INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven claimed its first USL-era silverware Sunday night after shutting out Queensboro FC 3-0 in the 2021 USL Academy Final at Al Lang Stadium in Tampa, Fla. First half goals from Diego Rodriguez (12’), Diego Sanchez (22’) – who signed a USL Academy contract with Indiana’s Team earlier this year – and a nail-in-the-coffin strike from Palmer Ault (61’) saw the youngsters claim the league’s inaugural national youth championship.
“It’s brilliant. I’m so proud of the guys. It’s a tremendous experience coming here and playing for a trophy,” said Indy Eleven Academy Head Coach Kiki Wallace. “I’m most proud of my guys for their defensive effort. The buy-in they had in the last week to come together defensively. We made some tactical changes, but more importantly cultivated a mentality to defend and finish the tournament with two clean sheets against two of the toughest teams we played. I’m proud of those guys.”
Leading up to Sunday’s Final, the Indy Eleven side comprised of U-15 through U-19 athletes tallied a flawless 3W-0L-0D (7 GF/2 GA) record in the tournament’s Group Stage that took place December 2-4 against its Group B opponents – San Antonio FC (2-1), AC Connecticut (3-1) and Charlotte Independence (2-0).
Two Indy Eleven academy players earned individual honors for their performances throughout the USL Academy Playoffs. Indianapolis native Kabiru Gafar,17, was award the tournament’s Golden Boot for his three goals – scoring in each of Indy’s group stage games – and his assist on Ault’s goal in the Final against Queensboro. Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff was awarded the tournament’s Golden Glove after recording a pair of clean sheets in four matches, conceding just two goals throughout the playoffs. The Crown Point-born goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons with Indy Eleven on a USL Academy contract, allowing him to train and participate in First Team activities while retaining NCAA eligibility.
Indy Eleven established a high bar for success in USL Academy action this past May, when the club’s U-13 and U-17 Boys entries qualified for their respective age groups’ finals during the USL Academy Cup, also held in the Tampa area. The Indy Eleven youth squad clinched its spot in the USL Academy Playoffs after ending the season with a 6W-3L-0D record, its 18 points allowing the squad to finish three points clear of second-place Louisville City FC. For all USL Academy competitions in 2021, Indy Eleven has partnered with the acclaimed Indiana Fire Academy (IFA) program based out of Westfield to establish the squads representing Indiana’s Team at the youth levels.
Indy Eleven will begin its ninth season of play, and fifth season in the USL Championship, in 2022. Season Ticket Memberships for Indy Eleven’s 2022 campaign are now on sale – and fans can get at least $265 in added value and the best slate of benefits available when securing their membership by next Friday, Dec. 10. Fans can also place deposits to secure discounted tickets and exclusive gameday experiences for groups of 10 or more and one of the many Premium Hospitality options at Carroll Stadium. To learn more and lock in your seats, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets.
INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven claimed its first USL-era silverware Sunday night after shutting out Queensboro FC 3-0 in the 2021 USL Academy Final at Al Lang Stadium in Tampa, Fla. First half goals from Diego Rodriguez (12’), Diego Sanchez (22’) – who signed a USL Academy contract with Indiana’s Team earlier this year – and a nail-in-the-coffin strike from Palmer Ault (61’) saw the youngsters claim the league’s inaugural national youth championship.
“It’s brilliant. I’m so proud of the guys. It’s a tremendous experience coming here and playing for a trophy,” said Indy Eleven Academy Head Coach Kiki Wallace. “I’m most proud of my guys for their defensive effort. The buy-in they had in the last week to come together defensively. We made some tactical changes, but more importantly cultivated a mentality to defend and finish the tournament with two clean sheets against two of the toughest teams we played. I’m proud of those guys.”
Leading up to Sunday’s Final, the Indy Eleven side comprised of U-15 through U-19 athletes tallied a flawless 3W-0L-0D (7 GF/2 GA) record in the tournament’s Group Stage that took place December 2-4 against its Group B opponents – San Antonio FC (2-1), AC Connecticut (3-1) and Charlotte Independence (2-0).
Two Indy Eleven academy players earned individual honors for their performances throughout the USL Academy Playoffs. Indianapolis native Kabiru Gafar,17, was award the tournament’s Golden Boot for his three goals – scoring in each of Indy’s group stage games – and his assist on Ault’s goal in the Final against Queensboro. Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Alex Svetanoff was awarded the tournament’s Golden Glove after recording a pair of clean sheets in four matches, conceding just two goals throughout the playoffs. The Crown Point-born goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons with Indy Eleven on a USL Academy contract, allowing him to train and participate in First Team activities while retaining NCAA eligibility.
Indy Eleven established a high bar for success in USL Academy action this past May, when the club’s U-13 and U-17 Boys entries qualified for their respective age groups’ finals during the USL Academy Cup, also held in the Tampa area. The Indy Eleven youth squad clinched its spot in the USL Academy Playoffs after ending the season with a 6W-3L-0D record, its 18 points allowing the squad to finish three points clear of second-place Louisville City FC. For all USL Academy competitions in 2021, Indy Eleven has partnered with the acclaimed Indiana Fire Academy (IFA) program based out of Westfield to establish the squads representing Indiana’s Team at the youth levels.
Indy Eleven will begin its ninth season of play, and fifth season in the USL Championship, in 2022. Season Ticket Memberships for Indy Eleven’s 2022 campaign are now on sale – and fans can get at least $265 in added value and the best slate of benefits available when securing their membership by next Friday, Dec. 10. Fans can also place deposits to secure discounted tickets and exclusive gameday experiences for groups of 10 or more and one of the many Premium Hospitality options at Carroll Stadium. To learn more and lock in your seats, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets.
