News

#INDvSLC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Saturday, August 28, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live 

Local/National TV: WISH-TV 8

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

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

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

Live stats: #INDvSLC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-5D (-7 GD), 23 pts.; 5th in Central Division

Real Monarchs SLC: 4W-10L-4D (-12 GD); 8th in Mountain Division

 

Indy Eleven has a third consecutive clash with a bottom-of-the-division side this Saturday night when Real Monarchs SLC comes to the Circle City. The biggest difference from Indy’s previous two contests last week – a disappointing loss at Loudoun United FC and a frustrating draw at Sporting KC II – is the setting, as Saturday’s match allows Indiana’s Team to enjoy some home cooking.

In a season where little has gone as expected for the Boys in Blue, Saturday’s match could actually provide a chance for some stability at Carroll Stadium. The Eleven bucked their early season home struggles by posting a 2-1 victory over OKC Energy FC two weekends ago, a result that snapped a five-game winless streak at “The Mike” and seemed to take a giant weight off the team’s collective shoulders. Despite a 2W-5L-2D home mark in 2021, with four consecutive Carroll Stadium Saturdays on deck the chance to turn the Eleven’s home venue into a fortress remains very much in play – and how those games turn out will likely also dictate the squad’s very-much-in-play chances at securing a playoff berth over the next two months.

Earning just one of six possible points across the last week – including Sunday’s 1-1 draw at SKC II in which the full three points were for the taking until the final action of the match – again rachets up the pressure on Indiana’s Team, which sits just off the wrong side of the playoff line in the crowded Central Division. If the last home outing is any indication, Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ side will channel that supposed pressure into a literal high-pressure gameplan, an approach that paid some dividends in the second half of last Sunday’s draw in Kansas City, during which the Boys in Blue outshot SKC by a 12-4 clip.

Rogers should have the full compliment of his roster at hand, with midfielder Carl Haworth now officially off the injured list and Nick Moon and Jared Timmer looking ready for full plates of action coming off minor ankle injuries in recent weeks. With the full deck on hand and fully rested, Saturday night’s starting XI could provide a glimpse into what Rogers & Co. thinks is the best solution for continuity and success down the stretch … but we’ll all have to wait until an hour before kickoff for what that formula will exactly entail.

On the opposite side, there’s Real Monarchs SLC, where consistency is a luxury – and just not really a thing this season. Due to its affiliation with Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake, the constant shuttling of players between the first team and Monarchs SLC has resulted in 37 different players seeing the field under Head Coach Jamison Olave in 18 games, and the team’s 4W-10L-4D record bears the marks of that inability to lean on a steady gameday roster.

However, much like it did versus Loudoun and SKC II, Indy is getting a look at a bottom-of-the-table team showing recent signs of success, Real Monarchs posting a pair of wins in its last four outings. That ledger includes a 1-0 victory in their last contest at a San Diego Loyal SC side currently in playoff position; unfortunately for Monarchs SLC, that match came three weeks ago on Aug. 7, as their previously scheduled contest last week at San Antonio was postponed. So on one hand, the Utah side will come to the Midwest refreshed and with their batteries fully charged … but on the other hand, they may also have some rust to knock off their boots.

Scoring has been the issue for Real Monarchs SLC, which has bagged only 18 goals in as many games, tied for the third lowest across the Championship. Forward and RSL Homegrown Player Milan Iloski paces the squad with both four goals and three assists, while Charlie Wehan has provided some spark alongside Iloski since mid-June, bagging twice since his move over from New Mexico United. The defense has had its struggles as well with 30 goals conceded (the same amount as Indy, to be fair), but in that never-ending search for continuity the club does appear ready to give the keys to Jeff Dewsnup. While his 2.00 goals against average is part of the learning curve, there’s more than a little bright side, as the 17-year-old became the youngest goalkeeper in USL Championship history to post a clean sheet his last time out.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. REAL MONARCHS SLC

First ever meeting

After living on opposite sides of the USL Championship’s conference tables since Indy’s entrance in 2018, Saturday’s meeting at The Mike marks the first time the squads will meet in inter-conference (or, more accurately this season, inter-divisional) action. This marks the fourth and final such cross-conference affair this season for Indy, which is looking for its first point in such games after losses at El Paso and Loudoun United FC and at home to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

 

IND Player to Watch: DF Patrick Seagrist

Defenders Neveal Hackshaw and Ayoze have been the typical duo fans have grown accustomed to seeing stationed along the left flank. However, as both have seen an influx of minutes due to national team obligations, injuries, or general squad rotation, Seagrist has become a trusted replacement in their stead. The 23-year-old has made 18 appearances – 11 in the starting XI – so far since joining Indiana’s Team on loan from Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF prior to the start of the 2021 season.

The Barrington, Ill. native’s versatility has been an asset for Coach Rogers as he continues to manage his players’ minutes through spells of fixture congestion. Currently sitting at 14 clearances, three blocks and 22 tackles, Seagrist’s aggression has aided in shutting down opposing wingbacks’ passing lanes and prevented them from making short bursts into the 18 while tasked with holding down the back line. On the flip side, his speed and ability to pick passes in the opposing half makes Seagrist just as threatening when attacking along the flank – as evidenced by no less than four stellar balls served deep inside the area throughout last Sunday’s contest at SKC.

 

SLC Player to Watch: DF Kyle Adams

Seagrist’s equal on the opposing side of the pitch in Adams will look to limit Indy’s attacking opportunities. The New Zealand national has started in 16 of his 18 appearances in his first season with the RSL-affiliate side and currently leads his rotating cast of teammates in minutes played by a large margin (1,487).

Adams is a statistical leader in several categories, including passes (892), clearances (65), blocks (25), interceptions (27), aerial duels (62) and aerial duels won (32), making him a daunting figure in the Monarchs’ defensive setup. Moreover, heat maps would suggest that Adams tends to hover between his side’s 18-yard box and the center line, meaning that the Boys in Blue attacking corps will need to devise a way to break through the 24-year-old’s stronghold.

#INDvSLC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Saturday, August 28, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live 

Local/National TV: WISH-TV 8

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

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

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

Live stats: #INDvSLC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-5D (-7 GD), 23 pts.; 5th in Central Division

Real Monarchs SLC: 4W-10L-4D (-12 GD); 8th in Mountain Division

 

Indy Eleven has a third consecutive clash with a bottom-of-the-division side this Saturday night when Real Monarchs SLC comes to the Circle City. The biggest difference from Indy’s previous two contests last week – a disappointing loss at Loudoun United FC and a frustrating draw at Sporting KC II – is the setting, as Saturday’s match allows Indiana’s Team to enjoy some home cooking.

In a season where little has gone as expected for the Boys in Blue, Saturday’s match could actually provide a chance for some stability at Carroll Stadium. The Eleven bucked their early season home struggles by posting a 2-1 victory over OKC Energy FC two weekends ago, a result that snapped a five-game winless streak at “The Mike” and seemed to take a giant weight off the team’s collective shoulders. Despite a 2W-5L-2D home mark in 2021, with four consecutive Carroll Stadium Saturdays on deck the chance to turn the Eleven’s home venue into a fortress remains very much in play – and how those games turn out will likely also dictate the squad’s very-much-in-play chances at securing a playoff berth over the next two months.

Earning just one of six possible points across the last week – including Sunday’s 1-1 draw at SKC II in which the full three points were for the taking until the final action of the match – again rachets up the pressure on Indiana’s Team, which sits just off the wrong side of the playoff line in the crowded Central Division. If the last home outing is any indication, Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ side will channel that supposed pressure into a literal high-pressure gameplan, an approach that paid some dividends in the second half of last Sunday’s draw in Kansas City, during which the Boys in Blue outshot SKC by a 12-4 clip.

Rogers should have the full compliment of his roster at hand, with midfielder Carl Haworth now officially off the injured list and Nick Moon and Jared Timmer looking ready for full plates of action coming off minor ankle injuries in recent weeks. With the full deck on hand and fully rested, Saturday night’s starting XI could provide a glimpse into what Rogers & Co. thinks is the best solution for continuity and success down the stretch … but we’ll all have to wait until an hour before kickoff for what that formula will exactly entail.

On the opposite side, there’s Real Monarchs SLC, where consistency is a luxury – and just not really a thing this season. Due to its affiliation with Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake, the constant shuttling of players between the first team and Monarchs SLC has resulted in 37 different players seeing the field under Head Coach Jamison Olave in 18 games, and the team’s 4W-10L-4D record bears the marks of that inability to lean on a steady gameday roster.

However, much like it did versus Loudoun and SKC II, Indy is getting a look at a bottom-of-the-table team showing recent signs of success, Real Monarchs posting a pair of wins in its last four outings. That ledger includes a 1-0 victory in their last contest at a San Diego Loyal SC side currently in playoff position; unfortunately for Monarchs SLC, that match came three weeks ago on Aug. 7, as their previously scheduled contest last week at San Antonio was postponed. So on one hand, the Utah side will come to the Midwest refreshed and with their batteries fully charged … but on the other hand, they may also have some rust to knock off their boots.

Scoring has been the issue for Real Monarchs SLC, which has bagged only 18 goals in as many games, tied for the third lowest across the Championship. Forward and RSL Homegrown Player Milan Iloski paces the squad with both four goals and three assists, while Charlie Wehan has provided some spark alongside Iloski since mid-June, bagging twice since his move over from New Mexico United. The defense has had its struggles as well with 30 goals conceded (the same amount as Indy, to be fair), but in that never-ending search for continuity the club does appear ready to give the keys to Jeff Dewsnup. While his 2.00 goals against average is part of the learning curve, there’s more than a little bright side, as the 17-year-old became the youngest goalkeeper in USL Championship history to post a clean sheet his last time out.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. REAL MONARCHS SLC

First ever meeting

After living on opposite sides of the USL Championship’s conference tables since Indy’s entrance in 2018, Saturday’s meeting at The Mike marks the first time the squads will meet in inter-conference (or, more accurately this season, inter-divisional) action. This marks the fourth and final such cross-conference affair this season for Indy, which is looking for its first point in such games after losses at El Paso and Loudoun United FC and at home to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

 

IND Player to Watch: DF Patrick Seagrist

Defenders Neveal Hackshaw and Ayoze have been the typical duo fans have grown accustomed to seeing stationed along the left flank. However, as both have seen an influx of minutes due to national team obligations, injuries, or general squad rotation, Seagrist has become a trusted replacement in their stead. The 23-year-old has made 18 appearances – 11 in the starting XI – so far since joining Indiana’s Team on loan from Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF prior to the start of the 2021 season.

The Barrington, Ill. native’s versatility has been an asset for Coach Rogers as he continues to manage his players’ minutes through spells of fixture congestion. Currently sitting at 14 clearances, three blocks and 22 tackles, Seagrist’s aggression has aided in shutting down opposing wingbacks’ passing lanes and prevented them from making short bursts into the 18 while tasked with holding down the back line. On the flip side, his speed and ability to pick passes in the opposing half makes Seagrist just as threatening when attacking along the flank – as evidenced by no less than four stellar balls served deep inside the area throughout last Sunday’s contest at SKC.

 

SLC Player to Watch: DF Kyle Adams

Seagrist’s equal on the opposing side of the pitch in Adams will look to limit Indy’s attacking opportunities. The New Zealand national has started in 16 of his 18 appearances in his first season with the RSL-affiliate side and currently leads his rotating cast of teammates in minutes played by a large margin (1,487).

Adams is a statistical leader in several categories, including passes (892), clearances (65), blocks (25), interceptions (27), aerial duels (62) and aerial duels won (32), making him a daunting figure in the Monarchs’ defensive setup. Moreover, heat maps would suggest that Adams tends to hover between his side’s 18-yard box and the center line, meaning that the Boys in Blue attacking corps will need to devise a way to break through the 24-year-old’s stronghold.

For Aboubacar Sissoko, life is about more than just soccer, it’s about perseverance. The 25-year-old has taken the field a handful of times for Indy Eleven in his first season with the Boys in Blue, and when he does so he dons the number 85, a number more commonly found on American football fields than in soccer, a sport where many positions are associated with certain numbers. For Sissoko this number represents much more than a personal preference, it symbolizes a journey filled with both triumphant victories and painful losses that have a bigger impact than just soccer.

Sissoko was born in the Mali capital of Bamako, one of the largest urban centers in West Africa. His father was a diplomat, and because of his profession the family eventually packed up and moved over 4,400 miles to their new home in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at the age of 11.

Moving that great of a distance is something that most 11-year-olds would dread; an entirely new place with a completely different culture is a difficult adjustment for most adults, let alone a middle schooler. However, with a little faith, futbol and French, Sissoko was able to adapt quickly and feel right at home in Québec.

“My integration from Mali to Canada was easy because in Canada, and Montreal specifically, they speak French. In Mali they usually speak French too, so when I came the language wasn’t a barrier for me. The first day of school I made some friends, the first day. You know, they played soccer and I played with them. It was easy for me to be honest,” Sissoko explained with a smile on his face.

While the move separated Sissoko from his birthplace by the move, he maintained his roots and represented the place he called home as a child by playing for Mali’s Under-20 National Team.  

Meanwhile in Montreal, a young Sissoko had adjusted to his new environment by making friends and excelling at soccer, but as he prepared to take bigger steps in the sport his resolve was put to the test.

In 2012, after six years in Canada, Sissoko’s father suddenly passed away at the age of 58. The passing weighed heavily on the youngster, who was able to lean on his mother during difficult times. His mother would attend his games, and was there for him in 2014 when the midfielder contracted malaria while participating in the 2015 African U-20 Championship Qualifiers that saw Mali eventually qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The disease was severe enough that it sent Sissoko into a brief three-day coma, and in eventually defeating the disease he gained a new lease on life.

Another sizeable change in his life, but this time for the better, was Sissoko’s decision to attend the Université de Montréal. He would star for the Carabins, leading the squad to Silver Medals in the USPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship in 2017 and 2019 and doing one better in 2018 by helping UdM to their first Gold Medal in the history of the competition. Not only did the starlet help his team, he stood out individually, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 and being named as a First Team All-Star in 2017, 2018, and 2019 across Canadian University Soccer, as well as capturing the Canadian University Soccer MVP.

Thanks to his standout performances at Université de Montréal, Sissoko earned the chance to play professionally – and some fortuitous timing with the 2019 launch of the Canadian Premier League gave him a leg up to do so in Canada, with Halifax Wanderers FC officially signing Sissoko on November 28, 2019. Prior to the start of the 2020 season, Sissoko was allowed to exit the Wanderers camp to go on a three-day trial with Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer in February 2020, a stint that would ultimately last four weeks. However, the British Columbian Major League Soccer side finally opted against signing the USPORTS starlet, which meant a return to the Wanderers.

Preseason training with HFX was supposed to begin in March, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the start of preseason training and the start of Sissoko’s professional career, was pushed back indefinitely. While he waited, Sissoko would garner one further award for his collegiate efforts, but another tragedy meant he would have to accept it without his biggest supporter present.

On May 1, 2020, Aboubacar’s mother passed away at the age of 58 from natural causes. The loss of another parent again weighed heavily on Sissoko, who this time had to deal with grief in the midst of a global pandemic that caused so many to feel isolated and alone. Six weeks later, Sissoko was honored with the Athlete of the Year in Canadian Men’s Sport award, Aboubacar dedicating the peak achievement in Canadian collegiate athletics to the parents who supported his dreams every step of the way.

Eventually, the Island Games were scheduled as a season/tournament to be played between Canadian Premier League teams on Prince Edward Island, beginning in mid-August. Less than three months after the passing of his mother, Sissoko made his first ever professional appearance on August 15, 2020 and he would go on to shine in his rookie season, appearing in 10 of the HFX Wanderers 11 matches and helping them secure a spot in the Island Games Final.

After the CPL season ended, Sissoko began to search for his next challenge, wherever that might take him. Ultimately, Sissoko turned his eyes towards the United States, and on February 10 of this year, his next challenge was presented after signing with Indy Eleven. The Mali international who had moved to Canada at a young age, had now found another new home in America. In Indy, Sissoko joined one of the most established clubs in the USL Championship – but one with some spaces on the field after an offseason roster overhaul that left room for competition in the midfield. It was Indy’s reputation for excellence and current and past players that influenced the second-year professional to join the Boys in Blue.

“I heard the team was one of the biggest teams in the USL [Championship] and they played big games, they won games and they completely believe,” said Sissoko. “That’s why I wanted to come here to learn. I looked at the roster and there were players with some big backgrounds, players who can help me to be better as a player. Every training I do here makes me better. It’s a big step for me and it was a big choice for me to get here.”

There’s no doubt it was a big step for the budding professional, and one that has come with its fair share of ups and downs. The man from Mali does a little bit of everything in his midfield role, looking to create for teammates, play solid defense and take the occasional shot at goal. While he continues to adapt and learn in the USL Championship, his fight for time on the field motivates him to keep working hard, even on off days.

“I’m learning some new formations. For me, in the past I played as the number six, but the coaches wanted me to play as an eight, so it is a new challenge for me. So, every day I try to learn and I try to be better,” Sissoko explained. “It’s good for me, [Indy] is the best place for me to grow as a player and as a person.”

It’s who he is as a person that is arguably even more impressive than who he is as a player. After losing both of his parents, he continues to keep pushing forward day after day. It’s something that stands out about Sissoko not only when you talk to him, but as he trains and plays as well. His personality and his willingness to give his all is something that the Eleven’s coaching staff, specifically Assistant Coach Phil Presser, appreciates about the young professional.

“The best part about Sissoko is one, his personality, how he carries himself day in and day out, how he’s a very respectful person, very competitive every single day no matter what time he gets on the weekend or not,” Presser explained. “It’s a testament to him as a person. He’s obviously had a very tough few years with his family and anybody who goes through that hardship goes one way or the other. With Abou, he’s very grateful with life in general, he doesn’t miss a moment, he doesn’t miss a beat, he’s always positive and he’s always there to help, not just others but to respect himself first and respect other people. That’s just what you’re going to get. You’re never going to see an Abou that is disrespectful. You’re going to see a player that does it for his team and others.”

So, why #85? It’s a number you don’t see many players represent on the back of their shirts on the field. Players often fight for a number based on their positions, with forwards looking for the 9 or 10 shirt and midfielders squabbling for the 6 or 8, but for Sissoko it’s not about that at all. It’s about remembrance and dedicating his game to those who can no longer be there to root him on in person. It’s about making sure the memory of his parents never leaves his side.

“When my father passed away, he was 58 years old, and last year my mom was 58 years old.  And I didn’t want to put 58, you know? I wanted them to live up to 85, older than 85. So I reversed the 58 and that is how I got to wear the 85,” Sissoko explained.

The last couple of years have been filled with some of Sissoko’s greatest accomplishments, but also some of the young midfielders toughest times. However, with a smile on his face and a desire to get better each day, Aboubacar Sissoko continues to light up every room he’s in and looks to light up the field for Indy Eleven, knowing that his parents will have his back along the way.

For Aboubacar Sissoko, life is about more than just soccer, it’s about perseverance. The 25-year-old has taken the field a handful of times for Indy Eleven in his first season with the Boys in Blue, and when he does so he dons the number 85, a number more commonly found on American football fields than in soccer, a sport where many positions are associated with certain numbers. For Sissoko this number represents much more than a personal preference, it symbolizes a journey filled with both triumphant victories and painful losses that have a bigger impact than just soccer.

Sissoko was born in the Mali capital of Bamako, one of the largest urban centers in West Africa. His father was a diplomat, and because of his profession the family eventually packed up and moved over 4,400 miles to their new home in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at the age of 11.

Moving that great of a distance is something that most 11-year-olds would dread; an entirely new place with a completely different culture is a difficult adjustment for most adults, let alone a middle schooler. However, with a little faith, futbol and French, Sissoko was able to adapt quickly and feel right at home in Québec.

“My integration from Mali to Canada was easy because in Canada, and Montreal specifically, they speak French. In Mali they usually speak French too, so when I came the language wasn’t a barrier for me. The first day of school I made some friends, the first day. You know, they played soccer and I played with them. It was easy for me to be honest,” Sissoko explained with a smile on his face.

While the move separated Sissoko from his birthplace by the move, he maintained his roots and represented the place he called home as a child by playing for Mali’s Under-20 National Team.  

Meanwhile in Montreal, a young Sissoko had adjusted to his new environment by making friends and excelling at soccer, but as he prepared to take bigger steps in the sport his resolve was put to the test.

In 2012, after six years in Canada, Sissoko’s father suddenly passed away at the age of 58. The passing weighed heavily on the youngster, who was able to lean on his mother during difficult times. His mother would attend his games, and was there for him in 2014 when the midfielder contracted malaria while participating in the 2015 African U-20 Championship Qualifiers that saw Mali eventually qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The disease was severe enough that it sent Sissoko into a brief three-day coma, and in eventually defeating the disease he gained a new lease on life.

Another sizeable change in his life, but this time for the better, was Sissoko’s decision to attend the Université de Montréal. He would star for the Carabins, leading the squad to Silver Medals in the USPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship in 2017 and 2019 and doing one better in 2018 by helping UdM to their first Gold Medal in the history of the competition. Not only did the starlet help his team, he stood out individually, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 and being named as a First Team All-Star in 2017, 2018, and 2019 across Canadian University Soccer, as well as capturing the Canadian University Soccer MVP.

Thanks to his standout performances at Université de Montréal, Sissoko earned the chance to play professionally – and some fortuitous timing with the 2019 launch of the Canadian Premier League gave him a leg up to do so in Canada, with Halifax Wanderers FC officially signing Sissoko on November 28, 2019. Prior to the start of the 2020 season, Sissoko was allowed to exit the Wanderers camp to go on a three-day trial with Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer in February 2020, a stint that would ultimately last four weeks. However, the British Columbian Major League Soccer side finally opted against signing the USPORTS starlet, which meant a return to the Wanderers.

Preseason training with HFX was supposed to begin in March, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the start of preseason training and the start of Sissoko’s professional career, was pushed back indefinitely. While he waited, Sissoko would garner one further award for his collegiate efforts, but another tragedy meant he would have to accept it without his biggest supporter present.

On May 1, 2020, Aboubacar’s mother passed away at the age of 58 from natural causes. The loss of another parent again weighed heavily on Sissoko, who this time had to deal with grief in the midst of a global pandemic that caused so many to feel isolated and alone. Six weeks later, Sissoko was honored with the Athlete of the Year in Canadian Men’s Sport award, Aboubacar dedicating the peak achievement in Canadian collegiate athletics to the parents who supported his dreams every step of the way.

Eventually, the Island Games were scheduled as a season/tournament to be played between Canadian Premier League teams on Prince Edward Island, beginning in mid-August. Less than three months after the passing of his mother, Sissoko made his first ever professional appearance on August 15, 2020 and he would go on to shine in his rookie season, appearing in 10 of the HFX Wanderers 11 matches and helping them secure a spot in the Island Games Final.

After the CPL season ended, Sissoko began to search for his next challenge, wherever that might take him. Ultimately, Sissoko turned his eyes towards the United States, and on February 10 of this year, his next challenge was presented after signing with Indy Eleven. The Mali international who had moved to Canada at a young age, had now found another new home in America. In Indy, Sissoko joined one of the most established clubs in the USL Championship – but one with some spaces on the field after an offseason roster overhaul that left room for competition in the midfield. It was Indy’s reputation for excellence and current and past players that influenced the second-year professional to join the Boys in Blue.

“I heard the team was one of the biggest teams in the USL [Championship] and they played big games, they won games and they completely believe,” said Sissoko. “That’s why I wanted to come here to learn. I looked at the roster and there were players with some big backgrounds, players who can help me to be better as a player. Every training I do here makes me better. It’s a big step for me and it was a big choice for me to get here.”

There’s no doubt it was a big step for the budding professional, and one that has come with its fair share of ups and downs. The man from Mali does a little bit of everything in his midfield role, looking to create for teammates, play solid defense and take the occasional shot at goal. While he continues to adapt and learn in the USL Championship, his fight for time on the field motivates him to keep working hard, even on off days.

“I’m learning some new formations. For me, in the past I played as the number six, but the coaches wanted me to play as an eight, so it is a new challenge for me. So, every day I try to learn and I try to be better,” Sissoko explained. “It’s good for me, [Indy] is the best place for me to grow as a player and as a person.”

It’s who he is as a person that is arguably even more impressive than who he is as a player. After losing both of his parents, he continues to keep pushing forward day after day. It’s something that stands out about Sissoko not only when you talk to him, but as he trains and plays as well. His personality and his willingness to give his all is something that the Eleven’s coaching staff, specifically Assistant Coach Phil Presser, appreciates about the young professional.

“The best part about Sissoko is one, his personality, how he carries himself day in and day out, how he’s a very respectful person, very competitive every single day no matter what time he gets on the weekend or not,” Presser explained. “It’s a testament to him as a person. He’s obviously had a very tough few years with his family and anybody who goes through that hardship goes one way or the other. With Abou, he’s very grateful with life in general, he doesn’t miss a moment, he doesn’t miss a beat, he’s always positive and he’s always there to help, not just others but to respect himself first and respect other people. That’s just what you’re going to get. You’re never going to see an Abou that is disrespectful. You’re going to see a player that does it for his team and others.”

So, why #85? It’s a number you don’t see many players represent on the back of their shirts on the field. Players often fight for a number based on their positions, with forwards looking for the 9 or 10 shirt and midfielders squabbling for the 6 or 8, but for Sissoko it’s not about that at all. It’s about remembrance and dedicating his game to those who can no longer be there to root him on in person. It’s about making sure the memory of his parents never leaves his side.

“When my father passed away, he was 58 years old, and last year my mom was 58 years old.  And I didn’t want to put 58, you know? I wanted them to live up to 85, older than 85. So I reversed the 58 and that is how I got to wear the 85,” Sissoko explained.

The last couple of years have been filled with some of Sissoko’s greatest accomplishments, but also some of the young midfielders toughest times. However, with a smile on his face and a desire to get better each day, Aboubacar Sissoko continues to light up every room he’s in and looks to light up the field for Indy Eleven, knowing that his parents will have his back along the way.

KANSAS CITY, Kansas – Indy Eleven came back to garner a share of the spoils at Sporting Kansas City II, but Indiana’s Team felt like it could have gained more from its 1-1 draw Sunday evening at Children’s Mercy Park. Forward Jordan Hamilton reclaimed sole possession of the Eleven’s scoring lead with his fifth goal of the season early in the second half, countering a late first half tally by familiar SKC nemesis Wilson Harris.

The action heated up eight minutes in, when Hamilton stepped in front of his mark to first-time defender Patrick Seagrist’s deep cross, but a sliced effort was saved by SKC ‘keeper John Pulskamp on his line. Nine minutes later it was that same Indy duo hooking up again with Seagrist chipping a clipped cross to the six, where Hamilton had little time to think before pulling his header wide. 

Nearly a half hour expired before Sporting KC II registered their first shot, and it took until the 38th minute for the home side to pose a serious threat through Harris’ wide effort from 12 yards out. Ninety seconds later Harris would indeed move the scoreboard, sliding into the six and redirecting Kayden Pierre’s inch-perfect cross from the right flank. Eleven midfielder Jeremiah Gutjahr nearly evened up just two minutes later, his flush half-volley from 20 yards taking a deflection before dipping just over the crossbar.

It was Sporting presenting the first bit of danger after the break via forward Enoch Mushagalusa, who forced Indy Eleven netminder Jordan Farr into his first save of the game in the 48th minute with an effort that had eyes for the right post. Indy’s high pressure to start the second stanza earned a handful of turnovers in their attacking third, and the effort paid off in the 51st minute when midfielder Nick Moon poked an errant SKC touch to Nicky Law. The Englishman carried into the area and fired a low shot that Pulskamp saved but spilled, and Hamilton turned on the jets to tap home the rebound from the six to even the match at 1-1. 

Just after the hour mark Seagrist again set up Hamilton, this time with a perfectly weighted through ball from the midfield stripe that set up a 1-v-1 with Pulskamp, but the Canadian curled his effort wide of the near post. In the 66th minute Seagrist nodded a looping, back-post ball across the six, and while Hamilton stretched to reach he was unable to redirect. A minute later Eleven substitute forward Gordon Wild crashed the six and saw his header bounce near the goal line, the chance ultimately falling wide.

A full complement of substitutes by both sides, some injury stoppages, and a hydration break made for a choppy match down the stretch. However, the game snapped back to attention for a frantic finish in the 89th minute, when Pulskamp made a leaping one-handed save at his near post to bat away Manuel Arteaga’s lashed effort from the right side of the area. On the ensuing corner, a back post header by an Eleven player took a bounce inside the six before Pulskamp again reacted to swipe the ball away from his goal line. 

Indy had one final chance as four minutes of stoppage time neared completion, SKC defender Graham Smith’s attempt to knick away a long diagonal ball instead going backwards and putting Wild into the right side of the area. The German gathered and cut back towards the spot for midfielder Jared Timmer, who shot directly into the chest of a recovering Smith on the goal line. The ball then bounced off the left post and back towards Timmer, whose off-balance redirect was again repelled by Smith inside the six-yard box. While the fruitless finish still earned Indiana’s Team a crucial point, the squad was frustrated not to earn more from a second half in which it outshot SKC by a 12-4 margin.   

Indy Eleven comes back home again this Saturday, August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Sporting KC II  1 : 1  Indy Eleven

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, Kan.

 

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-5D, 23 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

Sporting KC II: 3W-12L-6D, 15 pts.; 8th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

SKC – Wilson Harris (Kayden Pierre) 40’

IND – Jordan Hamilton (unassisted) 51’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Jordan Hamilton (yellow card) 58’

SKC – Grayson Barber (yellow card) 64’

IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 69’

SKC – Amadou Dia (yellow card) 88’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (5-4-1): Jordan Farr; Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 82’), Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette, Nick Moon; Peter-Lee Vassell (Gordon Wild 60’), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Jared Timmer 61’), Gershon Koffie (Aboubacar Sissoko 73’), Nicky Law; Jordan Hamilton (Manuel Arteaga 73’)

IND substitutions: Eric Dick (GK), Rece Buckmaster

 

Sporting KC II line-up (4-3-3): John Pulskamp; Amadou Dia, Graham Smith, Kaveh Rad, Kayden Pierre; Christian Duke, Jayin Van Deventer (Jahon Rad 74’), Jacob Davis (Osvaldo Cisneros 62’); Enoch Mushagalusa (Rojay Smith 62’), Wilson Harris (Jamil Roberts 80’), Grayson Barber

SKC substitutions: Remi Prieur (GK), Isaiah LeFlore, Matthew Constant

KANSAS CITY, Kansas – Indy Eleven came back to garner a share of the spoils at Sporting Kansas City II, but Indiana’s Team felt like it could have gained more from its 1-1 draw Sunday evening at Children’s Mercy Park. Forward Jordan Hamilton reclaimed sole possession of the Eleven’s scoring lead with his fifth goal of the season early in the second half, countering a late first half tally by familiar SKC nemesis Wilson Harris.

The action heated up eight minutes in, when Hamilton stepped in front of his mark to first-time defender Patrick Seagrist’s deep cross, but a sliced effort was saved by SKC ‘keeper John Pulskamp on his line. Nine minutes later it was that same Indy duo hooking up again with Seagrist chipping a clipped cross to the six, where Hamilton had little time to think before pulling his header wide. 

Nearly a half hour expired before Sporting KC II registered their first shot, and it took until the 38th minute for the home side to pose a serious threat through Harris’ wide effort from 12 yards out. Ninety seconds later Harris would indeed move the scoreboard, sliding into the six and redirecting Kayden Pierre’s inch-perfect cross from the right flank. Eleven midfielder Jeremiah Gutjahr nearly evened up just two minutes later, his flush half-volley from 20 yards taking a deflection before dipping just over the crossbar.

It was Sporting presenting the first bit of danger after the break via forward Enoch Mushagalusa, who forced Indy Eleven netminder Jordan Farr into his first save of the game in the 48th minute with an effort that had eyes for the right post. Indy’s high pressure to start the second stanza earned a handful of turnovers in their attacking third, and the effort paid off in the 51st minute when midfielder Nick Moon poked an errant SKC touch to Nicky Law. The Englishman carried into the area and fired a low shot that Pulskamp saved but spilled, and Hamilton turned on the jets to tap home the rebound from the six to even the match at 1-1. 

Just after the hour mark Seagrist again set up Hamilton, this time with a perfectly weighted through ball from the midfield stripe that set up a 1-v-1 with Pulskamp, but the Canadian curled his effort wide of the near post. In the 66th minute Seagrist nodded a looping, back-post ball across the six, and while Hamilton stretched to reach he was unable to redirect. A minute later Eleven substitute forward Gordon Wild crashed the six and saw his header bounce near the goal line, the chance ultimately falling wide.

A full complement of substitutes by both sides, some injury stoppages, and a hydration break made for a choppy match down the stretch. However, the game snapped back to attention for a frantic finish in the 89th minute, when Pulskamp made a leaping one-handed save at his near post to bat away Manuel Arteaga’s lashed effort from the right side of the area. On the ensuing corner, a back post header by an Eleven player took a bounce inside the six before Pulskamp again reacted to swipe the ball away from his goal line. 

Indy had one final chance as four minutes of stoppage time neared completion, SKC defender Graham Smith’s attempt to knick away a long diagonal ball instead going backwards and putting Wild into the right side of the area. The German gathered and cut back towards the spot for midfielder Jared Timmer, who shot directly into the chest of a recovering Smith on the goal line. The ball then bounced off the left post and back towards Timmer, whose off-balance redirect was again repelled by Smith inside the six-yard box. While the fruitless finish still earned Indiana’s Team a crucial point, the squad was frustrated not to earn more from a second half in which it outshot SKC by a 12-4 margin.   

Indy Eleven comes back home again this Saturday, August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Sporting KC II  1 : 1  Indy Eleven

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, Kan.

 

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-5D, 23 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

Sporting KC II: 3W-12L-6D, 15 pts.; 8th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

SKC – Wilson Harris (Kayden Pierre) 40’

IND – Jordan Hamilton (unassisted) 51’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Jordan Hamilton (yellow card) 58’

SKC – Grayson Barber (yellow card) 64’

IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 69’

SKC – Amadou Dia (yellow card) 88’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (5-4-1): Jordan Farr; Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 82’), Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette, Nick Moon; Peter-Lee Vassell (Gordon Wild 60’), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Jared Timmer 61’), Gershon Koffie (Aboubacar Sissoko 73’), Nicky Law; Jordan Hamilton (Manuel Arteaga 73’)

IND substitutions: Eric Dick (GK), Rece Buckmaster

 

Sporting KC II line-up (4-3-3): John Pulskamp; Amadou Dia, Graham Smith, Kaveh Rad, Kayden Pierre; Christian Duke, Jayin Van Deventer (Jahon Rad 74’), Jacob Davis (Osvaldo Cisneros 62’); Enoch Mushagalusa (Rojay Smith 62’), Wilson Harris (Jamil Roberts 80’), Grayson Barber

SKC substitutions: Remi Prieur (GK), Isaiah LeFlore, Matthew Constant

#SKCvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at Sporting KC II

Sunday, August 22, 2021 – 5:00 P.M. ET  

Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, Kan.

 

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: #SKCvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party Locations: Ellison Brewing Co. | Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-4D (-7 GD), 22 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Sporting KC II: 3W-12L-5D (-18 GD) 14 pts.; 8th in Central Division

 

After a brief midweek diversion from Central Division play, Indy Eleven gets back to divisional action Sunday evening against Sporting KC II at Children’s Mercy Park, the site of Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ win on his debut as the sideline boss back on June 20.

Rogers has plenty to sort out with his squad leading up to Sunday’s tilt, coming off a disappointing 1-4 defeat at Loudoun United on Wednesday evening. In that match, the same starting XI that was very much on the same page throughout Indy’s 2-1 win over OKC Energy FC last weekend got another run out, but the continuity Rogers’ was looking for disappeared after the opening 15 minutes, and a pair of concessions at the close of the first half put the Boys in Blue in a hole they couldn’t dig out from.

Heading into its match at Atlanta United 2 two weekends ago, Indy Eleven boasted a 2.00 points per road game haul that was tied for tops in the USL Championship. However, with two away outings to forget since then, Rogers & Co. must muster the edge that made them one of the league’s hardest “outs” on the road. The elixir for that to happen could include two parts previous success and one part familiar ground, with Indy collecting wins over SKC II in both prior 2021 meetings – including at Children’s Mercy Park just four days after the turmoil that resulted in Rogers taking over the reins. With Indy Eleven’s injury report also empty for the first time all season, don’t be surprised to see the starting lineup shaken up a bit to insert some fresh legs – and some fresh spirit – onto the field.

Heading into that 2-1 triumph for the Eleven in late June, Sporting KC II had been showing signs of competing in a stacked Central by garnering at least a point from five of its first nine matches. However, it’s been a summer of struggle ever since, with SKC II going 1W-9L-1D since the June 20 meeting; that includes a current five-game overall losing streak and a five-game losing streak at Children Mercy Park, during which they’ve been outscored by visitors 14-6.

After allowing four goals in each of its last three contests, SKC might find some small solace in the fact that those matches came against the Central’s top three teams. With further mining, another “glass half full” approach can be presented by the fact that Sporting has indeed hit the back of the net in each of the five losses in its current streak, three of which ended on 2-1 scorelines.

With six different SKC II players scoring as many goals in those last five games, that leaves Indy’s lineup needing to ensure its focus on individuals is not outsized. However, that may only help an Eleven side that needs to collectively dial it up a notch in an attempt to once again overcome a touch of adversity during the long Championship campaign.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. SPORTING KC II

USL Championship regular season: 6W-2L-0D (14 GF/8 GA)

USL Championship at home: 4W-2L-0D (9 GF/6 GA)

USL Championship on the road: 2W-0L-0D (5 GF/2 GA)

Indy Eleven heads to the Kansas side of the Kansas City Metro this weekend looking to stay perfect against Sporting KC II on the season and all-time on the road. Indy collected a 3-1 win against then Swope Park Rangers in April 2019 to start the two sides’ all-time series on a winning note, and, after contesting all four games in their 2020 series at Lucas Oil Stadium, renewed acquaintances in Kansas earlier this season with a 2-1 triumph on June 20 that marked the debut of Interim Head Coach Max Rogers.

In all, Indy Eleven has dominated the series with SKC II, collecting a 6W-2L-0D mark and 14-8 advantage in goals scored. After Sunday’s meeting, the squads will end their season series on Sept. 11 at Carroll Stadium, where Indy began this year’s meetings with a 2-0 win on May 22.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: DF/MF NICK MOON

With roster rotation entering the equation for a third game in nine days’ time, it’s hard to pinpoint anyone who might be written onto Rogers’ team sheet with a sharpie. However, look for Moon to get more involved after getting on for the final half hour of Wednesday’s match at Loudoun United FC. The right-sided Swiss Army knife brought his usual aggressiveness on the dribble off the bench the other night, and as the third-year pro continues to progress from a minor injury suffered a couple of weeks back at Atlanta, if he is anywhere near full health you can expect to see Moon give it a go from the opening whistle.

One of the most versatile players in the entirety of the USL Championship, Moon has proven himself to be a more than capable defender, a speedy threat on the dribble, a dangerous distributor (two assists and 11 chances created) and able finisher (three goals on only eight shots). Moon also has shown a tangible jump in confidence in his now second season with the Boys in Blue – and given the roller coaster performances in recent weeks, that might prove the most valuable asset he could pack in his bag for Sunday’s road trip.

 

SKC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW ENOCH MUSHAGALUSA

Don’t let Sporting’s current record fool you. Despite being on a five-game losing streak, six different goal scorers have netted for the Kansas City side in the team’s last six outings – and none look more in form than Mushagalusa. The 21-year-old is having a breakout year in his second season with Sporting KC II as he currently leads the scoring charge for his teammates with six tallies in his 20 appearances. The Congolese striker may not be a top contender for the 2021 Golden Boot, but his 42 shots – just six behind Manuel Arteaga’s league-leading count – show he’s hungry for more as SKC II continues into the second stretch of the season. Mushagalusa also has a knack for playmaking having created 17 chances on goal so far this year, two of which have ended up in the back of the net.  

Indy’s backline will be tasked with limiting Mushagalusa’s time in its defending third, as all six of the forward’s goals, including his tally against the Boys in Blue on June 20, have come from inside the opposition’s 18-yard box.

#SKCvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at Sporting KC II

Sunday, August 22, 2021 – 5:00 P.M. ET  

Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, Kan.

 

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: #SKCvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party Locations: Ellison Brewing Co. | Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-4D (-7 GD), 22 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Sporting KC II: 3W-12L-5D (-18 GD) 14 pts.; 8th in Central Division

 

After a brief midweek diversion from Central Division play, Indy Eleven gets back to divisional action Sunday evening against Sporting KC II at Children’s Mercy Park, the site of Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ win on his debut as the sideline boss back on June 20.

Rogers has plenty to sort out with his squad leading up to Sunday’s tilt, coming off a disappointing 1-4 defeat at Loudoun United on Wednesday evening. In that match, the same starting XI that was very much on the same page throughout Indy’s 2-1 win over OKC Energy FC last weekend got another run out, but the continuity Rogers’ was looking for disappeared after the opening 15 minutes, and a pair of concessions at the close of the first half put the Boys in Blue in a hole they couldn’t dig out from.

Heading into its match at Atlanta United 2 two weekends ago, Indy Eleven boasted a 2.00 points per road game haul that was tied for tops in the USL Championship. However, with two away outings to forget since then, Rogers & Co. must muster the edge that made them one of the league’s hardest “outs” on the road. The elixir for that to happen could include two parts previous success and one part familiar ground, with Indy collecting wins over SKC II in both prior 2021 meetings – including at Children’s Mercy Park just four days after the turmoil that resulted in Rogers taking over the reins. With Indy Eleven’s injury report also empty for the first time all season, don’t be surprised to see the starting lineup shaken up a bit to insert some fresh legs – and some fresh spirit – onto the field.

Heading into that 2-1 triumph for the Eleven in late June, Sporting KC II had been showing signs of competing in a stacked Central by garnering at least a point from five of its first nine matches. However, it’s been a summer of struggle ever since, with SKC II going 1W-9L-1D since the June 20 meeting; that includes a current five-game overall losing streak and a five-game losing streak at Children Mercy Park, during which they’ve been outscored by visitors 14-6.

After allowing four goals in each of its last three contests, SKC might find some small solace in the fact that those matches came against the Central’s top three teams. With further mining, another “glass half full” approach can be presented by the fact that Sporting has indeed hit the back of the net in each of the five losses in its current streak, three of which ended on 2-1 scorelines.

With six different SKC II players scoring as many goals in those last five games, that leaves Indy’s lineup needing to ensure its focus on individuals is not outsized. However, that may only help an Eleven side that needs to collectively dial it up a notch in an attempt to once again overcome a touch of adversity during the long Championship campaign.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. SPORTING KC II

USL Championship regular season: 6W-2L-0D (14 GF/8 GA)

USL Championship at home: 4W-2L-0D (9 GF/6 GA)

USL Championship on the road: 2W-0L-0D (5 GF/2 GA)

Indy Eleven heads to the Kansas side of the Kansas City Metro this weekend looking to stay perfect against Sporting KC II on the season and all-time on the road. Indy collected a 3-1 win against then Swope Park Rangers in April 2019 to start the two sides’ all-time series on a winning note, and, after contesting all four games in their 2020 series at Lucas Oil Stadium, renewed acquaintances in Kansas earlier this season with a 2-1 triumph on June 20 that marked the debut of Interim Head Coach Max Rogers.

In all, Indy Eleven has dominated the series with SKC II, collecting a 6W-2L-0D mark and 14-8 advantage in goals scored. After Sunday’s meeting, the squads will end their season series on Sept. 11 at Carroll Stadium, where Indy began this year’s meetings with a 2-0 win on May 22.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: DF/MF NICK MOON

With roster rotation entering the equation for a third game in nine days’ time, it’s hard to pinpoint anyone who might be written onto Rogers’ team sheet with a sharpie. However, look for Moon to get more involved after getting on for the final half hour of Wednesday’s match at Loudoun United FC. The right-sided Swiss Army knife brought his usual aggressiveness on the dribble off the bench the other night, and as the third-year pro continues to progress from a minor injury suffered a couple of weeks back at Atlanta, if he is anywhere near full health you can expect to see Moon give it a go from the opening whistle.

One of the most versatile players in the entirety of the USL Championship, Moon has proven himself to be a more than capable defender, a speedy threat on the dribble, a dangerous distributor (two assists and 11 chances created) and able finisher (three goals on only eight shots). Moon also has shown a tangible jump in confidence in his now second season with the Boys in Blue – and given the roller coaster performances in recent weeks, that might prove the most valuable asset he could pack in his bag for Sunday’s road trip.

 

SKC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW ENOCH MUSHAGALUSA

Don’t let Sporting’s current record fool you. Despite being on a five-game losing streak, six different goal scorers have netted for the Kansas City side in the team’s last six outings – and none look more in form than Mushagalusa. The 21-year-old is having a breakout year in his second season with Sporting KC II as he currently leads the scoring charge for his teammates with six tallies in his 20 appearances. The Congolese striker may not be a top contender for the 2021 Golden Boot, but his 42 shots – just six behind Manuel Arteaga’s league-leading count – show he’s hungry for more as SKC II continues into the second stretch of the season. Mushagalusa also has a knack for playmaking having created 17 chances on goal so far this year, two of which have ended up in the back of the net.  

Indy’s backline will be tasked with limiting Mushagalusa’s time in its defending third, as all six of the forward’s goals, including his tally against the Boys in Blue on June 20, have come from inside the opposition’s 18-yard box.

LEESBURG, Virginia – A late finish by defender Karl Ouimette could only salvage a scratching of the scoreboard for Indy Eleven, which fell on the road 4-1 in an inter-division affair at Loudoun United FC Wednesday evening.

The result kept Indiana’s Team in fourth-place in the crowded middle of the Central Division standings, still even with FC Tulsa and OKC Energy FC on 22 points and three points behind third-place Atlanta United 2.

Indy Eleven’s high pressure dominated the first quarter hour at Segra Field, the visitors carrying the bulk of the possession and doing much of it in the attacking third. It was Eleven forward Manuel Arteaga getting the earliest test on goal eight minutes in, his low shot saved at the near post of Loudoun netminder Jermaine Fordah.

The pendulum swung in Loudoun’s favor across the next 15 minutes, but Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr saved a soft header from eight yards out and saw another sent over the bar, those chances marking the most United FC could muster in the middle of the half. In the 35th minute Farr stepped up again, getting low and extending fully to steer United FC midfielder Theodore Ku-Dipietro’s 25-yard free kick around the base of the right post.  

Loudoun’s persistence on the ball and penchant to earn set pieces finally paid off in the last five minutes of the half, courtesy of a brace by forward Samson Sergi. In the 43rd minute, Robert Dambrot’s low ball through the heart of the area found Sergi, who lingered off the back shoulder of the Indy backline and tapped in from seven yards out to put Loudoun up 1-0. A minute into stoppage time Sergi was in the right place again, watching from the right post as Farr fought the crossbar while rising to touch over a corner kick cleared back towards his goal. The ball glanced sideways and skidded off the top of the woodwork before it fell directly to Sergi, who volleyed home practically on the goalline to give Loudoun a shock 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Indy Eleven showed some attacking initiative to open the second half, Ouimette’s header off a corner kick in the 51st minute that glanced just wide the most promising of the few chances earned. On the other end Farr made a pair of saves in the 58th and 61st minutes to keep the visitors close, followed by Loudoun substitute forward Darluis Laz flashing his 20-yard blast just wide of the left post.

However, Paz would get on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute, his rebound of Indy defender A.J. Cochran’s goalline clearance of Smith’s chip from the endline putting United FC up 3-0. Three minutes later it was Paz playing provider, the Venezuelan getting to the endline before driving the ball to the six where it was met by Ku-DiPietro’s sliding effort that moved the scoreboard once more for the home side.

Eleven striker Gordon Wild nearly got one against his former team in the 78th minute, only to see his free kick from 28 yards parried away strongly by Fordah. Wild’s ensuing service from the corner found Ouimette eight yards from goal, and the Canadian vice-captain would indeed get the goal he just missed earlier in the half, a nice glancing header to the back post salvaging a goal for Indiana’s Team on an otherwise frustrating evening.

Next up, the Boys in Blue head west this Sunday, Aug. 22, for its second meeting of the season at Sporting KC II. Kickoff from Children’s Mercy Park on the Kansas side of the border is set for 5:00 p.m. ET for a contest that can be streamed live on ESPN+.

Indy Eleven comes back home again next Saturday, August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Loudoun United FC  4 : 1  Indy Eleven

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Segra Field – Leesburg, Va.

 

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-4D, 22 pts.; 4th place in Central Division

Loudoun United FC: 3W-14L-1D, 10 pts.; 8th place in Atlantic Division

 

Scoring Summary

LDN – Samson Sergi (Robert Dambrot) 43’

LDN – Samson Sergi (unassisted) 45+1’

LDN – Darluis Paz (unassisted) 73’

LDN – Thoedore Ku-Dipietro (Darluis Paz) 76’

IND – Karl Ouimette (Gordon Wild) 78’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – A.J. Cochran (yellow card) 33’

IND – Karl Ouimette (yellow card) 34’

LDN – Robert Dambrot (yellow card) 47’

IND – Nick Moon (yellow card) 64’

LDN – Allexon Saravia (yellow card) 85’

LDN – Kairou Amoustapha (yellow card) 90+2’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-3-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette, Rece Buckmaster (Nick Moon 59’); Ayoze (captain) (Patrick Seagrist 80’), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Peter-Lee Vassell 72’), Aboubacar Sissoko (Gershon Koffie 59’); Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga (Jordan Hamilton 72’), Gordon Wild

IND substitutions: Eric Dick (GK), Nedeljko Malić

 

Loudoun United FC line-up (3-4-3): Jermaine Fordah; Robert Dambrot, Allexon Saravia, Timmy Mehl (captain), Hassan Pinto; Theodore Ku-Dipietro, Nicky Downs (Jackson Hopkins 90’), Houssou Landry; Samson Sergi (Darluis Paz 59’), Kimami Smith (Tyler Gabarra 86’), Giovanni Montesdeoca (Kairou Amoustapha 45’)

LEESBURG, Virginia – A late finish by defender Karl Ouimette could only salvage a scratching of the scoreboard for Indy Eleven, which fell on the road 4-1 in an inter-division affair at Loudoun United FC Wednesday evening.

The result kept Indiana’s Team in fourth-place in the crowded middle of the Central Division standings, still even with FC Tulsa and OKC Energy FC on 22 points and three points behind third-place Atlanta United 2.

Indy Eleven’s high pressure dominated the first quarter hour at Segra Field, the visitors carrying the bulk of the possession and doing much of it in the attacking third. It was Eleven forward Manuel Arteaga getting the earliest test on goal eight minutes in, his low shot saved at the near post of Loudoun netminder Jermaine Fordah.

The pendulum swung in Loudoun’s favor across the next 15 minutes, but Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr saved a soft header from eight yards out and saw another sent over the bar, those chances marking the most United FC could muster in the middle of the half. In the 35th minute Farr stepped up again, getting low and extending fully to steer United FC midfielder Theodore Ku-Dipietro’s 25-yard free kick around the base of the right post.  

Loudoun’s persistence on the ball and penchant to earn set pieces finally paid off in the last five minutes of the half, courtesy of a brace by forward Samson Sergi. In the 43rd minute, Robert Dambrot’s low ball through the heart of the area found Sergi, who lingered off the back shoulder of the Indy backline and tapped in from seven yards out to put Loudoun up 1-0. A minute into stoppage time Sergi was in the right place again, watching from the right post as Farr fought the crossbar while rising to touch over a corner kick cleared back towards his goal. The ball glanced sideways and skidded off the top of the woodwork before it fell directly to Sergi, who volleyed home practically on the goalline to give Loudoun a shock 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Indy Eleven showed some attacking initiative to open the second half, Ouimette’s header off a corner kick in the 51st minute that glanced just wide the most promising of the few chances earned. On the other end Farr made a pair of saves in the 58th and 61st minutes to keep the visitors close, followed by Loudoun substitute forward Darluis Laz flashing his 20-yard blast just wide of the left post.

However, Paz would get on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute, his rebound of Indy defender A.J. Cochran’s goalline clearance of Smith’s chip from the endline putting United FC up 3-0. Three minutes later it was Paz playing provider, the Venezuelan getting to the endline before driving the ball to the six where it was met by Ku-DiPietro’s sliding effort that moved the scoreboard once more for the home side.

Eleven striker Gordon Wild nearly got one against his former team in the 78th minute, only to see his free kick from 28 yards parried away strongly by Fordah. Wild’s ensuing service from the corner found Ouimette eight yards from goal, and the Canadian vice-captain would indeed get the goal he just missed earlier in the half, a nice glancing header to the back post salvaging a goal for Indiana’s Team on an otherwise frustrating evening.

Next up, the Boys in Blue head west this Sunday, Aug. 22, for its second meeting of the season at Sporting KC II. Kickoff from Children’s Mercy Park on the Kansas side of the border is set for 5:00 p.m. ET for a contest that can be streamed live on ESPN+.

Indy Eleven comes back home again next Saturday, August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Loudoun United FC  4 : 1  Indy Eleven

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Segra Field – Leesburg, Va.

 

Indy Eleven: 6W-8L-4D, 22 pts.; 4th place in Central Division

Loudoun United FC: 3W-14L-1D, 10 pts.; 8th place in Atlantic Division

 

Scoring Summary

LDN – Samson Sergi (Robert Dambrot) 43’

LDN – Samson Sergi (unassisted) 45+1’

LDN – Darluis Paz (unassisted) 73’

LDN – Thoedore Ku-Dipietro (Darluis Paz) 76’

IND – Karl Ouimette (Gordon Wild) 78’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – A.J. Cochran (yellow card) 33’

IND – Karl Ouimette (yellow card) 34’

LDN – Robert Dambrot (yellow card) 47’

IND – Nick Moon (yellow card) 64’

LDN – Allexon Saravia (yellow card) 85’

LDN – Kairou Amoustapha (yellow card) 90+2’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-3-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette, Rece Buckmaster (Nick Moon 59’); Ayoze (captain) (Patrick Seagrist 80’), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Peter-Lee Vassell 72’), Aboubacar Sissoko (Gershon Koffie 59’); Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga (Jordan Hamilton 72’), Gordon Wild

IND substitutions: Eric Dick (GK), Nedeljko Malić

 

Loudoun United FC line-up (3-4-3): Jermaine Fordah; Robert Dambrot, Allexon Saravia, Timmy Mehl (captain), Hassan Pinto; Theodore Ku-Dipietro, Nicky Downs (Jackson Hopkins 90’), Houssou Landry; Samson Sergi (Darluis Paz 59’), Kimami Smith (Tyler Gabarra 86’), Giovanni Montesdeoca (Kairou Amoustapha 45’)

INDIANAPOLIS – Veteran midfielder Nicky Law is the fourth member of Indiana’s Team to be named to the USL Championship Team of the Week presented by Cleer Audio this season, earning the honor for his impressive display in Indy Eleven’s 2-1 home win against OKC Energy FC last Saturday.

The Plymouth, England native earned his placement on the TOTW after a masterful offensive display that helped snap Indy’s six-game home winless streak at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Law, 33, netted his second goal of the season in the 26th minute after slipping behind Energy FC’s backline to accept a pass from forward Manuel Arteaga, taking a touch before chipping the ball over goalkeeper C.J. Cochran to open the evening’s scoring. After a first-half concession that leveled the score at 1-1, Law reversed his role to assist for the game-winner in the 53rd minute, lobbing a back-post cross that Arteaga nodded on a near-angle over the goal line.

Since his arrival stateside form English Football League Two’s Exeter City FC in January, Law has become one of the team’s most consistent distributors, leading the Boys in Blue in passes (851) and passing accuracy (88.1%). Law’s connectivity was on full display last Saturday, having completed 36 of his 40 passes, three of which put his teammates in a goal scoring position.

Law is the first member of the Boys in Blue to be selected to the league’s Best XI since Week 10, when defender Neveal Hackshaw earned his first nod of the year for a goal and assist in Indy’s 3-3 stunner at Louisville City FC. Forwards Jordan Hamilton and Gordon Wild were the first two members of Indiana’s Team to make TOTW appearances this season with back-to-back placements in Weeks 5 and 6, while goalkeeper Bobby Edwards and defender A.J. Cochran earned “honorable mentions” in Week 9 and Week 2, respectively. The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

Next up, Indiana’s Team will take its second Wednesday-Sunday road trip of August beginning with a midweek match against Loudoun United FC tomorrow evening at Segra Field in suburban Washington D.C. (7:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+). From there, the Boys in Blue head west for its second meeting of the season at Children’s Mercy Park against Sporting KC II (5:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+).

Indy Eleven comes back home again on August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions. 

 

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 17

GK – Paul Lewis, Charleston Battery: Making only his second professional start, Paul Lewis recorded a two-save shutout against Loudoun United FC, including a key first-half penalty kick save to keep the game scoreless. The Battery were able to secure three points with a late winner in their pursuit of a playoff place.

D – Caleb Wiley, Atlanta United 2: Caleb Wiley earned his second consecutive selection as he helped Atlanta to four points over two games, winning 15 of 24 duels and completing four tackles. He also recorded 16 recoveries, four interceptions and three key passes throughout the two matches.

D – Temi Adesodun, Charleston Battery: Temi Adesodun put in a strong two-way performance in the Battery’s 1-0 victory against Loudoun United FC on Friday night, winning 11 of 13 duels and making three interceptions while also completing 5 of 5 dribbles and two key passes.

D – Nick Hinds, Austin Bold FC: Nick Hinds helped Austin Bold FC’s back line contain Miami FC in a 0-0 draw on Saturday night. He won 6 of 7 duels and made six recoveries while completing 37 of 44 passes and recording a pair of shots as he joined the attack.

D – Aaron Guillen, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Aaron Guillen won 4 of 4 tackles and 7 of 7 duels while making four interceptions and completing 48 of 55 passes as the Rowdies held Hartford Athletic to only two shots in a 1-0 win at Al Lang Stadium on Friday night.

M – Speedy Williams, Miami FC: The Jamaican international helped his side to four points on the road over the week, including scoring two goals in Miami’s comeback 3-2 victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Wednesday night. He completed 111 of 130 passes, won 3 of 3 tackles and made 15 recoveries across two games.

M – Nicky Law, Indy Eleven: Law had a goal and assist to help lead Indy’s 2-1 victory against OKC Energy FC on Saturday night while also completing 36 of 40 passes, recording three key passes and making five recoveries.

M – Robbie Mertz, Atlanta United 2: Robbie Mertz had one goal and two assists across a pair of games as Atlanta took four points from its week of action, and additionally completed 62 of 73 passes overall while winning 9 of 15 duels.

F – Cameron Lancaster, Louisville City FC: Cameron Lancaster scored both goals as Louisville City FC extended its lead in the Central Division with a 2-1 win against FC Tulsa on Saturday, had six shots overall and won 7 of 7 duels and 2 of 2 tackles in an impressive all-around performance.

F – Hadji Barry, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: The Championship’s Golden Boot leader scored three goals across two games, including a two-goal outing in the Switchback’s 5-2 win on Saturday against Rio Grande Valley FC, and completing 70 of 87 passes across the two games.

F – Phillip Goodrum, Atlanta United 2: Phillip Goodrum came on as a halftime substitute on Saturday against Sporting Kansas City II and made an immediate impact, notching a goal and assist inside 10 minutes before adding his second goal of the game to wrap up a 4-1 victory for the side.

Bench: Patrick Rakovsky (OC), Anderson Asiedu (BHM), Zeiko Lewis (CHS), Brandt Bronico (CLT), Junior Flemmings (BHM), Enzo Martinez (CLT), Cameron Iwasa (SAC)

INDIANAPOLIS – Veteran midfielder Nicky Law is the fourth member of Indiana’s Team to be named to the USL Championship Team of the Week presented by Cleer Audio this season, earning the honor for his impressive display in Indy Eleven’s 2-1 home win against OKC Energy FC last Saturday.

The Plymouth, England native earned his placement on the TOTW after a masterful offensive display that helped snap Indy’s six-game home winless streak at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Law, 33, netted his second goal of the season in the 26th minute after slipping behind Energy FC’s backline to accept a pass from forward Manuel Arteaga, taking a touch before chipping the ball over goalkeeper C.J. Cochran to open the evening’s scoring. After a first-half concession that leveled the score at 1-1, Law reversed his role to assist for the game-winner in the 53rd minute, lobbing a back-post cross that Arteaga nodded on a near-angle over the goal line.

Since his arrival stateside form English Football League Two’s Exeter City FC in January, Law has become one of the team’s most consistent distributors, leading the Boys in Blue in passes (851) and passing accuracy (88.1%). Law’s connectivity was on full display last Saturday, having completed 36 of his 40 passes, three of which put his teammates in a goal scoring position.

Law is the first member of the Boys in Blue to be selected to the league’s Best XI since Week 10, when defender Neveal Hackshaw earned his first nod of the year for a goal and assist in Indy’s 3-3 stunner at Louisville City FC. Forwards Jordan Hamilton and Gordon Wild were the first two members of Indiana’s Team to make TOTW appearances this season with back-to-back placements in Weeks 5 and 6, while goalkeeper Bobby Edwards and defender A.J. Cochran earned “honorable mentions” in Week 9 and Week 2, respectively. The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

Next up, Indiana’s Team will take its second Wednesday-Sunday road trip of August beginning with a midweek match against Loudoun United FC tomorrow evening at Segra Field in suburban Washington D.C. (7:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+). From there, the Boys in Blue head west for its second meeting of the season at Children’s Mercy Park against Sporting KC II (5:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+).

Indy Eleven comes back home again on August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions. 

 

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 17

GK – Paul Lewis, Charleston Battery: Making only his second professional start, Paul Lewis recorded a two-save shutout against Loudoun United FC, including a key first-half penalty kick save to keep the game scoreless. The Battery were able to secure three points with a late winner in their pursuit of a playoff place.

D – Caleb Wiley, Atlanta United 2: Caleb Wiley earned his second consecutive selection as he helped Atlanta to four points over two games, winning 15 of 24 duels and completing four tackles. He also recorded 16 recoveries, four interceptions and three key passes throughout the two matches.

D – Temi Adesodun, Charleston Battery: Temi Adesodun put in a strong two-way performance in the Battery’s 1-0 victory against Loudoun United FC on Friday night, winning 11 of 13 duels and making three interceptions while also completing 5 of 5 dribbles and two key passes.

D – Nick Hinds, Austin Bold FC: Nick Hinds helped Austin Bold FC’s back line contain Miami FC in a 0-0 draw on Saturday night. He won 6 of 7 duels and made six recoveries while completing 37 of 44 passes and recording a pair of shots as he joined the attack.

D – Aaron Guillen, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Aaron Guillen won 4 of 4 tackles and 7 of 7 duels while making four interceptions and completing 48 of 55 passes as the Rowdies held Hartford Athletic to only two shots in a 1-0 win at Al Lang Stadium on Friday night.

M – Speedy Williams, Miami FC: The Jamaican international helped his side to four points on the road over the week, including scoring two goals in Miami’s comeback 3-2 victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Wednesday night. He completed 111 of 130 passes, won 3 of 3 tackles and made 15 recoveries across two games.

M – Nicky Law, Indy Eleven: Law had a goal and assist to help lead Indy’s 2-1 victory against OKC Energy FC on Saturday night while also completing 36 of 40 passes, recording three key passes and making five recoveries.

M – Robbie Mertz, Atlanta United 2: Robbie Mertz had one goal and two assists across a pair of games as Atlanta took four points from its week of action, and additionally completed 62 of 73 passes overall while winning 9 of 15 duels.

F – Cameron Lancaster, Louisville City FC: Cameron Lancaster scored both goals as Louisville City FC extended its lead in the Central Division with a 2-1 win against FC Tulsa on Saturday, had six shots overall and won 7 of 7 duels and 2 of 2 tackles in an impressive all-around performance.

F – Hadji Barry, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: The Championship’s Golden Boot leader scored three goals across two games, including a two-goal outing in the Switchback’s 5-2 win on Saturday against Rio Grande Valley FC, and completing 70 of 87 passes across the two games.

F – Phillip Goodrum, Atlanta United 2: Phillip Goodrum came on as a halftime substitute on Saturday against Sporting Kansas City II and made an immediate impact, notching a goal and assist inside 10 minutes before adding his second goal of the game to wrap up a 4-1 victory for the side.

Bench: Patrick Rakovsky (OC), Anderson Asiedu (BHM), Zeiko Lewis (CHS), Brandt Bronico (CLT), Junior Flemmings (BHM), Enzo Martinez (CLT), Cameron Iwasa (SAC)

#LDNvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at Loudoun United FC

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

Segra Field | Leesburg, Va.

 

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: #LDNvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party Locations: Ellison Brewing Co. | Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 6W-7L-4D (-4 GD), 22 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Loudoun United FC: 2W-14L-1D (-20 GD); 8th in Atlantic Division

 

The third of four 2021 inter-division affairs for Indy Eleven this Wednesday evening at Loudoun United FC provides a strong opportunity – on paper, at least – for Indiana’s Team to post back-to-back wins for the first time since late May. After taking the full three points from two of its last three outings – including a 2-1 triumph Saturday over OKC Energy FC that snapped a six-game home winless streak – the Boys in Blue will swing into Northern Virginia with momentum at their collective backs and good reason to think a surge up the Central Division standings is there for the taking.

The reasoning for that confidence is two-fold. As any coach will tell you it starts with how their team is playing, and in the immediate sense for Indy Eleven that means looking at the energy/attitude from Saturday’s win over OKC. A glance at the stats reveals as even a game as the Eleven might play all season, but a high-intensity, high-pressure gameplan maintained throughout resulted in 33% of the match played in their offensive third compared to 20% in the defensive third. When possession (50-50), passes (395 vs. 383), passing accuracy (both 75.7%), and duels won (53 vs. 50) are practically the same, where everything happens on the field matters that much more, which is why Indy looked more on the front foot across the 90 minutes.

It also helps that some of the struggles in the finishing department at “The Mike” sorted themselves out, courtesy of top-class deliveries and goals by forwards Nicky Law and Manuel Arteaga. While Law’s move to the forward line meant his touches might have been down, it also took his typical steady distribution further up the field, providing a different dynamic between fellow front-liners Arteaga and Gordon Wild in addition to left-sided maestro Ayoze.

Roster rotation is always crucial in these three-game weeks, which makes last Saturday’s return of defender Neveal Hackshaw to 90-minute fitness and getting goalkeeper Jordan Farr’s return from a two-month injury hiatus all the more crucial. If Interim Head Coach Max Rogers wants to take his high-pressure tactics on the road this week that may very well mean more bodies will be in the mix – but then again, don’t be surprised to see a lot of the XI from Saturday night back on the field to start Wednesday’s match in an attempt to build some cohesion and consistency.

On the other side of the confidence coin is the competition, and that bodes well too as the midweek match-up marks the first of three consecutive games for the Eleven against teams at the bottom of their respective divisions. Since posting a surprise 2-1 win at home over current Atlantic co-leader Pittsburgh on June 30, it’s been a summer slog for Loudoun, which enters Wednesday’s contest looking to break an eight-game winless streak (1 draw, 7 losses). In fact, it’s been a season-long challenge for the Black-and-Red, whose win (2), point (7), and goal differential (-20) totals all place last in the 31-team USL Championship.

But it’s not all doom-and-gloom for the Virginia side, which ended a six-game losing streak via a scoreless draw against Charlotte Independence its last time out at Segra Field on Aug. 6. Even last Friday’s 0-1 loss at Charleston Battery was a bit unlucky, as a 79th minute finish by Robbie Crawford needed two deflections – one off a defender and a second off the inside of the left post – to down the plucky visitors at Patriots Point.

As is wont to happen with MLS-affiliated sides, individual success means a move to the parent club, which was the case for froward Jovanny Bolivar. The Venezuelan’s four goals still leads the squad even after his call-up to DCU on July 20, making it a “goal-scorer by committee” set up since then. With four different players bagging once in the five games since then (to go along with an own goal) it seems there’s no clear front-runner for the Eleven defense to key on, which should make for interesting matchups between Loudoun’s young-and-hungry attack and a veteran-laden Eleven defensive corps.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. LOUDOUN UNITED FC

USL Championship regular season: 2W-0L-0D (4 GF/1 GA)

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

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

 

Their previous two meetings during Loudoun’s Inaugural Season in 2019 both went Indy Eleven’s way, starting with a 2-1 win at DCU’s new home of Audi Field in the District on June 15. In that one, Tyler Pasher struck with one minute left in regulation to complete a comeback that started with Nelson Martinez’s 66th minute own goal. Just over a month later at Lucas Oil Stadium, Pasher provided a late insurance goal that supported Thomas Enevoldsen’s 81st minute game-winner in a 2-0 victory.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: FW MANUEL ARTEAGA

The Venezuelan target man put his shooting boots on again Saturday night, his three attempts bringing his once-again league leading total to 46 shots. However, the big difference on Saturday was quality over quantity, as the veteran striker put all three of his attempts on frame – including a game-winning header on the full trot in the 50th minute that sent him barreling into the advertising signs (and thankfully no worse for the collision), indicative of the no-holds-barred style with which he plies his trade.

Arteaga and fellow co-scoring leader Jordan Hamilton have gone about getting their four goals in different ways, with Hamilton getting his haul in much more efficient fashion (12 shots on goal on 15 shots) than Arteaga (15 shots on goal on 46 shots). Both will continue to be leaned on as the second half of the season continues; however, if Saturday night is any indication, the team’s forwards will be mandated, not just expected, to do more than finish. So, if Rogers is committed to maintaining the squad’s high-pressing ways, it will be Arteaga’s infectious work rate that earns him the bulk of the minutes at the point of a three-man forward line moving forward.

 

ldn PLAYER TO WATCH: GK JERMAINE FORDAH

Forgive Fordah if he’s not excited to see Arteaga bring his high volume of shots to Segra Field, as the Loudoun United FC netminder’s 57 saves in just 14 appearances are the third most amongst Championship goalkeepers this season. And while his 27 concessions on the season have contributed to LDN’s rough ledger of 35 goals allowed (fourth most in the USLC this season), his last two performances have shown signs of improvement – six saves against Charlotte helping achieve a 0-0 draw and second clean sheet of the season, and another five stops last weekend at Charleston nearly leading to the same scoreline in a 0-1 loss.

 

#LDNvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at Loudoun United FC

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

Segra Field | Leesburg, Va.

 

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: #LDNvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party Locations: Ellison Brewing Co. | Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 6W-7L-4D (-4 GD), 22 pts.; 4th in Central Division

Loudoun United FC: 2W-14L-1D (-20 GD); 8th in Atlantic Division

 

The third of four 2021 inter-division affairs for Indy Eleven this Wednesday evening at Loudoun United FC provides a strong opportunity – on paper, at least – for Indiana’s Team to post back-to-back wins for the first time since late May. After taking the full three points from two of its last three outings – including a 2-1 triumph Saturday over OKC Energy FC that snapped a six-game home winless streak – the Boys in Blue will swing into Northern Virginia with momentum at their collective backs and good reason to think a surge up the Central Division standings is there for the taking.

The reasoning for that confidence is two-fold. As any coach will tell you it starts with how their team is playing, and in the immediate sense for Indy Eleven that means looking at the energy/attitude from Saturday’s win over OKC. A glance at the stats reveals as even a game as the Eleven might play all season, but a high-intensity, high-pressure gameplan maintained throughout resulted in 33% of the match played in their offensive third compared to 20% in the defensive third. When possession (50-50), passes (395 vs. 383), passing accuracy (both 75.7%), and duels won (53 vs. 50) are practically the same, where everything happens on the field matters that much more, which is why Indy looked more on the front foot across the 90 minutes.

It also helps that some of the struggles in the finishing department at “The Mike” sorted themselves out, courtesy of top-class deliveries and goals by forwards Nicky Law and Manuel Arteaga. While Law’s move to the forward line meant his touches might have been down, it also took his typical steady distribution further up the field, providing a different dynamic between fellow front-liners Arteaga and Gordon Wild in addition to left-sided maestro Ayoze.

Roster rotation is always crucial in these three-game weeks, which makes last Saturday’s return of defender Neveal Hackshaw to 90-minute fitness and getting goalkeeper Jordan Farr’s return from a two-month injury hiatus all the more crucial. If Interim Head Coach Max Rogers wants to take his high-pressure tactics on the road this week that may very well mean more bodies will be in the mix – but then again, don’t be surprised to see a lot of the XI from Saturday night back on the field to start Wednesday’s match in an attempt to build some cohesion and consistency.

On the other side of the confidence coin is the competition, and that bodes well too as the midweek match-up marks the first of three consecutive games for the Eleven against teams at the bottom of their respective divisions. Since posting a surprise 2-1 win at home over current Atlantic co-leader Pittsburgh on June 30, it’s been a summer slog for Loudoun, which enters Wednesday’s contest looking to break an eight-game winless streak (1 draw, 7 losses). In fact, it’s been a season-long challenge for the Black-and-Red, whose win (2), point (7), and goal differential (-20) totals all place last in the 31-team USL Championship.

But it’s not all doom-and-gloom for the Virginia side, which ended a six-game losing streak via a scoreless draw against Charlotte Independence its last time out at Segra Field on Aug. 6. Even last Friday’s 0-1 loss at Charleston Battery was a bit unlucky, as a 79th minute finish by Robbie Crawford needed two deflections – one off a defender and a second off the inside of the left post – to down the plucky visitors at Patriots Point.

As is wont to happen with MLS-affiliated sides, individual success means a move to the parent club, which was the case for froward Jovanny Bolivar. The Venezuelan’s four goals still leads the squad even after his call-up to DCU on July 20, making it a “goal-scorer by committee” set up since then. With four different players bagging once in the five games since then (to go along with an own goal) it seems there’s no clear front-runner for the Eleven defense to key on, which should make for interesting matchups between Loudoun’s young-and-hungry attack and a veteran-laden Eleven defensive corps.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. LOUDOUN UNITED FC

USL Championship regular season: 2W-0L-0D (4 GF/1 GA)

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

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

 

Their previous two meetings during Loudoun’s Inaugural Season in 2019 both went Indy Eleven’s way, starting with a 2-1 win at DCU’s new home of Audi Field in the District on June 15. In that one, Tyler Pasher struck with one minute left in regulation to complete a comeback that started with Nelson Martinez’s 66th minute own goal. Just over a month later at Lucas Oil Stadium, Pasher provided a late insurance goal that supported Thomas Enevoldsen’s 81st minute game-winner in a 2-0 victory.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: FW MANUEL ARTEAGA

The Venezuelan target man put his shooting boots on again Saturday night, his three attempts bringing his once-again league leading total to 46 shots. However, the big difference on Saturday was quality over quantity, as the veteran striker put all three of his attempts on frame – including a game-winning header on the full trot in the 50th minute that sent him barreling into the advertising signs (and thankfully no worse for the collision), indicative of the no-holds-barred style with which he plies his trade.

Arteaga and fellow co-scoring leader Jordan Hamilton have gone about getting their four goals in different ways, with Hamilton getting his haul in much more efficient fashion (12 shots on goal on 15 shots) than Arteaga (15 shots on goal on 46 shots). Both will continue to be leaned on as the second half of the season continues; however, if Saturday night is any indication, the team’s forwards will be mandated, not just expected, to do more than finish. So, if Rogers is committed to maintaining the squad’s high-pressing ways, it will be Arteaga’s infectious work rate that earns him the bulk of the minutes at the point of a three-man forward line moving forward.

 

ldn PLAYER TO WATCH: GK JERMAINE FORDAH

Forgive Fordah if he’s not excited to see Arteaga bring his high volume of shots to Segra Field, as the Loudoun United FC netminder’s 57 saves in just 14 appearances are the third most amongst Championship goalkeepers this season. And while his 27 concessions on the season have contributed to LDN’s rough ledger of 35 goals allowed (fourth most in the USLC this season), his last two performances have shown signs of improvement – six saves against Charlotte helping achieve a 0-0 draw and second clean sheet of the season, and another five stops last weekend at Charleston nearly leading to the same scoreline in a 0-1 loss.

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven got its mojo back at home, using connections between forwards Nicky Law and Manuel Arteaga to post a 2-1 win over OKC Energy FC in front of an appreciative crowd at IUPUI Carroll Stadium.

The much-needed three points not only bumped Indiana’s Team off a six-game winless spell at “The Mike,” it also bumped the Eleven up the Central Division standings. The Boys in Blue now sit on 22 points, even with Energy FC and FC Tulsa in a crowded middle of the Central table, with Tulsa currently holding the tiebreaker on wins.

“The important thing was the reaction, and we played at home for the fans. That was good obviously, to go a goal up – and not great to concede in the first half – but at halftime the boys remained focused and started the second half in great fashion with the second goal,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “Pleased with it, but it’s just one little step. We’ve got some big games coming up mid-week and next Sunday, so we have to switch our focus to that.”

A fast pace in the first 10 minutes settled in soon after, the first true gasp of the match coming in the 17th minute when a cross found OKC’s Zachary Ellis-Hayden in the right side of the area. However, a quick-closing Ayoze blocked his shot out for a corner before it could threaten the frame of Jordan Farr, the Eleven goalkeeper making his return to the lineup after missing two months of action.

As Indy started to gain more of a foothold in the middle of the half, its efforts on the ball paid off with a tidy go-ahead goal straight up the middle of the field in the 26th minute. After accepting Ayoze’s pass 30 yards from goal, forward Manuel Arteaga touched and turned before neatly slipping Law behind the Energy FC backline. After a touch of his own, the Englishman stayed patient before chipping OKC netminder C.J. Cochran from eight yards to net his second of the season – and open the night’s scoring – with a touch of class.

However, the lead was short-lived as OKC leveled off a corner kick 10 minutes later. Towering Energy FC center back Lamar Batista used all of his 6’5” frame to win a header at the top of the six, his powerful nod of Deklan Wynne’s inswinger beating Farr to even the proceedings. From there the first half played out evenly and without many threats on goal, indicative of the first 45 minutes on the whole that saw both squads put a pair of shots on frame each on nine combined shots.

It was a defensive play that stood out to start the second half, A.J. Cochran’s last-gasp poke away from Jaime Chavez in the 50th minute in the heart of the area taking away a clear chance for the visitors. Two minutes later the pair that linked up for Indy’s first reversed their roles for its second, as Arteaga crashed the six to nod home Law’s back-post cross on a near-angle.  The Venezuelan’s fourth of the season tied him with Jordan Hamilton for the team’s scoring lead and put the Boys in Blue back in front at 2-1 early in the second half.

Indy managed the aftermath of the second go-ahead tally well, thanks in part to Farr’s biggest save of the evening in the 66th minute, his quick decision to dart off his line and cut off Seyi Adekoya’s angle from close range paying dividends. Two minutes later it was Arteaga putting plenty of pace on an effort sent right at CJ Cochran, who could only parry away for a corner.

From there, the Indy defense clamped down on Energy FC, allowing just one shot over the next 20 minutes that Farr was able to easily save. Meanwhile, the Boys in Blue kept searching for their third, Arteaga’s header off a Wild dead ball service in the 87th minute again sent right to the OKC ‘keeper on his line.

Energy FC would have one final threat as the match entered four minutes of stoppage time, but Farr collected Tucker Stephenson’s chipped ball to the right of his goal, extinguishing the final chance of the evening and putting the Eleven back on the winning end at Carroll Stadium. The three points at “The Mike” to kick off the second half of Indy’s USL Championship campaign marked only the second win in nine home outings, joining the 2-0 result over Sporting KC II on May 22, and the first home win for Rogers as the interim manager.

“I’m obviously delighted for the lads because they worked so hard in that game and sorted it out, which was brilliant. It’s a credit to them and they deserve all the praise for how they played in that game and responded,” explained Rogers. “It’s obviously great for them to connect with the fans again, and I said that to them. You know, go and milk it in a sense because the fans had maybe not had that connection because of the way things were going … hopefully that can build a sort of momentum and spirit again for the next home game and obviously, the next game.”

Next up, Indiana’s Team will take its second Wednesday-Sunday road trip of August beginning with a midweek match against Loudoun United FC at Segra Field in suburban Washington D.C. (7:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+). From there, the Boys in Blue head west for its second meeting of the season at Children’s Mercy Park against Sporting KC II (5:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+).

Indy Eleven comes back home again on August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  2 : 1  OKC Energy FC

Saturday, August 14, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Indy Eleven: 6W-7L-4D, 22 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

OKC Energy FC: 5W-7L-7D, 22 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Nicky Law (Manuel Arteaga) 26’

OKC – Lamar Batista (Deklan Wynne) 36’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Nicky Law) 53’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Aboubacar Sissoko (yellow card) 10’

OKC – Seyi Adekoya 45’ (yellow card) 45’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (yellow card) 90+3’

IND – Gordon Wild (yellow card) 90+4’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-3-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette, Rece Buckmaster; Ayoze (captain) (Patrick Seagrist 72’), Jeremiah Gutjahr, Aboubacar Sissoko (Peter-Lee Vassell 72’); Gordon Wild, Manuel Arteaga, Nicky Law

IND substitutions: Eric Dick (GK), Nedeljko Malić, Aidan Liu, Jordan Hamilton, Ecris Revolorio

 

OKC Energy FC line-up (3-4-3): C.J. Cochran; Lamar Batista (Tucker Stephenson 76’), Conor Donovan (captain), Mitch Osmond; Deklan Wynne, Brad Dunwell (Irakoze Donasiyano 76’), Hiroki Kurimoto, Zachary Ellis-Hayden; Villyan Bijev (Kodai Iida 56’), Jaime Chavez (Frank Lopez 55’), Seyi Adekoya (Jonathan Brown 83’)

OKC substitutions: Kyle Ihn (GK), Muengnenshime Goshit

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven got its mojo back at home, using connections between forwards Nicky Law and Manuel Arteaga to post a 2-1 win over OKC Energy FC in front of an appreciative crowd at IUPUI Carroll Stadium.

The much-needed three points not only bumped Indiana’s Team off a six-game winless spell at “The Mike,” it also bumped the Eleven up the Central Division standings. The Boys in Blue now sit on 22 points, even with Energy FC and FC Tulsa in a crowded middle of the Central table, with Tulsa currently holding the tiebreaker on wins.

“The important thing was the reaction, and we played at home for the fans. That was good obviously, to go a goal up – and not great to concede in the first half – but at halftime the boys remained focused and started the second half in great fashion with the second goal,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “Pleased with it, but it’s just one little step. We’ve got some big games coming up mid-week and next Sunday, so we have to switch our focus to that.”

A fast pace in the first 10 minutes settled in soon after, the first true gasp of the match coming in the 17th minute when a cross found OKC’s Zachary Ellis-Hayden in the right side of the area. However, a quick-closing Ayoze blocked his shot out for a corner before it could threaten the frame of Jordan Farr, the Eleven goalkeeper making his return to the lineup after missing two months of action.

As Indy started to gain more of a foothold in the middle of the half, its efforts on the ball paid off with a tidy go-ahead goal straight up the middle of the field in the 26th minute. After accepting Ayoze’s pass 30 yards from goal, forward Manuel Arteaga touched and turned before neatly slipping Law behind the Energy FC backline. After a touch of his own, the Englishman stayed patient before chipping OKC netminder C.J. Cochran from eight yards to net his second of the season – and open the night’s scoring – with a touch of class.

However, the lead was short-lived as OKC leveled off a corner kick 10 minutes later. Towering Energy FC center back Lamar Batista used all of his 6’5” frame to win a header at the top of the six, his powerful nod of Deklan Wynne’s inswinger beating Farr to even the proceedings. From there the first half played out evenly and without many threats on goal, indicative of the first 45 minutes on the whole that saw both squads put a pair of shots on frame each on nine combined shots.

It was a defensive play that stood out to start the second half, A.J. Cochran’s last-gasp poke away from Jaime Chavez in the 50th minute in the heart of the area taking away a clear chance for the visitors. Two minutes later the pair that linked up for Indy’s first reversed their roles for its second, as Arteaga crashed the six to nod home Law’s back-post cross on a near-angle.  The Venezuelan’s fourth of the season tied him with Jordan Hamilton for the team’s scoring lead and put the Boys in Blue back in front at 2-1 early in the second half.

Indy managed the aftermath of the second go-ahead tally well, thanks in part to Farr’s biggest save of the evening in the 66th minute, his quick decision to dart off his line and cut off Seyi Adekoya’s angle from close range paying dividends. Two minutes later it was Arteaga putting plenty of pace on an effort sent right at CJ Cochran, who could only parry away for a corner.

From there, the Indy defense clamped down on Energy FC, allowing just one shot over the next 20 minutes that Farr was able to easily save. Meanwhile, the Boys in Blue kept searching for their third, Arteaga’s header off a Wild dead ball service in the 87th minute again sent right to the OKC ‘keeper on his line.

Energy FC would have one final threat as the match entered four minutes of stoppage time, but Farr collected Tucker Stephenson’s chipped ball to the right of his goal, extinguishing the final chance of the evening and putting the Eleven back on the winning end at Carroll Stadium. The three points at “The Mike” to kick off the second half of Indy’s USL Championship campaign marked only the second win in nine home outings, joining the 2-0 result over Sporting KC II on May 22, and the first home win for Rogers as the interim manager.

“I’m obviously delighted for the lads because they worked so hard in that game and sorted it out, which was brilliant. It’s a credit to them and they deserve all the praise for how they played in that game and responded,” explained Rogers. “It’s obviously great for them to connect with the fans again, and I said that to them. You know, go and milk it in a sense because the fans had maybe not had that connection because of the way things were going … hopefully that can build a sort of momentum and spirit again for the next home game and obviously, the next game.”

Next up, Indiana’s Team will take its second Wednesday-Sunday road trip of August beginning with a midweek match against Loudoun United FC at Segra Field in suburban Washington D.C. (7:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+). From there, the Boys in Blue head west for its second meeting of the season at Children’s Mercy Park against Sporting KC II (5:00 p.m. kickoff, live on ESPN+).

Indy Eleven comes back home again on August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium against Real Monarchs SLC. First kick on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  2 : 1  OKC Energy FC

Saturday, August 14, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Indy Eleven: 6W-7L-4D, 22 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

OKC Energy FC: 5W-7L-7D, 22 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Nicky Law (Manuel Arteaga) 26’

OKC – Lamar Batista (Deklan Wynne) 36’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Nicky Law) 53’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Aboubacar Sissoko (yellow card) 10’

OKC – Seyi Adekoya 45’ (yellow card) 45’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (yellow card) 90+3’

IND – Gordon Wild (yellow card) 90+4’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-3-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette, Rece Buckmaster; Ayoze (captain) (Patrick Seagrist 72’), Jeremiah Gutjahr, Aboubacar Sissoko (Peter-Lee Vassell 72’); Gordon Wild, Manuel Arteaga, Nicky Law

IND substitutions: Eric Dick (GK), Nedeljko Malić, Aidan Liu, Jordan Hamilton, Ecris Revolorio

 

OKC Energy FC line-up (3-4-3): C.J. Cochran; Lamar Batista (Tucker Stephenson 76’), Conor Donovan (captain), Mitch Osmond; Deklan Wynne, Brad Dunwell (Irakoze Donasiyano 76’), Hiroki Kurimoto, Zachary Ellis-Hayden; Villyan Bijev (Kodai Iida 56’), Jaime Chavez (Frank Lopez 55’), Seyi Adekoya (Jonathan Brown 83’)

OKC substitutions: Kyle Ihn (GK), Muengnenshime Goshit

#INDvOKC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. OKC Energy FC – presented by IBEW Local 481

Saturday, August 14, 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 Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #INDvOKC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven 5W-7L-4D (-5 GD); 7th in Central Division

OKC Energy FC 5W-6L-7D (-1 GD); 5th in Central Division

Indiana’s Team will kick off the second half of its 2021 USL Championship campaign by renewing acquaintances with OKC Energy FC just over a month after their latest tilt in Oklahoma was rudely interrupted by Mother Nature. The two sides enter the weekend amongst the five-team group within three points of each other in the middle of the Central Division table, with a potential Eleven win putting them even with OKC (and potentially FC Tulsa and Atlanta United 2) on 22 points.

Indy Eleven enters Saturday looking to put last Sunday’s stinging 6-2 loss at Atlanta in the rearview mirror. In order to do that, the squad will have to replace a pair of key contributors that left that match due to injury, as midfielder Nick Moon and defender Jared Timmer are both ruled out for Saturday night. However, this is where the depth of Indy’s roster comes in, with veteran center back A.J. Cochran ready to jump back into the first XI for Timmer and Neveal Hackshaw continuing to progress towards full health after seeing appearances off the bench twice last week. In addition, goalkeeper Jordan Farr made his first appearance on the 18-man roster over the weekend since he suffered a hand injury in mid-June, giving another potential lift to the Boys in Blue should he be ready for full minutes between the posts.

The mental challenge of rebounding from a result described as “embarrassing” by Interim Head Coach Max Rogers will be compounded by the squad’s increasing urgency to get a win at Carroll Stadium. Indeed, the return to “The Mike” has not gone as planned for the Boys in Blue with just one victory in eight home outings thus far (1W-5L-2D, including a 1-1 draw versus OKC back in early June) … but then again the squad also entered last Sunday with the league’s top points per game earned on the road. So what’s the lesson here? Trends can be broken, and Saturday night could be pivotal on that front for Indy Eleven as it tries to change up its recipe for home cookin’.

On the flip side, OKC Energy FC has been, well, reenergized, under its own interim sideline boss in Leigh Veidman, who took over the reins after that 1-1 draw in Indy on June 2. Since then, OKC has rattled off a 5W-3L-3D record, but with those three defeats all coming against first-place Louisville and second-place Birmingham, Energy FC has proved it can go toe-to-toe with the squads it will need to best for a top-four spot and the postseason berth that goes with it.

Indy Eleven gets the benefit of catching OKC on short rest, as Energy FC followed the Boys in Blue down to Georgia and earned a 2-2 draw at Atlanta on Wednesday evening, Energy FC’s  taking of the full three points being spoiled by David Mejia’s stoppage time equalizer.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. OKC ENERGY FC

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

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

2021 SERIES

06/02/21:  IND 1:1 OKC

[IND: Moon 42’; OKC: Lopez 69’]

Saturday:  IND v OKC (7:00 p.m. ET)

10/26/21:  OKC v IND (6:00 p.m. ET)

10/29/21:  OKC v IND (8:30 p.m. ET)

 

OKC Energy FC’s move to the Eastern Conference in 2021 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 early in the second half, and ultimately abandoned, due to stormy weather and a subsequent power outage at Taft Stadium (for what it’s worth, now ex-Eleven attacker Cammy Smith notched a goal in what ended up being a 1-1 scoreline when the game was called).

With that match-up rescheduled to Wednesday, Sept. 29, that means Indiana’s Team and Energy FC will close out their 2021 series with back-to-back games at Taft Stadium, with the third meeting of the season taking place three days prior on Sunday, Sept. 26.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: FW PETER-LEE VASSELL

August has been extremely kind to the Jamaican international, who has heated up by scoring in each of Indy’s games to start the month. He sealed the deal in a 2-0 win against FC Tulsa on Aug. 4 with a confident little dink past the goalkeeper and four days later provided Indy’s second goal against Atlanta off a volley just outside the box. Those two goals ties the highest output in a single season during his young career, equaling his total with Harbour View of Jamaica's National Premier League in the 2017-2018 season.

With starts in four of his 11 appearances so far, the 23-year-old has been used primarily as a sort of “super sub” coming on in place of center forwards Jordan Hamilton or Manuel Arteaga, or as a winger in place of Gordon Wild, Nick Moon or Ayoze. To go along with his two goals, Vassell has provided three key passes this season, but has yet to register an assist – although for a player with his vision and willingness to make plays, one would expect to see a helper on the board soon. Rogers mentioned after the Tulsa game that he felt Vassell’s first goal with the squad could build his confidence, and after finding the back of the net once more in four days’ time, it seems likely the Jamaican will be afforded the opportunity to add to his growing output on Saturday.

 

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW Villyan Bijev

Villyan Bijev is absolutely powering the OKC Energy offense so far this season, as the forward sits currently has nine goals to his name. Not only does that mark lead OKC by a wide margin (Frank Lopez sits second on three finishes), but it is also good enough to tie him for third place on the USL Championship’s Golden Boot chart. Bijev comes off a Wednesday match against Atlanta United 2 that saw the forward score both of Energy FC’s goals – both go-ahead tallies in the 39th and 76th minutes – en route to a 2-2 draw.

Not only does the 28-year-old lead his team in goals, but he leads OKC in just about every major offensive statistic including assists (3), shots (35), and chances created (21). The former Liverpool academy player is scoring at a rate of a goal every 151 minutes for the Energy, making the Bulgarian a formidable attacking threat that Indy will have to handle if they want to come away with all three points.

#INDvOKC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. OKC Energy FC – presented by IBEW Local 481

Saturday, August 14, 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 Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #INDvOKC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven 5W-7L-4D (-5 GD); 7th in Central Division

OKC Energy FC 5W-6L-7D (-1 GD); 5th in Central Division

Indiana’s Team will kick off the second half of its 2021 USL Championship campaign by renewing acquaintances with OKC Energy FC just over a month after their latest tilt in Oklahoma was rudely interrupted by Mother Nature. The two sides enter the weekend amongst the five-team group within three points of each other in the middle of the Central Division table, with a potential Eleven win putting them even with OKC (and potentially FC Tulsa and Atlanta United 2) on 22 points.

Indy Eleven enters Saturday looking to put last Sunday’s stinging 6-2 loss at Atlanta in the rearview mirror. In order to do that, the squad will have to replace a pair of key contributors that left that match due to injury, as midfielder Nick Moon and defender Jared Timmer are both ruled out for Saturday night. However, this is where the depth of Indy’s roster comes in, with veteran center back A.J. Cochran ready to jump back into the first XI for Timmer and Neveal Hackshaw continuing to progress towards full health after seeing appearances off the bench twice last week. In addition, goalkeeper Jordan Farr made his first appearance on the 18-man roster over the weekend since he suffered a hand injury in mid-June, giving another potential lift to the Boys in Blue should he be ready for full minutes between the posts.

The mental challenge of rebounding from a result described as “embarrassing” by Interim Head Coach Max Rogers will be compounded by the squad’s increasing urgency to get a win at Carroll Stadium. Indeed, the return to “The Mike” has not gone as planned for the Boys in Blue with just one victory in eight home outings thus far (1W-5L-2D, including a 1-1 draw versus OKC back in early June) … but then again the squad also entered last Sunday with the league’s top points per game earned on the road. So what’s the lesson here? Trends can be broken, and Saturday night could be pivotal on that front for Indy Eleven as it tries to change up its recipe for home cookin’.

On the flip side, OKC Energy FC has been, well, reenergized, under its own interim sideline boss in Leigh Veidman, who took over the reins after that 1-1 draw in Indy on June 2. Since then, OKC has rattled off a 5W-3L-3D record, but with those three defeats all coming against first-place Louisville and second-place Birmingham, Energy FC has proved it can go toe-to-toe with the squads it will need to best for a top-four spot and the postseason berth that goes with it.

Indy Eleven gets the benefit of catching OKC on short rest, as Energy FC followed the Boys in Blue down to Georgia and earned a 2-2 draw at Atlanta on Wednesday evening, Energy FC’s  taking of the full three points being spoiled by David Mejia’s stoppage time equalizer.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. OKC ENERGY FC

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

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

2021 SERIES

06/02/21:  IND 1:1 OKC

[IND: Moon 42’; OKC: Lopez 69’]

Saturday:  IND v OKC (7:00 p.m. ET)

10/26/21:  OKC v IND (6:00 p.m. ET)

10/29/21:  OKC v IND (8:30 p.m. ET)

 

OKC Energy FC’s move to the Eastern Conference in 2021 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 early in the second half, and ultimately abandoned, due to stormy weather and a subsequent power outage at Taft Stadium (for what it’s worth, now ex-Eleven attacker Cammy Smith notched a goal in what ended up being a 1-1 scoreline when the game was called).

With that match-up rescheduled to Wednesday, Sept. 29, that means Indiana’s Team and Energy FC will close out their 2021 series with back-to-back games at Taft Stadium, with the third meeting of the season taking place three days prior on Sunday, Sept. 26.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: FW PETER-LEE VASSELL

August has been extremely kind to the Jamaican international, who has heated up by scoring in each of Indy’s games to start the month. He sealed the deal in a 2-0 win against FC Tulsa on Aug. 4 with a confident little dink past the goalkeeper and four days later provided Indy’s second goal against Atlanta off a volley just outside the box. Those two goals ties the highest output in a single season during his young career, equaling his total with Harbour View of Jamaica’s National Premier League in the 2017-2018 season.

With starts in four of his 11 appearances so far, the 23-year-old has been used primarily as a sort of “super sub” coming on in place of center forwards Jordan Hamilton or Manuel Arteaga, or as a winger in place of Gordon Wild, Nick Moon or Ayoze. To go along with his two goals, Vassell has provided three key passes this season, but has yet to register an assist – although for a player with his vision and willingness to make plays, one would expect to see a helper on the board soon. Rogers mentioned after the Tulsa game that he felt Vassell’s first goal with the squad could build his confidence, and after finding the back of the net once more in four days’ time, it seems likely the Jamaican will be afforded the opportunity to add to his growing output on Saturday.

 

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW Villyan Bijev

Villyan Bijev is absolutely powering the OKC Energy offense so far this season, as the forward sits currently has nine goals to his name. Not only does that mark lead OKC by a wide margin (Frank Lopez sits second on three finishes), but it is also good enough to tie him for third place on the USL Championship’s Golden Boot chart. Bijev comes off a Wednesday match against Atlanta United 2 that saw the forward score both of Energy FC’s goals – both go-ahead tallies in the 39th and 76th minutes – en route to a 2-2 draw.

Not only does the 28-year-old lead his team in goals, but he leads OKC in just about every major offensive statistic including assists (3), shots (35), and chances created (21). The former Liverpool academy player is scoring at a rate of a goal every 151 minutes for the Energy, making the Bulgarian a formidable attacking threat that Indy will have to handle if they want to come away with all three points.

Comedian Drew Lynch’s family and friends, with a little help from Indy Eleven, managed to pull together a unique gift for the comedian’s 30th birthday – a surprise visit to Grand Park Sports Complex on Wednesday morning to watch the Boys in Blue train.

“The first thing is intimidation, that’s always the first feeling, the first emotion and that pretty much sustains for my entire life,” the Indianapolis native joked when asked about his reaction to finding out he was going to take in a training session. “Underneath that it was excitement. I love soccer. I wish I was as good at soccer as how much I loved it.”

As the Boys in Blue played an intrasquad small-sided game, the America’s Got Talent Season 10 runner-up took it in from the sidelines while cheering for both sides. The Indiana native found shots from the likes of Jordan Hamilton and Manuel Arteaga astounding, and was amazed by the between-the-post antics of goalkeepers Jordan Farr and Eric Dick. What may have impressed Lynch most was the youth and talent of Ecris Revolorio, who participated in his first training session with the Eleven after inking a USL Academy Contract this past Monday. In fact, it led Lynch to think back to his own experience on the pitch as a youth.

“I was five and I was on the bench often, but we did get snack packs after the game,” Lynch reminisced. “My dad was the coach and it was a good call on his part to bench me. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the team. That was the oldest I actually played soccer. I played baseball and football growing up, but when I was five was when I played [soccer] and I guess I just never continued – and now my hips are tight.”

However, the comedian with over two million YouTube subscribers shook off the rust off his boots and hit the pitch after practice in style after being presented a customized Indy Eleven jersey by captain Ayoze and vice-captain Karl Ouimette. After passing around with the Boys in Blue for a couple of minutes, Lynch was challenged by the captains to a crossbar challenge, which also piqued Neveal Hackshaw’s interest. With some words of advice and a couple of examples from some seasoned professionals, Lynch stepped up and clanked one off the crossbar after a couple attempts.

“I hit it on the first time, the very first time I’ve ever hit the crossbar and I kicked it with my foot” Lynch joked, trying to shrug off his first few misses. “Everyone was sitting on the grass watching me do it and then it was a standing ovation when I hit it. It’s my first standing ovation as well; you want that after a comedy show, but if you’re not that good at comedy you can just hit the crossbar and people will celebrate you.”

Not only did Lynch enjoy being up at training, but Indiana’s Team enjoyed having him there to lighten the mood after an intense return to training for Indiana’s Team ahead of this Saturday’s match against OKC Energy FC. The Boys in Blue were quick to crack smiles and jokes with Lynch after training, and even took some time to pet Lynch’s service dog, Stella, a staple of Lynch’s digital content.

Having smacked the woodwork and now considered a seasoned professional among the veteran players in attendance, Lynch had just one question to answer in the post-training media scrum: Which is harder … comedy or soccer?

“Both are hard. You have to be ok with being in front of people, I guess. Athletes are just insane because you have to be at the top of your game all the time,” Lynch said, debating his answer adding, “If comedians aren’t you can just kind of laugh it off or make a joke or get booed. I would say it’s probably hard to be a soccer player.”

With his jersey on his back and a smile on his face, Lynch ended his time at training confident that the Boys in Blue will have a strong outing against Energy FC and beyond. To see more of Lynch’s comedy stylings, including where to catch him on stage this summer and fall and links to his hilarious social media feeds, visit drewlynch.com.

Comedian Drew Lynch’s family and friends, with a little help from Indy Eleven, managed to pull together a unique gift for the comedian’s 30th birthday – a surprise visit to Grand Park Sports Complex on Wednesday morning to watch the Boys in Blue train.

“The first thing is intimidation, that’s always the first feeling, the first emotion and that pretty much sustains for my entire life,” the Indianapolis native joked when asked about his reaction to finding out he was going to take in a training session. “Underneath that it was excitement. I love soccer. I wish I was as good at soccer as how much I loved it.”

As the Boys in Blue played an intrasquad small-sided game, the America’s Got Talent Season 10 runner-up took it in from the sidelines while cheering for both sides. The Indiana native found shots from the likes of Jordan Hamilton and Manuel Arteaga astounding, and was amazed by the between-the-post antics of goalkeepers Jordan Farr and Eric Dick. What may have impressed Lynch most was the youth and talent of Ecris Revolorio, who participated in his first training session with the Eleven after inking a USL Academy Contract this past Monday. In fact, it led Lynch to think back to his own experience on the pitch as a youth.

“I was five and I was on the bench often, but we did get snack packs after the game,” Lynch reminisced. “My dad was the coach and it was a good call on his part to bench me. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the team. That was the oldest I actually played soccer. I played baseball and football growing up, but when I was five was when I played [soccer] and I guess I just never continued – and now my hips are tight.”

However, the comedian with over two million YouTube subscribers shook off the rust off his boots and hit the pitch after practice in style after being presented a customized Indy Eleven jersey by captain Ayoze and vice-captain Karl Ouimette. After passing around with the Boys in Blue for a couple of minutes, Lynch was challenged by the captains to a crossbar challenge, which also piqued Neveal Hackshaw’s interest. With some words of advice and a couple of examples from some seasoned professionals, Lynch stepped up and clanked one off the crossbar after a couple attempts.

“I hit it on the first time, the very first time I’ve ever hit the crossbar and I kicked it with my foot” Lynch joked, trying to shrug off his first few misses. “Everyone was sitting on the grass watching me do it and then it was a standing ovation when I hit it. It’s my first standing ovation as well; you want that after a comedy show, but if you’re not that good at comedy you can just hit the crossbar and people will celebrate you.”

Not only did Lynch enjoy being up at training, but Indiana’s Team enjoyed having him there to lighten the mood after an intense return to training for Indiana’s Team ahead of this Saturday’s match against OKC Energy FC. The Boys in Blue were quick to crack smiles and jokes with Lynch after training, and even took some time to pet Lynch’s service dog, Stella, a staple of Lynch’s digital content.

Having smacked the woodwork and now considered a seasoned professional among the veteran players in attendance, Lynch had just one question to answer in the post-training media scrum: Which is harder … comedy or soccer?

“Both are hard. You have to be ok with being in front of people, I guess. Athletes are just insane because you have to be at the top of your game all the time,” Lynch said, debating his answer adding, “If comedians aren’t you can just kind of laugh it off or make a joke or get booed. I would say it’s probably hard to be a soccer player.”

With his jersey on his back and a smile on his face, Lynch ended his time at training confident that the Boys in Blue will have a strong outing against Energy FC and beyond. To see more of Lynch’s comedy stylings, including where to catch him on stage this summer and fall and links to his hilarious social media feeds, visit drewlynch.com.