opportunities still proved tough to come by for the visitors. It was Edwards who was tested thrice from distance in the opening 15 minutes of the half, the New Jersey native handling the chances without incident. In the 60th minute it was Eleven forward Gordon Wild nearly equalizing from distance himself, but the German dragged his chance just wide of the left post.

The 64th minute saw the Indy Eleven and USL Championship debut of Aidan Liu, the recently-turned 21-year-old and native of Chicago entering the match in an attempt to provide a spark at the point of the Eleven front line.

However, it was OKC Energy FC that would score the game’s pivotal second goal in the 74th minute, and it was again Bijev playing provider. After receiving Aidan Daniels’ square ball at the top of the area, Bijev popped a return ball for the substitute Energy striker over the Indy backline. Daniels hooked his touch around Edwards as the Indy netminder attempted to cut off the angle, doubling the OKC advantage and sealing the result.

In the 79th minute, Law served notice off the full volley, a rocket from the top of the area forcing OKC goalkeeper CJ Cochran into a leaping stop for his first save of the evening. The 89th minute saw another claim for penalty for Indiana’s Team when midfielder Nick Moon, who entered for the injured Buckmaster in the first half, went down under ample contact from behind inside the area, but again no whistle came to provide a lifeline for Indy’s chances.  

Wednesday’s return bout at Taft Stadium on Wednesday, which will end a three-game, eight-day road trip, is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch live on ESPN+, gather at Indy Eleven’s official Watch Parties at Union Jack Tap in Broad Ripple & Westfield, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium this Saturday, Oct. 2, with its fourth and final meeting of the campaign against another postseason hopeful, Atlanta United 2. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on the club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Financial Center First Credit Union and Morales Group, can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.

It took 29 minutes for the first shots of the game to be registered, as defender Liam Doyle – making his first Indy Eleven start – and midfielder Nicky Law saw chances off a corner kick blocked inside the area. Energy FC took the lead on a counter attack straight off that sequence, set up by Villyan Bijev’s perfectly timed through ball to Jaime Chavez, who beat Indy’s backline trap before poking past an onrushing Bobby Edwards with his first touch to move the scoreboard.

Chavez nearly doubled up two minutes later with a turn and fire from 15 yards, but Edwards popped the blast over with a strong two-handed save. That last quarter hour of the opening stanza played out with Indy earning some set piece opportunities in the final third that were left wanting, sending the match to the break at 1-0 in favor of OKC.

While Indy started on the front foot in the second half, offensive opportunities still proved tough to come by for the visitors. It was Edwards who was tested thrice from distance in the opening 15 minutes of the half, the New Jersey native handling the chances without incident. In the 60th minute it was Eleven forward Gordon Wild nearly equalizing from distance himself, but the German dragged his chance just wide of the left post.

The 64th minute saw the Indy Eleven and USL Championship debut of Aidan Liu, the recently-turned 21-year-old and native of Chicago entering the match in an attempt to provide a spark at the point of the Eleven front line.

However, it was OKC Energy FC that would score the game’s pivotal second goal in the 74th minute, and it was again Bijev playing provider. After receiving Aidan Daniels’ square ball at the top of the area, Bijev popped a return ball for the substitute Energy striker over the Indy backline. Daniels hooked his touch around Edwards as the Indy netminder attempted to cut off the angle, doubling the OKC advantage and sealing the result.

In the 79th minute, Law served notice off the full volley, a rocket from the top of the area forcing OKC goalkeeper CJ Cochran into a leaping stop for his first save of the evening. The 89th minute saw another claim for penalty for Indiana’s Team when midfielder Nick Moon, who entered for the injured Buckmaster in the first half, went down under ample contact from behind inside the area, but again no whistle came to provide a lifeline for Indy’s chances.  

Wednesday’s return bout at Taft Stadium on Wednesday, which will end a three-game, eight-day road trip, is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch live on ESPN+, gather at Indy Eleven’s official Watch Parties at Union Jack Tap in Broad Ripple & Westfield, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium this Saturday, Oct. 2, with its fourth and final meeting of the campaign against another postseason hopeful, Atlanta United 2. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on the club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Financial Center First Credit Union and Morales Group, can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.

USL Championship Regular Season
OKC Energy FC  2 : 0  Indy Eleven
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla.

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-5D, 29 pts.; 7th place in Central Division
OKC Energy FC: 8W-8L-10D, 34 pts.; 4th place in Central Division

Scoring Summary:
OKC – Jaime Chavez (Villyan Bijev) 30’
OKC – Aidan Daniels (Villyan Bijev) 74’

Discipline Summary:
IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 23’
IND – Jeremiah Gutjahr (yellow card) 45+2’
IND – Gershon Koffie (yellow card) 70’
OKC – Hiroki Kurimoto (yellow card) 90+2’
IND – Aboubacar Sissoko (yellow card) 90+4’

Indy Eleven line-up (3-5-2): Bobby Edwards; Patrick Seagrist, Liam Doyle, Karl Ouimette (captain); Rece Buckmaster (Nick Moon 18’), Nicky Law, Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aidan Liu 64’), Gershon Koffie (Aboubacar Sissoko 75’); Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild (Ayoze 75’)

IND substitutions: Jordan Farr (GK), Kevin Partida, Alann Torres

OKC Energy FC line-up (3-4-3): CJ Cochran; Lamar Batista, Conor Donovan (captain), Mitch Osmond; Deklan Wynne (Tucker Stephenson 61’), Charlie Ward (Brad Dunwell 83’), Hiroki Kurimoto, Zachary Ellis-Hayden (Mueng Sunday 90+3’); Villyan Bijev, Jaime Chavez (Kodai Iida 83’), Arun Basuljevic (Aidan Daniels 61’)

OKC substitutions: Sam Howard (GK), Seyi Adekoya

USL Championship Regular Season
OKC Energy FC  2 : 0  Indy Eleven
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla.

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-5D, 29 pts.; 7th place in Central Division
OKC Energy FC: 8W-8L-10D, 34 pts.; 4th place in Central Division

Scoring Summary:
OKC – Jaime Chavez (Villyan Bijev) 30’
OKC – Aidan Daniels (Villyan Bijev) 74’

Discipline Summary:
IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 23’
IND – Jeremiah Gutjahr (yellow card) 45+2’
IND – Gershon Koffie (yellow card) 70’
OKC – Hiroki Kurimoto (yellow card) 90+2’
IND – Aboubacar Sissoko (yellow card) 90+4’

Indy Eleven line-up (3-5-2): Bobby Edwards; Patrick Seagrist, Liam Doyle, Karl Ouimette (captain); Rece Buckmaster (Nick Moon 18’), Nicky Law, Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aidan Liu 64’), Gershon Koffie (Aboubacar Sissoko 75’); Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild (Ayoze 75’)

IND substitutions: Jordan Farr (GK), Kevin Partida, Alann Torres

OKC Energy FC line-up (3-4-3): CJ Cochran; Lamar Batista, Conor Donovan (captain), Mitch Osmond; Deklan Wynne (Tucker Stephenson 61’), Charlie Ward (Brad Dunwell 83’), Hiroki Kurimoto, Zachary Ellis-Hayden (Mueng Sunday 90+3’); Villyan Bijev, Jaime Chavez (Kodai Iida 83’), Arun Basuljevic (Aidan Daniels 61’)

OKC substitutions: Sam Howard (GK), Seyi Adekoya

#OKCvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at OKC Energy FC

Sunday, September 26, 2021 – 6:00 P.M. ET  

Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #OKCvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-12L-5D (-9 GD), 29 pts.; 7th in Central Division

OKC Energy FC: 7W-8L-10D (-3 GD), 31 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Indy Eleven’s three-game road gauntlet against fellow playoff contenders continues this weekend with the first of back-to-back bashes in Oklahoma City on Sunday. Energy FC currently has possession of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division, but the coveted slot continues to be passed around like a hot potato between Indy, OKC, Atlanta United 2, and Memphis 901 FC. That means a potential win for Indy would see it leap Energy FC on the Central table, but it may still not be enough to put the Boys in Blue in the driver’s seat at the conclusion of Week 23 play.

A couple of those Boys in Blue are brand new, and between the team’s mounting injury woes and a starting XI that has logged heavy minutes in the last week, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see central midfielder Kevin Partida see the field come Sunday evening. The more interesting play could be Hackshaw’s 2020 All-League Second Teammate Partida, the ex-Reno 1868 FC standout who showed enough on trial at Grand Park in recent weeks to overcome any lingering concerns from an injury that saw him sidelined for much of the 2021 campaign.

That said, the primary focus for Indy will be trying to jumpstart things in the attacking third. Indiana’s Team could muster only five shots against 901 FC on the patchy AutoZone Park turf Wednesday night – and only one after the squad fell into its 0-1 hole shortly after the half hour mark. While the conditions of the Taft Stadium pitch will certainly be more reliable, the numbers dictate the prognosis for goals will only be tougher as the venue has produced the least amount of combined goals per game at 1.917 (practically even with Carroll Stadium, clocking in right behind at 1.923).

With a 3W-3L-6D record at home, that means, by default, scoring at Taft Stadium has been equally as confounding for OKC Energy FC, which has only outscored its opposition at home by a 12-11 margin. However, after a rough 0W-3L-2D start (4 GF/8 GA) at Taft, OKC has rebounded to go undefeated in its last seven outings there, their eight tallies and stingy three concessions in that stretch yielding a 3W-0L-4D haul since late June.

OKC enters Sunday on full rest coming off a sturdy 1-1 draw at Birmingham Legion FC last Saturday evening. In that one, Villyan Bijev got Energy FC out to a lead late in the first half, only to see Mikey Lopez equalize in the 55th minute. From there, OKC held off Birmingham’s 14-shot second half barrage to bring a well-earned point back west.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

OKC Energy (4th place, 31 points, 25 games played) vs. Indy (Sunday, 6:00 p.m. ET)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Memphis 901 FC (5th place, 31 pts., 23 GP) vs. LouCity (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 29 pts., 26 GP) at Rio Grande Valley FC (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Indy Eleven (7th place, 29 pts., 25 GP) at OKC (Sunday, 6:00 p.m.)

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. OKC ENERGY FC

USL Championship regular season: 1W-0L-1D (3 GF/2 GA)

USL Championship at home: 1W-0L-1D (3 GF/2 GA)

USL Championship on the road: n/a

OKC Energy FC’s move to the Eastern Conference for the 2021 USL Championship campaign meant the start of a new series for Indiana’s Team (along with OKC’s Sooner State mate at FC Tulsa). The squads began their ledger at Carroll Stadium on June 2, when Nick Moon’s finish off a Gordon Wild corner late in the first half was cancelled out by Frank Lopez’s redirect in the 69th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The two teams tried to renew acquaintances in Oklahoma City on July 10, only to see the game halted at 1-1 early in the second half, and ultimately abandoned due to stormy weather and a subsequent power outage at Taft Stadium. The Central Division foes circled back to the Circle City on August 14, when Manuel Arteaga assisted on Nicky Law’s 26th minute opener before the pair reversed roles on Arteaga’s 53rd minute game-winner in a 2-1 Indy triumph.

With the postponed July away date moved next Wednesday, Sept. 29, that means Indiana’s Team and Energy FC will close out their 2021 series with two games in four days’ time at Taft Stadium.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF KEVIN PARTIDA

Though his name was just added to the roster Thursday afternoon, new arrival Partida could be primed to hit the ground running this Sunday at Taft Stadium. With the injury bug still plaguing the Boys in Blue, the importance of the 26-year-old (as well as other recent additions to Indiana’s Team) will be highlighted in the fight for a playoff berth in the Central Division.

Partida has only been with the squad for a little over a week, spending the first handful of days trialing before completing his transfer to the Hoosier State, but he doesn’t arrive without proven USL Championship credentials. The Sparks, Nevada-native helped lead former USLC heavyweights Reno 1868 FC to the top seed of the league’s 2020 postseason, advancing as far as the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to Phoenix Rising FC. His 17 key passes, one assist, and four goals – two of which came in Reno’s pair of postseason contests – helped earn Partida a spot on the USL Championship’s All-League Second Team and ultimately a move to Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC at the end of the season. Though he hasn’t seen any playtime in 2021, his offensive awareness will be called upon as Indy seeks an uptick in goal production through the final weeks of the regular season.

 

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: GK CJ COCHRAN

Don’t let his 26 goals conceded fool you – Cochran has been a major reason for OKC Energy’s ascension up the Central Division table, currently holding the fourth and final playoff position on a head-to-head tiebreaker with Memphis 901 FC. The 30-year-old is among the top of the list in the Eastern Conference’s goalkeeping statistics, currently fourth in saves (69) and second in clean sheets (7).

Since falling 2-1 at Carroll Stadium on August 14, Energy FC have recorded 2W-1L-2D with five goals for and six goals against, half of those concessions in the stretch coming from the lone 3-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City II on September 4. With two clean sheets in that mix and single-goal concessions in three of the last six outings, Indy will need to quickly breakdown Cochran’s dominance in goal in order to walk away with three points Sunday evening.

#OKCvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at OKC Energy FC

Sunday, September 26, 2021 – 6:00 P.M. ET  

Taft Stadium – Oklahoma City, Okla.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #OKCvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-12L-5D (-9 GD), 29 pts.; 7th in Central Division

OKC Energy FC: 7W-8L-10D (-3 GD), 31 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Indy Eleven’s three-game road gauntlet against fellow playoff contenders continues this weekend with the first of back-to-back bashes in Oklahoma City on Sunday. Energy FC currently has possession of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division, but the coveted slot continues to be passed around like a hot potato between Indy, OKC, Atlanta United 2, and Memphis 901 FC. That means a potential win for Indy would see it leap Energy FC on the Central table, but it may still not be enough to put the Boys in Blue in the driver’s seat at the conclusion of Week 23 play.

A couple of those Boys in Blue are brand new, and between the team’s mounting injury woes and a starting XI that has logged heavy minutes in the last week, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see central midfielder Kevin Partida see the field come Sunday evening. The more interesting play could be Hackshaw’s 2020 All-League Second Teammate Partida, the ex-Reno 1868 FC standout who showed enough on trial at Grand Park in recent weeks to overcome any lingering concerns from an injury that saw him sidelined for much of the 2021 campaign.

That said, the primary focus for Indy will be trying to jumpstart things in the attacking third. Indiana’s Team could muster only five shots against 901 FC on the patchy AutoZone Park turf Wednesday night – and only one after the squad fell into its 0-1 hole shortly after the half hour mark. While the conditions of the Taft Stadium pitch will certainly be more reliable, the numbers dictate the prognosis for goals will only be tougher as the venue has produced the least amount of combined goals per game at 1.917 (practically even with Carroll Stadium, clocking in right behind at 1.923).

With a 3W-3L-6D record at home, that means, by default, scoring at Taft Stadium has been equally as confounding for OKC Energy FC, which has only outscored its opposition at home by a 12-11 margin. However, after a rough 0W-3L-2D start (4 GF/8 GA) at Taft, OKC has rebounded to go undefeated in its last seven outings there, their eight tallies and stingy three concessions in that stretch yielding a 3W-0L-4D haul since late June.

OKC enters Sunday on full rest coming off a sturdy 1-1 draw at Birmingham Legion FC last Saturday evening. In that one, Villyan Bijev got Energy FC out to a lead late in the first half, only to see Mikey Lopez equalize in the 55th minute. From there, OKC held off Birmingham’s 14-shot second half barrage to bring a well-earned point back west.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

OKC Energy (4th place, 31 points, 25 games played) vs. Indy (Sunday, 6:00 p.m. ET)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Memphis 901 FC (5th place, 31 pts., 23 GP) vs. LouCity (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 29 pts., 26 GP) at Rio Grande Valley FC (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Indy Eleven (7th place, 29 pts., 25 GP) at OKC (Sunday, 6:00 p.m.)

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. OKC ENERGY FC

USL Championship regular season: 1W-0L-1D (3 GF/2 GA)

USL Championship at home: 1W-0L-1D (3 GF/2 GA)

USL Championship on the road: n/a

OKC Energy FC’s move to the Eastern Conference for the 2021 USL Championship campaign meant the start of a new series for Indiana’s Team (along with OKC’s Sooner State mate at FC Tulsa). The squads began their ledger at Carroll Stadium on June 2, when Nick Moon’s finish off a Gordon Wild corner late in the first half was cancelled out by Frank Lopez’s redirect in the 69th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The two teams tried to renew acquaintances in Oklahoma City on July 10, only to see the game halted at 1-1 early in the second half, and ultimately abandoned due to stormy weather and a subsequent power outage at Taft Stadium. The Central Division foes circled back to the Circle City on August 14, when Manuel Arteaga assisted on Nicky Law’s 26th minute opener before the pair reversed roles on Arteaga’s 53rd minute game-winner in a 2-1 Indy triumph.

With the postponed July away date moved next Wednesday, Sept. 29, that means Indiana’s Team and Energy FC will close out their 2021 series with two games in four days’ time at Taft Stadium.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF KEVIN PARTIDA

Though his name was just added to the roster Thursday afternoon, new arrival Partida could be primed to hit the ground running this Sunday at Taft Stadium. With the injury bug still plaguing the Boys in Blue, the importance of the 26-year-old (as well as other recent additions to Indiana’s Team) will be highlighted in the fight for a playoff berth in the Central Division.

Partida has only been with the squad for a little over a week, spending the first handful of days trialing before completing his transfer to the Hoosier State, but he doesn’t arrive without proven USL Championship credentials. The Sparks, Nevada-native helped lead former USLC heavyweights Reno 1868 FC to the top seed of the league’s 2020 postseason, advancing as far as the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to Phoenix Rising FC. His 17 key passes, one assist, and four goals – two of which came in Reno’s pair of postseason contests – helped earn Partida a spot on the USL Championship’s All-League Second Team and ultimately a move to Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC at the end of the season. Though he hasn’t seen any playtime in 2021, his offensive awareness will be called upon as Indy seeks an uptick in goal production through the final weeks of the regular season.

 

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: GK CJ COCHRAN

Don’t let his 26 goals conceded fool you – Cochran has been a major reason for OKC Energy’s ascension up the Central Division table, currently holding the fourth and final playoff position on a head-to-head tiebreaker with Memphis 901 FC. The 30-year-old is among the top of the list in the Eastern Conference’s goalkeeping statistics, currently fourth in saves (69) and second in clean sheets (7).

Since falling 2-1 at Carroll Stadium on August 14, Energy FC have recorded 2W-1L-2D with five goals for and six goals against, half of those concessions in the stretch coming from the lone 3-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City II on September 4. With two clean sheets in that mix and single-goal concessions in three of the last six outings, Indy will need to quickly breakdown Cochran’s dominance in goal in order to walk away with three points Sunday evening.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven made one final addition to its squad prior to today’s USL Championship roster freeze deadline with the signing of defender Tobi Adewole.

Per club policy, terms of the deal that brings the five-year veteran of the Championship to Indianapolis for the stretch drive of the 2021 regular season will not be released. Adewole is expected to join Indy Eleven in Oklahoma City in advance of its upcoming games against OKC Energy FC on Sunday and Wednesday, but his availability for those contests will be pending league and federation approval.

“Having worked with Tobi Adewole last season in Saint Louis, I am confident he can immediately provide quality production on our backline,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “The additions of Tobi, Emmanuel Ledesma, and Kevin Partida in recent days should be a clear signal that the intention to not only reach, but succeed, in the postseason remains our squad’s only expectation this season. We embrace the challenge and look forward to Tobi’s role in achieving that success through the rest of the 2021 season.”

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven made one final addition to its squad prior to today’s USL Championship roster freeze deadline with the signing of defender Tobi Adewole.

Per club policy, terms of the deal that brings the five-year veteran of the Championship to Indianapolis for the stretch drive of the 2021 regular season will not be released. Adewole is expected to join Indy Eleven in Oklahoma City in advance of its upcoming games against OKC Energy FC on Sunday and Wednesday, but his availability for those contests will be pending league and federation approval.

“Having worked with Tobi Adewole last season in Saint Louis, I am confident he can immediately provide quality production on our backline,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “The additions of Tobi, Emmanuel Ledesma, and Kevin Partida in recent days should be a clear signal that the intention to not only reach, but succeed, in the postseason remains our squad’s only expectation this season. We embrace the challenge and look forward to Tobi’s role in achieving that success through the rest of the 2021 season.”

The 25-year-old Adewole is already in his fifth professional campaign, all spent in the USL Championship between Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (2017-19), Saint Louis FC (2020), and Phoenix Rising FC (2021). The native of Cheverly, Maryland, has scored three goals across 100 appearances in regular season (91), postseason (4), and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (5) action.

The product of George Washington University started seven of Phoenix’s first 11 games this season and appeared off the bench in two more contests. Prior to 2021, Adewole helped Saint Louis and Pittsburgh to USL Championship Playoff berths in each of the last three years. His signing brings Indy Eleven’s roster to 28 players for the remainder of the 2021 campaign; visit https://www.indyeleven.com/2021-roster for more on the Boys in Blue.

Indy Eleven continues its pivotal three-game road trip against Central Division playoff contenders this Sunday, Sept. 26, with the first of back-to-back games at OKC Energy FC. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN+), which will be followed by a repeat performance three days later next Wednesday, Sept. 29 (8:30 p.m. ET kickoff, ESPN+).

Indy Eleven will return home next Saturday, Oct. 2, for another crucial Central Division contest against Atlanta United 2. Tickets for that evening’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night celebration, presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union, remain available and can be purchased at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets. Fans who cannot make it to Carroll Stadium for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos 94.3 FM/exitos943.com and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

The 25-year-old Adewole is already in his fifth professional campaign, all spent in the USL Championship between Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (2017-19), Saint Louis FC (2020), and Phoenix Rising FC (2021). The native of Cheverly, Maryland, has scored three goals across 100 appearances in regular season (91), postseason (4), and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (5) action.

The product of George Washington University started seven of Phoenix’s first 11 games this season and appeared off the bench in two more contests. Prior to 2021, Adewole helped Saint Louis and Pittsburgh to USL Championship Playoff berths in each of the last three years. His signing brings Indy Eleven’s roster to 28 players for the remainder of the 2021 campaign; visit https://www.indyeleven.com/2021-roster for more on the Boys in Blue.

Indy Eleven continues its pivotal three-game road trip against Central Division playoff contenders this Sunday, Sept. 26, with the first of back-to-back games at OKC Energy FC. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN+), which will be followed by a repeat performance three days later next Wednesday, Sept. 29 (8:30 p.m. ET kickoff, ESPN+).

Indy Eleven will return home next Saturday, Oct. 2, for another crucial Central Division contest against Atlanta United 2. Tickets for that evening’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night celebration, presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union, remain available and can be purchased at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets. Fans who cannot make it to Carroll Stadium for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos 94.3 FM/exitos943.com and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

INDIANAPOLIS – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced Indy Eleven as the newest club to join the USL W League. Indy Eleven, a member of the USL Championship men’s professional league, will introduce its women’s senior team in the USL W League in 2022.

Indy Eleven is looking forward to other exciting news, which will also include future announcements around details surrounding its W League entry’s name, logo, and branding; home venue and training locations; staffing model and more at later dates accordingly.

“Indy Eleven has long desired to take a tangible step towards representation in the women’s game, and we are proud to partner with the United Soccer League and the W League to make that a reality,” said Indy Eleven President & CEO Greg Stremlaw. “Indy Eleven is eager to do our part in growing women’s soccer here in Indiana and, just as is the case with our USL Championship team, fulfilling our aim to be the premier club in the USL W League both on and off the field starting in 2022.”

The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The USL W League is committed to helping girls and women achieve their dreams by providing over 750 new opportunities for women to play, coach, and work in soccer. Further, with teams located across the country, thousands of women’s soccer fans will have new and greater access to the sport they love. Ultimately, the USL W League will provide a platform that allows for greater exposure both on and off the field resulting in a stronger game led by strong women. To learn more about the new league debuting on the field in 2022, visit uslwleague.com.

“We’re excited to welcome Indy Eleven to the USL W League as they introduce a women’s senior team,” said Betsy Haugh, USL W League Director of Operations. “Indy Eleven is a fantastic organization that has a deep commitment to growing the sport of soccer, and we know they will be a tremendous addition to the W League.”

Indy Eleven was founded in 2013, with its men’s professional team joining the USL Championship in 2018. The club currently has a robust youth structure that includes small group training, camps, and clinics for boys and girls as young as six years of age. Just over a year ago, the club launched the Indy Eleven Youth Soccer Program, a grass roots initiative designed to grow accessibility to the sport and keep families connected to the game longer by supporting 15,000 recreational players at partner clubs across the Hoosier State.

Earlier in 2021, Indy Eleven made its first formal forays into youth competitions by participating in the inaugural season of the USL Academy League (U-19 Boys) and last spring’s USL Academy Cup (Boys U-13 & U-17), with the club reaching the Final in both age groups in the Cup tournament. By joining the USL W League, the Indianapolis-based club will now also offer a senior team platform on the women’s side, providing more opportunities for women to compete at the pre-professional level.

“The W League will give thousands of young female players of all ages the opportunity to watch, learn, and develop into young professionals,” said Indy Eleven Assistant Coach Phil Presser. “Built on the tradition of amazing athletes like USWNT and Indiana Soccer Hall of Famers Lori Lindsey and Lauren Holiday, this will help light the fire and provide an equitable platform to female athletes to become professionals. Giving local talent another opportunity to play the game they love at the highest level, this marks the first step to continue the growth of our game right here in Indiana.”

Indy Eleven’s dedication to its club and community is driven by empowering a culture of excellence through its players and staff. Driven by core values of family, integrity, commitment and excellence, Indy Eleven strives to be best in class, on and off the pitch, while inspiring all through the excitement and unity created by soccer.

The addition of a senior women’s team in the USL W League is part of Indy Eleven Sports and Entertainment’s long-term vision and commitment to community impact and growing the women’s game. A cornerstone of that commitment is Eleven Park, a transformative, mixed-use neighborhood development project that will include a new, multi-purpose soccer stadium. Upon its completion, Eleven Park will include best-in-class amenities and provide the flexibility in scheduling that will allow Indy Eleven to accommodate matches for its senior men’s and women’s teams as well as select youth level events.

For updates on Indy Eleven’s new USL W League team and other news surrounding Indiana’s Team, visit https://www.indyeleven.com and the club’s Twitter, Facebook & Instagram homes.

INDIANAPOLIS – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced Indy Eleven as the newest club to join the USL W League. Indy Eleven, a member of the USL Championship men’s professional league, will introduce its women’s senior team in the USL W League in 2022.

Indy Eleven is looking forward to other exciting news, which will also include future announcements around details surrounding its W League entry’s name, logo, and branding; home venue and training locations; staffing model and more at later dates accordingly.

“Indy Eleven has long desired to take a tangible step towards representation in the women’s game, and we are proud to partner with the United Soccer League and the W League to make that a reality,” said Indy Eleven President & CEO Greg Stremlaw. “Indy Eleven is eager to do our part in growing women’s soccer here in Indiana and, just as is the case with our USL Championship team, fulfilling our aim to be the premier club in the USL W League both on and off the field starting in 2022.”

The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The USL W League is committed to helping girls and women achieve their dreams by providing over 750 new opportunities for women to play, coach, and work in soccer. Further, with teams located across the country, thousands of women’s soccer fans will have new and greater access to the sport they love. Ultimately, the USL W League will provide a platform that allows for greater exposure both on and off the field resulting in a stronger game led by strong women. To learn more about the new league debuting on the field in 2022, visit uslwleague.com.

“We’re excited to welcome Indy Eleven to the USL W League as they introduce a women’s senior team,” said Betsy Haugh, USL W League Director of Operations. “Indy Eleven is a fantastic organization that has a deep commitment to growing the sport of soccer, and we know they will be a tremendous addition to the W League.”

Indy Eleven was founded in 2013, with its men’s professional team joining the USL Championship in 2018. The club currently has a robust youth structure that includes small group training, camps, and clinics for boys and girls as young as six years of age. Just over a year ago, the club launched the Indy Eleven Youth Soccer Program, a grass roots initiative designed to grow accessibility to the sport and keep families connected to the game longer by supporting 15,000 recreational players at partner clubs across the Hoosier State.

Earlier in 2021, Indy Eleven made its first formal forays into youth competitions by participating in the inaugural season of the USL Academy League (U-19 Boys) and last spring’s USL Academy Cup (Boys U-13 & U-17), with the club reaching the Final in both age groups in the Cup tournament. By joining the USL W League, the Indianapolis-based club will now also offer a senior team platform on the women’s side, providing more opportunities for women to compete at the pre-professional level.

“The W League will give thousands of young female players of all ages the opportunity to watch, learn, and develop into young professionals,” said Indy Eleven Assistant Coach Phil Presser. “Built on the tradition of amazing athletes like USWNT and Indiana Soccer Hall of Famers Lori Lindsey and Lauren Holiday, this will help light the fire and provide an equitable platform to female athletes to become professionals. Giving local talent another opportunity to play the game they love at the highest level, this marks the first step to continue the growth of our game right here in Indiana.”

Indy Eleven’s dedication to its club and community is driven by empowering a culture of excellence through its players and staff. Driven by core values of family, integrity, commitment and excellence, Indy Eleven strives to be best in class, on and off the pitch, while inspiring all through the excitement and unity created by soccer.

The addition of a senior women’s team in the USL W League is part of Indy Eleven Sports and Entertainment’s long-term vision and commitment to community impact and growing the women’s game. A cornerstone of that commitment is Eleven Park, a transformative, mixed-use neighborhood development project that will include a new, multi-purpose soccer stadium. Upon its completion, Eleven Park will include best-in-class amenities and provide the flexibility in scheduling that will allow Indy Eleven to accommodate matches for its senior men’s and women’s teams as well as select youth level events.

For updates on Indy Eleven’s new USL W League team and other news surrounding Indiana’s Team, visit https://www.indyeleven.com and the club’s Twitter, Facebook & Instagram homes.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven finalized a pair of transactions prior to Friday’s USL Championship roster freeze deadline, headlined by the signing of midfielder Kevin Partida for the remainder of the 2021 season. Per club policy, terms of the deal that brings the 2020 All-USL Championship Second Team performer to Indiana’s Team will not be disclosed.

In an additional roster move, goalkeeper and Carmel native Eric Dick saw his loan with Indiana’s Team come to an end after his recall by Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC. These moves keep the Indy Eleven roster at 27 players as the Boys in Blue enter the stretch drive of the Championship regular season through the end of October.

“In Kevin Partida, we add a central midfielder who provides a box-to-box presence and can influence the game on both sides of the ball,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “After getting a good look at Kevin on trial over the last week, we are confident his professionalism both on the field and in the locker room will fit in seamlessly with our group and help propel us towards the postseason.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven finalized a pair of transactions prior to Friday’s USL Championship roster freeze deadline, headlined by the signing of midfielder Kevin Partida for the remainder of the 2021 season. Per club policy, terms of the deal that brings the 2020 All-USL Championship Second Team performer to Indiana’s Team will not be disclosed.

In an additional roster move, goalkeeper and Carmel native Eric Dick saw his loan with Indiana’s Team come to an end after his recall by Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC. These moves keep the Indy Eleven roster at 27 players as the Boys in Blue enter the stretch drive of the Championship regular season through the end of October.

“In Kevin Partida, we add a central midfielder who provides a box-to-box presence and can influence the game on both sides of the ball,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “After getting a good look at Kevin on trial over the last week, we are confident his professionalism both on the field and in the locker room will fit in seamlessly with our group and help propel us towards the postseason.

“On behalf of the club, I also want to thank Eric Dick for his service to the Eleven and wish him the best of luck as he continues his season with Columbus,” concluded Rogers.

Partida most recently suited up for Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC at the end of their 2020 campaign, joining the “Loons” after the completion of last year’s abbreviated USL Championship season. The 26-year-old’s standout 2020 performance in the center of the pitch helped Reno 1868 FC achieve the Championship’s top regular season record and included 17 key passes, one assist, and four goals – two of which came in Reno’s pair of postseason contests. In all, the native of Sparks, Nevada, collected five goals, three assists and 35 key passes in 41 appearances (38 starts) across three USL Championships seasons, all spent with his hometown Reno squad from 2018-20.

Minnesota was not the only Major League Soccer stop for Partida, who was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the third round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. The UNLV product made five appearances on loan for San Jose in his rookie season in 2018, performances that earned him a spot on the MLS side the following season, spent mostly on loan back with Reno.

The return to Columbus for the 26-year-old Dick comes after the Butler University graduate made four appearances for Indy earlier this summer, during which he collected a 1W-2L-1D record, one shutout and 22 saves.

Indy Eleven continues its pivotal three-game road trip against Central Division playoff contenders this Sunday, Sept. 26, with the first of back-to-back games at OKC Energy FC. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN+), which will be followed by a repeat performance three days later on Wednesday, Sept. 29 (8:30 p.m. ET kickoff, ESPN+).

Indy Eleven will return home next Saturday, Oct. 2, for another crucial Central Division contest against Atlanta United 2. Tickets for that evening’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night celebration, presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union, remain available and can be purchased at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets. Fans who cannot make it to Carroll Stadium for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos 94.3 FM/exitos943.com and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

“On behalf of the club, I also want to thank Eric Dick for his service to the Eleven and wish him the best of luck as he continues his season with Columbus,” concluded Rogers.

Partida most recently suited up for Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC at the end of their 2020 campaign, joining the “Loons” after the completion of last year’s abbreviated USL Championship season. The 26-year-old’s standout 2020 performance in the center of the pitch helped Reno 1868 FC achieve the Championship’s top regular season record and included 17 key passes, one assist, and four goals – two of which came in Reno’s pair of postseason contests. In all, the native of Sparks, Nevada, collected five goals, three assists and 35 key passes in 41 appearances (38 starts) across three USL Championships seasons, all spent with his hometown Reno squad from 2018-20.

Minnesota was not the only Major League Soccer stop for Partida, who was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the third round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. The UNLV product made five appearances on loan for San Jose in his rookie season in 2018, performances that earned him a spot on the MLS side the following season, spent mostly on loan back with Reno.

The return to Columbus for the 26-year-old Dick comes after the Butler University graduate made four appearances for Indy earlier this summer, during which he collected a 1W-2L-1D record, one shutout and 22 saves.

Indy Eleven continues its pivotal three-game road trip against Central Division playoff contenders this Sunday, Sept. 26, with the first of back-to-back games at OKC Energy FC. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN+), which will be followed by a repeat performance three days later on Wednesday, Sept. 29 (8:30 p.m. ET kickoff, ESPN+).

Indy Eleven will return home next Saturday, Oct. 2, for another crucial Central Division contest against Atlanta United 2. Tickets for that evening’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night celebration, presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union, remain available and can be purchased at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets. Fans who cannot make it to Carroll Stadium for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos 94.3 FM/exitos943.com and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

MEMPHIS, TENN. – Indy Eleven suffered a frustrating 1-0 loss on the road at Memphis 901 FC Wednesday evening. A lack of shots from each side ultimately saw 901 FC’s Kyle Murphy score the first half game-winner after an unfortunate deflection sent the ball skipping into Indy’s net.

Wednesday’s loss saw Indiana’s Team drop to seventh on the Central Division table, but another key midweek result kept Indy with arm’s reach of a postseason berth. Atlanta United 2 (6th) dropped points in a 4-0 loss in its Wednesday night fixture against Birmingham Legion FC (2nd), the result keeping Indy within a win for a three-way tie with Memphis (31 pts.) and OKC Energy FC (31 pts.) for the coveted fourth place position in the increasingly crowded division.

Both teams had bouts of pressure in the first 45 minutes of play, but neither side could muster much in terms of goal scoring opportunities. Indiana’s Team found its first and only chance of note of the half in the 10th minute, when a pair of passes from forwards Gordon Wild and Manuel Arteaga moved the ball across the top of Memphis’ 18 to an open pocket towards the left of the box. Nicky Law’s run into the penalty area pulled Memphis’ back line far away enough to give Ayoze a clear shot as he darted in from the flank, his low strike forcing 901 FC goalkeeper Cody Cropper into a diving save.

Nineteen minutes eclipsed before Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr was tested, his first bit of action keeping the sheet clean after Memphis midfielder Alan Winn’s cross into the six took a hard bounce off the inside of Indy defender Neveal Hackshaw’s boot and towards goal. The proceedings took a turn for the worse for Indy two minutes later in the 31st minute, when a loose ball went bouncing towards the top of Farr’s box with Murphy in tow. Hackshaw and fellow defender Karl Ouimette crowded in front of the forward while the ‘keeper attempted to clear the danger, but Farr’s clearance ricocheted off Murphy’s hip and quickly hopped towards goal for what would end up being the lone goal of the evening.

Memphis had its first and only true shot on goal of the first half in the 45th minute, Mark Segbers finding Dre Fortune in the top-right of the penalty area through a swarm of Eleven players for an attempt at the near post, a hit that Farr palmed back into the box for a clearance. Despite outshooting the hosts 5-4 and holding over 64% possession, Indy Eleven trailed by one heading into the break.

There was only one chance on goal throughout the second stanza for either team, this time favoring 901 FC. In the 48th minute, Winn dribbled his was through the left wing for a shot within the 18 to the near post, forcing Farr to jump off his line for the save. Indy continued to play a stout possession game throughout the second half having retained the ball for 63% percent of the remaining time, but that wasn’t enough for the Boys in Blue to salvage a point on the road.

Indy attempted to bring in a jolt of energy near the end of the evening with several late game substitutions, including a USL Championship debut for 17-year-old USL Academy signing Alann Torres, but the night eventually ended after eight minutes of stoppage time ticked away at AutoZone Park.

The Boys in Blue will continue their stretch of away games in the first matchup of a doubleheader at OKC Energy FC this Sunday, September 26. Kickoff from Taft Stadium is slated for 6:00 p.m. ET for a match fans can watch live on ESPN+, as well as follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Those same details can be followed to track the two sides’ 2021 series finale next Wednesday, Sept. 29, this time kicking off in Oklahoma City at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 2, with its fourth and final meeting of the campaign against another postseason hopeful, Atlanta United 2. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on the club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Financial Center First Credit Union and Morales Group, can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Memphis 901 FC  1 : 0  Indy Eleven

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

AutoZone Park – Memphis, Tenn.

 

Indy Eleven: 8W-12L-5D, 29 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Memphis 901 FC: 8W-8L-7D, 31 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

MEM – Kyle Murphy (unassisted) 31’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Nick Moon (yellow card) 28’

MEM – Leston Paul (yellow card) 56’
MEM – Andre Reynolds (yellow card) 75’
MEM – Cody Cropper (yellow card) 90’

MEM – Laurent Kissiedou (yellow card) 90+6’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (Liam Doyle 55’), Jared Timmer, Karl Ouimette; Ayoze (captain) (Patrick Seagrist 82’), Gershon Koffie (Alann Torres 82’), Jeremiah Gutjahr, Nick Moon (Rece Buckmaster 73’); Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Aidan Liu, Aboubacar Sissoko

 

Memphis 901 FC line-up (4-3-3): Cody Cropper; Mark Segbers, Skylar Thomas, Andre Reynolds (Brecc Evans 89’), Niall Logue, Alan Winn (Kadeem Dacres 59’), Dominic Oduro, Andre Fortune (Raul Gonzalez 70’), Leston Paul (captain), Laurent Kissiedou, Kyle Murphy (Michael Salazar 89’)

MEM substitutions: Brady Scott (GK), Matt Brucker, Rashawn Dally

MEMPHIS, TENN. – Indy Eleven suffered a frustrating 1-0 loss on the road at Memphis 901 FC Wednesday evening. A lack of shots from each side ultimately saw 901 FC’s Kyle Murphy score the first half game-winner after an unfortunate deflection sent the ball skipping into Indy’s net.

Wednesday’s loss saw Indiana’s Team drop to seventh on the Central Division table, but another key midweek result kept Indy with arm’s reach of a postseason berth. Atlanta United 2 (6th) dropped points in a 4-0 loss in its Wednesday night fixture against Birmingham Legion FC (2nd), the result keeping Indy within a win for a three-way tie with Memphis (31 pts.) and OKC Energy FC (31 pts.) for the coveted fourth place position in the increasingly crowded division.

Both teams had bouts of pressure in the first 45 minutes of play, but neither side could muster much in terms of goal scoring opportunities. Indiana’s Team found its first and only chance of note of the half in the 10th minute, when a pair of passes from forwards Gordon Wild and Manuel Arteaga moved the ball across the top of Memphis’ 18 to an open pocket towards the left of the box. Nicky Law’s run into the penalty area pulled Memphis’ back line far away enough to give Ayoze a clear shot as he darted in from the flank, his low strike forcing 901 FC goalkeeper Cody Cropper into a diving save.

Nineteen minutes eclipsed before Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr was tested, his first bit of action keeping the sheet clean after Memphis midfielder Alan Winn’s cross into the six took a hard bounce off the inside of Indy defender Neveal Hackshaw’s boot and towards goal. The proceedings took a turn for the worse for Indy two minutes later in the 31st minute, when a loose ball went bouncing towards the top of Farr’s box with Murphy in tow. Hackshaw and fellow defender Karl Ouimette crowded in front of the forward while the ‘keeper attempted to clear the danger, but Farr’s clearance ricocheted off Murphy’s hip and quickly hopped towards goal for what would end up being the lone goal of the evening.

Memphis had its first and only true shot on goal of the first half in the 45th minute, Mark Segbers finding Dre Fortune in the top-right of the penalty area through a swarm of Eleven players for an attempt at the near post, a hit that Farr palmed back into the box for a clearance. Despite outshooting the hosts 5-4 and holding over 64% possession, Indy Eleven trailed by one heading into the break.

There was only one chance on goal throughout the second stanza for either team, this time favoring 901 FC. In the 48th minute, Winn dribbled his was through the left wing for a shot within the 18 to the near post, forcing Farr to jump off his line for the save. Indy continued to play a stout possession game throughout the second half having retained the ball for 63% percent of the remaining time, but that wasn’t enough for the Boys in Blue to salvage a point on the road.

Indy attempted to bring in a jolt of energy near the end of the evening with several late game substitutions, including a USL Championship debut for 17-year-old USL Academy signing Alann Torres, but the night eventually ended after eight minutes of stoppage time ticked away at AutoZone Park.

The Boys in Blue will continue their stretch of away games in the first matchup of a doubleheader at OKC Energy FC this Sunday, September 26. Kickoff from Taft Stadium is slated for 6:00 p.m. ET for a match fans can watch live on ESPN+, as well as follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Those same details can be followed to track the two sides’ 2021 series finale next Wednesday, Sept. 29, this time kicking off in Oklahoma City at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 2, with its fourth and final meeting of the campaign against another postseason hopeful, Atlanta United 2. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on the club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night, presented by Financial Center First Credit Union and Morales Group, can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Memphis 901 FC  1 : 0  Indy Eleven

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

AutoZone Park – Memphis, Tenn.

 

Indy Eleven: 8W-12L-5D, 29 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Memphis 901 FC: 8W-8L-7D, 31 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

MEM – Kyle Murphy (unassisted) 31’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Nick Moon (yellow card) 28’

MEM – Leston Paul (yellow card) 56’
MEM – Andre Reynolds (yellow card) 75’
MEM – Cody Cropper (yellow card) 90’

MEM – Laurent Kissiedou (yellow card) 90+6’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (Liam Doyle 55’), Jared Timmer, Karl Ouimette; Ayoze (captain) (Patrick Seagrist 82’), Gershon Koffie (Alann Torres 82’), Jeremiah Gutjahr, Nick Moon (Rece Buckmaster 73’); Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Aidan Liu, Aboubacar Sissoko

 

Memphis 901 FC line-up (4-3-3): Cody Cropper; Mark Segbers, Skylar Thomas, Andre Reynolds (Brecc Evans 89’), Niall Logue, Alan Winn (Kadeem Dacres 59’), Dominic Oduro, Andre Fortune (Raul Gonzalez 70’), Leston Paul (captain), Laurent Kissiedou, Kyle Murphy (Michael Salazar 89’)

MEM substitutions: Brady Scott (GK), Matt Brucker, Rashawn Dally

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven added a well-known commodity in USL Championship circles for the stretch drive of its 2021 regular season campaign with today’s signing of former league Most Valuable Player Emmanuel Ledesma. Terms of the deal that brings the Argentinean playmaker to the Circle City will not be released, per club policy.   

The 33-year-old attacking midfielder is currently completing the paperwork process for entry into the United States and is expected to join Indiana’s Team as early as next week. The native of Quilmes, Argentina, brings a wealth of experience to Indy Eleven after playing 13 seasons across Europe and the Americas, during which he tallied 61 goals and 50 assists in 277 professional league and cup matches.  

“To receive a player the quality of Emmanuel Ledesma at this point in our season signifies we still have every expectation to not only reach, but to succeed in the USL Championship Playoffs,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “Emmanuel has proven that he can be a special performer in this league, and we look forward to his contributions in the coming weeks as we aim to reward our fans with a postseason berth.”   

After rising through the youth ranks at Serie A side Genoa, Ledesma spent most of his first three seasons in Italy (Salernitana, Novara Calcio & Cortone); however, he made his professional first team debut in 2008 while on loan to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers. After two stints with Walsall in England’s League One and a brief return home to Argentina to his boyhood club of Defensa y Justicia, Ledesma returned to the English second flight for five seasons in the Championship from 2010-16 with Middlesborough, Rotherham United (twice), Brighton Hove & Albion, and Brentford. 

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven added a well-known commodity in USL Championship circles for the stretch drive of its 2021 regular season campaign with today’s signing of former league Most Valuable Player Emmanuel Ledesma. Terms of the deal that brings the Argentinean playmaker to the Circle City will not be released, per club policy.   

The 33-year-old attacking midfielder is currently completing the paperwork process for entry into the United States and is expected to join Indiana’s Team as early as next week. The native of Quilmes, Argentina, brings a wealth of experience to Indy Eleven after playing 13 seasons across Europe and the Americas, during which he tallied 61 goals and 50 assists in 277 professional league and cup matches.  

“To receive a player the quality of Emmanuel Ledesma at this point in our season signifies we still have every expectation to not only reach, but to succeed in the USL Championship Playoffs,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “Emmanuel has proven that he can be a special performer in this league, and we look forward to his contributions in the coming weeks as we aim to reward our fans with a postseason berth.”   

After rising through the youth ranks at Serie A side Genoa, Ledesma spent most of his first three seasons in Italy (Salernitana, Novara Calcio & Cortone); however, he made his professional first team debut in 2008 while on loan to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers. After two stints with Walsall in England’s League One and a brief return home to Argentina to his boyhood club of Defensa y Justicia, Ledesma returned to the English second flight for five seasons in the Championship from 2010-16 with Middlesborough, Rotherham United (twice), Brighton Hove & Albion, and Brentford. 

A short stint with Greek Super Club side Panetolikos preceded Ledesma’s first trek to the United States to join the NASL’s New York Cosmos in 2017, when he bagged 10 goals in 21 contests playing alongside his new Eleven teammate and captain Ayoze. Ledesma dazzled with FC Cincinnati during his USL Championship MVP campaign in 2018, scoring 16 goals to go along with a then league record 16 assists in helping FCC to another Championship record of 77 points from regular season play. After he stayed with Cincinnati for its inaugural season in Major League Soccer in 2019, Ledesma spent the last two years in the Finnish First Division (Veikkausliiga) with SJK (Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho) before returning stateside with Indy Eleven. 

Ledesma’s addition brings the active Indy Eleven (8W-11L-5D, 29 pts., 6th place in Central Division) roster to 27 players as the club enters the final quarter of its 2021 regular season slate, which begins tonight with a crucial away affair at Memphis 901 FC (7W-8L-7D, 28 pts., 7th in Central). Kickoff from AutoZone Park in Memphis is set for 8:00 p.m. ET for a contest fans can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+ and track online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. 

A short stint with Greek Super Club side Panetolikos preceded Ledesma’s first trek to the United States to join the NASL’s New York Cosmos in 2017, when he bagged 10 goals in 21 contests playing alongside his new Eleven teammate and captain Ayoze. Ledesma dazzled with FC Cincinnati during his USL Championship MVP campaign in 2018, scoring 16 goals to go along with a then league record 16 assists in helping FCC to another Championship record of 77 points from regular season play. After he stayed with Cincinnati for its inaugural season in Major League Soccer in 2019, Ledesma spent the last two years in the Finnish First Division (Veikkausliiga) with SJK (Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho) before returning stateside with Indy Eleven. 

Ledesma’s addition brings the active Indy Eleven (8W-11L-5D, 29 pts., 6th place in Central Division) roster to 27 players as the club enters the final quarter of its 2021 regular season slate, which begins tonight with a crucial away affair at Memphis 901 FC (7W-8L-7D, 28 pts., 7th in Central). Kickoff from AutoZone Park in Memphis is set for 8:00 p.m. ET for a contest fans can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+ and track online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.