Game Recaps

Indy Eleven’s Undefeated Streak Ends with Defeat at Ottawa Fury FC

Fury FC Capitalize on Set Piece Opportunities to Post 4-2 Win in Canadian Capital

OTTAWA (Sunday, July 19, 2015) – Ottawa Fury FC took advantage of several opportunities afforded to them by Indy Eleven in their latest “NASL Class of 2014” clash this afternoon, capitalizing on three set piece chances en route to a 4-2 victory at TD Place.   

Ottawa captain Richie Ryan tallied directly off two of those dead ball opportunities, while defender Rafael Alves opened the scoring on another and Tom Heinemann added a counter-attack strike in the second half, countering goals from Indy Eleven’s Don Smart and Judson McKinney. The result ended Indy Eleven’s undefeated streak at five games, while Ottawa improved its own unbeaten run to eight contests.

 

Indy Eleven fouls in its own defensive third would be a much more common theme than the visitors had hoped for in the early going, and Ottawa was more than happy to take advantage of the decisions.  Fury FC would go on top 12 minutes in when midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic looped in a free kick cross towards the far right post, which Alves rose to meet and headed downward past Indy Eleven ‘keeper Kristian Nicht to go ahead early. 

Indy Eleven would gain more of a foothold on the match after 20 minutes, and deservedly found an equalizing through Smart in the 33rd minute. The Jamaican midfielder received a ball near the midfield stripe, turned and took 20 yards of space up the middle of the field before firing a low shot that skipped inside the left post and past Ottawa’s Romulad Peiser to even things up at 1-1.  But Ottawa had an answer through Richie just two minutes later, as the captain of the Canadian side poked a 22-yard free kick over the Indy Eleven wall and into the right side netting to give Ottawa the lead back at 2-1 almost immediately.

More close chances from Ottawa would be dodged before the two sides headed into the locker rooms for halftime.  It was Heinemann stretching the lead to 3-1 for Fury FC in the 56thminute after he raced onto a long clearance at the top of the Ottawa area by Alves, split the Indy Eleven center backs and finished low and left of Nicht. In the 65th minute it was Richie with a near carbon copy of his first goal, this time stroking a 25-yard free kick into the far upper left corner of goal to put the home side up 4-1.

Ottawa all but effectively killed the game off until the four minutes of stoppage time, when Indy Eleven had two golden chances to tally. The first – a penalty kick set up when Brian Brown was fouled inside the area – was thwarted after Peiser stopped Victor Pineda’s penalty kick attempt up the middle.  However, the visitors would press on and get one back in the 92ndminute, when defender Judson McKinney, in his NASL debut, nodded home from five yards out off a corner kick opportunity, set up by Erick Norales’ squared header, to end the scoring. McKinney wasn’t the only member of Indy Eleven to make his debut on the day, as New York Red Bulls loanee Dane Richards got the start in midfield during his first game for the “Boys in Blue.”

Today’s result pushed Indy Eleven squarely into the middle of both the NASL’s Fall Season and combined season standings, “Indiana’s Team” now sitting in 6th place on both (1W-1D-1L, 4 pts. in Fall; 4W-5D-4L, 17 pts. combined). 

The “Boys in Blue” can gain some ground on the top of the table this Saturday, July 25, when they take on Spring Season champion New York Cosmos (21 pts., 2nd place on combined table) – featuring Spanish superstar striker Raul – at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  Kickoff on “Christmas in July” Night is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (live on WISH-TV8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590 AM), and the first 5,000 fans through the gates at “The Mike” will receive a Santa Zeke bobblehead doll, courtesy of Central Indiana Honda Dealers.  Tickets for Saturday’s game remain available and can be purchased at www.www.indyeleven.com and over the phone at 317-685-1100 (during regular business hours). 

 

NASL Fall Season
Ottawa Fury FC  4 : 2  Indy Eleven
Sunday, July 19, 2015
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Attendance: 4,372

Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 1W-1D-1L, 4 pts., 6th in NASL Fall
Combined: 4W-5D-4L, 17 pts., 6th in NASL Combined

Ottawa Fury FC:
Fall Season: 2W-1D-1L, 7 pts., 2nd in NASL Fall
Combined: 5W-6D-3L, 18 pts., 5th in NASL Combined

Scoring Summary:
OTT: Rafael Alves (Sinisa Ubiparipovic) 12’
IND: Don Smart (unassisted) 33’
OTT: Ritchie Ryan (unassisted) 35’
OTT: Tom Heinemann (Rafael Alves) 56’
OTT: Ritchie Ryan (unassisted) 65’
IND: Judson McKinney (Erick Norales) 90+’

Discipline Summary:
IND: Don Smart (caution) 13’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 34’
OTT: Mauro Eustaquio (caution) 74’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 89’
IND: Cory Miller (ejection; second caution) 89’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-5-1):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco (Judson McKinney 77’), Cory Miller, Erick Norales (capt), Kyle Hyland; Don Smart, Dylan Mares, Dane Richards (Brian Brown 68’), Wojciech Wojcik (Greg Janicki 62’), Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Daniel Keller

Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Romulad Peiser; Ryan Richter, Rafael Alves, Colin Falvey, Mason Trafford; Julian De Guzman (Mauro Eustaquio 45’), Richie Ryan (capt), Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Andrew Wiedeman, Tom Heinemann (Aly Alberto Hassan 70’), Paulo Jr. Oliver Minatel 76’)

Fury FC Bench: Marcel DeBellis (GK), Drew Beckie, Philippe Davies, Carl Haworth

Indy Eleven’s Undefeated Streak Ends with Defeat at Ottawa Fury FC

Fury FC Capitalize on Set Piece Opportunities to Post 4-2 Win in Canadian Capital

OTTAWA (Sunday, July 19, 2015) – Ottawa Fury FC took advantage of several opportunities afforded to them by Indy Eleven in their latest “NASL Class of 2014” clash this afternoon, capitalizing on three set piece chances en route to a 4-2 victory at TD Place.   

Ottawa captain Richie Ryan tallied directly off two of those dead ball opportunities, while defender Rafael Alves opened the scoring on another and Tom Heinemann added a counter-attack strike in the second half, countering goals from Indy Eleven’s Don Smart and Judson McKinney. The result ended Indy Eleven’s undefeated streak at five games, while Ottawa improved its own unbeaten run to eight contests.

 

Indy Eleven fouls in its own defensive third would be a much more common theme than the visitors had hoped for in the early going, and Ottawa was more than happy to take advantage of the decisions.  Fury FC would go on top 12 minutes in when midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic looped in a free kick cross towards the far right post, which Alves rose to meet and headed downward past Indy Eleven ‘keeper Kristian Nicht to go ahead early. 

Indy Eleven would gain more of a foothold on the match after 20 minutes, and deservedly found an equalizing through Smart in the 33rd minute. The Jamaican midfielder received a ball near the midfield stripe, turned and took 20 yards of space up the middle of the field before firing a low shot that skipped inside the left post and past Ottawa’s Romulad Peiser to even things up at 1-1.  But Ottawa had an answer through Richie just two minutes later, as the captain of the Canadian side poked a 22-yard free kick over the Indy Eleven wall and into the right side netting to give Ottawa the lead back at 2-1 almost immediately.

More close chances from Ottawa would be dodged before the two sides headed into the locker rooms for halftime.  It was Heinemann stretching the lead to 3-1 for Fury FC in the 56thminute after he raced onto a long clearance at the top of the Ottawa area by Alves, split the Indy Eleven center backs and finished low and left of Nicht. In the 65th minute it was Richie with a near carbon copy of his first goal, this time stroking a 25-yard free kick into the far upper left corner of goal to put the home side up 4-1.

Ottawa all but effectively killed the game off until the four minutes of stoppage time, when Indy Eleven had two golden chances to tally. The first – a penalty kick set up when Brian Brown was fouled inside the area – was thwarted after Peiser stopped Victor Pineda’s penalty kick attempt up the middle.  However, the visitors would press on and get one back in the 92ndminute, when defender Judson McKinney, in his NASL debut, nodded home from five yards out off a corner kick opportunity, set up by Erick Norales’ squared header, to end the scoring. McKinney wasn’t the only member of Indy Eleven to make his debut on the day, as New York Red Bulls loanee Dane Richards got the start in midfield during his first game for the “Boys in Blue.”

Today’s result pushed Indy Eleven squarely into the middle of both the NASL’s Fall Season and combined season standings, “Indiana’s Team” now sitting in 6th place on both (1W-1D-1L, 4 pts. in Fall; 4W-5D-4L, 17 pts. combined). 

The “Boys in Blue” can gain some ground on the top of the table this Saturday, July 25, when they take on Spring Season champion New York Cosmos (21 pts., 2nd place on combined table) – featuring Spanish superstar striker Raul – at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  Kickoff on “Christmas in July” Night is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (live on WISH-TV8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590 AM), and the first 5,000 fans through the gates at “The Mike” will receive a Santa Zeke bobblehead doll, courtesy of Central Indiana Honda Dealers.  Tickets for Saturday’s game remain available and can be purchased at www.www.indyeleven.com and over the phone at 317-685-1100 (during regular business hours). 

 

NASL Fall Season
Ottawa Fury FC  4 : 2  Indy Eleven
Sunday, July 19, 2015
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Attendance: 4,372

Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 1W-1D-1L, 4 pts., 6th in NASL Fall
Combined: 4W-5D-4L, 17 pts., 6th in NASL Combined

Ottawa Fury FC:
Fall Season: 2W-1D-1L, 7 pts., 2nd in NASL Fall
Combined: 5W-6D-3L, 18 pts., 5th in NASL Combined

Scoring Summary:
OTT: Rafael Alves (Sinisa Ubiparipovic) 12’
IND: Don Smart (unassisted) 33’
OTT: Ritchie Ryan (unassisted) 35’
OTT: Tom Heinemann (Rafael Alves) 56’
OTT: Ritchie Ryan (unassisted) 65’
IND: Judson McKinney (Erick Norales) 90+’

Discipline Summary:
IND: Don Smart (caution) 13’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 34’
OTT: Mauro Eustaquio (caution) 74’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 89’
IND: Cory Miller (ejection; second caution) 89’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-5-1):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco (Judson McKinney 77’), Cory Miller, Erick Norales (capt), Kyle Hyland; Don Smart, Dylan Mares, Dane Richards (Brian Brown 68’), Wojciech Wojcik (Greg Janicki 62’), Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Daniel Keller

Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Romulad Peiser; Ryan Richter, Rafael Alves, Colin Falvey, Mason Trafford; Julian De Guzman (Mauro Eustaquio 45’), Richie Ryan (capt), Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Andrew Wiedeman, Tom Heinemann (Aly Alberto Hassan 70’), Paulo Jr. Oliver Minatel 76’)

Fury FC Bench: Marcel DeBellis (GK), Drew Beckie, Philippe Davies, Carl Haworth

Indy Eleven Stretches Undefeated Streak to Five Games with 2-1 Win over Carolina RailHawks

Goals by Wojciech Wojcik and Erick Norales Two Minutes Apart Early in Second Half Makes Difference in Dramatic Affair at Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, July 11, 2015) – In a game full of attacking threats  from both sides, Indy Eleven would collect a dramatic 2-1 win over the Carolina RailHawks on the strength of second half goals from Wojciech Wojcik (52’) and Erick Norales (54’) in front of 9,629 fans at Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.  The comeback result pushed Indy Eleven’s undefeated streak in NASL play to five games, while snapping the six-game streak of the RailHawks, who went up in the match on a 42nd minute tally by Austin Da Luz.

 

The “Boys in Blue” – led by assistant coach Kleberson on the night in place of suspended interim head coach Tim Regan – came out with great intensity from the opening kickoff, with a dangerous attack to open up the pressure in the 4th minute. Following a Marco Franco cross that was punched out by Carolina netminder Akira Fitzgerald, forward Charlie Rugg was left in front of an open net. Rugg’s resulting shot lacked threatening power, however, and was cleared out of the box by Carolina’s Daniel Scott.

Indy Eleven’s most promising first-half attack would come in the 10th minute when Rugg fired a dipping shot from 20 yards out to Fitzgerald’s right.  The RailHawks ‘keeper would make a phenomenal diving attempt on the ball, parrying it wide to keep the game at level pegging.

Carolina would take their first attempt of the game in the 26th minute—and would very nearly give the game its first goal. Forward Bradlee Baladez corralled an errant Indy Eleven clearance and worked his way back into Indy’s penalty area and past goalkeeper Kristian Nicht, but his shot was fired into the outside of the net for a goal kick.

The teams would split possession across the middle of the half, but Indy Eleven’s bounty of attacks and lack of goals would come back to haunt them in the 42nd minute when Carolina converted off of a dead ball. Cory Miller was whistled for a jersey tug infraction just outside of the penalty area and Nazmi Albadawi would set up for the RailHawks free kick from 25 yards out. The ball from Albadawi curled over the Indy Eleven defense and found the head of a diving Da Luz, who flicked the ball past Nicht and inside the left post to give Carolina the 1-0 lead at the break.

Indy Eleven was on a mission to get the game back on its side out of the break, and it was evident through the first few minutes of the second half. The home side would level the score in the 52nd minute when a Kyle Hyland cross lofted across the box was headed in by Wojcik at the far right post for his second goal in as many games. 

The “Boys in Blue” did not wait long to go back on the attack, scoring again two minutes later through five-time NASL Team of the Week honoree Erick Norales. Victor Pineda’s free kick into the box would slip past multiple Carolina defenders to the feet of Norales, who slid behind the backline to tap in from five yards out for his team-high third tally of 2015.

The score was nearly stretched to 3-1 in favor of Indy Eleven in the 70th minute when Wojcik was one-on-one with Fitzgerald. Wojcik played a cross through the legs of Fitzgerald into the path of midfielder Dylan Mares, but he overran the ball and Carolina would clear the danger.  Indy Eleven had an opportunity once again to strengthen their hold of the game in the 75thminute, but Victor Pineda slid his shot off a Duke Lacroix cross past an open right side of goal and the far post.

Carolina would almost draw even in the 80th minute through the same asset that scored their first goal, as Da Luz fired a laser of a shot from 25 yards out, only to see it smack the crossbar and bounce out of the area.  Carolina continuously pressured the Indy defense late in the game, but the backline for the “Boys in Blue” held strong to help the team to its first win of the NASL Fall Season over the RailHawks.

Indy Eleven now sits in a four-way log-jam atop the Fall Season standings on four points, but technically sit in fourth place in the early going due to tiebreakers.  More importantly, Indy Eleven gained crucial ground in the combined season standings, the fourth-place “Boys in Blue” (4W-5D-3L, 17 pts.) now sitting just one point behind third-place Carolina (18 pts.) and within striking distance of the front-running Tampa Bay Rowdies (22 pts.) and New York Cosmos (21 pts.) – the latter of which will serve as Indy Eleven’s next home opponent on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET during “Christmas in July” Night at “The Mike” (live on WISH-TV8 and ESPN3.com, tickets available at www.www.indyeleven.com).

But before that match comes, Indy Eleven will look to extend its undefeated streak to six games when it travels north of the border to the Canadian capital to face Ottawa Fury FC next Sunday, July 19.  The 3:00 p.m. ET matinee can be viewed live online via ESPN3.com.

INDY ELEVEN QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN INTERIM HEAD COACH TIM REGAN

On watching the game from the press box: 
“The bird’s eye view tonight was great because I didn’t have to think as much. I could see everything quite easily, but I couldn’t feel out all of the moments on the field. Down on the field it’s real and up top it’s somewhat fake in a sense that it’s like moving chess pieces, but they don’t move like that. A different view was good though going into halftime because I had a calmer and clearer view as opposed to the emotion down on the field.”

On gaining results versus teams above them in the standings during their five-game unbeaten run: 
“It’s important [that we get results], but I think this league has shown that when you play every team that they are good. You can go from ninth to fifth or from first to seventh with a couple of results that go the wrong way. It’s important to put together the good results, but also knowing that every team in this league is tough to play against.”

INDY ELEVEN QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN ASSISTANT COACH KLEBERSON

On the team’s effort tonight:
“The boys did a great job, especially in the first 15 minutes. After that, to start the second half, we took more opportunities and created more chances. We talk so much about them, but they did a great job this week so congratulations to them.”

On lacking the goal to kill off games: 
“Today we created a lot of opportunities. A couple of games ago we didn’t have those chances, but now we are creating them. We’re continuing to progress with scoring and next time we will score more with patience and opportunities. This team has great quality and I hope they score more goals next game.”

NASL Fall Season
Indy Eleven  2 : 1  Carolina RailHawks
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,629
 

Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 1W-1D-0L, 4 pts., 4th in NASL Fall
Combined: 4W-5D-3L, 17 pts., 4th in NASL Combined

Carolina RailHawks:
Fall Season: 1W-1D-1L, 4 pts., 3rd in NASL Fall
Combined: 4W-6D-3L, 18 pts., 3rd in NASL Combined

Scoring Summary:
CAR: Austin Da Luz (Nelson Albadawi) 42’
IND: Wojciech Wojcik (Kyle Hyland) 54’
IND: Erick Norales (Victor Pineda) 56’

Discipline Summary:
CAR: Wells Thompson (caution) 40’
IND: Wojciech Wojcik (caution) 54’
IND: Duke Lacroix (caution) 67’
IND: Daniel Keller (caution) 85’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (C), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Duke Lacroix 65’), Brad Ring (Daniel Keller 23’), Dylan Mares, Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg, Wojciech Wojcik (Brian Brown 85’)

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Greg Janicki, Judson McKinney, Don Smart

Carolina RailHawks line-up (4-3-2-1): Akira Fitzgerald (GK); Wes Knight, Daniel Scott (C), Connor Tobin, Kupono Low; Wells Thompson, Chris Nurse (Simone Bracalello 75’); Tiyi Shipalane (Austin Da Luz 23’) , Nazmi Albadawi, Neil Hlavaty; Bradlee Baladez (Dzenan Catic 82’)

Carolina Bench: Hunter Gilstrap (GK), Austen King, Blake Wagner

Indy Eleven Stretches Undefeated Streak to Five Games with 2-1 Win over Carolina RailHawks

Goals by Wojciech Wojcik and Erick Norales Two Minutes Apart Early in Second Half Makes Difference in Dramatic Affair at Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, July 11, 2015) – In a game full of attacking threats  from both sides, Indy Eleven would collect a dramatic 2-1 win over the Carolina RailHawks on the strength of second half goals from Wojciech Wojcik (52’) and Erick Norales (54’) in front of 9,629 fans at Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.  The comeback result pushed Indy Eleven’s undefeated streak in NASL play to five games, while snapping the six-game streak of the RailHawks, who went up in the match on a 42nd minute tally by Austin Da Luz.

 

The “Boys in Blue” – led by assistant coach Kleberson on the night in place of suspended interim head coach Tim Regan – came out with great intensity from the opening kickoff, with a dangerous attack to open up the pressure in the 4th minute. Following a Marco Franco cross that was punched out by Carolina netminder Akira Fitzgerald, forward Charlie Rugg was left in front of an open net. Rugg’s resulting shot lacked threatening power, however, and was cleared out of the box by Carolina’s Daniel Scott.

Indy Eleven’s most promising first-half attack would come in the 10th minute when Rugg fired a dipping shot from 20 yards out to Fitzgerald’s right.  The RailHawks ‘keeper would make a phenomenal diving attempt on the ball, parrying it wide to keep the game at level pegging.

Carolina would take their first attempt of the game in the 26th minute—and would very nearly give the game its first goal. Forward Bradlee Baladez corralled an errant Indy Eleven clearance and worked his way back into Indy’s penalty area and past goalkeeper Kristian Nicht, but his shot was fired into the outside of the net for a goal kick.

The teams would split possession across the middle of the half, but Indy Eleven’s bounty of attacks and lack of goals would come back to haunt them in the 42nd minute when Carolina converted off of a dead ball. Cory Miller was whistled for a jersey tug infraction just outside of the penalty area and Nazmi Albadawi would set up for the RailHawks free kick from 25 yards out. The ball from Albadawi curled over the Indy Eleven defense and found the head of a diving Da Luz, who flicked the ball past Nicht and inside the left post to give Carolina the 1-0 lead at the break.

Indy Eleven was on a mission to get the game back on its side out of the break, and it was evident through the first few minutes of the second half. The home side would level the score in the 52nd minute when a Kyle Hyland cross lofted across the box was headed in by Wojcik at the far right post for his second goal in as many games. 

The “Boys in Blue” did not wait long to go back on the attack, scoring again two minutes later through five-time NASL Team of the Week honoree Erick Norales. Victor Pineda’s free kick into the box would slip past multiple Carolina defenders to the feet of Norales, who slid behind the backline to tap in from five yards out for his team-high third tally of 2015.

The score was nearly stretched to 3-1 in favor of Indy Eleven in the 70th minute when Wojcik was one-on-one with Fitzgerald. Wojcik played a cross through the legs of Fitzgerald into the path of midfielder Dylan Mares, but he overran the ball and Carolina would clear the danger.  Indy Eleven had an opportunity once again to strengthen their hold of the game in the 75thminute, but Victor Pineda slid his shot off a Duke Lacroix cross past an open right side of goal and the far post.

Carolina would almost draw even in the 80th minute through the same asset that scored their first goal, as Da Luz fired a laser of a shot from 25 yards out, only to see it smack the crossbar and bounce out of the area.  Carolina continuously pressured the Indy defense late in the game, but the backline for the “Boys in Blue” held strong to help the team to its first win of the NASL Fall Season over the RailHawks.

Indy Eleven now sits in a four-way log-jam atop the Fall Season standings on four points, but technically sit in fourth place in the early going due to tiebreakers.  More importantly, Indy Eleven gained crucial ground in the combined season standings, the fourth-place “Boys in Blue” (4W-5D-3L, 17 pts.) now sitting just one point behind third-place Carolina (18 pts.) and within striking distance of the front-running Tampa Bay Rowdies (22 pts.) and New York Cosmos (21 pts.) – the latter of which will serve as Indy Eleven’s next home opponent on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET during “Christmas in July” Night at “The Mike” (live on WISH-TV8 and ESPN3.com, tickets available at www.www.indyeleven.com).

But before that match comes, Indy Eleven will look to extend its undefeated streak to six games when it travels north of the border to the Canadian capital to face Ottawa Fury FC next Sunday, July 19.  The 3:00 p.m. ET matinee can be viewed live online via ESPN3.com.

INDY ELEVEN QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN INTERIM HEAD COACH TIM REGAN

On watching the game from the press box: 
“The bird’s eye view tonight was great because I didn’t have to think as much. I could see everything quite easily, but I couldn’t feel out all of the moments on the field. Down on the field it’s real and up top it’s somewhat fake in a sense that it’s like moving chess pieces, but they don’t move like that. A different view was good though going into halftime because I had a calmer and clearer view as opposed to the emotion down on the field.”

On gaining results versus teams above them in the standings during their five-game unbeaten run: 
“It’s important [that we get results], but I think this league has shown that when you play every team that they are good. You can go from ninth to fifth or from first to seventh with a couple of results that go the wrong way. It’s important to put together the good results, but also knowing that every team in this league is tough to play against.”

INDY ELEVEN QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN ASSISTANT COACH KLEBERSON

On the team’s effort tonight:
“The boys did a great job, especially in the first 15 minutes. After that, to start the second half, we took more opportunities and created more chances. We talk so much about them, but they did a great job this week so congratulations to them.”

On lacking the goal to kill off games: 
“Today we created a lot of opportunities. A couple of games ago we didn’t have those chances, but now we are creating them. We’re continuing to progress with scoring and next time we will score more with patience and opportunities. This team has great quality and I hope they score more goals next game.”

NASL Fall Season
Indy Eleven  2 : 1  Carolina RailHawks
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,629
 

Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 1W-1D-0L, 4 pts., 4th in NASL Fall
Combined: 4W-5D-3L, 17 pts., 4th in NASL Combined

Carolina RailHawks:
Fall Season: 1W-1D-1L, 4 pts., 3rd in NASL Fall
Combined: 4W-6D-3L, 18 pts., 3rd in NASL Combined

Scoring Summary:
CAR: Austin Da Luz (Nelson Albadawi) 42’
IND: Wojciech Wojcik (Kyle Hyland) 54’
IND: Erick Norales (Victor Pineda) 56’

Discipline Summary:
CAR: Wells Thompson (caution) 40’
IND: Wojciech Wojcik (caution) 54’
IND: Duke Lacroix (caution) 67’
IND: Daniel Keller (caution) 85’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (C), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Duke Lacroix 65’), Brad Ring (Daniel Keller 23’), Dylan Mares, Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg, Wojciech Wojcik (Brian Brown 85’)

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Greg Janicki, Judson McKinney, Don Smart

Carolina RailHawks line-up (4-3-2-1): Akira Fitzgerald (GK); Wes Knight, Daniel Scott (C), Connor Tobin, Kupono Low; Wells Thompson, Chris Nurse (Simone Bracalello 75’); Tiyi Shipalane (Austin Da Luz 23’) , Nazmi Albadawi, Neil Hlavaty; Bradlee Baladez (Dzenan Catic 82’)

Carolina Bench: Hunter Gilstrap (GK), Austen King, Blake Wagner

Indy Eleven Opens NASL Fall Season with 1-1 Draw at New York Cosmos

Fifth Tie in as Many Meetings with Spring Season Champs Pushes Indy into Fourth Place on NASL’s Overall Table;
Forward Wojciech Wojcik Scores First Goal of Season to Help Indy to Hard-earned Road Point

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Sunday, July 5, 2015) – Indy Eleven and the New York Cosmos were fit to be tied for the fifth time in as many career meetings, as goals by Indy’s Wojciech Wojcik and New York’s Walter Restrepo forced a 1-1 draw at Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University.  With a point gained tonight Indy Eleven climbed into fourth place – and into playoff positioning – in the combined season standings.

The Cosmos started the match on strong footing, controlling possession in the opening 15 minutes. Their best opportunity of the half would come in the 19th minute when Leo Fernandes intercepted an errant pass from an Indy defender and played Mads Stokkelien out to his left. Stokkelien took a touch and fired on goal, but Indy Eleven goalkeeper Kristian Nicht was able to parry the shot wide.

Indy Eleven would weather the initial storm and take the lead through Wojcik in the 26th minute.  Indy Eleven midfielder Dragan Stojkov’s pressure on Jimmy Mulligan's clearance attempt forced the ball to pop up high and into the area – and into the path of Wojcik, who connected flush on a full volley from 12 yards out to put Indy ahead.

The goal gave Indy some life, as the visitors nearly made it 2-0 less than ten minutes later. Midfielder Dylan Mares crossed a free kick to the far post, where forward Duke Lacroix sent a header on goal, forcing Cosmos netminder Jimmy Maurer to backtrack and make a great save, popping the ball over the bar.

After Lacroix's chance play would even out, but the dangerous opportunities would dry up, sending Indy into the locker rooms with the lead at the half.  The second half had a similar start to the first, with Indy rarely controlling the ball in the Cosmos half in the first 10 minutes.

However, the run of play was slowed by fouls and injuries, chopping up play significantly in the even affair.  Sámuel Caceres and Cory Miller collided going up for a header, and Indy’s Miller remained down for a few minutes before coming off under own power and remaining in the game. The match was also delayed when Eleven midfielder Brad Ring was bloodied after taking a boot to the face from Marcos Senna after the two fell to the ground on a challenge in midfield.

Lacroix had two prime opportunities to extend Indy Eleven's lead. First, in the 71st minute the striker danced between a few Cosmos defenders, and his shot on goal forced Maurer to make a strong save. Two minutes later Lacroix found himself in on a breakaway, but as he dribbled around Maurer his touch took him too far outside, and the Cosmos were able to recover and clear the danger.

Indy Eleven’s inability to make it 2-0 would come back to bite the visitors, as Restrepo drew the Cosmos level in the 78th minute. Restrepo took a through ball into the right side of the Indy area and fired on net, with Nicht making the initial save at his left post. However, the rebound shot right back at Restrepo and deflected off his head and into the goal to level the score at 1-1.

The Cosmos continued to pour on the attack in search of a winner, and it looked like Sebastián Guenzatti found it in the 88th minute. Guenzatti was open at the back post and stuck out a leg to tap in a cross from Marcos Senna. The linesman did not raise his flag for offside, but as the Cosmos celebrated referee Mathieu Bordeau consulted with his assistant. After the two talked, Bordeau called back the goal, keeping things level at Shuart Stadium.  After five minutes of stoppage time the tense second half came to a close, the night ending with a share of the spoils once again between the two sides, just as their first four meetings had. 

Indy Eleven will continue Fall Season action this Saturday, July 11, when it returns to IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium to welcome the Carolina RailHawks (7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, live on WISH-TV 8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590 AM).  Tickets on “All Things Eleven” Night at “The Mike” on Saturday remain available and can be purchased online at www.www.indyeleven.com, and a special $11 ticket & corndog combo is also available while supplies last at http://corndogs.https://www.indyeleven.com.

 

QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN INTERIM HEAD COACH TIM REGAN

Overall thoughts on the match:
“We were satisfied with the effort, and we won’t complain about getting a point on the road against the Spring Season champion. But at the same time there are moments in the game where we should score a goal and start to put the game away potentially and see how it plays out over the last 20 to 30 minutes. So there’s definitely a little disappointment, too.”

On Indy Eleven’s defensive effort tonight:
“There were some moments where we were out-passed, which New York can do, but the defensive effort back to front and the ability to back each other up and make plays was just great throughout the 90 minutes.”

On the young forward pairing of Wojciech Wojcik and Duke Lacroix:
“I’m really proud of both of them on their effort. On Woj taking his chance in the first half – you don’t get many moments like that in a game where a ball sits up for you. Finishing that chance is what good forwards need to do.  And in Duke, sure we want him to finish a couple of those plays, but he’s also creating those plays and making good runs to make things happen.

“So there are positives to take away even though we’re still disappointed we could have had more goals in the end.  In terms of making the play and also working together, they are still learning themselves and their teammates. So there’s a learning curve for everybody, as there were a couple of different combinations of players that were used tonight.”

 

NASL Fall Season – Match #1
New York Cosmos  1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Sunday, July 5, 2015
James M. Shuart Stadium – Hempstead, NY
Attendance: 3,647

Indy Eleven records:  
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.; 5th place
Combined Season: 3W-5D-3L, 14 pts.; 4th place

New York Cosmos records:
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.; 6th place
Combined Season: 5W-6D-0L, 21 pts.; 2nd place

Scoring Summary:
IND: Wojciech Wojcik (unassisted) 26’
NYC: Walter Restrepo (unassisted) 78’

Discipline Summary:
NYC: Sebastian Guenzatti (caution) 67’
NYC: Danny Szetela (caution) 72’
IND: Dragan Stojkov (caution) 77’
IND: Brad Ring (caution) 85’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 90’

Indy Eleven (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (Capt.), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Brian Brown 89’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares, Don Smart (Victor Pineda 74’); Duke Lacroix, Wojciech Wojcik (Charlie Rugg 68’)

Eleven Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Greg Janicki, Judson McKinney, Daniel Keller

New York Cosmos (4-4-2): Jimmy Maurer; Jimmy Mulligan, Samuel Caceres, Carlos Mendes (Capt.), David Diosa; Sebastian Guenzatti, Marcos Senna, Danny Szetela, Leo Fernandes (Walter Restrepo 58’); Mads Stokkelien (Ruben Bover 69’) Lucky Mkosana (Raul 76’)

Cosmos Bench: Kyle Zobeck (GK), Hunter Freeman, Hunter Gorskie, Adam Moffat 

Indy Eleven Opens NASL Fall Season with 1-1 Draw at New York Cosmos

Fifth Tie in as Many Meetings with Spring Season Champs Pushes Indy into Fourth Place on NASL’s Overall Table;
Forward Wojciech Wojcik Scores First Goal of Season to Help Indy to Hard-earned Road Point

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Sunday, July 5, 2015) – Indy Eleven and the New York Cosmos were fit to be tied for the fifth time in as many career meetings, as goals by Indy’s Wojciech Wojcik and New York’s Walter Restrepo forced a 1-1 draw at Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University.  With a point gained tonight Indy Eleven climbed into fourth place – and into playoff positioning – in the combined season standings.

The Cosmos started the match on strong footing, controlling possession in the opening 15 minutes. Their best opportunity of the half would come in the 19th minute when Leo Fernandes intercepted an errant pass from an Indy defender and played Mads Stokkelien out to his left. Stokkelien took a touch and fired on goal, but Indy Eleven goalkeeper Kristian Nicht was able to parry the shot wide.

Indy Eleven would weather the initial storm and take the lead through Wojcik in the 26th minute.  Indy Eleven midfielder Dragan Stojkov’s pressure on Jimmy Mulligan’s clearance attempt forced the ball to pop up high and into the area – and into the path of Wojcik, who connected flush on a full volley from 12 yards out to put Indy ahead.

The goal gave Indy some life, as the visitors nearly made it 2-0 less than ten minutes later. Midfielder Dylan Mares crossed a free kick to the far post, where forward Duke Lacroix sent a header on goal, forcing Cosmos netminder Jimmy Maurer to backtrack and make a great save, popping the ball over the bar.

After Lacroix’s chance play would even out, but the dangerous opportunities would dry up, sending Indy into the locker rooms with the lead at the half.  The second half had a similar start to the first, with Indy rarely controlling the ball in the Cosmos half in the first 10 minutes.

However, the run of play was slowed by fouls and injuries, chopping up play significantly in the even affair.  Sámuel Caceres and Cory Miller collided going up for a header, and Indy’s Miller remained down for a few minutes before coming off under own power and remaining in the game. The match was also delayed when Eleven midfielder Brad Ring was bloodied after taking a boot to the face from Marcos Senna after the two fell to the ground on a challenge in midfield.

Lacroix had two prime opportunities to extend Indy Eleven’s lead. First, in the 71st minute the striker danced between a few Cosmos defenders, and his shot on goal forced Maurer to make a strong save. Two minutes later Lacroix found himself in on a breakaway, but as he dribbled around Maurer his touch took him too far outside, and the Cosmos were able to recover and clear the danger.

Indy Eleven’s inability to make it 2-0 would come back to bite the visitors, as Restrepo drew the Cosmos level in the 78th minute. Restrepo took a through ball into the right side of the Indy area and fired on net, with Nicht making the initial save at his left post. However, the rebound shot right back at Restrepo and deflected off his head and into the goal to level the score at 1-1.

The Cosmos continued to pour on the attack in search of a winner, and it looked like Sebastián Guenzatti found it in the 88th minute. Guenzatti was open at the back post and stuck out a leg to tap in a cross from Marcos Senna. The linesman did not raise his flag for offside, but as the Cosmos celebrated referee Mathieu Bordeau consulted with his assistant. After the two talked, Bordeau called back the goal, keeping things level at Shuart Stadium.  After five minutes of stoppage time the tense second half came to a close, the night ending with a share of the spoils once again between the two sides, just as their first four meetings had. 

Indy Eleven will continue Fall Season action this Saturday, July 11, when it returns to IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium to welcome the Carolina RailHawks (7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, live on WISH-TV 8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590 AM).  Tickets on “All Things Eleven” Night at “The Mike” on Saturday remain available and can be purchased online at www.www.indyeleven.com, and a special $11 ticket & corndog combo is also available while supplies last at http://corndogs.https://www.indyeleven.com.

 

QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN INTERIM HEAD COACH TIM REGAN

Overall thoughts on the match:
“We were satisfied with the effort, and we won’t complain about getting a point on the road against the Spring Season champion. But at the same time there are moments in the game where we should score a goal and start to put the game away potentially and see how it plays out over the last 20 to 30 minutes. So there’s definitely a little disappointment, too.”

On Indy Eleven’s defensive effort tonight:
“There were some moments where we were out-passed, which New York can do, but the defensive effort back to front and the ability to back each other up and make plays was just great throughout the 90 minutes.”

On the young forward pairing of Wojciech Wojcik and Duke Lacroix:
“I’m really proud of both of them on their effort. On Woj taking his chance in the first half – you don’t get many moments like that in a game where a ball sits up for you. Finishing that chance is what good forwards need to do.  And in Duke, sure we want him to finish a couple of those plays, but he’s also creating those plays and making good runs to make things happen.

“So there are positives to take away even though we’re still disappointed we could have had more goals in the end.  In terms of making the play and also working together, they are still learning themselves and their teammates. So there’s a learning curve for everybody, as there were a couple of different combinations of players that were used tonight.”

 

NASL Fall Season – Match #1
New York Cosmos  1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Sunday, July 5, 2015
James M. Shuart Stadium – Hempstead, NY
Attendance: 3,647

Indy Eleven records:  
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.; 5th place
Combined Season: 3W-5D-3L, 14 pts.; 4th place

New York Cosmos records:
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.; 6th place
Combined Season: 5W-6D-0L, 21 pts.; 2nd place

Scoring Summary:
IND: Wojciech Wojcik (unassisted) 26’
NYC: Walter Restrepo (unassisted) 78’

Discipline Summary:
NYC: Sebastian Guenzatti (caution) 67’
NYC: Danny Szetela (caution) 72’
IND: Dragan Stojkov (caution) 77’
IND: Brad Ring (caution) 85’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 90’

Indy Eleven (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (Capt.), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Brian Brown 89’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares, Don Smart (Victor Pineda 74’); Duke Lacroix, Wojciech Wojcik (Charlie Rugg 68’)

Eleven Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Greg Janicki, Judson McKinney, Daniel Keller

New York Cosmos (4-4-2): Jimmy Maurer; Jimmy Mulligan, Samuel Caceres, Carlos Mendes (Capt.), David Diosa; Sebastian Guenzatti, Marcos Senna, Danny Szetela, Leo Fernandes (Walter Restrepo 58’); Mads Stokkelien (Ruben Bover 69’) Lucky Mkosana (Raul 76’)

Cosmos Bench: Kyle Zobeck (GK), Hunter Freeman, Hunter Gorskie, Adam Moffat 

Indy Eleven Ends Spring Season in Style with 3-0 Victory over FC Edmonton

 Goals by Brown, Mares & Lacroix, First Shutout of 2015 Gives “Boys in Blue” First Win of Season at Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, June 13, 2015) – Indy Eleven closed out the Spring Season with the most dominating performance in its brief history on Saturday night in front of 10,202 fans at Carroll Stadium, as it captured a thorough 3-0 victory over FC Edmonton on goals from Brian Brown, Dylan Mares and Duke Lacroix.

 

From the get-go, the “Boys in Blue” looked the team more determined to ‘go out with a bang’ in the Spring Season, notching relentless attack after relentless attack into the Edmonton defensive third. Indy Eleven captain Erick Norales was the first to leave the crowd holding its breath in the 8th minute when his header off a well-swung Dylan Mares cross deflected off the crossbar and out of bounds to quell the chance.

The post continued to treat the home side unkindly when reigning NASL Player of the week Victor Pineda snuck in behind the Edmonton defense and had a shot on goal that hit the far left post and bounced out of play in the 18th minute.

Indy did not seem phased by the bad luck early on in the match, as it continued to attack before finally having a shot reach the back of the net in the 39th minute, when Brian Brown scored his first since the team’s home opener on April 11 against the New York Cosmos on a shot from distance. Brown gathered a pass from midfielder Dylan Mares and fired a low, driving ball from 25 yards out past Edmonton netminder Jon Smits to give Indy the 1-0 lead. The assist was the fourth for Mares, putting him one back of league leader Georgi Hristov (Tampa Bay) in the category.

Mares would finish an attempt of his own just moments later in the 44th minute as he stepped to the spot for a penalty conversion following Smits takedown of Kyle Hyland in front of goal. Mares looked poised and under control as he stepped to the spot and placed the ball into the lower left corner to put Indy up 2-0, the score that would hold until the halftime break.

Chances proved to be few-and-far-between in the second half, Indy seeming content to continue its dominance in possession and Edmonton still unable to attack with much effectiveness. As time went on, the Eddies’ frustration became evident, boiling over in the 67th minute when substitute Christian Raudales saw a straight red card for a high elbow to the face of Indy Eleven defender Marco Franco.

Using itsr one-man advantage, Indy Eleven would tack on to its lead in the 82nd minute. Striker Charlie Rugg got his first assist of the season when he placed a through ball beautifully onto the foot of rookie Duke Lacroix, who finished past Matt VanOekel – Edmonton’s second-string ‘keeper, who entered at the halftime break – to earn his first professional goal and bring the game to its eventual 3-0 finish.  The result gave the “Boys in Blue” their first shutout and home win of the 2015 season, the back-to-back wins allowing Indy to end the Spring Season in 5thplace thanks to draws on the evening by San Antonio and Jacksonville.

Indy Eleven won’t have much of a midseason break, as the “Boys in Blue” get back to action on Sunday, June 28 at Carroll Stadium when it plays the first international friendly in club history against Mexican first division (Liga MX) side Monarcas Morelia. Kickoff for that matinee affair is set for 1:30 p.m., and tickets are available online at http://morelia.https://www.indyeleven.com and at 16 Indianapolis area businesses, a listing of which can be found at www.indyeleven.com.

 

QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM REGAN

On planning for tonight’s game:
“Knowing Edmonton is on a long stretch in terms of being on the road, we wanted to go in and try to control the game as best as possible. There were also long moments in the first half where they did have quite a bit of possession, but we didn’t feel like they threatened our goal that much outside of two or three instances. When we got on it, we were just able to push the envelope a little bit more.”

On Indy’s plentiful scoring chances:
“The goal is to get more chances. We’re not going to take all of them perfectly and they’re not all going to be the best chances. Whether we call them half chances or better ones, we just want to encourage everyone to keep taking them and stay confident.”

On whether or not there was frustration prior to the first goal:
“There’s always frustration from attacking guys when they don’t score. They just need to keep pushing for each other and know that in those moments there is going to be another play. That play might be five minutes away or it might be 20 or 40 minutes away, but don’t give up on it. I think that shows from Brian [Brown]’s strike late and just pushing and pushing to get the penalty right before the half, which clearly helped.”

On Charlie Rugg’s play tonight:
“I told [Charlie Rugg] after the game that, from an all-around standpoint, it was a really good game. He’s still making good movements and he’s going to find more chances. The team needs to find him. It’s a two-way street in that way, but he handled himself really well.”

On Dylan Mares’ play tonight:
“Young guys learn the game with time. We would all like it to happen April 4th on opening day, but it doesn’t. On a night like tonight when we do have a little more possession in the attacking half, he’s able to keep moving himself into the right spots and help the team.”

On the defensive effort:
“I think Kristian [Nicht] will call it a pretty easy day for himself.  A couple of quality serves into the box were dangerous and there was maybe one bad moment in the middle of the first half, but it was a total group effort from the back four in tonight’s game.”

 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  3 : 0  FC Edmonton
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 10,202

Indy Eleven: 3W-4D-3L, 13 pts, 5th in NASL
FC Edmonton: 2W-3D-5L, 10th in NASL

Scoring Summary:
IND: Brian Brown (Dylan Mares) 39’
IND: Dylan Mares (penalty kick) 44’
IND: Duke Lacroix (Charlie Rugg) 82’

Discipline Summary:
FCE: Cristian Raudales (ejection) 67’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 83’
FCE: Frank Jonke (caution) 90’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (C), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Don Smart 64’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares, Victor Pineda (Duke Lacroix 77’); Charlie Rugg (Wojciech Wojcik 90+’), Brian Brown

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Greg Janicki, Osman Melgares

FC Edmonton line-up (4-2-3-1): John Smits (Matt VanOekel 45’); Allan Zebie, Albert Watson (C), Eddie Edward, Johann Smith; Tomas Granitto (Daryl Fordyce 78’), Ritchie Jones; Hanson Bokai (Christian Raudales 45’), Michael Nonni, Chad Burt; Frank Jonke

Edmonton Bench: Marko Aleksic, Kareem Moses, Sainey Nyassi

Indy Eleven Ends Spring Season in Style with 3-0 Victory over FC Edmonton

 Goals by Brown, Mares & Lacroix, First Shutout of 2015 Gives “Boys in Blue” First Win of Season at Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, June 13, 2015) – Indy Eleven closed out the Spring Season with the most dominating performance in its brief history on Saturday night in front of 10,202 fans at Carroll Stadium, as it captured a thorough 3-0 victory over FC Edmonton on goals from Brian Brown, Dylan Mares and Duke Lacroix.

 

From the get-go, the “Boys in Blue” looked the team more determined to ‘go out with a bang’ in the Spring Season, notching relentless attack after relentless attack into the Edmonton defensive third. Indy Eleven captain Erick Norales was the first to leave the crowd holding its breath in the 8th minute when his header off a well-swung Dylan Mares cross deflected off the crossbar and out of bounds to quell the chance.

The post continued to treat the home side unkindly when reigning NASL Player of the week Victor Pineda snuck in behind the Edmonton defense and had a shot on goal that hit the far left post and bounced out of play in the 18th minute.

Indy did not seem phased by the bad luck early on in the match, as it continued to attack before finally having a shot reach the back of the net in the 39th minute, when Brian Brown scored his first since the team’s home opener on April 11 against the New York Cosmos on a shot from distance. Brown gathered a pass from midfielder Dylan Mares and fired a low, driving ball from 25 yards out past Edmonton netminder Jon Smits to give Indy the 1-0 lead. The assist was the fourth for Mares, putting him one back of league leader Georgi Hristov (Tampa Bay) in the category.

Mares would finish an attempt of his own just moments later in the 44th minute as he stepped to the spot for a penalty conversion following Smits takedown of Kyle Hyland in front of goal. Mares looked poised and under control as he stepped to the spot and placed the ball into the lower left corner to put Indy up 2-0, the score that would hold until the halftime break.

Chances proved to be few-and-far-between in the second half, Indy seeming content to continue its dominance in possession and Edmonton still unable to attack with much effectiveness. As time went on, the Eddies’ frustration became evident, boiling over in the 67th minute when substitute Christian Raudales saw a straight red card for a high elbow to the face of Indy Eleven defender Marco Franco.

Using itsr one-man advantage, Indy Eleven would tack on to its lead in the 82nd minute. Striker Charlie Rugg got his first assist of the season when he placed a through ball beautifully onto the foot of rookie Duke Lacroix, who finished past Matt VanOekel – Edmonton’s second-string ‘keeper, who entered at the halftime break – to earn his first professional goal and bring the game to its eventual 3-0 finish.  The result gave the “Boys in Blue” their first shutout and home win of the 2015 season, the back-to-back wins allowing Indy to end the Spring Season in 5thplace thanks to draws on the evening by San Antonio and Jacksonville.

Indy Eleven won’t have much of a midseason break, as the “Boys in Blue” get back to action on Sunday, June 28 at Carroll Stadium when it plays the first international friendly in club history against Mexican first division (Liga MX) side Monarcas Morelia. Kickoff for that matinee affair is set for 1:30 p.m., and tickets are available online at http://morelia.https://www.indyeleven.com and at 16 Indianapolis area businesses, a listing of which can be found at www.indyeleven.com.

 

QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM REGAN

On planning for tonight’s game:
“Knowing Edmonton is on a long stretch in terms of being on the road, we wanted to go in and try to control the game as best as possible. There were also long moments in the first half where they did have quite a bit of possession, but we didn’t feel like they threatened our goal that much outside of two or three instances. When we got on it, we were just able to push the envelope a little bit more.”

On Indy’s plentiful scoring chances:
“The goal is to get more chances. We’re not going to take all of them perfectly and they’re not all going to be the best chances. Whether we call them half chances or better ones, we just want to encourage everyone to keep taking them and stay confident.”

On whether or not there was frustration prior to the first goal:
“There’s always frustration from attacking guys when they don’t score. They just need to keep pushing for each other and know that in those moments there is going to be another play. That play might be five minutes away or it might be 20 or 40 minutes away, but don’t give up on it. I think that shows from Brian [Brown]’s strike late and just pushing and pushing to get the penalty right before the half, which clearly helped.”

On Charlie Rugg’s play tonight:
“I told [Charlie Rugg] after the game that, from an all-around standpoint, it was a really good game. He’s still making good movements and he’s going to find more chances. The team needs to find him. It’s a two-way street in that way, but he handled himself really well.”

On Dylan Mares’ play tonight:
“Young guys learn the game with time. We would all like it to happen April 4th on opening day, but it doesn’t. On a night like tonight when we do have a little more possession in the attacking half, he’s able to keep moving himself into the right spots and help the team.”

On the defensive effort:
“I think Kristian [Nicht] will call it a pretty easy day for himself.  A couple of quality serves into the box were dangerous and there was maybe one bad moment in the middle of the first half, but it was a total group effort from the back four in tonight’s game.”

 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  3 : 0  FC Edmonton
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 10,202

Indy Eleven: 3W-4D-3L, 13 pts, 5th in NASL
FC Edmonton: 2W-3D-5L, 10th in NASL

Scoring Summary:
IND: Brian Brown (Dylan Mares) 39’
IND: Dylan Mares (penalty kick) 44’
IND: Duke Lacroix (Charlie Rugg) 82’

Discipline Summary:
FCE: Cristian Raudales (ejection) 67’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 83’
FCE: Frank Jonke (caution) 90’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (C), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Don Smart 64’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares, Victor Pineda (Duke Lacroix 77’); Charlie Rugg (Wojciech Wojcik 90+’), Brian Brown

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Greg Janicki, Osman Melgares

FC Edmonton line-up (4-2-3-1): John Smits (Matt VanOekel 45’); Allan Zebie, Albert Watson (C), Eddie Edward, Johann Smith; Tomas Granitto (Daryl Fordyce 78’), Ritchie Jones; Hanson Bokai (Christian Raudales 45’), Michael Nonni, Chad Burt; Frank Jonke

Edmonton Bench: Marko Aleksic, Kareem Moses, Sainey Nyassi

Indy Eleven’s Victor Pineda Scores Twice to Down Strikers, 2-1
 Midfielder Strikes at the Death to Give Interim Head Coach Tim Regan Dramatic Win in Debut at the Helm

FORT LAUDERDALE (Saturday, June 6, 2015) – Indy Eleven saved the best for last once again, as midfielder Victor Pineda scored his second goal of the night in the final minute of second half stoppage time to lift the visitors to a 2-1 win at the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in front of 5,083 fans at Lockhart Stadium.  Pineda’s first of the night in the 44th minute canceled out Stefano Pinho’s opening salvo for the Strikers, while his second gave interim head coach Tim Regan a victorious start to his tenure on the Indy sideline.

 

Indy Eleven had the game’s first true chance in the 11th minute after midfielder Brad Ring’s shot from 30 yards out was handed down at the edge of the area, but Pineda sent the ensuing free kick into the wall and forward Brown Brown pushed a rebound attempt well wide. 

Though Indy Eleven would carry the bulk of the possession and chances in the opening 20 minutes, it was Fort Lauderdale getting on the board first against the run of play in the 23rdminute.  Strikers midfielder Dani Sanchez had room on the right flank to get off a looping cross that Stefano Pinho redirected with a header inside the left post and past a diving Nicht to put the home side up top.  Fort Lauderdale would nearly double up off a corner in the 32nd minute when Sanchez flicked on a corner kick with a backheel 10 yards from goal, but Nicht got a shin in at his near right post to keep things at 1-0.

Indy Eleven would get its hard-earned equalizer just before halftime on a great team goal finished off by Pineda from 23 yards.  Hustle to keep possession by midfielder Dragan Stojkov near the penalty arc and a first-time layoff by midfielder Dylan Mares set up the poke by Pineda, which he sent past diving Strikers goalkeeper Josh Ford – making his first start for the squad during his loan stint from MLS’ Orlando City FC – and inside the far right post to send things into the break at 1-1.

It was Fort Lauderdale that would come out of the break with the better of the chances, and Nicht did well to deny Stefano of his second with a great kick save in the 49th minute, and the Brazilian had time and space just a few minutes later to get off a shot in the right side of the area that he fired over the frame.

Indy Eleven began to generate more and more chances as the half continued, and runs by Brown behind the backline nearly stung the Strikers twice, but the Jamaican would be beat to ball on three occasions by an active Ford coming off his line.  The qualizer looked like it might come in the 85th minute when substitute Don Smart’s cross drifted over Ford, but it would also float past forward Charlie Rugg, who was unmarked at the far post.  With one minute left in regulation it was a Strikers sub nearly making the difference, but Jose Angulo’s stinging shot from 20 yards couldn’t dip enough to challenge Nicht.

It was one more sub, Indy’s Duke Lacroix, almost getting the winner two minutes deep into stoppage time when his shot from the right side of the area forced Ford to tip it wide and out for a corner.  A minute later the recently-signed rookie out of the University of Pennsylvania would start off the game-winning play with a 70-yard run down the left flank, carrying into the area before squaring towards the penalty area.  The ball would pop loose to Pineda, who sent a rocket into the upper right corner past a helpless Ford to give the “Boys in Blue” the full three points.

For the time being, the result pushes Indy Eleven (2W-4D-3L, 10 pts.) into sixth place in the NASL Spring Season standings.  Indiana’s Team will end its Spring Season slate next Saturday, June 13 at home against FC Edmonton on Indiana Soccer Heritage Night at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  Tickets for the match at “The Mike” are available and can be purchased online at www.indyeleven.com/single-game-tickets.

 

Quote Sheet – Indy Eleven Interim head coach Tim Regan

On the last-minute victory in his head coaching debut:
“Clearly with the result it was satisfying, but if it goes the other way we’re talking about a different feeling.  That’s how close the game is in the NASL and that’s how close it was tonight.  We talk about not only the effort, but on the bad plays really backing up each other up.  There were some good moments out there tonight and we’ll try to build on that.”

On the play of Victor Pineda:
“Going all the way back to last year, Victor built up very well in 2014, and then he had an injury to start off this season. Players are impatient after injuries and they think things come immediately. It’s taken him now four weeks, which was about the length of the injury, and that’s usually how it goes.  But anytime a player scores two goals we’re obviously happy for him and for the team. He continues to get better and better every week.”

On his feelings after his coaching debut:
“It’s still a game, and the players play the game. As coaches we’re there to help guide them in the right direction, and tonight I don’t think I did anything special at all because they did all the work. At the end of the day it’s bittersweet to say the least.  As I said before, it could have happened against Ottawa, it could have happened against Louisville or Tampa and I’d be sitting down a lot more during games. Either way, I’m happy for the club, happy for the win. We can celebrate, but not for long because we’ve got one more to go to put ourselves in a better position so that the Fall Season means everything.”

 

NASL Spring Season – Week 10
Fort Lauderdale Strikers  1 : 2  Indy Eleven
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Lockhart Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Attendance: 5,083

Indy Eleven: 2W-4D-3L, 10 pts. (6th in NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers: 2W-2D-5L, 8 pts. (10th in NASL)

Scoring Summary: 
FTL: Stefano Pinho (Dani Sanchez) 23’
IND: Victor Pineda (Dylan Mares) 44’
IND: Victor Pineda (unassisted) 44’

Discipline Summary: 
FTL: Dani Sanchez (caution) 36’
FTL: James Marcelin (caution) 46’
FTL: Jose Angulo (caution) 82’
FTL: Leo Moura (caution) 82’
IND: Victor Pineda (caution) 93+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (C), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Don Smart 66’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares (Wojciech Wojcik 65’), Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg, Brian Brown (Duke Lacroix 88’)

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Greg Janicki, Osman Melgares

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4-5-1): Josh Ford; Leo Moura, Frankie Sanfillippo, Fabian Kling, Ivan Guerrero (C); Shawn Chin, James Marcelin, Marlon Freitas (Aly Alberto Hassan 72’), Dani Sanchez, PC; Stefano Pinho (Jose Angulo 67’)

Fort Lauderdale Bench: Lionel Brown (GK), Evans Frimpong, Jordan Graye, Manny Gonzalez, Daniel Navarr

Indy Eleven’s Victor Pineda Scores Twice to Down Strikers, 2-1
 Midfielder Strikes at the Death to Give Interim Head Coach Tim Regan Dramatic Win in Debut at the Helm

FORT LAUDERDALE (Saturday, June 6, 2015) – Indy Eleven saved the best for last once again, as midfielder Victor Pineda scored his second goal of the night in the final minute of second half stoppage time to lift the visitors to a 2-1 win at the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in front of 5,083 fans at Lockhart Stadium.  Pineda’s first of the night in the 44th minute canceled out Stefano Pinho’s opening salvo for the Strikers, while his second gave interim head coach Tim Regan a victorious start to his tenure on the Indy sideline.

 

Indy Eleven had the game’s first true chance in the 11th minute after midfielder Brad Ring’s shot from 30 yards out was handed down at the edge of the area, but Pineda sent the ensuing free kick into the wall and forward Brown Brown pushed a rebound attempt well wide. 

Though Indy Eleven would carry the bulk of the possession and chances in the opening 20 minutes, it was Fort Lauderdale getting on the board first against the run of play in the 23rdminute.  Strikers midfielder Dani Sanchez had room on the right flank to get off a looping cross that Stefano Pinho redirected with a header inside the left post and past a diving Nicht to put the home side up top.  Fort Lauderdale would nearly double up off a corner in the 32nd minute when Sanchez flicked on a corner kick with a backheel 10 yards from goal, but Nicht got a shin in at his near right post to keep things at 1-0.

Indy Eleven would get its hard-earned equalizer just before halftime on a great team goal finished off by Pineda from 23 yards.  Hustle to keep possession by midfielder Dragan Stojkov near the penalty arc and a first-time layoff by midfielder Dylan Mares set up the poke by Pineda, which he sent past diving Strikers goalkeeper Josh Ford – making his first start for the squad during his loan stint from MLS’ Orlando City FC – and inside the far right post to send things into the break at 1-1.

It was Fort Lauderdale that would come out of the break with the better of the chances, and Nicht did well to deny Stefano of his second with a great kick save in the 49th minute, and the Brazilian had time and space just a few minutes later to get off a shot in the right side of the area that he fired over the frame.

Indy Eleven began to generate more and more chances as the half continued, and runs by Brown behind the backline nearly stung the Strikers twice, but the Jamaican would be beat to ball on three occasions by an active Ford coming off his line.  The qualizer looked like it might come in the 85th minute when substitute Don Smart’s cross drifted over Ford, but it would also float past forward Charlie Rugg, who was unmarked at the far post.  With one minute left in regulation it was a Strikers sub nearly making the difference, but Jose Angulo’s stinging shot from 20 yards couldn’t dip enough to challenge Nicht.

It was one more sub, Indy’s Duke Lacroix, almost getting the winner two minutes deep into stoppage time when his shot from the right side of the area forced Ford to tip it wide and out for a corner.  A minute later the recently-signed rookie out of the University of Pennsylvania would start off the game-winning play with a 70-yard run down the left flank, carrying into the area before squaring towards the penalty area.  The ball would pop loose to Pineda, who sent a rocket into the upper right corner past a helpless Ford to give the “Boys in Blue” the full three points.

For the time being, the result pushes Indy Eleven (2W-4D-3L, 10 pts.) into sixth place in the NASL Spring Season standings.  Indiana’s Team will end its Spring Season slate next Saturday, June 13 at home against FC Edmonton on Indiana Soccer Heritage Night at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  Tickets for the match at “The Mike” are available and can be purchased online at www.indyeleven.com/single-game-tickets.

 

Quote Sheet – Indy Eleven Interim head coach Tim Regan

On the last-minute victory in his head coaching debut:
“Clearly with the result it was satisfying, but if it goes the other way we’re talking about a different feeling.  That’s how close the game is in the NASL and that’s how close it was tonight.  We talk about not only the effort, but on the bad plays really backing up each other up.  There were some good moments out there tonight and we’ll try to build on that.”

On the play of Victor Pineda:
“Going all the way back to last year, Victor built up very well in 2014, and then he had an injury to start off this season. Players are impatient after injuries and they think things come immediately. It’s taken him now four weeks, which was about the length of the injury, and that’s usually how it goes.  But anytime a player scores two goals we’re obviously happy for him and for the team. He continues to get better and better every week.”

On his feelings after his coaching debut:
“It’s still a game, and the players play the game. As coaches we’re there to help guide them in the right direction, and tonight I don’t think I did anything special at all because they did all the work. At the end of the day it’s bittersweet to say the least.  As I said before, it could have happened against Ottawa, it could have happened against Louisville or Tampa and I’d be sitting down a lot more during games. Either way, I’m happy for the club, happy for the win. We can celebrate, but not for long because we’ve got one more to go to put ourselves in a better position so that the Fall Season means everything.”

 

NASL Spring Season – Week 10
Fort Lauderdale Strikers  1 : 2  Indy Eleven
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Lockhart Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Attendance: 5,083

Indy Eleven: 2W-4D-3L, 10 pts. (6th in NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers: 2W-2D-5L, 8 pts. (10th in NASL)

Scoring Summary: 
FTL: Stefano Pinho (Dani Sanchez) 23’
IND: Victor Pineda (Dylan Mares) 44’
IND: Victor Pineda (unassisted) 44’

Discipline Summary: 
FTL: Dani Sanchez (caution) 36’
FTL: James Marcelin (caution) 46’
FTL: Jose Angulo (caution) 82’
FTL: Leo Moura (caution) 82’
IND: Victor Pineda (caution) 93+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales (C), Kyle Hyland; Dragan Stojkov (Don Smart 66’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares (Wojciech Wojcik 65’), Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg, Brian Brown (Duke Lacroix 88’)

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Greg Janicki, Osman Melgares

Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4-5-1): Josh Ford; Leo Moura, Frankie Sanfillippo, Fabian Kling, Ivan Guerrero (C); Shawn Chin, James Marcelin, Marlon Freitas (Aly Alberto Hassan 72’), Dani Sanchez, PC; Stefano Pinho (Jose Angulo 67’)

Fort Lauderdale Bench: Lionel Brown (GK), Evans Frimpong, Jordan Graye, Manny Gonzalez, Daniel Navarr

Point Worth the Wait for Indy Eleven in 2-2 Draw with Tampa Bay

Hyland’s Late Prayer Evens Storm-delayed Affair at Carroll Stadium’

Tie Snaps Three-game League Losing Streak for “Boys in Blue”

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 30, 2015) – In a game that had a little bit of everything – a storm delay, goals, cautions, sending offs, and late game drama – Indy Eleven used a goal deep into second half stoppage time by defender Kyle Hyland to salvage a 2-2 draw from a marathon match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

Following an active start that yielded no dangerous chances, the home side was the first to crack the score sheet in the 21st minute when forward Brian Brown laid off a ball to midfielder Dylan Mares at the top of the 18. Mares collected the ball and found enough space to curl the ball into the far side-netting and past Tampa Bay ‘keeper Matt Pickens to make the score 1-0.

Mares’ goal not only gave Indy Eleven its first lead since April 25th versus Carolina, but it also snapped a 272-minute goalless drought spanning NASL and U.S. Open Cup play. The goal would be the final action on the field before play was suspended due to lightning near Carroll Stadium, a delay that lasted just over two hours, the match re-starting at 10:05 local time.

Coming back out of the break strong would be a test that both teams would have to face, and the team that looked more up to that challenge was Tampa Bay. The Rowdies were rewarded for the renewed effort in the 40th minute when a shot from Indiana University product and local Carmel High School graduate Rich Balchan deflected off Indy defender Cory Miller and into the back of the net to level the score at ones.

Coming out of half time, Indy Eleven had its fair share of possession, one spell of which led to a free-kick opportunity drawn by Mares in the 57th minute. Victor Pineda was called upon to take the 22 yard set piece and he troubled Pickens with it, sending the 6-foot-3 keeper diving to his left to save the attempt.

Tampa Bay responded with a set piece of their own in the 68th minute, but they made the most of it. Georgi Hristov tacked on his second assist of the night with a corner kick that found the head of Brazilian Maicon Santos, who nodded it to the far post and past netminder Kristian Nicht to give the Rowdies a 2-1 lead.

Things got chippy in the 72nd minute when Rowdies substitute attacker Robert Hernandez was whistled for a late foul on Miller. The Eleven center back took offense and came up shoving Hernandez, and while both teams came to the defense of their teammates it was Santos who charged into the scuffle and was shown a straight red card for the physical contact. Hernandez and Miller was also shown yellow cards for the incident.

Indy’s first clear-cut chance while a man up came in the 84th minute when an Osman Melgares corner kick found an open Charlie Rugg in front of goal. Rugg put a head on the ball but bounced it straight to Pickens.

Tampa Bay found themselves yet another man down in the 89th minute when defender Stefan Antonijevic received his second yellow card, making it an 11-v-9 affair for what would be initially seven minutes of stoppage time.

With time running out, Indy made the most of its two-man advantage in the 98th minute with a goal by the IUPUI product Hyland, who had space to fire a dipping shot from 25 yards out that passed Pickens and hit the underside of the crossbar to bring the wild game to its 2-2 finish. 

Before the rains came down, Indy Eleven announced its official attendance as 10,226, falling just under 300 seats short of capacity. Tonight marks the first time in 18 NASL regular season games that Indiana's Team did not hit sellout status at IUPUI's Carroll Stadium.

"With two games in four days and the weather working against us all week, we're proud of the amount of spectators that braved the conditions," said Indy Eleven President and General Manager Peter Wilt.  "Tonight was a testament of why we have the best fans in the NASL and was a great display of teamwork by our staff, IUPUI and local safety officials to keep everyone safe and the game on track to finish."

With a three-game losing streak in league play now behind it, Indy Eleven will head to South Florida next Saturday, June 6, to face off against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in Week 10 action.  Fans can follow that 7:30 p.m. contest live on ESPN3.com, or take it in at one of seven Indy Eleven Official Watch Parties across the Hoosier State.  Indy Eleven will round out its NASL Spring Season a week later on June 13 with a home contest against FC Edmonton, with kickoff at Carroll Stadium on Indiana Soccer Heritage Night set for 7:30 p.m.  Tickets for the match are available at www.indyeleven.com/single-game-tickets.

 

Quote Sheet – Indy Eleven Defender Kyle Hyland

On his last-minute, equalizing tally:
“We had been crossing a lot of the balls inside the box and we were really close. I felt like [Tampa Bay] had dropped off because they knew what was going to come, so I just gave it a whirl and it worked out.”

On pushing through on a difficult night at Carroll Stadium:
“We were pretty disappointed with letting those two goals in and we know that we need to be better on those sorts of things. I thought that we kept our cool for most of the night and that helped us in not getting red cards like they were. Doing that helped a lot and taking care of the ball at the end of the game helped us push for a goal.”

Quote Sheet – Indy Eleven Head Coach Juergen Sommer

On the wild affair at Carroll Stadium:  
“Knowing we played as well as we played, especially when the game started, you can tell that the guys were dialed in.  Obviously a two-hour rain delay doesn’t help that, and the guys were a little bit loose [after that]. Defensively we were poor.  [The Balchan goal] was a challenging goal in the fact that I don’t think we defended well. We kind of gave away an easy goal there. I would have liked to have seen us do better, so it’s a little frustrating. But we came back in the second half and we found a way to rally late in the game with Kyle’s late goal. It comes down to some details like set pieces. We just didn’t have enough focus on the set piece and didn’t track the most dangerous guy on their team (Maicon Santos). We failed to do that and it cost us. Looking back on it, I think we gave away two points tonight.”

 

NASL Spring Season – Week 9
Indy Eleven 2 : 2  Tampa Bay Rowdies
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 10,226

Indy Eleven: 1W-4D-3L, 7 pts. (11th in NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies: 3W-4D-1L, 12 pts. (4th in NASL)

Scoring Summary: 
IND: Dylan Mares (Brian Brown) 21’
TBR: Rich Balchan (Georgi Hristov) 40’
TBR: Maicon Santos (Georgi Hristov) 68’
IND: Kyle Hyland (unassisted) 98+’

Discipline Summary: 
TBR: Stefan Antonijevic (caution) 43’
IND: Brian Brown (caution) 59’
TBR: Robert Hernandez (caution) 72’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 72’
TBR: Maicon Santos (ejection) 74’
TBR: Richard Menjivar (caution) 88’
TBR: Stefan Antonijevic (ejection/second caution) 89’
TBR: Georgi Hristov (ejection) 99+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-1-4-1):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller (Osman Melgares 81’), Greg Janicki (C), Kyle Hyland; Daniel Keller (Brad Ring 34’); Dragan Stojkov (Wojciech Wojcik 85’), Dylan Mares, Brian Brown, Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Erick Norales, Don Smart

Tampa Bay Rowdies line-up (4-3-3): Matt Pickens; Rich Balchan, Tamika Mkandawire (C), Stefan Antonijevic, Ben Sweat; Richard Menjivar, Georgi Hristov, Juan Guerra; Cory Hertzog (Robert Hernandez 65’) (Gale Agbossoumonde 93+’), Maicon Santos, Darwin Espinal (Darnell King 79’)

Tampa Bay Bench: Chris Glodack (GK), Martin Nunez, Verneri Valimaa

Point Worth the Wait for Indy Eleven in 2-2 Draw with Tampa Bay

Hyland’s Late Prayer Evens Storm-delayed Affair at Carroll Stadium’

Tie Snaps Three-game League Losing Streak for “Boys in Blue”

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 30, 2015) – In a game that had a little bit of everything – a storm delay, goals, cautions, sending offs, and late game drama – Indy Eleven used a goal deep into second half stoppage time by defender Kyle Hyland to salvage a 2-2 draw from a marathon match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

Following an active start that yielded no dangerous chances, the home side was the first to crack the score sheet in the 21st minute when forward Brian Brown laid off a ball to midfielder Dylan Mares at the top of the 18. Mares collected the ball and found enough space to curl the ball into the far side-netting and past Tampa Bay ‘keeper Matt Pickens to make the score 1-0.

Mares’ goal not only gave Indy Eleven its first lead since April 25th versus Carolina, but it also snapped a 272-minute goalless drought spanning NASL and U.S. Open Cup play. The goal would be the final action on the field before play was suspended due to lightning near Carroll Stadium, a delay that lasted just over two hours, the match re-starting at 10:05 local time.

Coming back out of the break strong would be a test that both teams would have to face, and the team that looked more up to that challenge was Tampa Bay. The Rowdies were rewarded for the renewed effort in the 40th minute when a shot from Indiana University product and local Carmel High School graduate Rich Balchan deflected off Indy defender Cory Miller and into the back of the net to level the score at ones.

Coming out of half time, Indy Eleven had its fair share of possession, one spell of which led to a free-kick opportunity drawn by Mares in the 57th minute. Victor Pineda was called upon to take the 22 yard set piece and he troubled Pickens with it, sending the 6-foot-3 keeper diving to his left to save the attempt.

Tampa Bay responded with a set piece of their own in the 68th minute, but they made the most of it. Georgi Hristov tacked on his second assist of the night with a corner kick that found the head of Brazilian Maicon Santos, who nodded it to the far post and past netminder Kristian Nicht to give the Rowdies a 2-1 lead.

Things got chippy in the 72nd minute when Rowdies substitute attacker Robert Hernandez was whistled for a late foul on Miller. The Eleven center back took offense and came up shoving Hernandez, and while both teams came to the defense of their teammates it was Santos who charged into the scuffle and was shown a straight red card for the physical contact. Hernandez and Miller was also shown yellow cards for the incident.

Indy’s first clear-cut chance while a man up came in the 84th minute when an Osman Melgares corner kick found an open Charlie Rugg in front of goal. Rugg put a head on the ball but bounced it straight to Pickens.

Tampa Bay found themselves yet another man down in the 89th minute when defender Stefan Antonijevic received his second yellow card, making it an 11-v-9 affair for what would be initially seven minutes of stoppage time.

With time running out, Indy made the most of its two-man advantage in the 98th minute with a goal by the IUPUI product Hyland, who had space to fire a dipping shot from 25 yards out that passed Pickens and hit the underside of the crossbar to bring the wild game to its 2-2 finish. 

Before the rains came down, Indy Eleven announced its official attendance as 10,226, falling just under 300 seats short of capacity. Tonight marks the first time in 18 NASL regular season games that Indiana’s Team did not hit sellout status at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

“With two games in four days and the weather working against us all week, we’re proud of the amount of spectators that braved the conditions,” said Indy Eleven President and General Manager Peter Wilt.  “Tonight was a testament of why we have the best fans in the NASL and was a great display of teamwork by our staff, IUPUI and local safety officials to keep everyone safe and the game on track to finish.”

With a three-game losing streak in league play now behind it, Indy Eleven will head to South Florida next Saturday, June 6, to face off against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in Week 10 action.  Fans can follow that 7:30 p.m. contest live on ESPN3.com, or take it in at one of seven Indy Eleven Official Watch Parties across the Hoosier State.  Indy Eleven will round out its NASL Spring Season a week later on June 13 with a home contest against FC Edmonton, with kickoff at Carroll Stadium on Indiana Soccer Heritage Night set for 7:30 p.m.  Tickets for the match are available at www.indyeleven.com/single-game-tickets.

 

Quote Sheet – Indy Eleven Defender Kyle Hyland

On his last-minute, equalizing tally:
“We had been crossing a lot of the balls inside the box and we were really close. I felt like [Tampa Bay] had dropped off because they knew what was going to come, so I just gave it a whirl and it worked out.”

On pushing through on a difficult night at Carroll Stadium:
“We were pretty disappointed with letting those two goals in and we know that we need to be better on those sorts of things. I thought that we kept our cool for most of the night and that helped us in not getting red cards like they were. Doing that helped a lot and taking care of the ball at the end of the game helped us push for a goal.”

Quote Sheet – Indy Eleven Head Coach Juergen Sommer

On the wild affair at Carroll Stadium:  
“Knowing we played as well as we played, especially when the game started, you can tell that the guys were dialed in.  Obviously a two-hour rain delay doesn’t help that, and the guys were a little bit loose [after that]. Defensively we were poor.  [The Balchan goal] was a challenging goal in the fact that I don’t think we defended well. We kind of gave away an easy goal there. I would have liked to have seen us do better, so it’s a little frustrating. But we came back in the second half and we found a way to rally late in the game with Kyle’s late goal. It comes down to some details like set pieces. We just didn’t have enough focus on the set piece and didn’t track the most dangerous guy on their team (Maicon Santos). We failed to do that and it cost us. Looking back on it, I think we gave away two points tonight.”

 

NASL Spring Season – Week 9
Indy Eleven 2 : 2  Tampa Bay Rowdies
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 10,226

Indy Eleven: 1W-4D-3L, 7 pts. (11th in NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies: 3W-4D-1L, 12 pts. (4th in NASL)

Scoring Summary: 
IND: Dylan Mares (Brian Brown) 21’
TBR: Rich Balchan (Georgi Hristov) 40’
TBR: Maicon Santos (Georgi Hristov) 68’
IND: Kyle Hyland (unassisted) 98+’

Discipline Summary: 
TBR: Stefan Antonijevic (caution) 43’
IND: Brian Brown (caution) 59’
TBR: Robert Hernandez (caution) 72’
IND: Cory Miller (caution) 72’
TBR: Maicon Santos (ejection) 74’
TBR: Richard Menjivar (caution) 88’
TBR: Stefan Antonijevic (ejection/second caution) 89’
TBR: Georgi Hristov (ejection) 99+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-1-4-1):  Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Cory Miller (Osman Melgares 81’), Greg Janicki (C), Kyle Hyland; Daniel Keller (Brad Ring 34’); Dragan Stojkov (Wojciech Wojcik 85’), Dylan Mares, Brian Brown, Victor Pineda; Charlie Rugg

Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Erick Norales, Don Smart

Tampa Bay Rowdies line-up (4-3-3): Matt Pickens; Rich Balchan, Tamika Mkandawire (C), Stefan Antonijevic, Ben Sweat; Richard Menjivar, Georgi Hristov, Juan Guerra; Cory Hertzog (Robert Hernandez 65’) (Gale Agbossoumonde 93+’), Maicon Santos, Darwin Espinal (Darnell King 79’)

Tampa Bay Bench: Chris Glodack (GK), Martin Nunez, Verneri Valimaa

Late Ottawa Goal Downs Indy Eleven 1-0

Nicki Paterson’s 88th Minute Tally Sends “Indiana’s Team” to Third Straight Defeat

OTTAWA (Saturday, May 23, 2015) – Ottawa Fury FC used a goal from veteran midfielder Nicki Paterson in the 88th minute to give the home side a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven in front of 5,245 fans at TD Place in the Canadian capital this afternoon.

Chances were few and far between for both sides on the day, as the two sides combined for just 11 shots on the day.  The first clear chance on goal came a half hour in when Ottawa defender Rafael Alves found himself on the end of a corner at the top of the six yard box, but his touch failed him, as he sent the ball weakly towards goal and outside of the right post.  Two minutes later Indy Eleven forced Fury FC goalkeeper Romuald Peiser into his first save when Brad Ring’s near-angle shot had to be batted away at the left post.

The visitors were forced to deal with an injury blow shortly thereafter in the 34th minute, as midfielder Sergio Pena suffered a lower leg injury that will be further evaluated early next week upon the team’s return to Indiana.

Indy Eleven would get its best chance of the match in the 48th minute when a sustained build-up ended with the ball popping to midfielder Victor Pineda 10 yards from goal, but his shot destined for the far post drifted inches wide left to take Ottawa off the hook.  Two more chances around the hour mark would go wanting, as forward Wojciech Wojcik had the ball taken off his foot inside the area with a sliding challenge by Alves, while midfielder Brian Brown’s low effort from 15 was stopped with a kick save by Peiser.

After Indy Eleven had the better of the possession and limited chances created for most of the second half, Ottawa would finally start to take things over in the final 10 minutes, starting when forward Paulo Junior’s 82nd minute shot skipped just wide of the far left post. 

The game’s tipping point would come with two minutes in regulation, when Ubiparipovic held possession before Indy’s Brad Ring swept over and tried to clear the ball inside the six.  However, his clearance ricocheted off Ubiparipovic and into the path of Paterson, who slammed home a first-time shot from 12 yards out to move the scoreboard for the home side.  Indy would get no clear-cut chances to equalize during the six minutes of added time in the second half, falling for a third straight game after starting the NASL Spring Season with a four-game undefeated run.

Indy Eleven will take a break from NASL action this Wednesday, May 27, when the squad will make its debut in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament with a third round affair against USL side Louisville City FC.  Kickoff from IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium is slated for 7:30 p.m. (no local broadcast).  Three days later on Saturday, May 30, Indy Eleven will return to league play at home against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. on Indiana Craft Brew Spring Festival Night at “The Mike” (live on WISH-TV 8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590AM). 

Fans can purchase their tickets for both of those remaining May matches for as little as $10 via www.www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 (Tues.-Fri, 9a-5p).

NASL Spring Season
Ottawa Fury FC  1 : 0  Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 23, 2015
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Attendance: 5,245

Indy Eleven: 1W-3D-3L, 6 pts, 10th in NASL
Ottawa Fury FC: 2W-2D-3L, 8 pts, 6th in NASL

Scoring Summary: 
OTT – Nick Patterson (unassisted) 88’

Discipline Summary: 
OTT – Drew Beckie (caution) 22’
OTT – Brandon Poltronieri (caution) 37’
IND – Dylan Mares (caution) 45’
OTT – Richie Ryan (caution) 90+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-2-3-1): Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Greg Janicki (capt.), Erick Norales, Kyle Hyland; Brad Ring (Daniel Keller 90’), Sergio Peña (Brian Brown 34’); Charlie Rugg, Dylan Mares (Don Smart 84’), Victor Pineda; Wojciech Wojcik
Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Cory Miller, Osman Melgares

Ottawa Fury FC line-up (4-3-3): Romuald Peiser; Ryan Richter, Rafael Alves, Colin Falvey, Mason Trafford; Julian De Guzman (Richie Ryan 80’), Drew Beckie (Nicki Paterson 61’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Paulo Junior, Carl Haworth, Brandon Poltronieri (Tom Heinemann 45’)
Ottawa Bench: Mauro Eustaquio, Marcel DeBellis, Patryk Milsik

Late Ottawa Goal Downs Indy Eleven 1-0

Nicki Paterson’s 88th Minute Tally Sends “Indiana’s Team” to Third Straight Defeat

OTTAWA (Saturday, May 23, 2015) – Ottawa Fury FC used a goal from veteran midfielder Nicki Paterson in the 88th minute to give the home side a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven in front of 5,245 fans at TD Place in the Canadian capital this afternoon.

Chances were few and far between for both sides on the day, as the two sides combined for just 11 shots on the day.  The first clear chance on goal came a half hour in when Ottawa defender Rafael Alves found himself on the end of a corner at the top of the six yard box, but his touch failed him, as he sent the ball weakly towards goal and outside of the right post.  Two minutes later Indy Eleven forced Fury FC goalkeeper Romuald Peiser into his first save when Brad Ring’s near-angle shot had to be batted away at the left post.

The visitors were forced to deal with an injury blow shortly thereafter in the 34th minute, as midfielder Sergio Pena suffered a lower leg injury that will be further evaluated early next week upon the team’s return to Indiana.

Indy Eleven would get its best chance of the match in the 48th minute when a sustained build-up ended with the ball popping to midfielder Victor Pineda 10 yards from goal, but his shot destined for the far post drifted inches wide left to take Ottawa off the hook.  Two more chances around the hour mark would go wanting, as forward Wojciech Wojcik had the ball taken off his foot inside the area with a sliding challenge by Alves, while midfielder Brian Brown’s low effort from 15 was stopped with a kick save by Peiser.

After Indy Eleven had the better of the possession and limited chances created for most of the second half, Ottawa would finally start to take things over in the final 10 minutes, starting when forward Paulo Junior’s 82nd minute shot skipped just wide of the far left post. 

The game’s tipping point would come with two minutes in regulation, when Ubiparipovic held possession before Indy’s Brad Ring swept over and tried to clear the ball inside the six.  However, his clearance ricocheted off Ubiparipovic and into the path of Paterson, who slammed home a first-time shot from 12 yards out to move the scoreboard for the home side.  Indy would get no clear-cut chances to equalize during the six minutes of added time in the second half, falling for a third straight game after starting the NASL Spring Season with a four-game undefeated run.

Indy Eleven will take a break from NASL action this Wednesday, May 27, when the squad will make its debut in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament with a third round affair against USL side Louisville City FC.  Kickoff from IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium is slated for 7:30 p.m. (no local broadcast).  Three days later on Saturday, May 30, Indy Eleven will return to league play at home against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. on Indiana Craft Brew Spring Festival Night at “The Mike” (live on WISH-TV 8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590AM). 

Fans can purchase their tickets for both of those remaining May matches for as little as $10 via www.www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 (Tues.-Fri, 9a-5p).

NASL Spring Season
Ottawa Fury FC  1 : 0  Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 23, 2015
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Attendance: 5,245

Indy Eleven: 1W-3D-3L, 6 pts, 10th in NASL
Ottawa Fury FC: 2W-2D-3L, 8 pts, 6th in NASL

Scoring Summary: 
OTT – Nick Patterson (unassisted) 88’

Discipline Summary: 
OTT – Drew Beckie (caution) 22’
OTT – Brandon Poltronieri (caution) 37’
IND – Dylan Mares (caution) 45’
OTT – Richie Ryan (caution) 90+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-2-3-1): Kristian Nicht; Marco Franco, Greg Janicki (capt.), Erick Norales, Kyle Hyland; Brad Ring (Daniel Keller 90’), Sergio Peña (Brian Brown 34’); Charlie Rugg, Dylan Mares (Don Smart 84’), Victor Pineda; Wojciech Wojcik
Indy Bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Jaime Frias, Cory Miller, Osman Melgares

Ottawa Fury FC line-up (4-3-3): Romuald Peiser; Ryan Richter, Rafael Alves, Colin Falvey, Mason Trafford; Julian De Guzman (Richie Ryan 80’), Drew Beckie (Nicki Paterson 61’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Paulo Junior, Carl Haworth, Brandon Poltronieri (Tom Heinemann 45’)
Ottawa Bench: Mauro Eustaquio, Marcel DeBellis, Patryk Milsik

Indy Eleven Fall at Home 1-3 to Minnesota United FC

Sergio Pena’s Second Tally of Season Not Enough to Hold off Visitors

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 16, 2015) – Minnesota United FC used second half goals from Justin Davis and Juliano Vicentini to break a deadlock with Indy Eleven in the standings and on the scoreboard in a 3-1 win in front of another sellout crowd of 10,524 at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  United FC went up in the first half through Kalif Alhassan, but the home side would level out of the halftime break on Sergio Pena’s second goal of the year.

Though Indy Eleven maintained possession of the ball for a majority of the first 15 minutes of the game, Minnesota garnered the first major attack in the 19th minute when an Aaron Pitchkolan shot from the right side of the box deflected off Indy goalkeeper Keith Cardona  and caromed over the cross bar.

The Loons would not be kept off the score sheet for long, however, as a free kick from midfielder Kalif Alhassan in the 22nd minute flew past Cardona – making his second straight start between the posts for Indy Eleven – and into the upper right corner from 28 yards out to put Minnesota up 1-0.

United FC continued to push into Eleven territory, but Indy thwarted multiple threatening attacks in the following minutes. In the 35th minute, United FC striker Pablo Campos was handed the first caution of the game on an embellishment call in the penalty area as he drove – and dove – past Indy Eleven defender Cory Miller. Just moments later, the two met again as Campos escaped his second card in as many minutes on what appeared to be an elbow to the face of Miller at the midfield stripe.

Minnesota’s lead would not last much into the second half as Indy Eleven stormed out of the gates. In the 49th minute, a nifty pass from defender Marco Franco to Sergio Peña was kicked over the end line by Minnesota.  On the ensuing dead ball, midfielder Dylan Mares sent a well-struck ball to the top of the six, where the Peña made no mistake, the Honduran midfielder crushing it into the back of the net with a header to even the score 1-1.

From there, possession would go back-and-forth over the next several minutes until Minnesota made the most out of an opportunity in the 63rd minute. Campos’ initial effort was saved by a diving Cardona into the left side of the box, where Minnesota defender Justin Davis beat an Indy defender to the rebound and finished into an open net to give Minnesota the lead once again.

More and more, Indy would build up strength into the attacking third, but Minnesota would hold strong and eventually double its advantage. The dagger came in the 83rd minute when substitute forward Christian Ramirez played a through ball past Indy defenders to Juliano Vicentini, who slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner of goal to bring the score to its final 3-1 result.

After going undefeated during its first five games of the 2015 season – and nine overall dating back to last October – Indy Eleven has now dropped two straight, a skid it will look to snap next Saturday, May 23, when it heads north of the border to face off against Ottawa Fury FC.  Kickoff at TD Place in the Canadian capital is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.  Fans can watch the affair online via ESPN3.com streaming video and at seven Official Indy Eleven Watch Party locations across Indiana.

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium next on Wednesday, May 27, for its debut in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament, a third round affair against either Louisville City FC of the USL or NPSL side Lansing United.  Three days later on Saturday, May 30, Indy Eleven will return to league play at home against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. on Indiana Craft Brew Spring Festival Night at “The Mike” (live on WISH-TV 8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590AM). 

Fans can purchase their tickets for both of those remaining May matches for as little as $10 via www.www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 (Mon-Fri, 9a-5p).

 

INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH JUERGEN SOMMER:

On giving goalkeeper Keith Cardona a second straight start:
“We were really pleased with what we saw from Keith when we brought him in. He’s a tremendous young goalkeeper who brings a lot to the table athletically. We relied on him down in Jacksonville and he played a great game with great composure. I thought he performed well again tonight too.”

On tonight’s result:
“We’re all disappointed when we can’t compete and win. I thought the guys played really well for the first 20 or 25 minutes. They came out with good energy and created some good chances, we just didn’t do well enough to put those chances away. I give [Minnesota] credit. They came out well. At the end of the night, the better team won. They came in and played a very good game and were great competition for us.”

On switching up Indy Eleven line-up and formation for tonight’s match:
“The changes for us were to made to demand more from our guys. We wanted to see more movement and more activity in the attacking third of the field. Defensively we made some adjustments as well because we have a lot of guys knocking on the door and competing in training. We picked up some injuries with Kleberson and Dragan (Stojkov), and we’re giving guys chances to step up and fight for their place in the team. We wanted to be a little more aggressive tonight and come after them a bit. They did very well to absorb the pressure. Their goals forced us to do some things we didn’t want to do, but that’s what you have to do when you’re down a goal.”
 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  1 : 3  Minnesota United FC
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 10,524 (sold out)

Indy Eleven: 1W-3D-2L, 6 pts, 8th in NASL
Minnesota United FC: 2W-3D-1L, 9 pts, 4th in NASL

Scoring Summary: 
MNU – Kalif Alhassan (unassisted) 22’
IND – Sergio Pena (Dylan Mares) 49’
MNU – Justin Davis (unassisted) 63’
MNU – Juliano Vicentini (Christian Ramirez) 83’

Discipline Summary:
MNU – Pablo Campos (caution) 35’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-5-1): Keith Cardona; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales, Kyle Hyland; Charlie Rugg, Brad Ring (Victor Pineda 76’), Dylan Mares, Sergio Peña, Brian Brown (Don Smart 67’); Wojciech Wojcik

Indy Bench: Kristian Nicht (GK), Jaime Frias, Greg Janicki, Daniel Keller, Osman Melgares

Minnesota United FC line-up (4-5-1): Sammy N’djock (GK); Kevin Venegas, Tiago Calvano, Cristiano Dias, Justin Davis; Juliano Vicentini, Aaron Pitchkolan, Miguel Ibarra, Kalif Alhassan (Greg Jordan 86’), Jamie Watson (J.C. Banks 45’); Pablo Campos (Christian Ramirez 80’)

Minnesota Bench: Mitch Hildebrant (GK), Brian Kallman, Jonny Steele, Daniel Mendes, Geison Moura

Indy Eleven Fall at Home 1-3 to Minnesota United FC

Sergio Pena’s Second Tally of Season Not Enough to Hold off Visitors

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 16, 2015) – Minnesota United FC used second half goals from Justin Davis and Juliano Vicentini to break a deadlock with Indy Eleven in the standings and on the scoreboard in a 3-1 win in front of another sellout crowd of 10,524 at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  United FC went up in the first half through Kalif Alhassan, but the home side would level out of the halftime break on Sergio Pena’s second goal of the year.

Though Indy Eleven maintained possession of the ball for a majority of the first 15 minutes of the game, Minnesota garnered the first major attack in the 19th minute when an Aaron Pitchkolan shot from the right side of the box deflected off Indy goalkeeper Keith Cardona  and caromed over the cross bar.

The Loons would not be kept off the score sheet for long, however, as a free kick from midfielder Kalif Alhassan in the 22nd minute flew past Cardona – making his second straight start between the posts for Indy Eleven – and into the upper right corner from 28 yards out to put Minnesota up 1-0.

United FC continued to push into Eleven territory, but Indy thwarted multiple threatening attacks in the following minutes. In the 35th minute, United FC striker Pablo Campos was handed the first caution of the game on an embellishment call in the penalty area as he drove – and dove – past Indy Eleven defender Cory Miller. Just moments later, the two met again as Campos escaped his second card in as many minutes on what appeared to be an elbow to the face of Miller at the midfield stripe.

Minnesota’s lead would not last much into the second half as Indy Eleven stormed out of the gates. In the 49th minute, a nifty pass from defender Marco Franco to Sergio Peña was kicked over the end line by Minnesota.  On the ensuing dead ball, midfielder Dylan Mares sent a well-struck ball to the top of the six, where the Peña made no mistake, the Honduran midfielder crushing it into the back of the net with a header to even the score 1-1.

From there, possession would go back-and-forth over the next several minutes until Minnesota made the most out of an opportunity in the 63rd minute. Campos’ initial effort was saved by a diving Cardona into the left side of the box, where Minnesota defender Justin Davis beat an Indy defender to the rebound and finished into an open net to give Minnesota the lead once again.

More and more, Indy would build up strength into the attacking third, but Minnesota would hold strong and eventually double its advantage. The dagger came in the 83rd minute when substitute forward Christian Ramirez played a through ball past Indy defenders to Juliano Vicentini, who slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner of goal to bring the score to its final 3-1 result.

After going undefeated during its first five games of the 2015 season – and nine overall dating back to last October – Indy Eleven has now dropped two straight, a skid it will look to snap next Saturday, May 23, when it heads north of the border to face off against Ottawa Fury FC.  Kickoff at TD Place in the Canadian capital is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.  Fans can watch the affair online via ESPN3.com streaming video and at seven Official Indy Eleven Watch Party locations across Indiana.

Indy Eleven will return to Carroll Stadium next on Wednesday, May 27, for its debut in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament, a third round affair against either Louisville City FC of the USL or NPSL side Lansing United.  Three days later on Saturday, May 30, Indy Eleven will return to league play at home against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. on Indiana Craft Brew Spring Festival Night at “The Mike” (live on WISH-TV 8, ESPN3.com and Exitos Radio 1590AM). 

Fans can purchase their tickets for both of those remaining May matches for as little as $10 via www.www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 (Mon-Fri, 9a-5p).

 

INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH JUERGEN SOMMER:

On giving goalkeeper Keith Cardona a second straight start:
“We were really pleased with what we saw from Keith when we brought him in. He’s a tremendous young goalkeeper who brings a lot to the table athletically. We relied on him down in Jacksonville and he played a great game with great composure. I thought he performed well again tonight too.”

On tonight’s result:
“We’re all disappointed when we can’t compete and win. I thought the guys played really well for the first 20 or 25 minutes. They came out with good energy and created some good chances, we just didn’t do well enough to put those chances away. I give [Minnesota] credit. They came out well. At the end of the night, the better team won. They came in and played a very good game and were great competition for us.”

On switching up Indy Eleven line-up and formation for tonight’s match:
“The changes for us were to made to demand more from our guys. We wanted to see more movement and more activity in the attacking third of the field. Defensively we made some adjustments as well because we have a lot of guys knocking on the door and competing in training. We picked up some injuries with Kleberson and Dragan (Stojkov), and we’re giving guys chances to step up and fight for their place in the team. We wanted to be a little more aggressive tonight and come after them a bit. They did very well to absorb the pressure. Their goals forced us to do some things we didn’t want to do, but that’s what you have to do when you’re down a goal.”
 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  1 : 3  Minnesota United FC
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 10,524 (sold out)

Indy Eleven: 1W-3D-2L, 6 pts, 8th in NASL
Minnesota United FC: 2W-3D-1L, 9 pts, 4th in NASL

Scoring Summary: 
MNU – Kalif Alhassan (unassisted) 22’
IND – Sergio Pena (Dylan Mares) 49’
MNU – Justin Davis (unassisted) 63’
MNU – Juliano Vicentini (Christian Ramirez) 83’

Discipline Summary:
MNU – Pablo Campos (caution) 35’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-5-1): Keith Cardona; Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Erick Norales, Kyle Hyland; Charlie Rugg, Brad Ring (Victor Pineda 76’), Dylan Mares, Sergio Peña, Brian Brown (Don Smart 67’); Wojciech Wojcik

Indy Bench: Kristian Nicht (GK), Jaime Frias, Greg Janicki, Daniel Keller, Osman Melgares

Minnesota United FC line-up (4-5-1): Sammy N’djock (GK); Kevin Venegas, Tiago Calvano, Cristiano Dias, Justin Davis; Juliano Vicentini, Aaron Pitchkolan, Miguel Ibarra, Kalif Alhassan (Greg Jordan 86’), Jamie Watson (J.C. Banks 45’); Pablo Campos (Christian Ramirez 80’)

Minnesota Bench: Mitch Hildebrant (GK), Brian Kallman, Jonny Steele, Daniel Mendes, Geison Moura