News

#INDvSKC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Sporting Kansas City II

Saturday, September 11, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.  

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

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

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

Live stats: #INDvSKC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Indy Eleven: 7W-10L-5D (-7 GD), 26 pts.; 6th in Central Division

Sporting KC II: 4W-13L-7D (-16 GD), 19 pts.; 8th in Central Division

 

Indy Eleven returns home this Saturday to square off against Sporting KC II for a fourth and final time in 2021 – and Indiana’s Team will do so with a “three points or bust” mentality as it looks to keep up with the playoff pace in the Central Division.

Why such urgency to win with 10 games left on the schedule? Because after Saturday night, it’s a nine-game gauntlet to the finish where every match comes against a team Indy is fighting against for the fourth playoff spot or jockeying for position for a top-two slot that will come with homefield advantage in the opening round of the postseason. With five of those nine coming on the road, needing to claim three points at home every time out is starting to become more than just coach speak, it’s starting to become a reality for Indy’s playoff chances.

Sporting is the lone of the eight teams in the Central whose playoff hopes are dim, currently sitting 10 points under the playoff line while having the most games played in the division. While there have been no “easy games” on the Eleven’s schedule this season, there is room for optimism against a Sporting side that Indy has gone undefeated against thus far at 2W-0L-1D.

If it’s possible to enter a match with momentum coming off a loss, Indy could very well do so after controlling traffic for the last 60 minutes of Wednesday night’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at FC Tulsa. While the last-minute (and somewhat controversial) nature of the loss left the Boys in Blue stinging, the jumpstart of the squad’s attack by Manuel Arteaga’s team-leading seventh goal of the season in the 34th minute signaled a surge that resulted in 13 shots on the evening, the second most in a road game this season.

The most shots on the road this season for Indy? That would be 15 in the Eleven’s meeting at SKC less than three weeks ago – and that’s no anomaly, as the Boys in Blue have turned their matches against the Kansas side into carnival games …

13.7 shots per game vs. SKC (3 games)

10.9 shots per game vs. other opponents (19 games)

7 shots on goal per game vs. SKC (3 games)

3.8 shots on goal per game vs. other opponents (19 games)

Meanwhile, SKC II will carry their own good feels into the weekend, a 3-0 win over OKC Energy FC at home last Saturday marking perhaps their most comprehensive performance of the season. That triumph – featuring goals by Osvaldo Cisneros (20’), Rojay Smith (72’) , and Enoch Mushagalusa (79’) – snapped a nine-game winless streak for Sporting dating back to a 1-0 win at Atlanta on July 10. In the two months since that result, SKC II has been outscored 8-3 in three away matches (2 losses, 1 draw) – and their road form could still be rusty, as Saturday night marks their first road trip since a 4-2 defeat at Birmingham exactly one month prior.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. SPORTING KC II

USL Championship regular season: 6W-2L-1D (15 GF/9 GA)

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

USL Championship on the road: 2W-0L-1D (6 GF/3 GA)

In contrast to a season ago when they split their four-game season series down the middle, Indy will look to close out the teams’ 2021 slate undefeated on Saturday night. The Boys in Blue have collected a 2W-0L-1D record against the side in the Central Division basement this season, using a 2-0 home win in late May and a 2-1 victory in Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ debut in Kansas on June 20 to gain the upper hand.

The two sides met again just a few weeks ago at Children’s Mercy Park on Aug. 22, goals by Wilson Harris and Jordan Hamilton offsetting each other in what was the first draw in the nine-game series to that point. In all, Indy Eleven has dominated the series with SKC II, collecting a 6W-2L-1D mark and 15-9 advantage in goals scored; that includes a 4W-2L-0D (9 GF/6 GA) record in games contested in the Circle City.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: FW GORDON WILD

With Indiana’s Team preparing for its third game in a seven-day span, squad rotation is likely going to play a major role in Coach Rogers’ lineup decision heading into the weekend. Regardless of a starting position or coming off the bench, Wild will be a crucial component of Indy’s offensive setup come Saturday night at Carroll Stadium.

The German striker has been especially proficient in the attacking third when facing off against Sporting Kansas City II. In fact, half of his total goals (2) and assists (4) this season have come against Sporting, all after the halftime break:

May 22 – IND 2:0 SKC (two assists, four key passes, three shots) 

June 20 – SKC 1:2 IND (one goal, two chances created, three shots)
August 22 – SKC 1:1 IND (one chance created, one shot)

Even with limited action during Wednesday’s affair at FC Tulsa after subbing on for Rece Buckmaster in the 63rd minute, Wild provided a spark in the final third tallying two shots, creating a chance and completing nearly 82% of his passes before the final whistle. If series history serves as any sort of indicator, a second-half surge from Wild could be the deciding factor in claiming three points against this weekend’s visitors.

 

SKC PLAYER TO WATCH: GK KENDALL MCINTOSH

The last time out against Sporting, Indy Eleven saw John Pulskamp stop five of its six shots on frame, frustrating the Boys in Blue throughout a 1-1 draw. With Pulskamp being called back into SKC’s MLS outfit in late August, that left McIntosh to man between the posts for a fourth stint during what has been a streaky 2021 season for the 27-year-old shot stopper:

MAY (4 games): 0W-2L-2D, 8 goals against (2.00 GAA), 0 shutouts

JULY (2 games): 1W-1D-0L, 0 goals against (0.00 GAA), 2 shutouts

AUGUST (2 games): 0W-2L-0D, 8 goals against (4.00 GAA), 0 shutouts

September’s sample size is only one game to this point, but life couldn’t have been much easier for the Oakland native last weekend, when he didn’t need to make any saves en route to his third clean sheet of the season in a 3-0 win over OKC.

So will his good streak roll on this Saturday? Or will he suffer a similar fate during SKC’s first visit to the Circle City in May, when he bent but didn’t break until early in the second half of Indy’s 2-0 win? What he would appreciate is some goal support, as prior to last weekend’s win, SKC II had been outscored 13-5 when he was in net

#INDvSKC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Sporting Kansas City II

Saturday, September 11, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.  

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

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

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

Live stats: #INDvSKC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Indy Eleven: 7W-10L-5D (-7 GD), 26 pts.; 6th in Central Division

Sporting KC II: 4W-13L-7D (-16 GD), 19 pts.; 8th in Central Division

 

Indy Eleven returns home this Saturday to square off against Sporting KC II for a fourth and final time in 2021 – and Indiana’s Team will do so with a “three points or bust” mentality as it looks to keep up with the playoff pace in the Central Division.

Why such urgency to win with 10 games left on the schedule? Because after Saturday night, it’s a nine-game gauntlet to the finish where every match comes against a team Indy is fighting against for the fourth playoff spot or jockeying for position for a top-two slot that will come with homefield advantage in the opening round of the postseason. With five of those nine coming on the road, needing to claim three points at home every time out is starting to become more than just coach speak, it’s starting to become a reality for Indy’s playoff chances.

Sporting is the lone of the eight teams in the Central whose playoff hopes are dim, currently sitting 10 points under the playoff line while having the most games played in the division. While there have been no “easy games” on the Eleven’s schedule this season, there is room for optimism against a Sporting side that Indy has gone undefeated against thus far at 2W-0L-1D.

If it’s possible to enter a match with momentum coming off a loss, Indy could very well do so after controlling traffic for the last 60 minutes of Wednesday night’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at FC Tulsa. While the last-minute (and somewhat controversial) nature of the loss left the Boys in Blue stinging, the jumpstart of the squad’s attack by Manuel Arteaga’s team-leading seventh goal of the season in the 34th minute signaled a surge that resulted in 13 shots on the evening, the second most in a road game this season.

The most shots on the road this season for Indy? That would be 15 in the Eleven’s meeting at SKC less than three weeks ago – and that’s no anomaly, as the Boys in Blue have turned their matches against the Kansas side into carnival games …

13.7 shots per game vs. SKC (3 games)

10.9 shots per game vs. other opponents (19 games)

7 shots on goal per game vs. SKC (3 games)

3.8 shots on goal per game vs. other opponents (19 games)

Meanwhile, SKC II will carry their own good feels into the weekend, a 3-0 win over OKC Energy FC at home last Saturday marking perhaps their most comprehensive performance of the season. That triumph – featuring goals by Osvaldo Cisneros (20’), Rojay Smith (72’) , and Enoch Mushagalusa (79’) – snapped a nine-game winless streak for Sporting dating back to a 1-0 win at Atlanta on July 10. In the two months since that result, SKC II has been outscored 8-3 in three away matches (2 losses, 1 draw) – and their road form could still be rusty, as Saturday night marks their first road trip since a 4-2 defeat at Birmingham exactly one month prior.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. SPORTING KC II

USL Championship regular season: 6W-2L-1D (15 GF/9 GA)

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

USL Championship on the road: 2W-0L-1D (6 GF/3 GA)

In contrast to a season ago when they split their four-game season series down the middle, Indy will look to close out the teams’ 2021 slate undefeated on Saturday night. The Boys in Blue have collected a 2W-0L-1D record against the side in the Central Division basement this season, using a 2-0 home win in late May and a 2-1 victory in Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ debut in Kansas on June 20 to gain the upper hand.

The two sides met again just a few weeks ago at Children’s Mercy Park on Aug. 22, goals by Wilson Harris and Jordan Hamilton offsetting each other in what was the first draw in the nine-game series to that point. In all, Indy Eleven has dominated the series with SKC II, collecting a 6W-2L-1D mark and 15-9 advantage in goals scored; that includes a 4W-2L-0D (9 GF/6 GA) record in games contested in the Circle City.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: FW GORDON WILD

With Indiana’s Team preparing for its third game in a seven-day span, squad rotation is likely going to play a major role in Coach Rogers’ lineup decision heading into the weekend. Regardless of a starting position or coming off the bench, Wild will be a crucial component of Indy’s offensive setup come Saturday night at Carroll Stadium.

The German striker has been especially proficient in the attacking third when facing off against Sporting Kansas City II. In fact, half of his total goals (2) and assists (4) this season have come against Sporting, all after the halftime break:

May 22 – IND 2:0 SKC (two assists, four key passes, three shots) 

June 20 – SKC 1:2 IND (one goal, two chances created, three shots)
August 22 – SKC 1:1 IND (one chance created, one shot)

Even with limited action during Wednesday’s affair at FC Tulsa after subbing on for Rece Buckmaster in the 63rd minute, Wild provided a spark in the final third tallying two shots, creating a chance and completing nearly 82% of his passes before the final whistle. If series history serves as any sort of indicator, a second-half surge from Wild could be the deciding factor in claiming three points against this weekend’s visitors.

 

SKC PLAYER TO WATCH: GK KENDALL MCINTOSH

The last time out against Sporting, Indy Eleven saw John Pulskamp stop five of its six shots on frame, frustrating the Boys in Blue throughout a 1-1 draw. With Pulskamp being called back into SKC’s MLS outfit in late August, that left McIntosh to man between the posts for a fourth stint during what has been a streaky 2021 season for the 27-year-old shot stopper:

MAY (4 games): 0W-2L-2D, 8 goals against (2.00 GAA), 0 shutouts

JULY (2 games): 1W-1D-0L, 0 goals against (0.00 GAA), 2 shutouts

AUGUST (2 games): 0W-2L-0D, 8 goals against (4.00 GAA), 0 shutouts

September’s sample size is only one game to this point, but life couldn’t have been much easier for the Oakland native last weekend, when he didn’t need to make any saves en route to his third clean sheet of the season in a 3-0 win over OKC.

So will his good streak roll on this Saturday? Or will he suffer a similar fate during SKC’s first visit to the Circle City in May, when he bent but didn’t break until early in the second half of Indy’s 2-0 win? What he would appreciate is some goal support, as prior to last weekend’s win, SKC II had been outscored 13-5 when he was in net

TULSA, Okla. – A first half equalizer from forward Manuel Arteaga wasn’t enough to secure three points as Indy Eleven fell 2-1 on the road at FC Tulsa Wednesday evening.

“We did really well to compose ourselves and get back into the game, and in second half we were, I thought, the dominant team,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “Obviously they still threatened on the counter, as you would expect, being the in-form team they are, but that just showed the quality that we have. We were able to go up against them and create chances where we really should have scored more ourselves, so that's a real positive.”

Wednesday’s loss changes very little in the current Central Division standings, as Indy Eleven (7W-10L-5D, 26 pts.)  still remains within a win of the fourth and final playoff spot with a game in hand on the two teams ahead of in in the standings – Atlanta United 2 (5th) and OKC Energy FC (4th).  

FC Tulsa aimed to make a statement early in an attempt to keep its club-record four-game winning streak alive with back-to-back chances in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Tulsa forward Dario Suarez sparked the first bit of danger the 7th minute after quickly dribbling through Indy’s back line and hammering a shot from the top of the six, only to be batted down by Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr and cleared away by defender Neveal Hackshaw. However, Tulsa’s persistence paid off two minutes later as forward Jason Johnson brought down teammate Lebo Moloto’s cross inside the 18-yard box for a chance at the far-left post, but as soon as Farr palmed the ball to the middle of the box Santos stepped up and buried it in the back of the net before the ‘keeper could reposition himself.

The hosts continued with an onslaught of chances in the 20 minutes that followed. Farr was forced into a smothering save in the 14th minute as a 30-yard free kick from Moloto deflected off the head of Tulsa captain Bradley Bourgeois to the lower left corner of the goal, an attempt the officials abruptly deemed offsides. Another deep cross from Moloto tested Farr once again in the 21st minute, the ball sailing to Santos on the edge of the byline for a shot that slammed the side netting. Tulsa’s final chance of the half came at the half hour mark after Suarez broke through Indy’s defense for a shot that Farr confidently pawed down for Hackshaw to clear away once again.

It took Indy Eleven 33 minutes to find its first look at Tulsa’s frame, when a free kick from veteran midfielder Ayoze swerved over the wall of players and into substitute ‘keeper Austin Wormell’s gloves. That one look was all it took for Indy to find the spark it needed to level the game, as a poor clearance inside Tulsa’s box left enough space for Arteaga to sprint in and net his team-high seventh goal of the season. The clock eclipsed into an additional five minutes of stoppage time, but neither side posed a threat heading into the break.

Indiana’s Team started the second stanza very much on the front foot with a flurry of chances at Tulsa’s net, the most dangerous coming off the foot of defender Rece Buckmaster 10 minutes after the whistle. Midfielder Nicky Law jockeyed an opposing defender along the left side of the box, pulling away with enough space for a cross that found the Indiana University alumni near the opposite corner of the 18 for a low volley at goal that was deflected away by Bourgeois.

Law caused trouble for the Tulsa defense once again in the 70th minute after cheeky passing from Arteaga and substitute Gordon Wild primed the charging Englishman for a shot, but defender Jorge Corrales stuck his boot out just as the ball left the midfielder’s foot to block the chance. It wasn’t 30 seconds later that FC Tulsa began reapplying pressure when Santos’ long forward pass slipped through traffic and to the feet of Johnson for another shot into Farr’s chest for the save.

Moloto continued to display his playmaking abilities in the 72nd minute with a speedy cross along the top of Indy’s 18 to Johnson, the Happy News, Jamaica native taking a few touches before launching another low shot towards the far-right post, forcing another leg-splitting save from Farr.

The Boys in Blue nearly found the lead in the 80th minute when a poor giveaway in front of Tulsa’s goal fell to the feet of Law for a close-range blast, but 23-year-old Wormell immediately fell to swat the shot away before crossing the goal line. Indy had one final chance in the 84th minute when some one-two passing in Tulsa’s box created another close opportunity for Wild, but the German striker’s low challenge was halted as Wormell dove in front of the shot.

Just as the result was looking to be spilt, a challenge called on defender Karl Ouimette near the top of Indy’s box led to a controversial penalty awarded to Tulsa substitute Lucas Coutinho in the 86th minute. Despite the protest from the surrounding Eleven players, the call stood as Suarez approached the penalty spot, sending his shot right down the middle and into the back of the net. The clocked ticked into the final six minutes of stoppage time, but Suarez’s PK at the death acted as the game-winner for the home team.

The Boys in Blue will continue their month-long streak of weekend home matches this Saturday, Sept. 11, when they host Sporting KC II. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match on Faith & Family Night at Carroll Stadium can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

FC Tulsa  2 : 1  Indy Eleven

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

ONEOK Field – Tulsa, Okla.

 

Indy Eleven: 7W-10L-5D, 26 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

FC Tulsa: 12W-9L-1D, 37 pts.; 3rd place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

TUL – Marlon Santos (unassisted) 9’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (unassisted) 34’

TUL – Dario Suarez (penalty kick) 89’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Carl Haworth (yellow card) 41’

TUL – Jorge Corrales (yellow card) 51’

TUL – Marlon Santos (yellow card) 67’

IND – Jordan Farr (yellow card) 88’

TUL – Rodrigo da Costa (yellow card) 90+6’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, Jared Timmer, Karl Ouimette; Ayoze (captain), Gershon Koffie, Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aboubacar Sissoko 73’), Rece Buckmaster (Gordon Wild 63’); Nicky Law, Nick Moon (Carl Haworth 77’), Manuel Arteaga

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Aidan Liu, Ecris Revolorio, Alann Torres

 

FC Tulsa line-up (4-3-3): Sean Lewis (Austin Wormell 27’); Jorge Corrales, Kevin Garcia, Bradley Bourgeois (captain), Matt Sheldon; Rodrigo da Costa, Lebo Moloto, Eric Bird; Marlon Santos (Kembo Kibato 76’), Jason Johnson (Lucas Coutinho 84’), Dario Suarez

TUL substitutions: Raphael Ayagwa, Johnny Fenwick, Solomon Kwambe, Victor Milke

TULSA, Okla. – A first half equalizer from forward Manuel Arteaga wasn’t enough to secure three points as Indy Eleven fell 2-1 on the road at FC Tulsa Wednesday evening.

“We did really well to compose ourselves and get back into the game, and in second half we were, I thought, the dominant team,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “Obviously they still threatened on the counter, as you would expect, being the in-form team they are, but that just showed the quality that we have. We were able to go up against them and create chances where we really should have scored more ourselves, so that’s a real positive.”

Wednesday’s loss changes very little in the current Central Division standings, as Indy Eleven (7W-10L-5D, 26 pts.)  still remains within a win of the fourth and final playoff spot with a game in hand on the two teams ahead of in in the standings – Atlanta United 2 (5th) and OKC Energy FC (4th).  

FC Tulsa aimed to make a statement early in an attempt to keep its club-record four-game winning streak alive with back-to-back chances in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Tulsa forward Dario Suarez sparked the first bit of danger the 7th minute after quickly dribbling through Indy’s back line and hammering a shot from the top of the six, only to be batted down by Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr and cleared away by defender Neveal Hackshaw. However, Tulsa’s persistence paid off two minutes later as forward Jason Johnson brought down teammate Lebo Moloto’s cross inside the 18-yard box for a chance at the far-left post, but as soon as Farr palmed the ball to the middle of the box Santos stepped up and buried it in the back of the net before the ‘keeper could reposition himself.

The hosts continued with an onslaught of chances in the 20 minutes that followed. Farr was forced into a smothering save in the 14th minute as a 30-yard free kick from Moloto deflected off the head of Tulsa captain Bradley Bourgeois to the lower left corner of the goal, an attempt the officials abruptly deemed offsides. Another deep cross from Moloto tested Farr once again in the 21st minute, the ball sailing to Santos on the edge of the byline for a shot that slammed the side netting. Tulsa’s final chance of the half came at the half hour mark after Suarez broke through Indy’s defense for a shot that Farr confidently pawed down for Hackshaw to clear away once again.

It took Indy Eleven 33 minutes to find its first look at Tulsa’s frame, when a free kick from veteran midfielder Ayoze swerved over the wall of players and into substitute ‘keeper Austin Wormell’s gloves. That one look was all it took for Indy to find the spark it needed to level the game, as a poor clearance inside Tulsa’s box left enough space for Arteaga to sprint in and net his team-high seventh goal of the season. The clock eclipsed into an additional five minutes of stoppage time, but neither side posed a threat heading into the break.

Indiana’s Team started the second stanza very much on the front foot with a flurry of chances at Tulsa’s net, the most dangerous coming off the foot of defender Rece Buckmaster 10 minutes after the whistle. Midfielder Nicky Law jockeyed an opposing defender along the left side of the box, pulling away with enough space for a cross that found the Indiana University alumni near the opposite corner of the 18 for a low volley at goal that was deflected away by Bourgeois.

Law caused trouble for the Tulsa defense once again in the 70th minute after cheeky passing from Arteaga and substitute Gordon Wild primed the charging Englishman for a shot, but defender Jorge Corrales stuck his boot out just as the ball left the midfielder’s foot to block the chance. It wasn’t 30 seconds later that FC Tulsa began reapplying pressure when Santos’ long forward pass slipped through traffic and to the feet of Johnson for another shot into Farr’s chest for the save.

Moloto continued to display his playmaking abilities in the 72nd minute with a speedy cross along the top of Indy’s 18 to Johnson, the Happy News, Jamaica native taking a few touches before launching another low shot towards the far-right post, forcing another leg-splitting save from Farr.

The Boys in Blue nearly found the lead in the 80th minute when a poor giveaway in front of Tulsa’s goal fell to the feet of Law for a close-range blast, but 23-year-old Wormell immediately fell to swat the shot away before crossing the goal line. Indy had one final chance in the 84th minute when some one-two passing in Tulsa’s box created another close opportunity for Wild, but the German striker’s low challenge was halted as Wormell dove in front of the shot.

Just as the result was looking to be spilt, a challenge called on defender Karl Ouimette near the top of Indy’s box led to a controversial penalty awarded to Tulsa substitute Lucas Coutinho in the 86th minute. Despite the protest from the surrounding Eleven players, the call stood as Suarez approached the penalty spot, sending his shot right down the middle and into the back of the net. The clocked ticked into the final six minutes of stoppage time, but Suarez’s PK at the death acted as the game-winner for the home team.

The Boys in Blue will continue their month-long streak of weekend home matches this Saturday, Sept. 11, when they host Sporting KC II. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match on Faith & Family Night at Carroll Stadium can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

FC Tulsa  2 : 1  Indy Eleven

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

ONEOK Field – Tulsa, Okla.

 

Indy Eleven: 7W-10L-5D, 26 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

FC Tulsa: 12W-9L-1D, 37 pts.; 3rd place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

TUL – Marlon Santos (unassisted) 9’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (unassisted) 34’

TUL – Dario Suarez (penalty kick) 89’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Carl Haworth (yellow card) 41’

TUL – Jorge Corrales (yellow card) 51’

TUL – Marlon Santos (yellow card) 67’

IND – Jordan Farr (yellow card) 88’

TUL – Rodrigo da Costa (yellow card) 90+6’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, Jared Timmer, Karl Ouimette; Ayoze (captain), Gershon Koffie, Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aboubacar Sissoko 73’), Rece Buckmaster (Gordon Wild 63’); Nicky Law, Nick Moon (Carl Haworth 77’), Manuel Arteaga

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Aidan Liu, Ecris Revolorio, Alann Torres

 

FC Tulsa line-up (4-3-3): Sean Lewis (Austin Wormell 27’); Jorge Corrales, Kevin Garcia, Bradley Bourgeois (captain), Matt Sheldon; Rodrigo da Costa, Lebo Moloto, Eric Bird; Marlon Santos (Kembo Kibato 76’), Jason Johnson (Lucas Coutinho 84’), Dario Suarez

TUL substitutions: Raphael Ayagwa, Johnny Fenwick, Solomon Kwambe, Victor Milke

#TULvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at FC Tulsa

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – 8:00 P.M. ET  

ONEOK FIeld – Tulsa, Okla.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

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

Live stats: #TULvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Indy Eleven: 7W-9L-5D (-6 GD), 26 pts.; 6th in Central Division

FC Tulsa: 11W-9L-1D (0 GD), 34 pts.; 3rd in Central Division

Indy Eleven’s month-long homestand of Saturday nights will be interrupted on Wednesday, when the Boys in Blue head west to Oklahoma to face a surging FC Tulsa squad.

The Eleven’s roller coaster of a season continued last Saturday with a 0-1 loss to Atlanta United 2 that helped the Georgia side leapfrog Indy in the Central Division standings. The result snapped a modest two-game home winning streak and leaves the Eleven focused on breaking up a four-game road winless streak, though it’s last travels on Aug. 22 to Sporting Kansas II resulted in a point gained from a 1-1 draw.

In fact, the latest away win for Indy was a 2-0 triumph at ONEOK Field back just over a month ago on August 4. If the Circle City squad can replicate that performance, then a climb up the table to third remains a task, but realistic; a loss would make the final 10 games more than likely a fourth-or-bust proposition.

Tulsa’s season to this point has been a streaky one, and unfortunately the Eleven are catching the Oklahomans on a roll. Winners of five of their last six and four on the trot, Tulsa claimed perhaps their biggest three points of the season via a 1-0 win at division leading LouCity FC last Friday.

Since being shutout by Indy last month, Tulsa has bagged 12 goals across their last six outings, with Marlon, Dario Suarez, Lebo Moloto, and Matthew Sheldon all contributing multiple tallies during the blazing hot stretch. Perhaps the scariest part of Tulsa’s recent form is that leading goal scorer (8) and co-leading assist (4) man Rodrigo da Costa has not contributed at all on the scoresheet in that six-game stretch, reinforcing Tulsa’s “by committee” approach in attack.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. FC TULSA

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

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

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

FC Tulsa’s move to the Eastern Conference for the 2021 USL Championship campaign marked the start of a new series for Indiana’s Team (in addition to Tulsa’s Sooner State mate, OKC Energy FC). FC Tulsa made Indy’s homecoming to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium a rude one back on May 8, as Joaquin Rivas’ second half brace spoiled Indy’s 2021 home opener via a 2-0 defeat. Indiana’s Team returned the favor at ONEOK Field on August 4, late goals by Gordon Wild and Peter-Lee Vassell helping the Boys in Blue claim a 2-0 road win of their own.

Following Wednesday’s affair in Oklahoma, the Central Division foes will bookend Indy’s Carroll Stadium slate on Saturday, Oct. 23, when they meet up in the Eleven’s 2021 regular season home finale.

 

IND Player to Watch: MF Jeremiah Gutjahr

While the injury bug continues to plague the Boys in Blue, Gutjahr has become a go-to option for Coach Rogers in recent weeks. The Indiana University alumnus has begun to pick up steam after appearing in the starting lineup in Indy’s last five matches, adding to his 16 appearances (nine starts) on the season. Though he’s yet to score, Gutjahr has accumulated one assist on three chances created so far this season and is one of the team’s most successful distributors in the opponent’s half (74.3%).

The 24-year-old is active all across the midfield, making him a wild card presence for opposing players. His speed constantly keeps the opposition guessing what he’s going to do next, and often contributes to quickly wearing down defenders’ legs on attacking breaks. Gutjahr will be tasked with keeping the Tulsa back line busy throughout Wednesday evening to keep attacking opportunities open for his teammates.

 

TUL Player to Watch: FW Dario Suarez

FC Tulsa is streaking, and much of the team’s offensive success can be contributed to Suarez’s skill in the attacking third. The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in Tulsa’s lineup since joining the squad prior to the start of the 2020 season, his efforts earning him the FC Tulsa Offensive Player of the Year accolade after netting eight goals and an assist throughout the condensed campaign. Dario is writing a similar story so far in 2021, currently tied second in goals scored (5) and tied third in assists (3) among his teammates in his 21 appearances on the season.

Despite the rocky start to the campaign, Tulsa’s four-game winning streak has its neighbors on the Central Division table watching closely, due in part to Dario’s performances. In the last four games, Dario has scored two of Tulsa’s combined eight goals and tallied one assist on three chances created, making him just one party of the attacking threat the Oklahoma squad has to offer. The Cuban national can typically be spotted hovering high along the right flank, often a key asset in jumpstarting Tulsa’s movement into the final third. It’ll be up to Indy’s midfield to neutralize Dario’s access over the centerline early to shutdown Tulsa’s in-form offense.

#TULvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at FC Tulsa

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 – 8:00 P.M. ET  

ONEOK FIeld – Tulsa, Okla.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

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

Live stats: #TULvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Indy Eleven: 7W-9L-5D (-6 GD), 26 pts.; 6th in Central Division

FC Tulsa: 11W-9L-1D (0 GD), 34 pts.; 3rd in Central Division

Indy Eleven’s month-long homestand of Saturday nights will be interrupted on Wednesday, when the Boys in Blue head west to Oklahoma to face a surging FC Tulsa squad.

The Eleven’s roller coaster of a season continued last Saturday with a 0-1 loss to Atlanta United 2 that helped the Georgia side leapfrog Indy in the Central Division standings. The result snapped a modest two-game home winning streak and leaves the Eleven focused on breaking up a four-game road winless streak, though it’s last travels on Aug. 22 to Sporting Kansas II resulted in a point gained from a 1-1 draw.

In fact, the latest away win for Indy was a 2-0 triumph at ONEOK Field back just over a month ago on August 4. If the Circle City squad can replicate that performance, then a climb up the table to third remains a task, but realistic; a loss would make the final 10 games more than likely a fourth-or-bust proposition.

Tulsa’s season to this point has been a streaky one, and unfortunately the Eleven are catching the Oklahomans on a roll. Winners of five of their last six and four on the trot, Tulsa claimed perhaps their biggest three points of the season via a 1-0 win at division leading LouCity FC last Friday.

Since being shutout by Indy last month, Tulsa has bagged 12 goals across their last six outings, with Marlon, Dario Suarez, Lebo Moloto, and Matthew Sheldon all contributing multiple tallies during the blazing hot stretch. Perhaps the scariest part of Tulsa’s recent form is that leading goal scorer (8) and co-leading assist (4) man Rodrigo da Costa has not contributed at all on the scoresheet in that six-game stretch, reinforcing Tulsa’s “by committee” approach in attack.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. FC TULSA

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

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

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

FC Tulsa’s move to the Eastern Conference for the 2021 USL Championship campaign marked the start of a new series for Indiana’s Team (in addition to Tulsa’s Sooner State mate, OKC Energy FC). FC Tulsa made Indy’s homecoming to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium a rude one back on May 8, as Joaquin Rivas’ second half brace spoiled Indy’s 2021 home opener via a 2-0 defeat. Indiana’s Team returned the favor at ONEOK Field on August 4, late goals by Gordon Wild and Peter-Lee Vassell helping the Boys in Blue claim a 2-0 road win of their own.

Following Wednesday’s affair in Oklahoma, the Central Division foes will bookend Indy’s Carroll Stadium slate on Saturday, Oct. 23, when they meet up in the Eleven’s 2021 regular season home finale.

 

IND Player to Watch: MF Jeremiah Gutjahr

While the injury bug continues to plague the Boys in Blue, Gutjahr has become a go-to option for Coach Rogers in recent weeks. The Indiana University alumnus has begun to pick up steam after appearing in the starting lineup in Indy’s last five matches, adding to his 16 appearances (nine starts) on the season. Though he’s yet to score, Gutjahr has accumulated one assist on three chances created so far this season and is one of the team’s most successful distributors in the opponent’s half (74.3%).

The 24-year-old is active all across the midfield, making him a wild card presence for opposing players. His speed constantly keeps the opposition guessing what he’s going to do next, and often contributes to quickly wearing down defenders’ legs on attacking breaks. Gutjahr will be tasked with keeping the Tulsa back line busy throughout Wednesday evening to keep attacking opportunities open for his teammates.

 

TUL Player to Watch: FW Dario Suarez

FC Tulsa is streaking, and much of the team’s offensive success can be contributed to Suarez’s skill in the attacking third. The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in Tulsa’s lineup since joining the squad prior to the start of the 2020 season, his efforts earning him the FC Tulsa Offensive Player of the Year accolade after netting eight goals and an assist throughout the condensed campaign. Dario is writing a similar story so far in 2021, currently tied second in goals scored (5) and tied third in assists (3) among his teammates in his 21 appearances on the season.

Despite the rocky start to the campaign, Tulsa’s four-game winning streak has its neighbors on the Central Division table watching closely, due in part to Dario’s performances. In the last four games, Dario has scored two of Tulsa’s combined eight goals and tallied one assist on three chances created, making him just one party of the attacking threat the Oklahoma squad has to offer. The Cuban national can typically be spotted hovering high along the right flank, often a key asset in jumpstarting Tulsa’s movement into the final third. It’ll be up to Indy’s midfield to neutralize Dario’s access over the centerline early to shutdown Tulsa’s in-form offense.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indy Eleven saw its recent run of form at home run out on a soggy Carroll Stadium pitch this evening, as Atlanta United 2 used a first half goal by Aiden McFadden to post a 1-0 win over Indiana’s Team.

Despite the defeat, Indy Eleven (7W-9L-5D, 26 pts.) remains within a win of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division. However, Atlanta United 2 was able to leap over Indiana’s Team in the standings and now sits on 28 points, with both teams lurking behind fourth-place OKC Energy FC on 29 points.  

With a slick turf after a rain-soaked day in the Circle City, Indy seemed eager to try some chances from distance with the hope of skipping something past Atlanta United 2 goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard. However, the former Eleven ‘keeper did well to gobble Jeremiah Gutjahr’s one-hopper in the 19th minute, and he did one better a few minutes later to steer midfielder Nicky Law’s rip from 30 yards around his left post for a corner.

Atlanta had its own chances of note early, but Matias Benitez’s snap header in the ninth minute went right to Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr on his line, and midfielder Robbie Mertz’s sidewinding volley in the 14th minute rose just over the bar. It was indeed the visitors that would move the scoreboard first in the 26th minute when Aiden McFadden collected a recycled clearance just outside the area and curled a beauty inside the far-right post to put ATL UTD 2 up 1-0. It was Benitez who would have the best chance on goal the remainder of the half, but Farr stood his ground well and got low to bat away the forward’s chance from just inside the six-yard box.

The second half was pretty much one way traffic towards the Atlanta goal, with Indy Eleven outshooting Atlanta 11-2 across the second stanza. Law was often the focal point for Indy early in the half, however the Englishman would see Lundgaard make two solid saves in the 52nd and 58th minutes. In between Atlanta striker Amadou Diop’s galloping run down the left flank ended with his chance from the top of the area missing high in the 55th minute.

Indy Eleven Nick Moon was active all evening on the right flank, and his service to Gordon Wild in the heart of the area in the 68th minute already paid dividends, but the German’s turn-and-fire attempt was blocked off his foot for a corner. A minute later the tables were turned as Wild flicked a nifty ball from midfield up Route 1 for Moon to run onto, but Christian Wiley’s sliding tackle again provided a crucial bloc for the visitors.

Atlanta was able to play out the stretch without giving up many chances of note, Manuel Arteaga’s off-balance header that drifted high in the 86th minute and Moon’s blast from 20 yards that sailed high in the 89th minute giving the drenched home crowd the most hope. However, ATL UTD 2 would see it out and garner the full three points, snapping Indy Eleven’s modest home winning streak at a pair of games.

Indy Eleven’s monthlong streak of home Saturdays will be interrupted this Wednesday, Sept. 8, when Indiana’s Team heads west to Oklahoma to face off with FC Tulsa. Kickoff from ONEOK Field is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN+).

The Boys in Blue will then return home next Saturday, Sept. 11, when it will host Sporting KC II. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match on Faith & Family Night at Carroll Stadium can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  0 : 1  Atlanta United 2

Saturday, September 4, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Indy Eleven: 7W-9L-5D, 26 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 7W-9L-7D, 28 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

ATL – Aiden McFadden (unassisted) 26’

 

Discipline Summary

ATL – Phillip Goodrum (yellow card) 90+4’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (captain), A.J. Cochran (Karl Ouimette 90+3’), Jared Timmer; Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 79’), Gershon Koffie (Rece Buckmaster 66’), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aboubacar Sissoko 79’), Nick Moon; Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild (Carl Haworth 73’)

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Aidan Liu

Atlanta United 2 line-up (4-3-3): Ben Lundgaard; Christian Wiley, Bryce Washington, Josh Bauer, Bradley Kamdem Fewo Abdoulaye Diop, Robbie Mertz (Mathieu Brick 90+5’), Aiden McFadden; Matias Benitez (Darwin Matheus 61’), Amadou Diop (Phillip Goodrum 78’), Brendan Lambe

ATL substitutions: Connor Stanley, Noah Cobb, Rocco Rios Novo, David Mejia

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indy Eleven saw its recent run of form at home run out on a soggy Carroll Stadium pitch this evening, as Atlanta United 2 used a first half goal by Aiden McFadden to post a 1-0 win over Indiana’s Team.

Despite the defeat, Indy Eleven (7W-9L-5D, 26 pts.) remains within a win of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division. However, Atlanta United 2 was able to leap over Indiana’s Team in the standings and now sits on 28 points, with both teams lurking behind fourth-place OKC Energy FC on 29 points.  

With a slick turf after a rain-soaked day in the Circle City, Indy seemed eager to try some chances from distance with the hope of skipping something past Atlanta United 2 goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard. However, the former Eleven ‘keeper did well to gobble Jeremiah Gutjahr’s one-hopper in the 19th minute, and he did one better a few minutes later to steer midfielder Nicky Law’s rip from 30 yards around his left post for a corner.

Atlanta had its own chances of note early, but Matias Benitez’s snap header in the ninth minute went right to Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr on his line, and midfielder Robbie Mertz’s sidewinding volley in the 14th minute rose just over the bar. It was indeed the visitors that would move the scoreboard first in the 26th minute when Aiden McFadden collected a recycled clearance just outside the area and curled a beauty inside the far-right post to put ATL UTD 2 up 1-0. It was Benitez who would have the best chance on goal the remainder of the half, but Farr stood his ground well and got low to bat away the forward’s chance from just inside the six-yard box.

The second half was pretty much one way traffic towards the Atlanta goal, with Indy Eleven outshooting Atlanta 11-2 across the second stanza. Law was often the focal point for Indy early in the half, however the Englishman would see Lundgaard make two solid saves in the 52nd and 58th minutes. In between Atlanta striker Amadou Diop’s galloping run down the left flank ended with his chance from the top of the area missing high in the 55th minute.

Indy Eleven Nick Moon was active all evening on the right flank, and his service to Gordon Wild in the heart of the area in the 68th minute already paid dividends, but the German’s turn-and-fire attempt was blocked off his foot for a corner. A minute later the tables were turned as Wild flicked a nifty ball from midfield up Route 1 for Moon to run onto, but Christian Wiley’s sliding tackle again provided a crucial bloc for the visitors.

Atlanta was able to play out the stretch without giving up many chances of note, Manuel Arteaga’s off-balance header that drifted high in the 86th minute and Moon’s blast from 20 yards that sailed high in the 89th minute giving the drenched home crowd the most hope. However, ATL UTD 2 would see it out and garner the full three points, snapping Indy Eleven’s modest home winning streak at a pair of games.

Indy Eleven’s monthlong streak of home Saturdays will be interrupted this Wednesday, Sept. 8, when Indiana’s Team heads west to Oklahoma to face off with FC Tulsa. Kickoff from ONEOK Field is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN+).

The Boys in Blue will then return home next Saturday, Sept. 11, when it will host Sporting KC II. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match on Faith & Family Night at Carroll Stadium can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  0 : 1  Atlanta United 2

Saturday, September 4, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Indy Eleven: 7W-9L-5D, 26 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 7W-9L-7D, 28 pts.; 5th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

ATL – Aiden McFadden (unassisted) 26’

 

Discipline Summary

ATL – Phillip Goodrum (yellow card) 90+4’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (captain), A.J. Cochran (Karl Ouimette 90+3’), Jared Timmer; Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 79’), Gershon Koffie (Rece Buckmaster 66’), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aboubacar Sissoko 79’), Nick Moon; Nicky Law, Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild (Carl Haworth 73’)

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Aidan Liu

Atlanta United 2 line-up (4-3-3): Ben Lundgaard; Christian Wiley, Bryce Washington, Josh Bauer, Bradley Kamdem Fewo Abdoulaye Diop, Robbie Mertz (Mathieu Brick 90+5’), Aiden McFadden; Matias Benitez (Darwin Matheus 61’), Amadou Diop (Phillip Goodrum 78’), Brendan Lambe

ATL substitutions: Connor Stanley, Noah Cobb, Rocco Rios Novo, David Mejia

#INDvATL Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Atlanta United 2

Saturday, September 4, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: WISH-TV 8

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

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

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

Live stats: #INDvATL MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Indy Eleven: 7W-8L-5D (-5 GD), 26 pts.; 5th in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 6W-9L-7D (0 GD); 6th in Central Division

With all four inter-divisional games ticked off the schedule, it’s nothing but Central Division showdowns moving forward for Indy Eleven starting Saturday against Atlanta. Three weekends ago, ATL UTD 2 handed Indiana’s Team one of the worst defeats in the club’s USL Championship era, but there’s more important matters at hand than petty payback – as the calendar flips to a seminal seven-game September for the Boys in Blue, it’s now all about playoff positioning …

#INDvATL Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Atlanta United 2

Saturday, September 4, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: WISH-TV 8

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

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

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

Live stats: #INDvATL MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Indy Eleven: 7W-8L-5D (-5 GD), 26 pts.; 5th in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 6W-9L-7D (0 GD); 6th in Central Division

With all four inter-divisional games ticked off the schedule, it’s nothing but Central Division showdowns moving forward for Indy Eleven starting Saturday against Atlanta. Three weekends ago, ATL UTD 2 handed Indiana’s Team one of the worst defeats in the club’s USL Championship era, but there’s more important matters at hand than petty payback – as the calendar flips to a seminal seven-game September for the Boys in Blue, it’s now all about playoff positioning …

… and you can see why, as Indy Eleven remains tucked squarely in the middle of the Central table, currently just on the wrong side of the playoff line (with the caveat of having two games in hand on fourth place OKC). The Eleven begin the month with three of four at home before finishing out with a three-game road trip, making those contests at “The Mike” against Atlanta (Saturday), Sporting KC II (Sept. 11) and LouCity FC (Sept. 18) not “must-wins” … but, to paraphrase that famed sage Meatloaf, two outta three here wouldn’t be bad – and may just prove necessary to keep pace.

The good news on that front? Indy has seemingly exorcised its demons at Carroll Stadium, collecting wins there the last two times out. The includes last Saturday, when forward Manuel Arteaga bagged his team-leading fifth & sixth goals of the season in a 2-0 win over Real Monarchs SLC. With Thursday’s mutually-agreed upon departure of fellow forward Jordan Hamilton, Arteaga is now the unquestioned talisman up top heading into the stretch drive. With that now abundantly clear, you can bet Interim Head Coach Max Rogers will further solidify the team’s high-pressure tactics that are heavily influenced by the Venezuelan’s endless energy at the point of the three-man frontline.

Perhaps more important the last time out was the defensive effort, which included goalkeeper Jordan Farr making four saves en route to collecting the team’s first home clean sheet in eight outings dating back to a 2-0 win over SKC II on May 22. Center back A.J. Cochran spoke after the game about the team refocusing its efforts on securing shutouts at home and just making Carroll Stadium a tougher place to play for the opposition in general. Mission accomplished the last two games, but those were also against two of the weaker attacks in the league – it will have to emerge as an even larger emphasis against an Atlanta side whose 36 goals ranks fourth most across the entire Championship.

Indy’s attack will be down another option temporarily after Peter-Lee Vassell reported to the Jamaican National Team early this week ahead of the Reggae Boyz’ trio of World Cup Qualifiers; he’ll miss the squad’s next two contests and should be available for selection next Saturday against SKC. Vassell’s presence should be offset by the continued return of winger Carl Haworth, whose 86th minute cameo against Real Monarchs marked the Canadian’s 2021 debut after recovering from a preseason leg injury.

And make no mistake, ATL UTD 2 will look to “run and gun” its way to success on Saturday – and “2” looks to be their magic number. Atlanta has gone undefeated in the 10 games in which it’s scored at least twice (4W-0L-6D) but has registered a rough 2W-9L-1D record when scoring once or not at all. As impressive as Atlanta’s 36 goals scored have been, the same amount of concessions (fifth most in the Championship) have made an arguably bigger mark on their season, with the Georgia side sitting three games on the wrong side of the .500 mark.

Three gaudy wins over FC Tulsa (5-0), Indy (6-2) and SKC (4-1) – the last two of which have come in recent weeks – have done wonders for Atlanta’s goal differential, and that could prove important if the standings remain as tight as they’ve been. However, heavy losses the last two weekends at Pittsburgh (1-4 L) and Tulsa (1-3 L) have tipped the “GD” scales back to even and moved Atlanta’s road record to 1W-7L-3D on the season, a trend that Indiana’s Team will look to continue Saturday as it tries to make “The Mike” a true fortress for the stretch drive.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. ATLANTA UNITED 2

USL Championship regular season: 2W-2L-2D (8 GF/10 GA)

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

Deuces are wild for Indy Eleven & Atlanta United 2, with each holding a 2W-2L-2D record in their series heading into Saturday night’s clash at Carroll Stadium. Both meetings earlier this season were contested at Fifth Third Bank Field in suburban Keenesaw, Ga., where the teams dueled to a 1-1 draw on July 7 before ATL dominated from the jump in a 6-2 win on August 8. This year’s series will end back at “The Mike” on October 2.

The only two previous matchups in the Circle City yielded wins for the Boys in Blue at Lucas Oil Stadium, captain Matt Watson notching an early game-winner in a 2-0 victory on June 9, 2018, followed by Alioune Diakhate’s 84th minute goal – his first and only with the Eleven – marking all the scoring in a 1-0 triumph on June 22, 2019.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF GERSHON KOFFIE

If the only thing you noticed about Koffie during his full 90 performance last Saturday were his back-to-back chances from the top of the 18 in second half stoppage time, we’re gonna take you to task a little bit. The Ghanaian was perhaps the most active player on the pitch, covering more ground than any of the Boys in Blue, completing 49 of his 57 passes (both second highest on the squad) on the evening – more than half of which (26) came in the opposing half of the field – while also winning three tackles, two interceptions, a team-high nine possessions gained, and four of his seven duels.

Koffie’s active night played a big part in helping Indy Eleven own a 31%-22% advantage when it came to time spent in the final third. And during the other 47% when the ball was in the middle third? The above stats show just a glimpse of why Koffie essentially owned “Route 1” between the penalty boxes. To go along with that grit, some class as well … go back and watch his “hockey assist” on the Indy opener, his ball from midfield springing Nick Moon down the right flank to set up Arteaga’s eventual game-winner.

That two-way play is exactly what Koffie was brought to Indy to deliver, and Saturday evening provided perhaps the best display of what the recently-turned 30-year-old can do in that deep-lying midfield role. An injury kept Koffie home from Indy’s nightmare trip to Atlanta last month, so it will be interesting to see how his presence will affect the rhythm of both sides’ play through the center of the pitch this time around.

 

ATL PLAYER TO WATCH: MF AJANI FORTUNE

One player who might see a lot of Koffie in that middle of the park Saturday is Fortune, the 18-year-old Atlanta United Academy product who has made 15 appearances for ATL UTD 2 this season but was only officially signed by the USL Championship outfit last week. In recent weeks Fortune has been called to serve at various spots on Atlanta’s three-man midfield line … but no matter where he has lined up, his heat maps show a tendency to drift to the center channel – and if that is the case, you can be sure he’ll meet acquaintances with Koffie plenty.

But therein lies the issue for Atlanta, which has seen Robbie Mertz take a more attacking presence from his spot on the midfield three. Should that be the case on Saturday, that will leave Fortune and Christian Wiley the tall task of going toe-to-toe with Moon & Co. down the right flank, especially on quick counter opportunities. Like much of ATL’s roster, while the young Fortune may favor to boldly attack, he’ll have to balance that want with the need to stay back and defend with numbers, especially if Indy can continue its recent trend of holding more of its possession in its attacking third.

… and you can see why, as Indy Eleven remains tucked squarely in the middle of the Central table, currently just on the wrong side of the playoff line (with the caveat of having two games in hand on fourth place OKC). The Eleven begin the month with three of four at home before finishing out with a three-game road trip, making those contests at “The Mike” against Atlanta (Saturday), Sporting KC II (Sept. 11) and LouCity FC (Sept. 18) not “must-wins” … but, to paraphrase that famed sage Meatloaf, two outta three here wouldn’t be bad – and may just prove necessary to keep pace.

The good news on that front? Indy has seemingly exorcised its demons at Carroll Stadium, collecting wins there the last two times out. The includes last Saturday, when forward Manuel Arteaga bagged his team-leading fifth & sixth goals of the season in a 2-0 win over Real Monarchs SLC. With Thursday’s mutually-agreed upon departure of fellow forward Jordan Hamilton, Arteaga is now the unquestioned talisman up top heading into the stretch drive. With that now abundantly clear, you can bet Interim Head Coach Max Rogers will further solidify the team’s high-pressure tactics that are heavily influenced by the Venezuelan’s endless energy at the point of the three-man frontline.

Perhaps more important the last time out was the defensive effort, which included goalkeeper Jordan Farr making four saves en route to collecting the team’s first home clean sheet in eight outings dating back to a 2-0 win over SKC II on May 22. Center back A.J. Cochran spoke after the game about the team refocusing its efforts on securing shutouts at home and just making Carroll Stadium a tougher place to play for the opposition in general. Mission accomplished the last two games, but those were also against two of the weaker attacks in the league – it will have to emerge as an even larger emphasis against an Atlanta side whose 36 goals ranks fourth most across the entire Championship.

Indy’s attack will be down another option temporarily after Peter-Lee Vassell reported to the Jamaican National Team early this week ahead of the Reggae Boyz’ trio of World Cup Qualifiers; he’ll miss the squad’s next two contests and should be available for selection next Saturday against SKC. Vassell’s presence should be offset by the continued return of winger Carl Haworth, whose 86th minute cameo against Real Monarchs marked the Canadian’s 2021 debut after recovering from a preseason leg injury.

And make no mistake, ATL UTD 2 will look to “run and gun” its way to success on Saturday – and “2” looks to be their magic number. Atlanta has gone undefeated in the 10 games in which it’s scored at least twice (4W-0L-6D) but has registered a rough 2W-9L-1D record when scoring once or not at all. As impressive as Atlanta’s 36 goals scored have been, the same amount of concessions (fifth most in the Championship) have made an arguably bigger mark on their season, with the Georgia side sitting three games on the wrong side of the .500 mark.

Three gaudy wins over FC Tulsa (5-0), Indy (6-2) and SKC (4-1) – the last two of which have come in recent weeks – have done wonders for Atlanta’s goal differential, and that could prove important if the standings remain as tight as they’ve been. However, heavy losses the last two weekends at Pittsburgh (1-4 L) and Tulsa (1-3 L) have tipped the “GD” scales back to even and moved Atlanta’s road record to 1W-7L-3D on the season, a trend that Indiana’s Team will look to continue Saturday as it tries to make “The Mike” a true fortress for the stretch drive.

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. ATLANTA UNITED 2

USL Championship regular season: 2W-2L-2D (8 GF/10 GA)

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

Deuces are wild for Indy Eleven & Atlanta United 2, with each holding a 2W-2L-2D record in their series heading into Saturday night’s clash at Carroll Stadium. Both meetings earlier this season were contested at Fifth Third Bank Field in suburban Keenesaw, Ga., where the teams dueled to a 1-1 draw on July 7 before ATL dominated from the jump in a 6-2 win on August 8. This year’s series will end back at “The Mike” on October 2.

The only two previous matchups in the Circle City yielded wins for the Boys in Blue at Lucas Oil Stadium, captain Matt Watson notching an early game-winner in a 2-0 victory on June 9, 2018, followed by Alioune Diakhate’s 84th minute goal – his first and only with the Eleven – marking all the scoring in a 1-0 triumph on June 22, 2019.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF GERSHON KOFFIE

If the only thing you noticed about Koffie during his full 90 performance last Saturday were his back-to-back chances from the top of the 18 in second half stoppage time, we’re gonna take you to task a little bit. The Ghanaian was perhaps the most active player on the pitch, covering more ground than any of the Boys in Blue, completing 49 of his 57 passes (both second highest on the squad) on the evening – more than half of which (26) came in the opposing half of the field – while also winning three tackles, two interceptions, a team-high nine possessions gained, and four of his seven duels.

Koffie’s active night played a big part in helping Indy Eleven own a 31%-22% advantage when it came to time spent in the final third. And during the other 47% when the ball was in the middle third? The above stats show just a glimpse of why Koffie essentially owned “Route 1” between the penalty boxes. To go along with that grit, some class as well … go back and watch his “hockey assist” on the Indy opener, his ball from midfield springing Nick Moon down the right flank to set up Arteaga’s eventual game-winner.

That two-way play is exactly what Koffie was brought to Indy to deliver, and Saturday evening provided perhaps the best display of what the recently-turned 30-year-old can do in that deep-lying midfield role. An injury kept Koffie home from Indy’s nightmare trip to Atlanta last month, so it will be interesting to see how his presence will affect the rhythm of both sides’ play through the center of the pitch this time around.

 

ATL PLAYER TO WATCH: MF AJANI FORTUNE

One player who might see a lot of Koffie in that middle of the park Saturday is Fortune, the 18-year-old Atlanta United Academy product who has made 15 appearances for ATL UTD 2 this season but was only officially signed by the USL Championship outfit last week. In recent weeks Fortune has been called to serve at various spots on Atlanta’s three-man midfield line … but no matter where he has lined up, his heat maps show a tendency to drift to the center channel – and if that is the case, you can be sure he’ll meet acquaintances with Koffie plenty.

But therein lies the issue for Atlanta, which has seen Robbie Mertz take a more attacking presence from his spot on the midfield three. Should that be the case on Saturday, that will leave Fortune and Christian Wiley the tall task of going toe-to-toe with Moon & Co. down the right flank, especially on quick counter opportunities. Like much of ATL’s roster, while the young Fortune may favor to boldly attack, he’ll have to balance that want with the need to stay back and defend with numbers, especially if Indy can continue its recent trend of holding more of its possession in its attacking third.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven announced today that the club and forward Jordan Hamilton have agreed to terminate his contract, removing him from the club’s roster effective immediately.

The native of Scarborough, Ontario, started in half of his 18 appearances for the Boys in Blue this season, scoring five goals on 21 shots across 888 minutes of play.

Today’s transaction leaves 26 players on the active Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts., 4th place in Central Division) roster heading into this Saturday’s home contest against Atlanta United 2 (6W-7L-9D, 25 pts., 6th in Central Division). Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff, presented by IBEW Local 481, are limited but still available and can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it can follow the action on WISH-TV 8, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com, and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven announced today that the club and forward Jordan Hamilton have agreed to terminate his contract, removing him from the club’s roster effective immediately.

The native of Scarborough, Ontario, started in half of his 18 appearances for the Boys in Blue this season, scoring five goals on 21 shots across 888 minutes of play.

Today’s transaction leaves 26 players on the active Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts., 4th place in Central Division) roster heading into this Saturday’s home contest against Atlanta United 2 (6W-7L-9D, 25 pts., 6th in Central Division). Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff, presented by IBEW Local 481, are limited but still available and can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it can follow the action on WISH-TV 8, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com, and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

Indy Eleven Partners with Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter to Host October 2nd Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Event to Take Place at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium;
All Participants to Receive Ticket to that Evening’s Indy Eleven vs. Atlanta United 2 Match

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, September 1, 2021) – Indy Eleven is proud to partner with Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter in planning to host the Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in person this year. In partnership with Indiana’s Team, Alzheimer’s Association will conduct the Walk on Saturday, Oct. 2, at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

The health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities. Options will be offered to participate online and “Walk from home” in local neighborhoods. All in-person events will be held outside and implement safety protocols including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Masks are welcome and will be available on-site. We will continue to closely monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to recommendations and are safe for attendees. 

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/Indiana/walk. 

On Walk Day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.

“We’re glad to be back in person because coming together in the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia is so meaningful to our volunteers and participants,” said Julie Moore, director, Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “The Promise Garden ceremony is an incredible visual display of the impact the disease has on our community, and it shows all those affected that they are not alone.”

As part of the partnership with Indy Eleven, each pre-registered participant will also receive a ticket to that evening’s 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Carroll Stadium against Atlanta United 2.

“Indy Eleven is extremely proud to help in hosting this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Carroll Stadium,” said Indy Eleven Owner/Chairman, Ersal Ozdemir. “This cause is personal to me as, like so many others, I have a family member living with Alzheimer’s. I encourage everyone to walk with us on October 2nd to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s important work in fighting this disease.” 

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

“We are grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from this community over the years, and especially in light of the challenges we’ve all faced over the last year and a half,” said Natalie Sutton, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “As our latest Facts and Figures report showed, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia here in Indiana and across the country. We continued to offer care and support through virtual education programs, caregiver support groups and the 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), and we’re now offering both virtual and in-person services. All of those programs are free for those affected, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s makes that possible.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Indiana alone, there are 110,000 people living with the disease and 215,000 caregivers. 

The Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s is supported by Nationwide Presenting Sponsors Edward Jones and CVS, with additional support from Eli Lilly & Company.

Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts., 4th place in Central Division) continues its USL Championship campaign this Saturday, Sept. 4, with its first home contest of the season against Atlanta United 2 (6W-7L-9D, 25 pts., 6th in Central Division). Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff, presented by IBEW Local 481, are limited but still available and can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it can follow the action on WISH-TV 8, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com, and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

Indy Eleven Partners with Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter to Host October 2nd Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Event to Take Place at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium;
All Participants to Receive Ticket to that Evening’s Indy Eleven vs. Atlanta United 2 Match

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, September 1, 2021) – Indy Eleven is proud to partner with Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter in planning to host the Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in person this year. In partnership with Indiana’s Team, Alzheimer’s Association will conduct the Walk on Saturday, Oct. 2, at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

The health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities. Options will be offered to participate online and “Walk from home” in local neighborhoods. All in-person events will be held outside and implement safety protocols including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Masks are welcome and will be available on-site. We will continue to closely monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to recommendations and are safe for attendees. 

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/Indiana/walk. 

On Walk Day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.

“We’re glad to be back in person because coming together in the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia is so meaningful to our volunteers and participants,” said Julie Moore, director, Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “The Promise Garden ceremony is an incredible visual display of the impact the disease has on our community, and it shows all those affected that they are not alone.”

As part of the partnership with Indy Eleven, each pre-registered participant will also receive a ticket to that evening’s 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Carroll Stadium against Atlanta United 2.

“Indy Eleven is extremely proud to help in hosting this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Carroll Stadium,” said Indy Eleven Owner/Chairman, Ersal Ozdemir. “This cause is personal to me as, like so many others, I have a family member living with Alzheimer’s. I encourage everyone to walk with us on October 2nd to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s important work in fighting this disease.” 

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

“We are grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from this community over the years, and especially in light of the challenges we’ve all faced over the last year and a half,” said Natalie Sutton, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “As our latest Facts and Figures report showed, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia here in Indiana and across the country. We continued to offer care and support through virtual education programs, caregiver support groups and the 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), and we’re now offering both virtual and in-person services. All of those programs are free for those affected, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s makes that possible.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Indiana alone, there are 110,000 people living with the disease and 215,000 caregivers. 

The Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s is supported by Nationwide Presenting Sponsors Edward Jones and CVS, with additional support from Eli Lilly & Company.

Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts., 4th place in Central Division) continues its USL Championship campaign this Saturday, Sept. 4, with its first home contest of the season against Atlanta United 2 (6W-7L-9D, 25 pts., 6th in Central Division). Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff, presented by IBEW Local 481, are limited but still available and can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it can follow the action on WISH-TV 8, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com, and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven midfielder Peter-Lee Vassell has been called up to the Jamaican Men’s National Team ahead of a trio of Concacaf region Final Round Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Mexico this Thursday, September 2 (10:00 p.m. ET); Sunday, September 5 against Panama (6:00 p.m. ET); and Wednesday, September 8 against Costa Rica (9:00 p.m. ET).

As a result, Vassell will be unavailable for selection for Indy’s next two USL Championship fixtures, this Saturday’s home match against Atlanta United 2 and a road tilt at FC Tulsa next Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The St. James Parish, Jamaica native has turned heads in recent years with the Jamaican National Team, bagging six and four assists in 17 appearances with the “Reggae Boyz” at the senior international level including contests in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup and Concacaf Nations League. Vassell is poised to make his first “cap” since March 2020 while out on duty.

The 23-year-old has begun to find a steady flow of minutes for Indy Eleven, having scored his first two goals for the squad earlier this month. Vassell has appeared in 15 of Indy’s 20 regular season games to date – including five in the starting lineup – and appears poised to contribute more as the Boys in Blue head into the final stretch of the 2021 USL Championship season.

 Prior to joining Indy Eleven, Vassell split the 2019 season between a pair of regular season champions, making six appearances for Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club as part of their MLS Supporters Shield winning campaign and playing another six games on loan for USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Vassell made his journey stateside after LAFC selected the attacking midfielder as its first pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft (2nd round, 40th overall selection) following his standout performances in both the MLS Caribbean Combine and MLS Combine.

Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts.; 4th in Central Division) continues its streak of four consecutive Saturdays at Carroll Stadium this weekend, when Indiana’s Team will host Atlanta United 2 (6W-9L-7D, 25 pts.; 6th place in Central) for a Labor Day Weekend clash. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match presented by IBEW Local 481 – which will feature $4 beers and $11 hot dog combos – can be secured by visiting indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven midfielder Peter-Lee Vassell has been called up to the Jamaican Men’s National Team ahead of a trio of Concacaf region Final Round Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Mexico this Thursday, September 2 (10:00 p.m. ET); Sunday, September 5 against Panama (6:00 p.m. ET); and Wednesday, September 8 against Costa Rica (9:00 p.m. ET).

As a result, Vassell will be unavailable for selection for Indy’s next two USL Championship fixtures, this Saturday’s home match against Atlanta United 2 and a road tilt at FC Tulsa next Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The St. James Parish, Jamaica native has turned heads in recent years with the Jamaican National Team, bagging six and four assists in 17 appearances with the “Reggae Boyz” at the senior international level including contests in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup and Concacaf Nations League. Vassell is poised to make his first “cap” since March 2020 while out on duty.

The 23-year-old has begun to find a steady flow of minutes for Indy Eleven, having scored his first two goals for the squad earlier this month. Vassell has appeared in 15 of Indy’s 20 regular season games to date – including five in the starting lineup – and appears poised to contribute more as the Boys in Blue head into the final stretch of the 2021 USL Championship season.

 Prior to joining Indy Eleven, Vassell split the 2019 season between a pair of regular season champions, making six appearances for Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club as part of their MLS Supporters Shield winning campaign and playing another six games on loan for USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Vassell made his journey stateside after LAFC selected the attacking midfielder as its first pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft (2nd round, 40th overall selection) following his standout performances in both the MLS Caribbean Combine and MLS Combine.

Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts.; 4th in Central Division) continues its streak of four consecutive Saturdays at Carroll Stadium this weekend, when Indiana’s Team will host Atlanta United 2 (6W-9L-7D, 25 pts.; 6th place in Central) for a Labor Day Weekend clash. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match presented by IBEW Local 481 – which will feature $4 beers and $11 hot dog combos – can be secured by visiting indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indy Eleven jumped back into the win column Saturday evening courtesy of a pair of goals from forward Manuel Arteaga, the Venezuelan doing all the scoring necessary in a tidy 2-0 victory at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr made four saves to collect his fourth clean sheet of the season, and the team’s fifth of the campaign.

With the win, Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts.) registered back-to-back wins at home for the first time in 2021. Indiana’s Team also catapulted back above the playoff line in the Central Division, its three points combining with an Atlanta United 2 defeat at FC Tulsa to push Indy into fourth place.

“It’s a start,” stated Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “It’s good to have two wins at home and start to build that confidence, but we have to now go again and do it against Atlanta United 2 next weekend and make sure that we continue to pick up three points and deliver good performances.”

SLC’s leading scorer Milan Iloski rang the game into life in the fifth minute, his 25-yard shot forcing Farr into a strong two-handed parry over for a corner. Three minutes later it was Indy midfielder Nick Moon stepping up into the area to snap off a rising shot from 15 yards out that failed to challenge Real Monarchs netminder Blake Kelly, a Michigan native making his professional debut as the third-youngest player to take the field in USL Championship action this season at 15 years, seven months, and seven days of age.

Kelly earned his first save in the 16th minute after Gordon Wild got free in the right side of the area, but Indy’s next chance ten minutes later couldn’t be stopped. Moon marauded down the right flank and into the area before dribbling a short cross to the top of the six that a sliding Arteaga redirected past Kelly to put the Boys in Blue ahead.

Under hot, humid conditions, play settled in midfield for most of the rest of the half. SLC would earn one more solid chance in the 41st minute when defender James Moberg saw his dipping shot from outside the area saved by Farr at his left post. Just as the match entered three minutes of stoppage time, a spell of Indy possession in the SLC 18-yard box ended with Wild forced to the ground by contact from defender Sam Brown, earning a penalty kick at the death of the half. Arteaga stepped up and buried his shot low and to the left of Kelly, giving Indiana’s Team some vital breathing room heading into the half at 2-0.

Salt Lake was unlucky not to equalize five minutes into the second stanza. A deflected cross fell across the six and towards an onrushing Malik Johnson at the far post, but the midfielder pushed the shot wide of the open net and the near left post, the miss bringing the Salt Lake midfielder to his knees. The hour mark saw Arteaga run onto Wild’s popped up cross at the far-left post, but the Venezuelan skied his near-angle chance.

Farr was called upon again in the 65th minute, when he guarded his near post with a double-palm save on Johnson’s near-post look. A few minutes later Bode Davis picked out Iloski’s run through the box, but the forward’s redirect bounced just wide left. Farr could do nothing in the 77th minute when Brown got his head to a corner kick deep inside the six, but the ball glanced off the woodwork and was cleared from danger. Farr’s efforts continued in the 86th minute, when he batted away Davis’ shot from distance that had some english on it, steering it around the left post.

Indy Eleven made sure to use its full compliment of subs, none more so anticipated than the 87th minute insertion of midfielder Carl Haworth, the Canadian veteran making his season debut after recovering from a preseason leg injury. Three minutes deep into stoppage time Eleven midfielder Gershon Koffie tried to end things with a flourish, only to see his first effort from the top of the penalty area clang off the crossbar and his second slice just over on the rebound – but by then the Boys in Blue had done more than enough to take their second straight at Carroll Stadium.

Indy Eleven continues its streak of four consecutive Saturdays at Carroll Stadium next weekend, when Indiana’s Team will host Atlanta United 2 (6W-9L-5D, 23 pts.; 5th place in Central) for a Labor Day Weekend clash on Sept. 4. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match presented by IBEW Local 481 – which will feature $4 beers and $11 hot dog combos – can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  2 : 0  Real Monarchs SLC

Saturday, August 28, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Indy Eleven: 7W-8L-5D, 26 pts.; 4th place in Central Division

Real Monarchs SLC: 4W-11L-4D, 16 pts.; 8th place in Mountain Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Nick Moon) 26’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (penalty kick) 45+4’

 

Discipline Summary

SLC – Daniel Flores (yellow card) 44’

IND – Jeremiah Gutjahr (yellow card) 45’

SLC – Kyle Adams (yellow card) 79’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (yellow card) 79’

IND – Ayoze (yellow card) 84’

SLC – Milan Iloski (yellow card) 90+5’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (captain), A.J. Cochran, Jared Timmer; Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 70’), Gershon Koffie, Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aboubacar Sissoko 75’), Nick Moon (Rece Buckmaster 70’); Nicky Law (Peter-Lee Vassell 75’), Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild (Carl Haworth 86’)

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Karl Ouimette

Real Monarchs SLC line-up (4-4-2): Blake Kelly; James Moberg (captain) (Ibrahim Bancé 45’), Kyle Adams, Kevin Saucedo, Daniel Flores; Bode Davis, Bret Halsey, Sam Brown, Malik Johnson; Milan Iloski, Aris Briggs (Seth Powder 45’)

SLC substitutions: Julio Benitez, Francisco Martinez, Oluwatimilehin Sobowale; Christian Nydegger, James Slayton

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indy Eleven jumped back into the win column Saturday evening courtesy of a pair of goals from forward Manuel Arteaga, the Venezuelan doing all the scoring necessary in a tidy 2-0 victory at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr made four saves to collect his fourth clean sheet of the season, and the team’s fifth of the campaign.

With the win, Indy Eleven (7W-8L-5D, 26 pts.) registered back-to-back wins at home for the first time in 2021. Indiana’s Team also catapulted back above the playoff line in the Central Division, its three points combining with an Atlanta United 2 defeat at FC Tulsa to push Indy into fourth place.

“It’s a start,” stated Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “It’s good to have two wins at home and start to build that confidence, but we have to now go again and do it against Atlanta United 2 next weekend and make sure that we continue to pick up three points and deliver good performances.”

SLC’s leading scorer Milan Iloski rang the game into life in the fifth minute, his 25-yard shot forcing Farr into a strong two-handed parry over for a corner. Three minutes later it was Indy midfielder Nick Moon stepping up into the area to snap off a rising shot from 15 yards out that failed to challenge Real Monarchs netminder Blake Kelly, a Michigan native making his professional debut as the third-youngest player to take the field in USL Championship action this season at 15 years, seven months, and seven days of age.

Kelly earned his first save in the 16th minute after Gordon Wild got free in the right side of the area, but Indy’s next chance ten minutes later couldn’t be stopped. Moon marauded down the right flank and into the area before dribbling a short cross to the top of the six that a sliding Arteaga redirected past Kelly to put the Boys in Blue ahead.

Under hot, humid conditions, play settled in midfield for most of the rest of the half. SLC would earn one more solid chance in the 41st minute when defender James Moberg saw his dipping shot from outside the area saved by Farr at his left post. Just as the match entered three minutes of stoppage time, a spell of Indy possession in the SLC 18-yard box ended with Wild forced to the ground by contact from defender Sam Brown, earning a penalty kick at the death of the half. Arteaga stepped up and buried his shot low and to the left of Kelly, giving Indiana’s Team some vital breathing room heading into the half at 2-0.

Salt Lake was unlucky not to equalize five minutes into the second stanza. A deflected cross fell across the six and towards an onrushing Malik Johnson at the far post, but the midfielder pushed the shot wide of the open net and the near left post, the miss bringing the Salt Lake midfielder to his knees. The hour mark saw Arteaga run onto Wild’s popped up cross at the far-left post, but the Venezuelan skied his near-angle chance.

Farr was called upon again in the 65th minute, when he guarded his near post with a double-palm save on Johnson’s near-post look. A few minutes later Bode Davis picked out Iloski’s run through the box, but the forward’s redirect bounced just wide left. Farr could do nothing in the 77th minute when Brown got his head to a corner kick deep inside the six, but the ball glanced off the woodwork and was cleared from danger. Farr’s efforts continued in the 86th minute, when he batted away Davis’ shot from distance that had some english on it, steering it around the left post.

Indy Eleven made sure to use its full compliment of subs, none more so anticipated than the 87th minute insertion of midfielder Carl Haworth, the Canadian veteran making his season debut after recovering from a preseason leg injury. Three minutes deep into stoppage time Eleven midfielder Gershon Koffie tried to end things with a flourish, only to see his first effort from the top of the penalty area clang off the crossbar and his second slice just over on the rebound – but by then the Boys in Blue had done more than enough to take their second straight at Carroll Stadium.

Indy Eleven continues its streak of four consecutive Saturdays at Carroll Stadium next weekend, when Indiana’s Team will host Atlanta United 2 (6W-9L-5D, 23 pts.; 5th place in Central) for a Labor Day Weekend clash on Sept. 4. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET match presented by IBEW Local 481 – which will feature $4 beers and $11 hot dog combos – can be secured by visiting  https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s events, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.  

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  2 : 0  Real Monarchs SLC

Saturday, August 28, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Indy Eleven: 7W-8L-5D, 26 pts.; 4th place in Central Division

Real Monarchs SLC: 4W-11L-4D, 16 pts.; 8th place in Mountain Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Nick Moon) 26’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (penalty kick) 45+4’

 

Discipline Summary

SLC – Daniel Flores (yellow card) 44’

IND – Jeremiah Gutjahr (yellow card) 45’

SLC – Kyle Adams (yellow card) 79’

IND – Manuel Arteaga (yellow card) 79’

IND – Ayoze (yellow card) 84’

SLC – Milan Iloski (yellow card) 90+5’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (captain), A.J. Cochran, Jared Timmer; Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 70’), Gershon Koffie, Jeremiah Gutjahr (Aboubacar Sissoko 75’), Nick Moon (Rece Buckmaster 70’); Nicky Law (Peter-Lee Vassell 75’), Manuel Arteaga, Gordon Wild (Carl Haworth 86’)

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Karl Ouimette

Real Monarchs SLC line-up (4-4-2): Blake Kelly; James Moberg (captain) (Ibrahim Bancé 45’), Kyle Adams, Kevin Saucedo, Daniel Flores; Bode Davis, Bret Halsey, Sam Brown, Malik Johnson; Milan Iloski, Aris Briggs (Seth Powder 45’)

SLC substitutions: Julio Benitez, Francisco Martinez, Oluwatimilehin Sobowale; Christian Nydegger, James Slayton

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven is set to welcome Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire FC to the Circle City on Tuesday, Sept. 14 for an exhibition affair at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Kickoff for the match is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the Eleven-Fire friendly at “The Mike” are now available and can be purchased online via www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100. For Indy Eleven 2021 Season Ticket Members, the Sept. 14th friendly will count as the “17th Game” in their membership package.

“This exhibition game will offer a fantastic opportunity for our squad to fine-tune some things against a talented opponent as we head into the final stretch of our regular season,” said Indy Eleven President & Chief Operating Officer Greg Stremlaw. “We hope our fans are excited for this rare chance to support their team against an MLS side – and for the first time, to do so in our home venue.”

While the “Boys in Blue” and Chicago Fire FC have trekked up and down I-65 on multiple occasions to meet in preseason scrimmages – including a “neutral” affair at Purdue University’s Boilermaker Soccer Complex during the build-up to Indy Eleven’s inaugural season in 2014 – the Sept. 14th match will mark the Fire’s first official visit to the Circle City. The only meeting in official competition between the clubs came in a memorable Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match on June 15, 2016, at the Fire’s former home of Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill., where Chicago advanced 4-3 in penalty kicks following a spirited 1-1 draw.

Indy Eleven continues USL Championship play tomorrow, Saturday, August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium. First kick against 2019 USL Championship title winner Real Monarchs SLC on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven is set to welcome Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire FC to the Circle City on Tuesday, Sept. 14 for an exhibition affair at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Kickoff for the match is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the Eleven-Fire friendly at “The Mike” are now available and can be purchased online via www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100. For Indy Eleven 2021 Season Ticket Members, the Sept. 14th friendly will count as the “17th Game” in their membership package.

“This exhibition game will offer a fantastic opportunity for our squad to fine-tune some things against a talented opponent as we head into the final stretch of our regular season,” said Indy Eleven President & Chief Operating Officer Greg Stremlaw. “We hope our fans are excited for this rare chance to support their team against an MLS side – and for the first time, to do so in our home venue.”

While the “Boys in Blue” and Chicago Fire FC have trekked up and down I-65 on multiple occasions to meet in preseason scrimmages – including a “neutral” affair at Purdue University’s Boilermaker Soccer Complex during the build-up to Indy Eleven’s inaugural season in 2014 – the Sept. 14th match will mark the Fire’s first official visit to the Circle City. The only meeting in official competition between the clubs came in a memorable Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match on June 15, 2016, at the Fire’s former home of Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill., where Chicago advanced 4-3 in penalty kicks following a spirited 1-1 draw.

Indy Eleven continues USL Championship play tomorrow, Saturday, August 28, with the first of four straight Saturday nights at Carroll Stadium. First kick against 2019 USL Championship title winner Real Monarchs SLC on Bob Ross Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:00 p.m., and the limited number of tickets remaining can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. For full details surrounding the evening’s event, visit https://www.indyeleven.com/promotions.