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RECAP – Puerto Rico 1 : 1 Indy

Late Goal Keeps Indy Eleven Undefeated, Brings Puerto Rico’s Inaugural Game to 1-1 Finish

Newcomer Souleymane Youla Debuts with 92nd Minute Header to Share the Spoils  

 

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (Saturday, July 2, 2016) – The season may have transferred from Spring to Fall, but Indy Eleven’s ability to score pivotal late goals transferred well, forward Souleymane Youla’s 92nd minute goal bringing Puerto Rico FC’s Inaugural Game to a 1-1 draw. The goal by the Guinean international Youla, making his NASL debut on the evening, offset a 74th minute goal by Hector Ramos that had the 6,474 fans in attendance at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel ready to go home as winners following their own team’s NASL debut.

It was a quick start for the home side, as Puerto Rico forward Joseph Marrero put Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch to the test just 20 seconds in from 20 yards out, but the veteran netminder was alert to steer to low shot wide of his right post and out for a corner.

From there the game devolved quickly into a physical affair for the first 15 minutes, with Puerto Rico trying to assert itself through a serious of physical challenges, one of which left Indy’s Justin Braun bloodied and off to the sideline for treatment for several minutes. Just after Braun re-entered in the 9th minute it looked as if Indy got on the board first when Nemanja Vukovic headed home a Nicki Paterson free kick from 35 yards out, but the goal was nullified after the offside flag went up.

Puerto Rico FC would deal with an injury blow just before the half hour mark when forward Oliver pulled up without suffering contact, the Brazilian being subbed out for Kyle Culbertson in the 29th minute.

NASL June Player of the Month Eamon Zayed had his first good look of the match for the visitors in the 33rd minute when he got on the end of Omar Gordon’s low cross, but the Irishman’s redirect from eight yards skipped just wide of the near left post.

Both sides would get a quality look in the final moments of the first half, starting with Paterson pushing a 20-yard free kick just past the far right post.  A minute later it was Hector Ramos almost getting to a loose ball inside the six, but Eleven defender Cory Miller slid in to take the ball off the PRFC attacker’s foot at the last moment.

Puerto Rico come out more composed in the second half, and it was Ramos nearly starting the stanza well in the 49th minute but he couldn’t quite reach Culbertson’s well-struck square ball across the six yard box. Three minutes later Marrero got to the endline and cut a ball back into the heart of the area for an onrushing Sidney Rivera, but his shot in plenty of space was skied over goal.

The game would lull for a bit, but Vukovic jolted it back to life in the 65th minute when he stepped past a defender and unleashed a 25-yard yard shot that took a deflection and whistled a foot past the left post. It was Vukovic playing provider to his former Sacramento teammate Braun five minutes later with a perfectly-weighted far post chip, but Braun’s knick flashed just wide of the right post. A minute later captain Greg Janicki came up for a dead ball chance and saw his header also take a deflection, and Indy seemed to have the momentum going its way for the final 20 minutes.

But Puerto Rico would go ahead against the run of play, and with a little bit of controversy in the 74th minute.  After Brad Ring looked to have taken an elbow in the center circle play was allowed to continue on, and Puerto Rico pushed into the final third despite the Indy midfielder staying on the ground behind the play. The advantage worked for the home side as Culbertson’s well-placed cross from the left found a streaking Ramos, who touched past Miller then slammed home on the line to set up a potential dream start to Puerto Rico’s campaign.

Indiana’s Team had other ideas though, and it would keep the pressure up in the final 10 minutes through a series of seemingly endless set pieces. Vukovic’s short ball to Zayed nearly paid dividends in the 87th minute, but the Irishman’s sliding shot missed wide. A minute later substitute defender Lovel Palmer crashed the six to get a head on a Vukovic corner that PRFC goalkeeper David Meves smothered on his line.

Puerto Rico would commit one too many fouls in a dangerous position, setting up one last Vukovic service that deservedly paid off. The left back’s free kick from five yards outside the corner of the area was placed perfectly to the six, where the substitute Youla headed home with authority to bring things all square and keep Indy undefeated with five wins and six draws in NASL action.

Indy Eleven returns home to Carroll Stadium next Saturday, July 9, to face off against Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. ET, live on WISH-TV), with the game being preceded by the trophy presentation honoring the club’s Spring Season championship. Tickets for the popular Craft Beer Night at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 and can be purchased at www.www.indyeleven.com, while passes for the two-hour craft beer tasting event can be secured with or without a game ticket at http://craftbrew16.https://www.indyeleven.com and http://craftbrewtaste16.https://www.indyeleven.comrespectively. Call 317-685-1100 for more details (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).


NASL Fall Season
Puerto Rico FC  1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel – Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Attendance:  6,474

Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.
Overall Season: 4W-7D-0L, 18 pts.

Puerto Rico FC:
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.
Overall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.

Scoring Summary:
PRFC – Hector Ramos (Kyle Culbertson) 74’
IND – Souleymane Youla (Nemanja Vukovic) 92+’

Discipline Summary:
PRFC –Rudy Dawson (caution) 12’
PRFC –Ramon Martin Del Campo (caution) 46+’)
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 59’
PRFC – Kyle Culbertson (caution) 59’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki (capt), Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Omar Gordon (Duke Lacroix 55’), Brad Ring, Nicki Paterson (Souleymane Youla 79’), Dylan Mares (Lovel Palmer 81’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Daniel Keller, Sinisa Ubiparipovic

Puerto Rico FC (4-3-3): David Meves; Ramon Soria, Cristiano Dias, Rudy Dawson, Ramon Matin Del Campo; Tyler Rudy, Chris Nurse, Oliver (Kyle Culbertson 29’); Joseph Marrero (Brian Bement 67’), Hector Ramos, Sidney Rivera (Pedro Mendes 79’)

PRFC bench: Trevor Spangenberg (GK), Jorge Rivera, Camilo Botero, Paulo Mendes

Late Goal Keeps Indy Eleven Undefeated, Brings Puerto Rico’s Inaugural Game to 1-1 Finish

Newcomer Souleymane Youla Debuts with 92nd Minute Header to Share the Spoils  

 

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (Saturday, July 2, 2016) – The season may have transferred from Spring to Fall, but Indy Eleven’s ability to score pivotal late goals transferred well, forward Souleymane Youla’s 92nd minute goal bringing Puerto Rico FC’s Inaugural Game to a 1-1 draw. The goal by the Guinean international Youla, making his NASL debut on the evening, offset a 74th minute goal by Hector Ramos that had the 6,474 fans in attendance at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel ready to go home as winners following their own team’s NASL debut.

It was a quick start for the home side, as Puerto Rico forward Joseph Marrero put Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch to the test just 20 seconds in from 20 yards out, but the veteran netminder was alert to steer to low shot wide of his right post and out for a corner.

From there the game devolved quickly into a physical affair for the first 15 minutes, with Puerto Rico trying to assert itself through a serious of physical challenges, one of which left Indy’s Justin Braun bloodied and off to the sideline for treatment for several minutes. Just after Braun re-entered in the 9th minute it looked as if Indy got on the board first when Nemanja Vukovic headed home a Nicki Paterson free kick from 35 yards out, but the goal was nullified after the offside flag went up.

Puerto Rico FC would deal with an injury blow just before the half hour mark when forward Oliver pulled up without suffering contact, the Brazilian being subbed out for Kyle Culbertson in the 29th minute.

NASL June Player of the Month Eamon Zayed had his first good look of the match for the visitors in the 33rd minute when he got on the end of Omar Gordon’s low cross, but the Irishman’s redirect from eight yards skipped just wide of the near left post.

Both sides would get a quality look in the final moments of the first half, starting with Paterson pushing a 20-yard free kick just past the far right post.  A minute later it was Hector Ramos almost getting to a loose ball inside the six, but Eleven defender Cory Miller slid in to take the ball off the PRFC attacker’s foot at the last moment.

Puerto Rico come out more composed in the second half, and it was Ramos nearly starting the stanza well in the 49th minute but he couldn’t quite reach Culbertson’s well-struck square ball across the six yard box. Three minutes later Marrero got to the endline and cut a ball back into the heart of the area for an onrushing Sidney Rivera, but his shot in plenty of space was skied over goal.

The game would lull for a bit, but Vukovic jolted it back to life in the 65th minute when he stepped past a defender and unleashed a 25-yard yard shot that took a deflection and whistled a foot past the left post. It was Vukovic playing provider to his former Sacramento teammate Braun five minutes later with a perfectly-weighted far post chip, but Braun’s knick flashed just wide of the right post. A minute later captain Greg Janicki came up for a dead ball chance and saw his header also take a deflection, and Indy seemed to have the momentum going its way for the final 20 minutes.

But Puerto Rico would go ahead against the run of play, and with a little bit of controversy in the 74th minute.  After Brad Ring looked to have taken an elbow in the center circle play was allowed to continue on, and Puerto Rico pushed into the final third despite the Indy midfielder staying on the ground behind the play. The advantage worked for the home side as Culbertson’s well-placed cross from the left found a streaking Ramos, who touched past Miller then slammed home on the line to set up a potential dream start to Puerto Rico’s campaign.

Indiana’s Team had other ideas though, and it would keep the pressure up in the final 10 minutes through a series of seemingly endless set pieces. Vukovic’s short ball to Zayed nearly paid dividends in the 87th minute, but the Irishman’s sliding shot missed wide. A minute later substitute defender Lovel Palmer crashed the six to get a head on a Vukovic corner that PRFC goalkeeper David Meves smothered on his line.

Puerto Rico would commit one too many fouls in a dangerous position, setting up one last Vukovic service that deservedly paid off. The left back’s free kick from five yards outside the corner of the area was placed perfectly to the six, where the substitute Youla headed home with authority to bring things all square and keep Indy undefeated with five wins and six draws in NASL action.

Indy Eleven returns home to Carroll Stadium next Saturday, July 9, to face off against Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. ET, live on WISH-TV), with the game being preceded by the trophy presentation honoring the club’s Spring Season championship. Tickets for the popular Craft Beer Night at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 and can be purchased at www.www.indyeleven.com, while passes for the two-hour craft beer tasting event can be secured with or without a game ticket at http://craftbrew16.https://www.indyeleven.com and http://craftbrewtaste16.https://www.indyeleven.comrespectively. Call 317-685-1100 for more details (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).


NASL Fall Season
Puerto Rico FC  1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel – Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Attendance:  6,474

Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.
Overall Season: 4W-7D-0L, 18 pts.

Puerto Rico FC:
Fall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.
Overall Season: 0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.

Scoring Summary:
PRFC – Hector Ramos (Kyle Culbertson) 74’
IND – Souleymane Youla (Nemanja Vukovic) 92+’

Discipline Summary:
PRFC –Rudy Dawson (caution) 12’
PRFC –Ramon Martin Del Campo (caution) 46+’)
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 59’
PRFC – Kyle Culbertson (caution) 59’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki (capt), Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Omar Gordon (Duke Lacroix 55’), Brad Ring, Nicki Paterson (Souleymane Youla 79’), Dylan Mares (Lovel Palmer 81’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Daniel Keller, Sinisa Ubiparipovic

Puerto Rico FC (4-3-3): David Meves; Ramon Soria, Cristiano Dias, Rudy Dawson, Ramon Matin Del Campo; Tyler Rudy, Chris Nurse, Oliver (Kyle Culbertson 29’); Joseph Marrero (Brian Bement 67’), Hector Ramos, Sidney Rivera (Pedro Mendes 79’)

PRFC bench: Trevor Spangenberg (GK), Jorge Rivera, Camilo Botero, Paulo Mendes

GAMEDAY: Indy Eleven at Puerto Rico FC

GAMEDAY: #PRFCvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven at Puerto Rico FC
Saturday, July 2, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium – Bayamón, Puerto Rico

 

Team Records:

Watch Live:

  • Local: WISH-TV
  • National: None
  • Online: ESPN3.com

Follow Live:

  • In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter, and Indy Eleven on Facebook
  • Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match

 

Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 1 : 0 C.F. Pachuca

In Indy Eleven’s second-ever international friendly, the Boys in Blue put away Liga MX Clausura 2016 champions C.F. Pachuca 1 : 0 at Carroll Stadium thanks to a 7th minute finish from Eamon Zayed.

Though the Mexican league champions tumbled more than a efforts towards Eleven 'keeper Keith Cardona, Indiana's Team was able to hold their opposition scoreless to earn a clean sheet and win on a hot and heavy Sunday afternoon. Facing a loaded C.F. Pachuca roster that rotated in its entirety after 45 minutes, the Eleven battled to create chances on Alfonso Blanco's net. A quick start, it was in the 7th minute that a defensive error allowed the forward Zayed to slip past the defense and slot home for the only goal of the match. What followed was a series of Pachuca attacks that were repelled either by Cardona or blocked by a member of the defense before reaching goal, and halftime (plus a generous water break) saw the two sides separated.

In Gerardo Torrado's Indy Eleven debut, the Mexico legend featured until the hour mark and helped to control the midfield while facing some familiar faces on the opposing side and impressing head coach Tim Hankinson.

"As he gets to know his teammates, their strengths and the qualities in their game, he'll know how to gel even more. We're very excited to have him," said Hankinson.

The second half was full of more chances for the two teams, and Pachuca came close to a last-gasp equalizer when forward Mateus Goncalves' free kick richocheted off the wall into the path of Jose Ramirez, only for the latter to just miss a touch on goal. The win sees Indy Eleven extend their unbeaten streak to 13 games heading into the fall season. 

 

-> TICKETS | Craft Beer Night – Indy Eleven vs. Minnesota United FC <-

 

Still Unbeaten

After knocking off C.F. Pachuca at “The Mike,” Indy Eleven extend their unbeaten run to 13 games total (10 Spring Season, 2 U.S. Open Cup, 1 int’l friendly) since the season began April 2 at Tampa Bay Rowdies.

It’s been a remarkable run for the Eleven, who took just three years to go from bottom of the spring standings to the very top. When the season kicked off just three short months ago, forward Eamon Zayed stated his intent and the intent of Coach Hankinson’s squad – to win the Spring Season. Not one had an unbeaten run in mind, nor did they think the stretch would be this lengthy – after all, only one other squad had won the spring title going unbeaten, and it was the New York Cosmos.

Ironically enough, it was a victory over the New York Cosmos in the spring home opener that bolstered team confidence, and the rest is history. Important now moving into the fall slate is the idea that the record is fresh. Still unbeaten? Sure, but now every column sees a reset to zero.

 

Fall Season Means New Beginnings

Indy Eleven are in an advantageous position heading down to expansion side Puerto Rico FC and Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium. While the pressure is still on the spring champions to get a result and pick up every point possible, there will be plenty of eyes on the NASL’s newest side as they look to spoil a party of sorts.

For Coach Hankinson, this is a new beginning – a fresh start – and a chance for his team to prove they have the ability to endure the long season ahead. Heated environments haven’t done much for the Boys in Blue as four trips to Florida (TBR, MIA, JAX, & FTL) resulted in four draws in the spring, but the road to the playoffs in November continues nonetheless.
 

Play Euchre to Help Playworks Indy!
 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: DEF Cory Miller

Appearing in just two matches with one start, Cory Miller is set to feature in the starting eleven alongside Greg Janicki as Colin Falvey has been ruled out for the start of the fall.

Miller, who came on for Janicki in the 4-2 win over Minnesota United, started both Jacksonville Armada FC the next week and in the midweek cup tie against USL side Louisville City FC – conceding just the one goal in over 180 minutes of action. Now his task will be to stop a Puerto Rico attack hungry to get going in their NASL debut. Alongside the veteran Janicki after a shutout against Liga MX champs C.F. Pachuca, the ball will have to keep rolling (away from Jon Busch’s goal) for Indy to succeed away from home.

 

Who to Watch, Puerto Rico FC edition: DEF Cristiano Dias

Where one captain is absent in Colin Falvey, another is making his first start in a PRFC alongside ten others – Puerto Rico captain Cristiano Dias. Helping Minnesota United FC to the NASL Championship in 2011 and featuring nearly 100 times for the Loons, the Brazilian brings nearly ten years of experience in the NASL and its predecessor leagues to Puerto Rico.

At 30 years old, Dias will be man-marking a tandem of Justin Braun and Eamon Zayed when Indiana’s Team makes the trip south, and the 6’2 185 lb. centerback will have his hands full between the physicality of Zayed and the speed and intelligence of Justin Braun.

 

Match-up to Mark: FW Eamon Zayed vs. GK David Meves

Eamon Zayed continues his run at the top of NASL scoring charts on Saturday when he faces PRFC ‘keeper David Meves and company, looking to extend his scoring streak after a marvelous hat-trick against Carolina Railhawks FC at the end of the spring. Zayed, who was named the NASL Player of the Month for June, is adamant that this is just the beginning for him and the Eleven.

“This was Indy Eleven’s month, but it’s only the beginning. The real challenge starts now if we want to bring home the NASL Championship,” said the Irish forward.

Likely minding the net on Saturday is goalkeeper David Meves. The 25-year-old Meves spent the last two seasons with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers making five appearances. Though his playing count is low, Meves had earned the starting job for the Strikers but was unfortunate to suffer a broken jaw which put him out for the remainder of the year. While Saturday night is a new battle for Indy Eleven, it’s also new for Meves and the whole of Puerto Rico FC with extra incentive to start their club’s record off right.

GAMEDAY: #PRFCvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven at Puerto Rico FC
Saturday, July 2, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium – Bayamón, Puerto Rico

 

Team Records:

Watch Live:

  • Local: WISH-TV
  • National: None
  • Online: ESPN3.com

Follow Live:

  • In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter, and Indy Eleven on Facebook
  • Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match

 

Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 1 : 0 C.F. Pachuca

In Indy Eleven’s second-ever international friendly, the Boys in Blue put away Liga MX Clausura 2016 champions C.F. Pachuca 1 : 0 at Carroll Stadium thanks to a 7th minute finish from Eamon Zayed.

Though the Mexican league champions tumbled more than a efforts towards Eleven ‘keeper Keith Cardona, Indiana’s Team was able to hold their opposition scoreless to earn a clean sheet and win on a hot and heavy Sunday afternoon. Facing a loaded C.F. Pachuca roster that rotated in its entirety after 45 minutes, the Eleven battled to create chances on Alfonso Blanco’s net. A quick start, it was in the 7th minute that a defensive error allowed the forward Zayed to slip past the defense and slot home for the only goal of the match. What followed was a series of Pachuca attacks that were repelled either by Cardona or blocked by a member of the defense before reaching goal, and halftime (plus a generous water break) saw the two sides separated.

In Gerardo Torrado’s Indy Eleven debut, the Mexico legend featured until the hour mark and helped to control the midfield while facing some familiar faces on the opposing side and impressing head coach Tim Hankinson.

“As he gets to know his teammates, their strengths and the qualities in their game, he’ll know how to gel even more. We’re very excited to have him,” said Hankinson.

The second half was full of more chances for the two teams, and Pachuca came close to a last-gasp equalizer when forward Mateus Goncalves’ free kick richocheted off the wall into the path of Jose Ramirez, only for the latter to just miss a touch on goal. The win sees Indy Eleven extend their unbeaten streak to 13 games heading into the fall season. 

 

-> TICKETS | Craft Beer Night – Indy Eleven vs. Minnesota United FC <-

 

Still Unbeaten

After knocking off C.F. Pachuca at “The Mike,” Indy Eleven extend their unbeaten run to 13 games total (10 Spring Season, 2 U.S. Open Cup, 1 int’l friendly) since the season began April 2 at Tampa Bay Rowdies.

It’s been a remarkable run for the Eleven, who took just three years to go from bottom of the spring standings to the very top. When the season kicked off just three short months ago, forward Eamon Zayed stated his intent and the intent of Coach Hankinson’s squad – to win the Spring Season. Not one had an unbeaten run in mind, nor did they think the stretch would be this lengthy – after all, only one other squad had won the spring title going unbeaten, and it was the New York Cosmos.

Ironically enough, it was a victory over the New York Cosmos in the spring home opener that bolstered team confidence, and the rest is history. Important now moving into the fall slate is the idea that the record is fresh. Still unbeaten? Sure, but now every column sees a reset to zero.

 

Fall Season Means New Beginnings

Indy Eleven are in an advantageous position heading down to expansion side Puerto Rico FC and Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium. While the pressure is still on the spring champions to get a result and pick up every point possible, there will be plenty of eyes on the NASL’s newest side as they look to spoil a party of sorts.

For Coach Hankinson, this is a new beginning – a fresh start – and a chance for his team to prove they have the ability to endure the long season ahead. Heated environments haven’t done much for the Boys in Blue as four trips to Florida (TBR, MIA, JAX, & FTL) resulted in four draws in the spring, but the road to the playoffs in November continues nonetheless.
 

Play Euchre to Help Playworks Indy!
 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: DEF Cory Miller

Appearing in just two matches with one start, Cory Miller is set to feature in the starting eleven alongside Greg Janicki as Colin Falvey has been ruled out for the start of the fall.

Miller, who came on for Janicki in the 4-2 win over Minnesota United, started both Jacksonville Armada FC the next week and in the midweek cup tie against USL side Louisville City FC – conceding just the one goal in over 180 minutes of action. Now his task will be to stop a Puerto Rico attack hungry to get going in their NASL debut. Alongside the veteran Janicki after a shutout against Liga MX champs C.F. Pachuca, the ball will have to keep rolling (away from Jon Busch’s goal) for Indy to succeed away from home.

 

Who to Watch, Puerto Rico FC edition: DEF Cristiano Dias

Where one captain is absent in Colin Falvey, another is making his first start in a PRFC alongside ten others – Puerto Rico captain Cristiano Dias. Helping Minnesota United FC to the NASL Championship in 2011 and featuring nearly 100 times for the Loons, the Brazilian brings nearly ten years of experience in the NASL and its predecessor leagues to Puerto Rico.

At 30 years old, Dias will be man-marking a tandem of Justin Braun and Eamon Zayed when Indiana’s Team makes the trip south, and the 6’2 185 lb. centerback will have his hands full between the physicality of Zayed and the speed and intelligence of Justin Braun.

 

Match-up to Mark: FW Eamon Zayed vs. GK David Meves

Eamon Zayed continues his run at the top of NASL scoring charts on Saturday when he faces PRFC ‘keeper David Meves and company, looking to extend his scoring streak after a marvelous hat-trick against Carolina Railhawks FC at the end of the spring. Zayed, who was named the NASL Player of the Month for June, is adamant that this is just the beginning for him and the Eleven.

“This was Indy Eleven’s month, but it’s only the beginning. The real challenge starts now if we want to bring home the NASL Championship,” said the Irish forward.

Likely minding the net on Saturday is goalkeeper David Meves. The 25-year-old Meves spent the last two seasons with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers making five appearances. Though his playing count is low, Meves had earned the starting job for the Strikers but was unfortunate to suffer a broken jaw which put him out for the remainder of the year. While Saturday night is a new battle for Indy Eleven, it’s also new for Meves and the whole of Puerto Rico FC with extra incentive to start their club’s record off right.

Recap – Indy 1 : 0 Pachuca

Indy Eleven Claims “Clash of Champions” 1-0 over Mexico’s Pachuca

Eamon Zayed’s Early Goal Stands Tall under Sweltering Conditions in International Exhibition at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, June 26, 2016) – On a day that made conditions difficult for players and spectators alike, it was Indy Eleven that conquered the heat and visiting Mexican Liga MX champion C.F. Pachuca by posting a 1-0 victory in their international friendly at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium.

While the 6,055 fans in attendance had to deal with temperatures hovering in the low 90’s, the players on the field had to deal with surface temps that peaked over 130 degrees. The game would get off to a hot start for the NASL Spring Season champs, with Indy Eleven getting on the board just seven minutes in thanks to some considerable help from a pair of Pachuca defenders who converged on a ball 30 yards from goal but had trouble corralling. The ball popped loose to an opportunistic Eamon Zayed, who easily collected and dribbled into the area before slotting low and left of Pachuca ‘keeper Alfonso Blanco to give the home side an early lead.

While a 4-3-3 formation and a high-sitting back line allowed Pachuca to create repeated forays into the final third, the Mexican champion’s quality chances were few and far between. Los Tuzos created their best look of the half when Jonathan Urretaviscaya and Franco Jara combined to put the latter into the left side of the area in the 18th minute, but Ivan Ochoa would knick Jara’s near-post cross just over the crossbar to leave Pachuca wanting.

Another defensive miscue, this time a lazy backpass by Jose Esquivel, put Zayed in alone again on Blanco in the 26th minute, but this time the Irishman rushed the chance and pushed his chip past the onrushing goalkeeper just wide left.

A brand new eleven-man squad for Pachuca to start the second half had much the same effect as the starters, producing some fluid, attacking football out of the break. Los Tuzos began their assault on the Indy goal in earnest with a pair of Wilson Morelos headers in the 55th and 57thminutes, the first saved by Cardona coming across his goalline and the second flashing just wide left.

One of the biggest cheers from the crowd for Indy during the second half came in the 62nd minute when midfielder Gerardo Torrado would finish his debut for the “Boys in Blue,” being replaced by Eleven original Brad Ring. Torrado, the second-most capped player in Mexican National Team history with 146 appearances, will look to make his first official start for the “Boys in Blue” on July 9 at home against Minnesota United, five days after the FIFA international transfer window opens.

Indy’s best chances in the second half would come from a pair of crosses sent into Pachuca goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez’s six yard box, the first an offering off the foot of Justin Braun that Gonzalez smothered before it could reach the run of Souleymane Youla.  Braun was almost on the receiving end of the most dangerous chance of the day created by Indy in the 87th minute, but his sliding attempt to reach Duke Lacroix’s square ball on the doorstep went for naught.

Pachuca had its chances to equalize down the stretch, with the most dangerous coming off a pair of looks by Erick Sanchez in the 82nd minute. The crafty attacker first challenged Cardona with a 15-yard shot only to be denied by a fine kick save, followed by a rebounded effort he headed just past the upper left corner of frame.

One last chance would come in the final five minutes for the Mexican side, first in the 85th minute when Mateus Goncalves’ free kick smacked off the wall but still made it to the far post, only to have Jose Ramirez unable to put an open touch towards goal. A red card issued to Morelo for an elbow to the head of Cory Miller on a 50-50 ball in the final minute of regulation all but guaranteed the result for the home side, with the final whistle giving Indy Eleven another first during its increasingly historic 2016 season – a first win over international opposition.

With a two-week “break” that included today’s friendly in addition to a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fixture in Chicago 10 days ago in the books, Indy Eleven (4W-6D-0L, 18 pts., 1st place overall in NASL) now gets to turn its focus back to NASL action. The “Boys in Blue” will kick off its 22-game Fall Season next Saturday, July 2, when it serves as the first-ever opponent for expansion side Puerto Rico FC at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in San Juan (7:30 p.m. ET, live on WISH-TV).

The following Saturday, July 9, Indy Eleven returns home to Carroll Stadium to face off against Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. ET, live on WISH-TV). Tickets for the club’s popular Craft Beer Night at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 and can be purchased at www.www.indyeleven.com, while passes for the two-hour craft beer tasting event can be secured with or without a game ticket at http://craftbrew16.https://www.indyeleven.com and http://craftbrewtaste16.https://www.indyeleven.com respectively. Call 317-685-1100 for more details (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).


QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM HANKINSON

On Indy Eleven's performance in today's match:
“It’s the little things that we have to be better at. We feel confident. In the defense, we’re heading and clearing with our heads. Our moves tonight were all about relieving players under hot conditions to avoid injury and more problems to get ready for Puerto Rico.”

On the debut of Gerardo Torrado:
“As he gets to know his teammates, their strengths and the qualities in their game, he’ll know how to gel even more. We’re very excited to have him.”


International Friendly
Indy Eleven  (NASL)  1 : 0  C.F. Pachuca (Liga MX)
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN


Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed (unassisted) 7’


Discipline Summary:
PAC – Franco Jara (caution) 9’
IND – Daniel Keller (caution) 45+’
PAC – Oscar Torres (caution) 49’
IND – Cory Miller (caution) 84’
PAC – Wilson Morelo (ejection) 90’


Statistics            IND        PAC
Shots                   3            16
Shots on Goal       1             5
Saves                  5             0
Fouls                   6            12
Corners                1             4
Offside                 2             2


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona; Daniel Keller, Greg Janicki (capt) (Lovel Palmer 77’), Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Omar Gordon (Duke Lacroix 45’), Nicki Paterson, Gerardo Torrado (Brad Ring 62’), Dylan Mares (Nemanja Vukovic 60’); Eamon Zayed (Justin Braun 45’), Souleymane Youla (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 68’)


C.F. Pachuca (4-3-3): Alfonso Blanco (Jose Gonzalez 45’); Emmanuel Garcia (Andres Rodriguez 45’), Jose Esquivel (Oscar Torres 45’), 30-Omar Gonzalez (Francisco Santillan 45’), Jose Martinez (Hector Lopez 45’); Ivan Ochoa (Pablo Lopez 45’), Jorge Hernandez (Francisco Venegas 45’), Ruben Botta (Jose Ramirez 45’); Simon Almeida (Mateus Goncalves 45’), Franco Jara (Wilson Morelo 45’; RED CARD 90’), Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Erick Sanchez 45’)

Indy Eleven Claims “Clash of Champions” 1-0 over Mexico’s Pachuca

Eamon Zayed’s Early Goal Stands Tall under Sweltering Conditions in International Exhibition at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, June 26, 2016) – On a day that made conditions difficult for players and spectators alike, it was Indy Eleven that conquered the heat and visiting Mexican Liga MX champion C.F. Pachuca by posting a 1-0 victory in their international friendly at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium.

While the 6,055 fans in attendance had to deal with temperatures hovering in the low 90’s, the players on the field had to deal with surface temps that peaked over 130 degrees. The game would get off to a hot start for the NASL Spring Season champs, with Indy Eleven getting on the board just seven minutes in thanks to some considerable help from a pair of Pachuca defenders who converged on a ball 30 yards from goal but had trouble corralling. The ball popped loose to an opportunistic Eamon Zayed, who easily collected and dribbled into the area before slotting low and left of Pachuca ‘keeper Alfonso Blanco to give the home side an early lead.

While a 4-3-3 formation and a high-sitting back line allowed Pachuca to create repeated forays into the final third, the Mexican champion’s quality chances were few and far between. Los Tuzos created their best look of the half when Jonathan Urretaviscaya and Franco Jara combined to put the latter into the left side of the area in the 18th minute, but Ivan Ochoa would knick Jara’s near-post cross just over the crossbar to leave Pachuca wanting.

Another defensive miscue, this time a lazy backpass by Jose Esquivel, put Zayed in alone again on Blanco in the 26th minute, but this time the Irishman rushed the chance and pushed his chip past the onrushing goalkeeper just wide left.

A brand new eleven-man squad for Pachuca to start the second half had much the same effect as the starters, producing some fluid, attacking football out of the break. Los Tuzos began their assault on the Indy goal in earnest with a pair of Wilson Morelos headers in the 55th and 57thminutes, the first saved by Cardona coming across his goalline and the second flashing just wide left.

One of the biggest cheers from the crowd for Indy during the second half came in the 62nd minute when midfielder Gerardo Torrado would finish his debut for the “Boys in Blue,” being replaced by Eleven original Brad Ring. Torrado, the second-most capped player in Mexican National Team history with 146 appearances, will look to make his first official start for the “Boys in Blue” on July 9 at home against Minnesota United, five days after the FIFA international transfer window opens.

Indy’s best chances in the second half would come from a pair of crosses sent into Pachuca goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez’s six yard box, the first an offering off the foot of Justin Braun that Gonzalez smothered before it could reach the run of Souleymane Youla.  Braun was almost on the receiving end of the most dangerous chance of the day created by Indy in the 87th minute, but his sliding attempt to reach Duke Lacroix’s square ball on the doorstep went for naught.

Pachuca had its chances to equalize down the stretch, with the most dangerous coming off a pair of looks by Erick Sanchez in the 82nd minute. The crafty attacker first challenged Cardona with a 15-yard shot only to be denied by a fine kick save, followed by a rebounded effort he headed just past the upper left corner of frame.

One last chance would come in the final five minutes for the Mexican side, first in the 85th minute when Mateus Goncalves’ free kick smacked off the wall but still made it to the far post, only to have Jose Ramirez unable to put an open touch towards goal. A red card issued to Morelo for an elbow to the head of Cory Miller on a 50-50 ball in the final minute of regulation all but guaranteed the result for the home side, with the final whistle giving Indy Eleven another first during its increasingly historic 2016 season – a first win over international opposition.

With a two-week “break” that included today’s friendly in addition to a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fixture in Chicago 10 days ago in the books, Indy Eleven (4W-6D-0L, 18 pts., 1st place overall in NASL) now gets to turn its focus back to NASL action. The “Boys in Blue” will kick off its 22-game Fall Season next Saturday, July 2, when it serves as the first-ever opponent for expansion side Puerto Rico FC at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in San Juan (7:30 p.m. ET, live on WISH-TV).

The following Saturday, July 9, Indy Eleven returns home to Carroll Stadium to face off against Minnesota United FC (7:30 p.m. ET, live on WISH-TV). Tickets for the club’s popular Craft Beer Night at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 and can be purchased at www.www.indyeleven.com, while passes for the two-hour craft beer tasting event can be secured with or without a game ticket at http://craftbrew16.https://www.indyeleven.com and http://craftbrewtaste16.https://www.indyeleven.com respectively. Call 317-685-1100 for more details (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).


QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM HANKINSON

On Indy Eleven’s performance in today’s match:
“It’s the little things that we have to be better at. We feel confident. In the defense, we’re heading and clearing with our heads. Our moves tonight were all about relieving players under hot conditions to avoid injury and more problems to get ready for Puerto Rico.”

On the debut of Gerardo Torrado:
“As he gets to know his teammates, their strengths and the qualities in their game, he’ll know how to gel even more. We’re very excited to have him.”


International Friendly
Indy Eleven  (NASL)  1 : 0  C.F. Pachuca (Liga MX)
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN


Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed (unassisted) 7’


Discipline Summary:
PAC – Franco Jara (caution) 9’
IND – Daniel Keller (caution) 45+’
PAC – Oscar Torres (caution) 49’
IND – Cory Miller (caution) 84’
PAC – Wilson Morelo (ejection) 90’


Statistics            IND        PAC
Shots                   3            16
Shots on Goal       1             5
Saves                  5             0
Fouls                   6            12
Corners                1             4
Offside                 2             2


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona; Daniel Keller, Greg Janicki (capt) (Lovel Palmer 77’), Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Omar Gordon (Duke Lacroix 45’), Nicki Paterson, Gerardo Torrado (Brad Ring 62’), Dylan Mares (Nemanja Vukovic 60’); Eamon Zayed (Justin Braun 45’), Souleymane Youla (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 68’)


C.F. Pachuca (4-3-3): Alfonso Blanco (Jose Gonzalez 45’); Emmanuel Garcia (Andres Rodriguez 45’), Jose Esquivel (Oscar Torres 45’), 30-Omar Gonzalez (Francisco Santillan 45’), Jose Martinez (Hector Lopez 45’); Ivan Ochoa (Pablo Lopez 45’), Jorge Hernandez (Francisco Venegas 45’), Ruben Botta (Jose Ramirez 45’); Simon Almeida (Mateus Goncalves 45’), Franco Jara (Wilson Morelo 45’; RED CARD 90’), Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Erick Sanchez 45’)

PREVIEW: #INDvPAC

PREVIEW: #INDvPAC

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven vs. C.F. Pachuca – International Friendly
Sunday, June 26, 2016 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
 

Team Records:


Watch Live:

  • Local: None
  • National: None
  • Online: None


Follow Live:

  • In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter, and Indy Eleven on Facebook
  • Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match

 

Last Time Out – Chicago Fire 1 [4] : [3] 1 Indy Eleven

After clinching the 2016 Spring Season against Railhawks FC at home, Indy Eleven travelled to the Windy City to face MLS side Chicago Fire at Toyota Park in the Fourth Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Scoreless after 90 minutes, Indiana’s Team and the Fire went into two fifteen-minute periods of extra time where all the action happened. Locking horns through over 100 minutes, Justin Braun broke the deadlock just before the end of the first half as substitute Sinisa Ubiparipovic collected the ball and slotted the forward through on goal, where Braun capitalized on the chance for his second goal in as many games.

However, the Fire pushed forward and in the second period of ET, David Accam broke in and smacked a bouncing ball past Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch in front of the Chicago supporters section to put the match level again. Despite a couple of chances for both sides in the final few minutes at Toyota Park, the match went to penalties.

Indy Eleven took an early advantage, stepping to the spot first in the shootout and seeing Eleven midfielder Nicki Paterson bury his while Fire forward Kennedy Igboananike miss on his try. Eamon Zayed was next for the “Boys in Blue” and buried his, but so did Chicago midfielder Khaly Thiam. Up 2-1 after two rounds, Nemanja Vukovic and Daniel Keller would miss the next two attempts for Indy while Fire defender Brandon Vincent and midfielder Nick LaBrocca would make theirs to flip the script and put Chicago in front. Though Sinisa Ubiparipovic would make his attempt to keep the Eleven in the match, Fire forward David Accam buried the fifth penalty to see his side through to the next round 1 [4] : [3] 1 after 120 minutes and a shootout.

 

Last Time Out – Monterrey 1 : 1 C.F. Pachuca

A match that had everything – a red card, missed penalty, last minute equalizer, and more – C.F. Pachuca drew one-all with Monterrey to win the Liga MX Clausura 2016 by a score of 2-1 on aggregate.

Los Tuzos carried the advantage into the second game but knew Monterrey would attempt to fire on all cylinders with just the one goal difference. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute when Pachuca defender Emmanuel Garcia brought down Monterrey attacker Neri Cardozo, but midfielder Edwin Cardona launched the penalty over the bar to keep it at zeros. However, Monterrey would open the scoring minutes later when Dorlan Pabon beat legendary Tuzos ‘keeper Oscar Perez to level the match on aggregate.

The second half left it all to play for between the two sides, and the nerves only rose for both sides as the match played out. The potential turning point came in the 74th minute against Pachuca, when defender Aquivaldo Mosquera saw red for dragging down goalscorer Dorlan Pabon as he broke through on goal. When Edwin Cardona had an opportunity to redeem himself with a free kick outside the box, he sent the attempt right and away from Perez’s net. After heavy pressure from Monterrey, the visitors won a through deep in the attacking half – then the match was clinched. Emmanuel Garcia, the same defender that gave away the penalty, swing in a cross that was met by the head of Victor Guzman that sent Pachuca spiraling into euphoria. Taking the 2-1 aggregate lead, Pachuca outlasted Monterrey through two more minutes of added time and were crowned Liga MX Clausura 2016 champions.


-> TICKETS | Indy Eleven vs. C.F. Pachuca <-


International Friendly History

The first international friendly for Indy Eleven took place just under a year ago when Indiana’s Team hosted Liga MX side Monarcas Morelia at Carroll Stadium.

The match saw both sides create numerous quality chances, but neither were able to break the deadlock through the 90-minute rotation in personnel. Indy Eleven lined up in a 4-4-2 that afternoon, with ten players on the current roster featuring at some point throughout the game, while Monarcas Morelia lined up in a 5-3-2 in front of a crowd just shy of 6500.

Indy Eleven forward Wojciech Wojcik created the best chance of the match for the hosts inside the opening seven minutes. Being played in by the defense, Woj took in a swinging cross from the left side of the pitch but was unable to keep the header on frame as he saw it drift over the bar. Meanwhile, Monarcas Morelia also had their best chance in the first half when forward Carlos Ochoa took on Eleven ‘keeper Kristian Nicht one-on-one, but Nicht extended a left leg to make a brilliant save low and away from goal.

Though that match finished scoreless, Sunday’s clash between two champions may bring more to the 90 minutes than the year past. C.F. Pachuca are solid defensively, as are the “Boys in Blue,” but both sides may see this as an opportunity to exercise their attacking options as Los Tuzos continue their American tour and the Eleven ramp up for the fall slate.

 

Still Unbeaten

Although Indy Eleven fell to the Chicago Fire on penalties in the U.S. Open Cup, the match goes down as a draw after ending 1-1 through 120 minutes. The result means Indiana’s Team is still technically unbeaten in all competitions, continuing as the only side in United States soccer to achieve that feat.

However, Sunday’s contest will certainly test the Eleven as C.F. Pachuca bring a fresh attacking side to Carroll Stadium featuring new signing Wilson Morelo from Monterrey. But for now, Indy Eleven can push on with all sights set on moving into the Fall Season with an unblemished record. The fall opens up with a road contest at expansion side Puerto Rico FC before a home contest with Minnesota United FC brings NASL soccer back to “The Mike,” but first, the Eleven have to survive this weekend.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Duke Lacroix

Speed, speed, and more speed.

If there’s one thing Duke Lacroix brings to the Eleven attack, it’s his pace, and Sunday gives him the opportunity to use it against Los Tuzos. Lacroix has featured in eight league games, starting three, for a total just shy of 350 minutes. Though he only registered one assist, Lacroix has acted efficiently as an impact substitute and created multiple scoring chances in tight games down the stretch.

The starting XI for coach Tim Hankinson on Sunday is still unclear, but Lacroix deserves a total run out after helping Indy secure the Spring Season championship with some solid outings in the final few games.


Who to Watch, C.F. Pachuca edition: FW Franco Jara

The goalscorer in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2016 final, Franco Jara has helped lead the line for Los Tuzos throughout the majority of their incredibly successful campaign. Appearing in 31 matches with 29 starts, Jara netted 17 times, including six goals in the Liga MX Clausura 2016.

Jara stands at just 5 ft 10 in but provides a “fox in the box” style that sees him sneak through defenders for opportunities on goal. He’ll be up against an Indy defense that allowed just eight goals in ten league games, but has shown himself a quality asset in the Mexican side.


Match-up to Mark: GK Jon Busch/Keith Cardona vs. GK Oscar Perez/Alfonso Blanco

A matchup of two legendary ‘keepers, veterans Jon Busch and Oscar Perez are like to see time on Sunday in the club’s second-ever international friendly.

Busch, who arrived in Indianapolis after 18 years in MLS play, has helped the club to their first-ever trophy in the opening two months of his tenure, while Oscar Perez continues his illustrious Liga MX career after racking up over 500 appearances in the Mexican first division.

Also likely to see time are ‘keepers Keith Cardona and Alfonso Blanco, both of whom have seen the pitch at one point or another this year. Cardona made his first appearance of the year in Indy’s 2-1 win over USL side Lou City FC as a part of the U.S. Open Cup Third Round. Meanwhile, Blanco featured in a number of Liga MX matches for Pachuca and also impressed in his outings. Even if this match ends up being a defensive battle, this set of ‘netminders will likely be put to the test.

PREVIEW: #INDvPAC

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven vs. C.F. Pachuca – International Friendly
Sunday, June 26, 2016 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
 

Team Records:


Watch Live:

  • Local: None
  • National: None
  • Online: None


Follow Live:

  • In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter, and Indy Eleven on Facebook
  • Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match

 

Last Time Out – Chicago Fire 1 [4] : [3] 1 Indy Eleven

After clinching the 2016 Spring Season against Railhawks FC at home, Indy Eleven travelled to the Windy City to face MLS side Chicago Fire at Toyota Park in the Fourth Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Scoreless after 90 minutes, Indiana’s Team and the Fire went into two fifteen-minute periods of extra time where all the action happened. Locking horns through over 100 minutes, Justin Braun broke the deadlock just before the end of the first half as substitute Sinisa Ubiparipovic collected the ball and slotted the forward through on goal, where Braun capitalized on the chance for his second goal in as many games.

However, the Fire pushed forward and in the second period of ET, David Accam broke in and smacked a bouncing ball past Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch in front of the Chicago supporters section to put the match level again. Despite a couple of chances for both sides in the final few minutes at Toyota Park, the match went to penalties.

Indy Eleven took an early advantage, stepping to the spot first in the shootout and seeing Eleven midfielder Nicki Paterson bury his while Fire forward Kennedy Igboananike miss on his try. Eamon Zayed was next for the “Boys in Blue” and buried his, but so did Chicago midfielder Khaly Thiam. Up 2-1 after two rounds, Nemanja Vukovic and Daniel Keller would miss the next two attempts for Indy while Fire defender Brandon Vincent and midfielder Nick LaBrocca would make theirs to flip the script and put Chicago in front. Though Sinisa Ubiparipovic would make his attempt to keep the Eleven in the match, Fire forward David Accam buried the fifth penalty to see his side through to the next round 1 [4] : [3] 1 after 120 minutes and a shootout.

 

Last Time Out – Monterrey 1 : 1 C.F. Pachuca

A match that had everything – a red card, missed penalty, last minute equalizer, and more – C.F. Pachuca drew one-all with Monterrey to win the Liga MX Clausura 2016 by a score of 2-1 on aggregate.

Los Tuzos carried the advantage into the second game but knew Monterrey would attempt to fire on all cylinders with just the one goal difference. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute when Pachuca defender Emmanuel Garcia brought down Monterrey attacker Neri Cardozo, but midfielder Edwin Cardona launched the penalty over the bar to keep it at zeros. However, Monterrey would open the scoring minutes later when Dorlan Pabon beat legendary Tuzos ‘keeper Oscar Perez to level the match on aggregate.

The second half left it all to play for between the two sides, and the nerves only rose for both sides as the match played out. The potential turning point came in the 74th minute against Pachuca, when defender Aquivaldo Mosquera saw red for dragging down goalscorer Dorlan Pabon as he broke through on goal. When Edwin Cardona had an opportunity to redeem himself with a free kick outside the box, he sent the attempt right and away from Perez’s net. After heavy pressure from Monterrey, the visitors won a through deep in the attacking half – then the match was clinched. Emmanuel Garcia, the same defender that gave away the penalty, swing in a cross that was met by the head of Victor Guzman that sent Pachuca spiraling into euphoria. Taking the 2-1 aggregate lead, Pachuca outlasted Monterrey through two more minutes of added time and were crowned Liga MX Clausura 2016 champions.


-> TICKETS | Indy Eleven vs. C.F. Pachuca <-


International Friendly History

The first international friendly for Indy Eleven took place just under a year ago when Indiana’s Team hosted Liga MX side Monarcas Morelia at Carroll Stadium.

The match saw both sides create numerous quality chances, but neither were able to break the deadlock through the 90-minute rotation in personnel. Indy Eleven lined up in a 4-4-2 that afternoon, with ten players on the current roster featuring at some point throughout the game, while Monarcas Morelia lined up in a 5-3-2 in front of a crowd just shy of 6500.

Indy Eleven forward Wojciech Wojcik created the best chance of the match for the hosts inside the opening seven minutes. Being played in by the defense, Woj took in a swinging cross from the left side of the pitch but was unable to keep the header on frame as he saw it drift over the bar. Meanwhile, Monarcas Morelia also had their best chance in the first half when forward Carlos Ochoa took on Eleven ‘keeper Kristian Nicht one-on-one, but Nicht extended a left leg to make a brilliant save low and away from goal.

Though that match finished scoreless, Sunday’s clash between two champions may bring more to the 90 minutes than the year past. C.F. Pachuca are solid defensively, as are the “Boys in Blue,” but both sides may see this as an opportunity to exercise their attacking options as Los Tuzos continue their American tour and the Eleven ramp up for the fall slate.

 

Still Unbeaten

Although Indy Eleven fell to the Chicago Fire on penalties in the U.S. Open Cup, the match goes down as a draw after ending 1-1 through 120 minutes. The result means Indiana’s Team is still technically unbeaten in all competitions, continuing as the only side in United States soccer to achieve that feat.

However, Sunday’s contest will certainly test the Eleven as C.F. Pachuca bring a fresh attacking side to Carroll Stadium featuring new signing Wilson Morelo from Monterrey. But for now, Indy Eleven can push on with all sights set on moving into the Fall Season with an unblemished record. The fall opens up with a road contest at expansion side Puerto Rico FC before a home contest with Minnesota United FC brings NASL soccer back to “The Mike,” but first, the Eleven have to survive this weekend.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Duke Lacroix

Speed, speed, and more speed.

If there’s one thing Duke Lacroix brings to the Eleven attack, it’s his pace, and Sunday gives him the opportunity to use it against Los Tuzos. Lacroix has featured in eight league games, starting three, for a total just shy of 350 minutes. Though he only registered one assist, Lacroix has acted efficiently as an impact substitute and created multiple scoring chances in tight games down the stretch.

The starting XI for coach Tim Hankinson on Sunday is still unclear, but Lacroix deserves a total run out after helping Indy secure the Spring Season championship with some solid outings in the final few games.


Who to Watch, C.F. Pachuca edition: FW Franco Jara

The goalscorer in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2016 final, Franco Jara has helped lead the line for Los Tuzos throughout the majority of their incredibly successful campaign. Appearing in 31 matches with 29 starts, Jara netted 17 times, including six goals in the Liga MX Clausura 2016.

Jara stands at just 5 ft 10 in but provides a “fox in the box” style that sees him sneak through defenders for opportunities on goal. He’ll be up against an Indy defense that allowed just eight goals in ten league games, but has shown himself a quality asset in the Mexican side.


Match-up to Mark: GK Jon Busch/Keith Cardona vs. GK Oscar Perez/Alfonso Blanco

A matchup of two legendary ‘keepers, veterans Jon Busch and Oscar Perez are like to see time on Sunday in the club’s second-ever international friendly.

Busch, who arrived in Indianapolis after 18 years in MLS play, has helped the club to their first-ever trophy in the opening two months of his tenure, while Oscar Perez continues his illustrious Liga MX career after racking up over 500 appearances in the Mexican first division.

Also likely to see time are ‘keepers Keith Cardona and Alfonso Blanco, both of whom have seen the pitch at one point or another this year. Cardona made his first appearance of the year in Indy’s 2-1 win over USL side Lou City FC as a part of the U.S. Open Cup Third Round. Meanwhile, Blanco featured in a number of Liga MX matches for Pachuca and also impressed in his outings. Even if this match ends up being a defensive battle, this set of ‘netminders will likely be put to the test.

RECAP – Chicago 1 (4) : (3) 1 Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven Bows Out of U.S. Open Cup in PK’s at MLS’ Chicago Fire SC

Following 1-1 Draw through Regulation and Added Extra Time, Fire Advance to Fourth Round Courtesy of 4-3 Result in Penalties

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (Wednesday, June 15, 2016) – Indy Eleven nearly turned a historic week into a legendary one tonight at Toyota Park, but Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire SC would dig deep to pull out the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round tie, equalizing in extra added time to finish 1-1 after 120 minutes before advancing 4-3 in penalty kicks. Indy Eleven striker Justin Braun was nearly the hero after scoring a go-ahead goal in the 105th minute, only to have Chicago’s David Accam equalize in the 111th minute, sending the hard fought affair into penalties.

“I think if you look at the way we’ve won games, we’ve won some games or drawn some games that didn’t look like great football, but the guys did not give up, they battled,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “We knew we weren’t going to have all our fuel tonight. A game like Saturday, a championship, you’re giving a game and a half. We looked at the chances around the box, and many of them were in a great spot, but a lot of the shots were getting cut out. Having said that, it was great to get the first goal and some of the players at the end were fatigued and were losing their feet.”

The two sides started the proceedings even in possession and chances in the opening 20 minutes, the opening pace favoring an Indy Eleven side just three days off its impressive but exhaustive Spring Season clinching 4-1 win over Carolina.

Accam would be a menace throughout the first half, first causing trouble by being played into the top of the area in the ninth minute, only to see Indy captain Colin Falvey slide in to tackle away in a last gasp effort. The first save in the match would come in the 14th minute when Eleven midfielder Nicki Paterson floated a shot from distance that forced Chicago ‘keeper Matt Lampson into a backpedaling tip over the crossbar.

In the 17th minute Accam nearly capitalized on an Indy Eleven turnover in the final third, but the Chicago striker fired a low shot right to waiting Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch on his line. Khaly Thiam would have a good look just two minutes later for Chicago, but his low shot would curl just wide of the far right post. The two would combine to threaten in the 22nd minute when Accam slammed Thiam’s far post cross squarely off the crossbar from close range.

Chicago would keep the pressure coming for the next 15 minutes with continued forays into its offensive third, highlighted by Accam’s near-angle shot that Busch parried away for a corner in the 34th minute. Indy Eleven had a great chance against the run of play to go up near the end of the first half when midfielder Dylan Mares fired a shot from the top of the area that skipped a foot wide of the base of the right post.

The second half would see neither side threaten seriously until Indy Eleven had a pair of chances just after the hour mark, starting with Braun’s shot from 22 yards out that forced Lampson into a two-handed punch save. Just a minute later Mares would take a cleared free kick and send it back into the danger zone, forcing Lampson into another tip over his bar for a corner.

Chicago would ramp up the pressure again for the final 15 minutes of regulation, starting with Kennedy Igboananike’s blast from 25 yards the screamed just over frame. Chicago was unlucky not to go up in the 84th minute when Marco Franco’s tackle on a streaking Accam saw the ball pop loose to midfielder Nick LaBrocca, whose first time effort on an all-but-empty net flashed wide right. Accam had another effort from space in the 88th minute that had eyes for the upper right corner of goal miss just high, while Indy debutant Souleymane Youla’s flick on header missed a back post runner and the post itself a minute later, sending the proceedings into an extra 30 minutes of added extra time.

While Indy Eleven would ask the most questions in the first 10 minutes of bonus soccer, it was Chicago that would rue not going up in the 101st minute. Busch first batted Brandon Vincent’s driven ball into the six away before recovering to make a remarkable kick save of Razvan Cocis’ rebound effort.

After scoring a pivotal goal just before the halftime break on Saturday night, it was Braun doing the same in the dying moments of the first stanza of added extra time to give Indy the lead. After accepting Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s ball with a turning first touch, Braun swung across his body with his left foot to drive an unstoppable shot past Lampson and into the right side netting to put the visitors ahead going into the added time break.

The 109th minute saw Busch make a diving save on a shot from distance, and when Igboananike pounced on the rebound only to slot wide left of the open frame, it appeared the game might be destined to go the NASL club’s way. However, two minutes later it was Accam making up for all of Chicago’s near misses, dancing through the area to deke numerous Eleven defenders before finishing inside the far left post to even things up at 1-1, where the score would stay, forcing the survivor to be decided from the penalty spot.

Things looked good for Indy at the start of PK’s as Paterson finished the opening chance, followed by Igboananike sailing his shot over frame. Indy Eleven’s Eamon Zayed and Thiam would convert their kicks keeping Indy up 2-1 after two rounds, but Lampson would stop Nemanja Vukovic’s low effort up the middle, followed by Vincent powering a shot inside the right post to even things at 2-2.

Another Lampson save, this time on Daniel Keller would give Chicago the edge, and the home side would go up 3-2 when LaBrocca blasted into the upper left corner. While Ubiparipovic would keep the Eleven alive with a well struck kick into the left side netting, it was none other than Accam ending things, his stutter step up followed by an upper 90 finish to send Chicago through to the Round of 16.

With the match going into the record books as a draw, the painful result – marking the first game decided by penalty kicks in Indy Eleven’s history – does technically keep “Indiana’s Team” undefeated through 12 competitive matches in 2016.

After some well-earned rest over the weekend, Indy Eleven (4W-6D-0L in NASL play) will face a stiff challenge during its midseason break next Sunday, June 26, when it welcomes Mexican Liga MX champion C.F. Pachuca to Carroll Stadium for an international friendly. Tickets for the exhibition match, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. ET, are available beginning at just $11, with full details surrounding the game available at www.www.indyeleven.com/Pachuca.


Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Fourth Round
Chicago Fire (MLS)  1 : 1  Indy Eleven  (NASL) (aet)
Chicago advances 4-3 on penalty kicks
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Toyota Park – Bridgeview, IL


Scoring Summary:
IND – Justin Braun (Sinisa Ubiparipovic) 105’
CHI – David Accam (unassisted) 111’


Penalty Kick Summary:
IND – Paterson (goal), Zayed (goal), Vukovic (save), Keller (save), Ubiparipovic (goal)
CHI – Igboananike (miss), Thiam (goal), Vincent (goal), LaBrocca (goal), Accam (goal)


Discipline Summary:
IND – Justin Braun (caution) 27’
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 72’
CHI – Nick LaBrocca (caution) 87’
IND – Souleymane Youla (caution) 92+’
IND – Nemanja Vukovic (caution) 117’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki , Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Duke Lacroix (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 97’), Nicki Paterson, Brad Ring (Daniel Keller 81’), Dylan Mares (Souleymane Youla 69’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Neil Shaffer, Cory Miller, Lovel Palmer

Chicago Fire SC (4-3-3): Matt Lampson; Brandon Vincent, Eric Gehrig, Jonathon Campbell, Rodrigo Ramos (Johan Kappelhof 74’); Razvan Cocis (capt), Khaly Thiam, Matt Polster (Nick LaBrocca 45’); Kennedy Igboananike, David Accam, Arturo Alvarez (Joey Calistri 61’)

Fire SC bench: Patrick McClain, Michael Stephens Michael Harrington, Alex Morrell

Indy Eleven Bows Out of U.S. Open Cup in PK’s at MLS’ Chicago Fire SC

Following 1-1 Draw through Regulation and Added Extra Time, Fire Advance to Fourth Round Courtesy of 4-3 Result in Penalties

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (Wednesday, June 15, 2016) – Indy Eleven nearly turned a historic week into a legendary one tonight at Toyota Park, but Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire SC would dig deep to pull out the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round tie, equalizing in extra added time to finish 1-1 after 120 minutes before advancing 4-3 in penalty kicks. Indy Eleven striker Justin Braun was nearly the hero after scoring a go-ahead goal in the 105th minute, only to have Chicago’s David Accam equalize in the 111th minute, sending the hard fought affair into penalties.

“I think if you look at the way we’ve won games, we’ve won some games or drawn some games that didn’t look like great football, but the guys did not give up, they battled,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “We knew we weren’t going to have all our fuel tonight. A game like Saturday, a championship, you’re giving a game and a half. We looked at the chances around the box, and many of them were in a great spot, but a lot of the shots were getting cut out. Having said that, it was great to get the first goal and some of the players at the end were fatigued and were losing their feet.”

The two sides started the proceedings even in possession and chances in the opening 20 minutes, the opening pace favoring an Indy Eleven side just three days off its impressive but exhaustive Spring Season clinching 4-1 win over Carolina.

Accam would be a menace throughout the first half, first causing trouble by being played into the top of the area in the ninth minute, only to see Indy captain Colin Falvey slide in to tackle away in a last gasp effort. The first save in the match would come in the 14th minute when Eleven midfielder Nicki Paterson floated a shot from distance that forced Chicago ‘keeper Matt Lampson into a backpedaling tip over the crossbar.

In the 17th minute Accam nearly capitalized on an Indy Eleven turnover in the final third, but the Chicago striker fired a low shot right to waiting Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch on his line. Khaly Thiam would have a good look just two minutes later for Chicago, but his low shot would curl just wide of the far right post. The two would combine to threaten in the 22nd minute when Accam slammed Thiam’s far post cross squarely off the crossbar from close range.

Chicago would keep the pressure coming for the next 15 minutes with continued forays into its offensive third, highlighted by Accam’s near-angle shot that Busch parried away for a corner in the 34th minute. Indy Eleven had a great chance against the run of play to go up near the end of the first half when midfielder Dylan Mares fired a shot from the top of the area that skipped a foot wide of the base of the right post.

The second half would see neither side threaten seriously until Indy Eleven had a pair of chances just after the hour mark, starting with Braun’s shot from 22 yards out that forced Lampson into a two-handed punch save. Just a minute later Mares would take a cleared free kick and send it back into the danger zone, forcing Lampson into another tip over his bar for a corner.

Chicago would ramp up the pressure again for the final 15 minutes of regulation, starting with Kennedy Igboananike’s blast from 25 yards the screamed just over frame. Chicago was unlucky not to go up in the 84th minute when Marco Franco’s tackle on a streaking Accam saw the ball pop loose to midfielder Nick LaBrocca, whose first time effort on an all-but-empty net flashed wide right. Accam had another effort from space in the 88th minute that had eyes for the upper right corner of goal miss just high, while Indy debutant Souleymane Youla’s flick on header missed a back post runner and the post itself a minute later, sending the proceedings into an extra 30 minutes of added extra time.

While Indy Eleven would ask the most questions in the first 10 minutes of bonus soccer, it was Chicago that would rue not going up in the 101st minute. Busch first batted Brandon Vincent’s driven ball into the six away before recovering to make a remarkable kick save of Razvan Cocis’ rebound effort.

After scoring a pivotal goal just before the halftime break on Saturday night, it was Braun doing the same in the dying moments of the first stanza of added extra time to give Indy the lead. After accepting Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s ball with a turning first touch, Braun swung across his body with his left foot to drive an unstoppable shot past Lampson and into the right side netting to put the visitors ahead going into the added time break.

The 109th minute saw Busch make a diving save on a shot from distance, and when Igboananike pounced on the rebound only to slot wide left of the open frame, it appeared the game might be destined to go the NASL club’s way. However, two minutes later it was Accam making up for all of Chicago’s near misses, dancing through the area to deke numerous Eleven defenders before finishing inside the far left post to even things up at 1-1, where the score would stay, forcing the survivor to be decided from the penalty spot.

Things looked good for Indy at the start of PK’s as Paterson finished the opening chance, followed by Igboananike sailing his shot over frame. Indy Eleven’s Eamon Zayed and Thiam would convert their kicks keeping Indy up 2-1 after two rounds, but Lampson would stop Nemanja Vukovic’s low effort up the middle, followed by Vincent powering a shot inside the right post to even things at 2-2.

Another Lampson save, this time on Daniel Keller would give Chicago the edge, and the home side would go up 3-2 when LaBrocca blasted into the upper left corner. While Ubiparipovic would keep the Eleven alive with a well struck kick into the left side netting, it was none other than Accam ending things, his stutter step up followed by an upper 90 finish to send Chicago through to the Round of 16.

With the match going into the record books as a draw, the painful result – marking the first game decided by penalty kicks in Indy Eleven’s history – does technically keep “Indiana’s Team” undefeated through 12 competitive matches in 2016.

After some well-earned rest over the weekend, Indy Eleven (4W-6D-0L in NASL play) will face a stiff challenge during its midseason break next Sunday, June 26, when it welcomes Mexican Liga MX champion C.F. Pachuca to Carroll Stadium for an international friendly. Tickets for the exhibition match, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. ET, are available beginning at just $11, with full details surrounding the game available at www.www.indyeleven.com/Pachuca.


Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Fourth Round
Chicago Fire (MLS)  1 : 1  Indy Eleven  (NASL) (aet)
Chicago advances 4-3 on penalty kicks
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Toyota Park – Bridgeview, IL


Scoring Summary:
IND – Justin Braun (Sinisa Ubiparipovic) 105’
CHI – David Accam (unassisted) 111’


Penalty Kick Summary:
IND – Paterson (goal), Zayed (goal), Vukovic (save), Keller (save), Ubiparipovic (goal)
CHI – Igboananike (miss), Thiam (goal), Vincent (goal), LaBrocca (goal), Accam (goal)


Discipline Summary:
IND – Justin Braun (caution) 27’
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 72’
CHI – Nick LaBrocca (caution) 87’
IND – Souleymane Youla (caution) 92+’
IND – Nemanja Vukovic (caution) 117’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki , Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Duke Lacroix (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 97’), Nicki Paterson, Brad Ring (Daniel Keller 81’), Dylan Mares (Souleymane Youla 69’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Neil Shaffer, Cory Miller, Lovel Palmer

Chicago Fire SC (4-3-3): Matt Lampson; Brandon Vincent, Eric Gehrig, Jonathon Campbell, Rodrigo Ramos (Johan Kappelhof 74’); Razvan Cocis (capt), Khaly Thiam, Matt Polster (Nick LaBrocca 45’); Kennedy Igboananike, David Accam, Arturo Alvarez (Joey Calistri 61’)

Fire SC bench: Patrick McClain, Michael Stephens Michael Harrington, Alex Morrell

GAMEDAY: Indy Eleven at Chicago Fire #USOC2016

PREVIEW: #USOC2016

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at Chicago Fire
Wednesday, June 15, 2016 – 8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT
Toyota Park – Chicago Fire


Team Records:


Watch Live:


Follow Live:


Media Game Notes


Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 4 : 1 Carolina Railhawks

There are not a lot of dramatic three-goal wins in soccer annals, but Saturday night's 4-1 win over Railhawks FC fell in that select category as it crowned "Indiana's Team" the 2016 NASL Spring Season champions. A hat-trick from Eamon Zayed and the third goal of the season for Justin Braun gave the "Boys in Blue" the three standings points, four goals and three-goal winning margin they needed to surpass the New York Cosmos for first place at the end of the 10-game Spring sprint. 

Zayed opened the scoring in the 16th minute following a cross from left-back Nemanja Vukovic to get the party started, but the Railhawks fought back in the 29th minute when Nazmi Albadawi countered with a strike from just outside the area to square the match at one-all. Just before halftime, the momentum swung back in Indy's favor as Braun tapped in another ball from "Vuko" to restore the lead.

Right out of the break, "Indiana's Team" went all-out for the two goals it needed, but found little in the way of a scoring chance until the 65th minute. Again the Irishman Zayed was at the heart of the play as Jamaican winger Omar Gordon found his teammate on an aerial ball in the center of the box, which the forward headed hard and low to beat Railhawks FC 'keeper Akira Fitzgerald. Needing one more goal and being willed on by the 9,341 fans in attendance, Indy Eleven pressed on and eventually found the magical fourth goal with little time to spare. In the 85th minute, beautiful team play resulted in Duke Lacroix corkscrewing a low ball towards the far post where Zayed was waiting to tap home, putting the finishing touches on the 4-1 victory.

Thus the Spring Season title was capped off with an undefeated record (4W-6D-0L), making Indy just the second club to do so after the New York Cosmos achieved the same feat last season. For the full www.indyeleven.com recap, click here.


Last Time Out – Chicago Fire 1 : 1 Portland Timbers

Having not played a competitive match in over two weeks, the Chicago Fire last took to the pitch in a 1-1 draw with defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. 

Both goals came in the opening twenty minutes of the match, and the Timbers got on the scoresheet first in the 18th minute when Diego Valeri took down a miscued clearance from a Fire defender, dangled his way towards the byline, and fired a low effort past Fire 'keeper Sean Johnson. However, just two minutes later Chicago found an equalizer through the feet of forward David Accam. Fire midfielder Joao Meira lifted a pass across the back line of the Timbers to the feet of other forward Kennedy Igboananike, and the latter whipped in a low cross that Accam tapped home past Timbers 'netminder Jack Gleeson.

Though the Fire outshot their opposition 17-8 total (6-2 on goal), they were only able to salvage a point at home and remain at the foot of the MLS Eastern Conference standings in 10th place. For a full match recap, click here.
 

-> TICKETS | Indy Eleven vs. C.F. Pachuca <-
 

Fourth Round History

Wednesday will mark Indy Eleven's second Fourth Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in three tries, previously reaching the round during its inaugural season in 2014. That year, the "Boys in Blue" defeated the Dayton Dutch Lions 5-2 at home in the Third Round, setting up a meeting with MLS' Columbus Crew in Akron, Ohio, that resulted in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in added extra time.

Former midfielder Blake Smith was on the scoresheet that night for Indy Eleven in the 62nd minute to balance out former Crew forward Bernardo Anor's fourth minute strike as the match went to extra time level at one a piece. The Crew, who were down to ten men for the final hour of the match, went down to nine in the 110th minute when Daniel Paladini was shown a straight red for an errant elbow. However, now-Cosmos forward Jairo Arrieta buried a penalty in the 114th minute to put the hosts in front down the stretch in front of a crowd just shy of 2,000 on the University of Akron campus.

Combined with last year's Third Round loss to USL side Louisville City FC (0-2, a.e.t) and a 2-1 win over the same squad in the same round just two weeks ago on June 1, Indy Eleven carries a 2W-0D-2L all-time USOC record into Wednesday night's match-up against the four-time Open Cup champion Fire SC.


Run of Form

After winning the 2016 Spring Season undefeated, "Indiana's Team" has stretched its unbeaten run to, ironically, 11 games in all competitions (10 NASL, 1 USOC), the longest in club history. Facing an MLS side for the second time in three years, Indy looks to take that run to 12 games at Toyota Park on Wednesday night.

Four wins and six draws in league play brought the "Boys in Blue" to first in the league table, and a U.S. Open Cup win in the Third Round over Louisville City FC propelled them to the next round of the competition. If the Eleven are to pull off a big win following its exhausting "Miracle at the Mike," it will need all hands on deck just as it did against Louisville two weeks ago.
 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: GK Jon Busch / Keith Cardona

It's unclear who will be between the posts when Indy Eleven battles Chicago on Wednesday night, but either way both 'keepers on the roster have something to play for in this Fourth Round tie. 

For Jon Busch, a trip to Chicago signals a return to his twice former club. Named the 2007 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year during his first tenure with the Fire, Busch left in 2010 for San Jose only to return in 2015 after five seasons out west. Signing as a free agent with Indy Eleven, Busch has made a massive impact so far as both one of the best 'keepers in the league and the club's goalkeeping coach. Busch currently sits third in the NASL with a 0.80 goals against average, consistent with his output in his last three matches in which he's stopped eight of 10 shots faced.

Contribute to Jon Busch's "Saves for SEALs" charitable program today! 

For Keith Cardona, Wednesday night would be another opportunity to show why working with Busch has only helped him improve since the veteran signed in January. Cardona started all 10 matches he appeared in for Indy last season behind Kristian Nicht, but has only made one such start this season – in the squad's 2-1 win over Louisville City FC in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup at "The Mike." Cardona was impressive in the midweek win, conceding just the one goal – which came isolated against then-USL leading scorer Chandler Hoffman – in 90 minutes of action. 

Regardless of who is in goal, the U.S. Open Cup tie will be a test for either 'keeper as the Eleven seek their first-ever way out of the Fourth Round. While the Fire's attack has scored multiple times just once in its 11 MLS games thus far – its season-opening 4-3 loss to NYCFC – the "Men in Red" will be well-rested and have fresh memories of its more potent attack the last time out against Portland.


Who to Watch, Chicago Fire edition: MF Arturo Alvarez

Having tallied three assists while notching a goal in his 11 starts of the 2016 season, Arturo Alvarez is one of the biggest threats the Fire can employ in the midfield. 

After leaving MLS play in 2011 after a year with Real Salt Lake, Alvarez had a two year stint in Hungary and a three year stop in Portugal before returning to the United States to sign with Chicago. Since his return, the Salvadoran international has made waves in the Windy City to lead the team in assists through the early part of the MLS season. 

The Houston native will be one to mark for Indy's midfield as his right-foot has proven deadly for setups on multiple occassions. 


Match-up to Mark: Indy Eleven attack vs. Chicago Fire defense

Perhaps the biggest thing to watch hot off the heels of putting four past Carolina is the Eleven attack against the Fire defense. Zayed's hat trick heroics on Saturday pushed him into the top of the NASL's scoring charts with six tallies (not counting his USOC game-winner against Louisville two weeks ago), while Braun has collected all three of his goals and his assist in 2016 play in the squad's last four NASL outings. While Chicago's offense has been sputtering its defender has been on point, allowing just two goals in their last three matches while taking four points from those encounters.

PREVIEW: #USOC2016

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at Chicago Fire
Wednesday, June 15, 2016 – 8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT
Toyota Park – Chicago Fire


Team Records:


Watch Live:


Follow Live:


Media Game Notes


Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 4 : 1 Carolina Railhawks

There are not a lot of dramatic three-goal wins in soccer annals, but Saturday night’s 4-1 win over Railhawks FC fell in that select category as it crowned “Indiana’s Team” the 2016 NASL Spring Season champions. A hat-trick from Eamon Zayed and the third goal of the season for Justin Braun gave the “Boys in Blue” the three standings points, four goals and three-goal winning margin they needed to surpass the New York Cosmos for first place at the end of the 10-game Spring sprint. 

Zayed opened the scoring in the 16th minute following a cross from left-back Nemanja Vukovic to get the party started, but the Railhawks fought back in the 29th minute when Nazmi Albadawi countered with a strike from just outside the area to square the match at one-all. Just before halftime, the momentum swung back in Indy’s favor as Braun tapped in another ball from “Vuko” to restore the lead.

Right out of the break, “Indiana’s Team” went all-out for the two goals it needed, but found little in the way of a scoring chance until the 65th minute. Again the Irishman Zayed was at the heart of the play as Jamaican winger Omar Gordon found his teammate on an aerial ball in the center of the box, which the forward headed hard and low to beat Railhawks FC ‘keeper Akira Fitzgerald. Needing one more goal and being willed on by the 9,341 fans in attendance, Indy Eleven pressed on and eventually found the magical fourth goal with little time to spare. In the 85th minute, beautiful team play resulted in Duke Lacroix corkscrewing a low ball towards the far post where Zayed was waiting to tap home, putting the finishing touches on the 4-1 victory.

Thus the Spring Season title was capped off with an undefeated record (4W-6D-0L), making Indy just the second club to do so after the New York Cosmos achieved the same feat last season. For the full www.indyeleven.com recap, click here.


Last Time Out – Chicago Fire 1 : 1 Portland Timbers

Having not played a competitive match in over two weeks, the Chicago Fire last took to the pitch in a 1-1 draw with defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. 

Both goals came in the opening twenty minutes of the match, and the Timbers got on the scoresheet first in the 18th minute when Diego Valeri took down a miscued clearance from a Fire defender, dangled his way towards the byline, and fired a low effort past Fire ‘keeper Sean Johnson. However, just two minutes later Chicago found an equalizer through the feet of forward David Accam. Fire midfielder Joao Meira lifted a pass across the back line of the Timbers to the feet of other forward Kennedy Igboananike, and the latter whipped in a low cross that Accam tapped home past Timbers ‘netminder Jack Gleeson.

Though the Fire outshot their opposition 17-8 total (6-2 on goal), they were only able to salvage a point at home and remain at the foot of the MLS Eastern Conference standings in 10th place. For a full match recap, click here.
 

-> TICKETS | Indy Eleven vs. C.F. Pachuca <-
 

Fourth Round History

Wednesday will mark Indy Eleven’s second Fourth Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in three tries, previously reaching the round during its inaugural season in 2014. That year, the “Boys in Blue” defeated the Dayton Dutch Lions 5-2 at home in the Third Round, setting up a meeting with MLS’ Columbus Crew in Akron, Ohio, that resulted in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in added extra time.

Former midfielder Blake Smith was on the scoresheet that night for Indy Eleven in the 62nd minute to balance out former Crew forward Bernardo Anor’s fourth minute strike as the match went to extra time level at one a piece. The Crew, who were down to ten men for the final hour of the match, went down to nine in the 110th minute when Daniel Paladini was shown a straight red for an errant elbow. However, now-Cosmos forward Jairo Arrieta buried a penalty in the 114th minute to put the hosts in front down the stretch in front of a crowd just shy of 2,000 on the University of Akron campus.

Combined with last year’s Third Round loss to USL side Louisville City FC (0-2, a.e.t) and a 2-1 win over the same squad in the same round just two weeks ago on June 1, Indy Eleven carries a 2W-0D-2L all-time USOC record into Wednesday night’s match-up against the four-time Open Cup champion Fire SC.


Run of Form

After winning the 2016 Spring Season undefeated, “Indiana’s Team” has stretched its unbeaten run to, ironically, 11 games in all competitions (10 NASL, 1 USOC), the longest in club history. Facing an MLS side for the second time in three years, Indy looks to take that run to 12 games at Toyota Park on Wednesday night.

Four wins and six draws in league play brought the “Boys in Blue” to first in the league table, and a U.S. Open Cup win in the Third Round over Louisville City FC propelled them to the next round of the competition. If the Eleven are to pull off a big win following its exhausting “Miracle at the Mike,” it will need all hands on deck just as it did against Louisville two weeks ago.
 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: GK Jon Busch / Keith Cardona

It’s unclear who will be between the posts when Indy Eleven battles Chicago on Wednesday night, but either way both ‘keepers on the roster have something to play for in this Fourth Round tie. 

For Jon Busch, a trip to Chicago signals a return to his twice former club. Named the 2007 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year during his first tenure with the Fire, Busch left in 2010 for San Jose only to return in 2015 after five seasons out west. Signing as a free agent with Indy Eleven, Busch has made a massive impact so far as both one of the best ‘keepers in the league and the club’s goalkeeping coach. Busch currently sits third in the NASL with a 0.80 goals against average, consistent with his output in his last three matches in which he’s stopped eight of 10 shots faced.

Contribute to Jon Busch’s “Saves for SEALs” charitable program today! 

For Keith Cardona, Wednesday night would be another opportunity to show why working with Busch has only helped him improve since the veteran signed in January. Cardona started all 10 matches he appeared in for Indy last season behind Kristian Nicht, but has only made one such start this season – in the squad’s 2-1 win over Louisville City FC in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup at “The Mike.” Cardona was impressive in the midweek win, conceding just the one goal – which came isolated against then-USL leading scorer Chandler Hoffman – in 90 minutes of action. 

Regardless of who is in goal, the U.S. Open Cup tie will be a test for either ‘keeper as the Eleven seek their first-ever way out of the Fourth Round. While the Fire’s attack has scored multiple times just once in its 11 MLS games thus far – its season-opening 4-3 loss to NYCFC – the “Men in Red” will be well-rested and have fresh memories of its more potent attack the last time out against Portland.


Who to Watch, Chicago Fire edition: MF Arturo Alvarez

Having tallied three assists while notching a goal in his 11 starts of the 2016 season, Arturo Alvarez is one of the biggest threats the Fire can employ in the midfield. 

After leaving MLS play in 2011 after a year with Real Salt Lake, Alvarez had a two year stint in Hungary and a three year stop in Portugal before returning to the United States to sign with Chicago. Since his return, the Salvadoran international has made waves in the Windy City to lead the team in assists through the early part of the MLS season. 

The Houston native will be one to mark for Indy’s midfield as his right-foot has proven deadly for setups on multiple occassions. 


Match-up to Mark: Indy Eleven attack vs. Chicago Fire defense

Perhaps the biggest thing to watch hot off the heels of putting four past Carolina is the Eleven attack against the Fire defense. Zayed’s hat trick heroics on Saturday pushed him into the top of the NASL’s scoring charts with six tallies (not counting his USOC game-winner against Louisville two weeks ago), while Braun has collected all three of his goals and his assist in 2016 play in the squad’s last four NASL outings. While Chicago’s offense has been sputtering its defender has been on point, allowing just two goals in their last three matches while taking four points from those encounters.

RECAP – Eleven 4:1 Carolina

Improbable 4-1 Victory Puts Indy Eleven on Cusp of Spring Season Title

Eamon Zayed’s Hat Trick Paces Undefeated “Boys in Blue” in Massive Win over Carolina
 

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, June 11, 2016) – In order to be in the driver’s seat for the NASL’s Spring Season title, Indy Eleven needed to score four goals and win by three over the Carolina RailHawks – and that’s just what the “Boys in Blue” dialed up via a 4-1 win in front of 9,341 delirious fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

Eamon Zayed’s hat trick, the first by an Indy Eleven player in NASL play, paced Indy Eleven to the incredible win and first place in the NASL, all but guaranteeing “Indiana’s Team” the Spring Season crown. Only a six-goal win by Fort Lauderdale tomorrow afternoon at FC Edmonton will derail Indy Eleven from receiving its first trophy in club history – and the home game in the opening round of The Championship that comes along with it.

As expected, Indy Eleven came out of the gates committing numbers forward, a relentless first 10 minutes of attacking highlighted by Omar Gordon’s lunging stab at Dylan Mares’ through ball to the penalty spot that was saved by Akira Fitzgerald coming off his line. Indy saw its pressure pay off at the stroke of the quarter hour, when Zayed flung himself at Nemanja Vukovic’s cross from the left sideline, cutting inside his mark to head home just inside the right post to go up 1-0 early.

After the frantic first 15 minutes the Eleven attack would gear down a notch, with Carolina gaining more possession in its own attacking half. It would be a moment of individual brilliance from Nazmi Albadawi that brought things even in the 29th minute, the RailHawks captain cutting inside into space and uncorking a 22-yard shot that beat Indy netminder Jon Busch to his right post.

One minute of stoppage time would be enough for the home side to reclaim the momentum heading into the halftime break, as another Vukovic cross hit paydirt. This time it was Justin Braun redirecting from five yards out to beat Fitzgerald and breathe serious life back into Indy’s title chances.

The second half started much like the first, with Indy Eleven applying intense pressure in the final third. Braun’s perfectly-weighted through ball in the 54th minute put Mares just behind the backline, but Fitzgerald came up with a huge stop to keep the score at 2-1. 

Minutes after Mares saw a goal taken off the board for accidently handing down the ball before firing, it was Zayed making another count in the 64th minute. The Irishman bagged his second of the night on another flashing header, this time off Gordon’s cross. Fitzgerald’s touch would push the ball off the post, but it fortuitously spun over the line to set up a thrilling finish at “The Mike.”

Carolina would nearly get one back through Brian Shriver in the 72nd minute as he was inside the six to redirect a cross from the right side of the area, but the chance wouldn’t make it through traffic.

Gordon looked as if he might have the magical fourth goal for Indy in the 84th minute when he got on the end of a deflected corner at the back post, but 18-year-old Jeremy Kelly – making his first NASL appearance – would appear to play the foil by clearing the chance off the line at the right post.

But the disappointment wouldn’t last long, as it was Zayed again hitting home just a minute later by sliding in at the back post to put home Duke Lacroix well-struck low cross, sending the Carroll Stadium crowd into hysterics. The goal was Zayed’s sixth of the campaign, the heroic effort on the evening pushing him to the top of the league’s scoring chart.

Three minutes of stoppage time would provide no serious threats to the three-goal advantage, with the final whistle signaling the biggest win in club history – and spilling many of the fans in attendance onto the Carroll Stadium pitch to join in the celebration.

From here, Indy Eleven will watch tomorrow’s FC Edmonton-Fort Lauderdale matchup (4:00 p.m. ET, live on ESPN3) with great interest to ensure that Spring Season trophy will be coming to the Circle City. After a couple days of recuperation it’s back to business for the undefeated (4W-6D-0L, 18 pts.) “Boys in Blue,” who will head up I-65 on Wednesday, June 15, to take on MLS side Chicago Fire SC in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  4 : 1  Carolina RailHawks
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,341


Indy Eleven:
Spring Season: 4W-6D-0L, 18 pts., 1st place

Carolina RailHawks:
Spring Season: 4W-2D-4L, 14 pts., 6th place


Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed (Nemanja Vukovic) 15’
CAR – Nazmi Albadawi (unassisted) 29’
IND – Justin Braun (Nemanja Vukovic) 45+’
IND – Eamon Zayed (Omar Gordon) 65’
IND – Eamon Zayed (Duke Lacroix) 85’

Discipline Summary:
CAR – Simon Mensing (caution) 44’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki , Colin Falvey (capt) (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 75’), Marco Franco; Omar Gordon, Gorka Larrea (Brad Ring 89’), Nicki Paterson (Duke Lacroix 63’), Dylan Mares; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Cory Miller, Neal Shaffer, Daniel Keller


Carolina RailHawks (4-2-3-1): Akira Fitzgerald; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Simon Mensing (Kareem Moses 77’), Drew Beckie; Nazmi Albadawi (capt) (Nick Taitague 66’), Alex Perez; Austin Da Luz, Jeremy Kelly, Tiyi Shipalane (Jonathon Orlando 66’); Brian Shriver

RailHawks bench: Brian Sylvestre (GK), Marvin Ceballos, Aly Alberto Hassan, Billy Schuler

Improbable 4-1 Victory Puts Indy Eleven on Cusp of Spring Season Title

Eamon Zayed’s Hat Trick Paces Undefeated “Boys in Blue” in Massive Win over Carolina
 

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, June 11, 2016) – In order to be in the driver’s seat for the NASL’s Spring Season title, Indy Eleven needed to score four goals and win by three over the Carolina RailHawks – and that’s just what the “Boys in Blue” dialed up via a 4-1 win in front of 9,341 delirious fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

Eamon Zayed’s hat trick, the first by an Indy Eleven player in NASL play, paced Indy Eleven to the incredible win and first place in the NASL, all but guaranteeing “Indiana’s Team” the Spring Season crown. Only a six-goal win by Fort Lauderdale tomorrow afternoon at FC Edmonton will derail Indy Eleven from receiving its first trophy in club history – and the home game in the opening round of The Championship that comes along with it.

As expected, Indy Eleven came out of the gates committing numbers forward, a relentless first 10 minutes of attacking highlighted by Omar Gordon’s lunging stab at Dylan Mares’ through ball to the penalty spot that was saved by Akira Fitzgerald coming off his line. Indy saw its pressure pay off at the stroke of the quarter hour, when Zayed flung himself at Nemanja Vukovic’s cross from the left sideline, cutting inside his mark to head home just inside the right post to go up 1-0 early.

After the frantic first 15 minutes the Eleven attack would gear down a notch, with Carolina gaining more possession in its own attacking half. It would be a moment of individual brilliance from Nazmi Albadawi that brought things even in the 29th minute, the RailHawks captain cutting inside into space and uncorking a 22-yard shot that beat Indy netminder Jon Busch to his right post.

One minute of stoppage time would be enough for the home side to reclaim the momentum heading into the halftime break, as another Vukovic cross hit paydirt. This time it was Justin Braun redirecting from five yards out to beat Fitzgerald and breathe serious life back into Indy’s title chances.

The second half started much like the first, with Indy Eleven applying intense pressure in the final third. Braun’s perfectly-weighted through ball in the 54th minute put Mares just behind the backline, but Fitzgerald came up with a huge stop to keep the score at 2-1. 

Minutes after Mares saw a goal taken off the board for accidently handing down the ball before firing, it was Zayed making another count in the 64th minute. The Irishman bagged his second of the night on another flashing header, this time off Gordon’s cross. Fitzgerald’s touch would push the ball off the post, but it fortuitously spun over the line to set up a thrilling finish at “The Mike.”

Carolina would nearly get one back through Brian Shriver in the 72nd minute as he was inside the six to redirect a cross from the right side of the area, but the chance wouldn’t make it through traffic.

Gordon looked as if he might have the magical fourth goal for Indy in the 84th minute when he got on the end of a deflected corner at the back post, but 18-year-old Jeremy Kelly – making his first NASL appearance – would appear to play the foil by clearing the chance off the line at the right post.

But the disappointment wouldn’t last long, as it was Zayed again hitting home just a minute later by sliding in at the back post to put home Duke Lacroix well-struck low cross, sending the Carroll Stadium crowd into hysterics. The goal was Zayed’s sixth of the campaign, the heroic effort on the evening pushing him to the top of the league’s scoring chart.

Three minutes of stoppage time would provide no serious threats to the three-goal advantage, with the final whistle signaling the biggest win in club history – and spilling many of the fans in attendance onto the Carroll Stadium pitch to join in the celebration.

From here, Indy Eleven will watch tomorrow’s FC Edmonton-Fort Lauderdale matchup (4:00 p.m. ET, live on ESPN3) with great interest to ensure that Spring Season trophy will be coming to the Circle City. After a couple days of recuperation it’s back to business for the undefeated (4W-6D-0L, 18 pts.) “Boys in Blue,” who will head up I-65 on Wednesday, June 15, to take on MLS side Chicago Fire SC in the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  4 : 1  Carolina RailHawks
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,341


Indy Eleven:
Spring Season: 4W-6D-0L, 18 pts., 1st place

Carolina RailHawks:
Spring Season: 4W-2D-4L, 14 pts., 6th place


Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed (Nemanja Vukovic) 15’
CAR – Nazmi Albadawi (unassisted) 29’
IND – Justin Braun (Nemanja Vukovic) 45+’
IND – Eamon Zayed (Omar Gordon) 65’
IND – Eamon Zayed (Duke Lacroix) 85’

Discipline Summary:
CAR – Simon Mensing (caution) 44’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki , Colin Falvey (capt) (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 75’), Marco Franco; Omar Gordon, Gorka Larrea (Brad Ring 89’), Nicki Paterson (Duke Lacroix 63’), Dylan Mares; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Cory Miller, Neal Shaffer, Daniel Keller


Carolina RailHawks (4-2-3-1): Akira Fitzgerald; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Simon Mensing (Kareem Moses 77’), Drew Beckie; Nazmi Albadawi (capt) (Nick Taitague 66’), Alex Perez; Austin Da Luz, Jeremy Kelly, Tiyi Shipalane (Jonathon Orlando 66’); Brian Shriver

RailHawks bench: Brian Sylvestre (GK), Marvin Ceballos, Aly Alberto Hassan, Billy Schuler

LIVE: #INDvCAR

GAMEDAY: #INDVCAR

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven vs. Carolina Railhawks
Saturday, June 11, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Carroll Stadium – Indy Eleven

 

Team Records:

 

Watch Live:

 

Follow Live:

  • In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter, and Indy Eleven on Facebook
    • Tune in at 7:00 PM as Greg Rakestraw and Brad Hauter give you the keys to the game on Facebook Live!
  • Live stats: Visit the NASL.com MatchCenter for in-depth Opta statistics
  • Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match

 

Media Game Notes:

  • Indy Eleven game notes
  • Carolina Railhawks game notes

 

Last Time Out – Miami FC 0 : 0 Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven's most recent trip to the Sunshine State saw them scrape a point away from Miami FC at FIU Stadium last Saturday night. 

Chances were few and far between for both sides as Indy managed one shot on target out of 15 attempts compared to Miami's three shots on in 11 attempts. While the hosts were able to fire a few efforts on goal, Eleven 'keeper Jon Busch was equal to each effort as he extends his scoreless streak in goal to over 110 minutes. 

Omar Gordon came closest for the visitors in the 42nd minute when he tried an effort from 25+ yards out, but Miami 'netminder Daniel Vega was in position to keep the shot out. Though the "Boys in Blue" had a number of chances fall in front of goal, they were not able to test Vega and secure the three points.

The third such scoreless draw against Floridian opposition leaves Indy Eleven at second place in the 2016 NASL Spring Season. For the full www.indyeleven.com recap, click here.

 

Last Time Out – Carolina Railhawks 0 : 0 Jacksonville Armada FC

Railhawks FC tallied another point at home on Saturday with a nil-all draw against Jacksonville Armada FC at Wakemed Soccer Park. 

Carolina, who has not won a league game since April 23 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, has only garnered two points out of their last five matches after a hot start to the Spring Season has seen them cooled. After an hour delay to the start of the match, the hosts got things going quickly with Billy Schuler immediately seeing a chance in front of goal, though he was unable to convert.

In the 38th minute, Austin Da Luz had a distant effort go inches wide of the post, and the final quality opportunity came from 89th again from Da Luz, but he was unable to work Armada FC 'keeper Miguel Gallardo enough to find his goal. Despite firing off 19 shots, only three reached Gallardo's net and despite some dominant attacking play, the Railhawks were held scoreless for the third straight league match. For a full match recap, click here.
 

-> TICKETS | $11 Bill Night vs. Carolina Railhawks <-
 

Back in the Fold

After weeks of injury trouble, Indy Eleven have an almost completely healed roster heading into the title-deciding bout with Carolina on June 11 at Carroll Stadium.

Having been unable to feature against Miami FC at the weekend, midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic is rearing for action and will provide a massive boost in the midfield as the Eleven look forward to the return of his creativity. His teammate in the center of the park Gorka Larrea has also maintained full fitness after featuring for the full 90 minutes against Miami in South Beach.

Meanwhile, after making his return to the starting line-up, Greg Janicki has been given the all clear to continue activities and will likely keep his spot next to the captain Colin Falvey when Railhawks FC come to the Circle City. The lone question mark in defense is right-back Lovel Palmer, who has been dealing with a niggle in his leg that caused him to miss games against both Jacksonville Armada FC and the Miami FC. Palmer last starred in defense against Minnesota United FC in the 4-2 win at "The Mike" on May 21.

 

Still in the Hunt

"Impossible is nothing."

For Coach Tim Hankinson and "Indiana's Team," Saturday night has to end with Indy Eleven scoring at least four goals and winning by at least three goals. That means that a 4-0 or 4-1 win would do the deed, but a 4-2 win like against Minnesota United FC would not.

Ever optimistic about their chances, midfielder Dylan Mares told www.indyeleven.com that though any game in this league will be difficult, he feels they have the advantage.

"Our fans are incredible. We've gone to two away games and now having the BYB and the rest of the city behind us will give us extra motivation," said Mares.

Though the club has only produced four goals in one game just a single time in the team's history, Saturday night's affair will ensure that the attack is on display as the hunt for the spring title continues being just three points (and a few goals) off the top of the table.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed

Instrumental in Indy's big wins this season, forward Eamon Zayed leads the team in goals scored (3) and will again be the focal point of the attack. If the past is any indication, forward Justin Braun will be alongside the Irishman as the two have formed an impressive partnership throughout the spring slate, and last time the two were at the helm of a league performance, both strikers were on the scoresheet.

Zayed has shown his versatility at the forward position, both holding up play for others around him while also providing a variety of runs in behind to create shooting opportunities for himself and others. If the "Boys in Blue" are to find the back of the net four times on Saturday, Zayed will surely be involved.

 

Who to Watch, Carolina Railhawks FC edition: M Austin Da Luz

With just as many goals as Eamon Zayed in the spring, Da Luz offers a dynamic in the midfield that ranks him amongst the best in the league in his spot. Scoring three goals in eight appearances, Da Luz is often at the heart of the play despite coming from the left flank when moving forward. 

Though "Indiana's Team" is in need of a big night in front of goal, they will have just as difficult a task on hand in keeping Da Luz off the ball and away from Eleven 'keeper Jon Busch.

 

Match-up to Mark: M Sinisa Ubiparipovic vs. M Connor Tobin

Ubiparipovic has been on and off the pitch for a few weeks for Indy Eleven, but his return on Saturday will provide a spark in the midfield that will only boost the ability to move up the field. His opposite number, however, is Railhawks FC midfielder Connor Tobin, who sits in the top-ten in passes completed and top-five in clearances through nine games this spring. 

It will be a battle of an attacking-style midfielder vs. a more set-in midfielder when Ubiparipovic and Tobin line-up across from each other. The lone question affecting the pair is who will be placed in the midfield surrounding them, and what kind of impact they can have as the two sides both seek three points in the Spring Season finale.

GAMEDAY: #INDVCAR

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven vs. Carolina Railhawks
Saturday, June 11, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Carroll Stadium – Indy Eleven

 

Team Records:

 

Watch Live:

 

Follow Live:

  • In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter, and Indy Eleven on Facebook
    • Tune in at 7:00 PM as Greg Rakestraw and Brad Hauter give you the keys to the game on Facebook Live!
  • Live stats: Visit the NASL.com MatchCenter for in-depth Opta statistics
  • Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match

 

Media Game Notes:

  • Indy Eleven game notes
  • Carolina Railhawks game notes

 

Last Time Out – Miami FC 0 : 0 Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven’s most recent trip to the Sunshine State saw them scrape a point away from Miami FC at FIU Stadium last Saturday night. 

Chances were few and far between for both sides as Indy managed one shot on target out of 15 attempts compared to Miami’s three shots on in 11 attempts. While the hosts were able to fire a few efforts on goal, Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch was equal to each effort as he extends his scoreless streak in goal to over 110 minutes. 

Omar Gordon came closest for the visitors in the 42nd minute when he tried an effort from 25+ yards out, but Miami ‘netminder Daniel Vega was in position to keep the shot out. Though the “Boys in Blue” had a number of chances fall in front of goal, they were not able to test Vega and secure the three points.

The third such scoreless draw against Floridian opposition leaves Indy Eleven at second place in the 2016 NASL Spring Season. For the full www.indyeleven.com recap, click here.

 

Last Time Out – Carolina Railhawks 0 : 0 Jacksonville Armada FC

Railhawks FC tallied another point at home on Saturday with a nil-all draw against Jacksonville Armada FC at Wakemed Soccer Park. 

Carolina, who has not won a league game since April 23 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, has only garnered two points out of their last five matches after a hot start to the Spring Season has seen them cooled. After an hour delay to the start of the match, the hosts got things going quickly with Billy Schuler immediately seeing a chance in front of goal, though he was unable to convert.

In the 38th minute, Austin Da Luz had a distant effort go inches wide of the post, and the final quality opportunity came from 89th again from Da Luz, but he was unable to work Armada FC ‘keeper Miguel Gallardo enough to find his goal. Despite firing off 19 shots, only three reached Gallardo’s net and despite some dominant attacking play, the Railhawks were held scoreless for the third straight league match. For a full match recap, click here.
 

-> TICKETS | $11 Bill Night vs. Carolina Railhawks <-
 

Back in the Fold

After weeks of injury trouble, Indy Eleven have an almost completely healed roster heading into the title-deciding bout with Carolina on June 11 at Carroll Stadium.

Having been unable to feature against Miami FC at the weekend, midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic is rearing for action and will provide a massive boost in the midfield as the Eleven look forward to the return of his creativity. His teammate in the center of the park Gorka Larrea has also maintained full fitness after featuring for the full 90 minutes against Miami in South Beach.

Meanwhile, after making his return to the starting line-up, Greg Janicki has been given the all clear to continue activities and will likely keep his spot next to the captain Colin Falvey when Railhawks FC come to the Circle City. The lone question mark in defense is right-back Lovel Palmer, who has been dealing with a niggle in his leg that caused him to miss games against both Jacksonville Armada FC and the Miami FC. Palmer last starred in defense against Minnesota United FC in the 4-2 win at “The Mike” on May 21.

 

Still in the Hunt

“Impossible is nothing.”

For Coach Tim Hankinson and “Indiana’s Team,” Saturday night has to end with Indy Eleven scoring at least four goals and winning by at least three goals. That means that a 4-0 or 4-1 win would do the deed, but a 4-2 win like against Minnesota United FC would not.

Ever optimistic about their chances, midfielder Dylan Mares told www.indyeleven.com that though any game in this league will be difficult, he feels they have the advantage.

“Our fans are incredible. We’ve gone to two away games and now having the BYB and the rest of the city behind us will give us extra motivation,” said Mares.

Though the club has only produced four goals in one game just a single time in the team’s history, Saturday night’s affair will ensure that the attack is on display as the hunt for the spring title continues being just three points (and a few goals) off the top of the table.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed

Instrumental in Indy’s big wins this season, forward Eamon Zayed leads the team in goals scored (3) and will again be the focal point of the attack. If the past is any indication, forward Justin Braun will be alongside the Irishman as the two have formed an impressive partnership throughout the spring slate, and last time the two were at the helm of a league performance, both strikers were on the scoresheet.

Zayed has shown his versatility at the forward position, both holding up play for others around him while also providing a variety of runs in behind to create shooting opportunities for himself and others. If the “Boys in Blue” are to find the back of the net four times on Saturday, Zayed will surely be involved.

 

Who to Watch, Carolina Railhawks FC edition: M Austin Da Luz

With just as many goals as Eamon Zayed in the spring, Da Luz offers a dynamic in the midfield that ranks him amongst the best in the league in his spot. Scoring three goals in eight appearances, Da Luz is often at the heart of the play despite coming from the left flank when moving forward. 

Though “Indiana’s Team” is in need of a big night in front of goal, they will have just as difficult a task on hand in keeping Da Luz off the ball and away from Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch.

 

Match-up to Mark: M Sinisa Ubiparipovic vs. M Connor Tobin

Ubiparipovic has been on and off the pitch for a few weeks for Indy Eleven, but his return on Saturday will provide a spark in the midfield that will only boost the ability to move up the field. His opposite number, however, is Railhawks FC midfielder Connor Tobin, who sits in the top-ten in passes completed and top-five in clearances through nine games this spring. 

It will be a battle of an attacking-style midfielder vs. a more set-in midfielder when Ubiparipovic and Tobin line-up across from each other. The lone question affecting the pair is who will be placed in the midfield surrounding them, and what kind of impact they can have as the two sides both seek three points in the Spring Season finale.

RECAP – Miami FC 0 : 0 Indy

Draw in Miami Keeps Indy Eleven Undefeated, in Control of Own Destiny in Spring Season Title Chase

Scoreless Road Tie Allows “Indiana’s Team” Chance at First Trophy Next Weekend at Home vs. Carolina

MIAMI (Saturday, June 4, 2016) – Indy Eleven would fight through a difficult 90 minutes tonight against The Miami FC, its eventual 0-0 draw at Ocean Bank Field keeping “Indiana’s Team” undefeated with three wins and six draws heading into its Spring Season finale next weekend.

When combined with tonight’s other NASL results – most notably Fort Lauderdale’s 2-1 win over league-leading New York – the draw kept Indy Eleven in contention for the league’s Spring Season title. In fact, it allowed the “Boys in Blue” to control their own destiny next Saturday night when they welcome the Carolina RailHawks to the Circle City – although it will take a three-goal win to lift the first trophy in the Eleven’s three-year history.

After 10 minutes of feeling each other out it was Indy Eleven generating two solid looks a minute apart, but Omar Gordon’s tough short-hop redirect floated high, while Dylan Mares’ close range effort was sliced wide right.

The goal scorer for The Miami FC in its 1-0 win last weekend, Ariel Martinez, tried to dial up a similar effort in the 33rd minute when he approached the Indy Eleven area with a full head of steam, only to see Greg Janicki smartly end the run with a foul 25 yards out. Martinez stepped up to take the ensuing free kick, but sent the effort high. The home side would enjoy some impressive build up play in the first half, but the final efforts would not give Jon Busch many fits, the Indy netminder’s only save of the stanza coming on a low effort from 20 yards out by 2014 Indy performer Blake Smith.

Indy’s two best chances the rest of the way in the first half would come late via Gordon runs down the right, but his near-angle shot inside the area in the 38th minute would go just high, while his near-post effort four minutes later would force a diving save out of The Miami FC goalkeeper Daniel Vega.

Martinez nearly put a stamp on the match in the opening minutes of the second half, but his low, 25-yard effort swerved just wide of the right post. In the 63rd minute it was Jaime Chavez nearly exploiting the Indy backline on a 2-v-1 counter attack up the middle of the field, but Eleven defender Greg Janicki held his ground well and ushered the Miami attacker wide and into a shot that would hardly test Busch.

Indy Eleven forward Eamon Zayed nearly took advantage of a poor Miami FC pass inside its own area, picking the ball off a defender only to push his shot wide in the 71st minute. The Irish striker almost rewarded Mares for his dangerous cross from the right flank just two minutes later, but Zayed’s outstretched leg couldn’t redirect the ball from eight yards out. Substitute midfielder Duke Lacroix nearly made an impact in the 83rd minute when he ended a short run with a shot from just inside penalty area, but his low effort would streak past the far right post.

The Miami FC would have a golden opportunity to steal all three points at the onset of stoppage time via a free kick opportunity, but Michael Lahoud’s header from just five yards out was pushed just over the crossbar, allowing the visitors to walk away with a point – and the chance to lift some hardware next weekend.

Indy Eleven will return to Michael A. Carroll Stadium next Saturday, June 11, with everything to play for against the RailHawks in both teams’ Spring Season finales. Kickoff on Indy Pride Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:30 p.m., and tickets starting at just $11 remain available for the match online at www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm). 


NASL Spring Season
The Miami FC 0 : 0 Indy Eleven
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Ocean Bank Field – Miami, FL
Attendance: 1,837

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 3W-6D-0L, 15 pts., 2nd place

The Miami FC:
Spring Season: 1W-4D-4L, 7 pts., 10th place

Scoring Summary:
None

Discipline Summary:
MIA – Adailton (caution) 81’
IND – Gorka Larrea (caution) 83’
IND – Marco Franco (caution) 90’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki , Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Omar Gordon, Gorka Larrea, Nicki Paterson (Duke Lacroix 74’), Dylan Mares; Eamon Zayed (Daniel Keller 90+’), Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Cory Miller, Neal Shaffer, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Jair Reinoso

The Miami FC (4-2-3-1): Daniel Vega; Mason Trafford, Rhett Bernstein, Adailton, Jonathan Borrajo; Blake Smith, Richie Ryan, Ariel Martinez, Michael Lahoud; Dario Cvitanich (Dane Richards 68’), Jaime Chavez

Miami bench: Pablo Campos, Joe Franco, Wilson Palacios, Connor Rezende, Brad Rusin, David Sierra 

Draw in Miami Keeps Indy Eleven Undefeated, in Control of Own Destiny in Spring Season Title Chase

Scoreless Road Tie Allows “Indiana’s Team” Chance at First Trophy Next Weekend at Home vs. Carolina

MIAMI (Saturday, June 4, 2016) – Indy Eleven would fight through a difficult 90 minutes tonight against The Miami FC, its eventual 0-0 draw at Ocean Bank Field keeping “Indiana’s Team” undefeated with three wins and six draws heading into its Spring Season finale next weekend.

When combined with tonight’s other NASL results – most notably Fort Lauderdale’s 2-1 win over league-leading New York – the draw kept Indy Eleven in contention for the league’s Spring Season title. In fact, it allowed the “Boys in Blue” to control their own destiny next Saturday night when they welcome the Carolina RailHawks to the Circle City – although it will take a three-goal win to lift the first trophy in the Eleven’s three-year history.

After 10 minutes of feeling each other out it was Indy Eleven generating two solid looks a minute apart, but Omar Gordon’s tough short-hop redirect floated high, while Dylan Mares’ close range effort was sliced wide right.

The goal scorer for The Miami FC in its 1-0 win last weekend, Ariel Martinez, tried to dial up a similar effort in the 33rd minute when he approached the Indy Eleven area with a full head of steam, only to see Greg Janicki smartly end the run with a foul 25 yards out. Martinez stepped up to take the ensuing free kick, but sent the effort high. The home side would enjoy some impressive build up play in the first half, but the final efforts would not give Jon Busch many fits, the Indy netminder’s only save of the stanza coming on a low effort from 20 yards out by 2014 Indy performer Blake Smith.

Indy’s two best chances the rest of the way in the first half would come late via Gordon runs down the right, but his near-angle shot inside the area in the 38th minute would go just high, while his near-post effort four minutes later would force a diving save out of The Miami FC goalkeeper Daniel Vega.

Martinez nearly put a stamp on the match in the opening minutes of the second half, but his low, 25-yard effort swerved just wide of the right post. In the 63rd minute it was Jaime Chavez nearly exploiting the Indy backline on a 2-v-1 counter attack up the middle of the field, but Eleven defender Greg Janicki held his ground well and ushered the Miami attacker wide and into a shot that would hardly test Busch.

Indy Eleven forward Eamon Zayed nearly took advantage of a poor Miami FC pass inside its own area, picking the ball off a defender only to push his shot wide in the 71st minute. The Irish striker almost rewarded Mares for his dangerous cross from the right flank just two minutes later, but Zayed’s outstretched leg couldn’t redirect the ball from eight yards out. Substitute midfielder Duke Lacroix nearly made an impact in the 83rd minute when he ended a short run with a shot from just inside penalty area, but his low effort would streak past the far right post.

The Miami FC would have a golden opportunity to steal all three points at the onset of stoppage time via a free kick opportunity, but Michael Lahoud’s header from just five yards out was pushed just over the crossbar, allowing the visitors to walk away with a point – and the chance to lift some hardware next weekend.

Indy Eleven will return to Michael A. Carroll Stadium next Saturday, June 11, with everything to play for against the RailHawks in both teams’ Spring Season finales. Kickoff on Indy Pride Night at “The Mike” is set for 7:30 p.m., and tickets starting at just $11 remain available for the match online at www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm). 


NASL Spring Season
The Miami FC 0 : 0 Indy Eleven
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Ocean Bank Field – Miami, FL
Attendance: 1,837

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 3W-6D-0L, 15 pts., 2nd place

The Miami FC:
Spring Season: 1W-4D-4L, 7 pts., 10th place

Scoring Summary:
None

Discipline Summary:
MIA – Adailton (caution) 81’
IND – Gorka Larrea (caution) 83’
IND – Marco Franco (caution) 90’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki , Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Omar Gordon, Gorka Larrea, Nicki Paterson (Duke Lacroix 74’), Dylan Mares; Eamon Zayed (Daniel Keller 90+’), Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Cory Miller, Neal Shaffer, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Jair Reinoso

The Miami FC (4-2-3-1): Daniel Vega; Mason Trafford, Rhett Bernstein, Adailton, Jonathan Borrajo; Blake Smith, Richie Ryan, Ariel Martinez, Michael Lahoud; Dario Cvitanich (Dane Richards 68’), Jaime Chavez

Miami bench: Pablo Campos, Joe Franco, Wilson Palacios, Connor Rezende, Brad Rusin, David Sierra 

FOLLOW: #MIAvIND

PREVIEW: #MIAvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at The Miami FC
Saturday, June 4, 2016 – 8:00 p.m. ET
FIU Stadium – Miami, FL

 

Team Records:

  • Indy Eleven: 3W-5D-0L, 14 pts, 2nd in NASL Spring standings
  • Miami FC: 1W-3D-4L, 6 pts, 10th in NASL Spring standings

Watch Live:

  • Local: WISH-TV
  • National: None
  • Online: ESPN3.com

 

Follow Live:

 

Media Game Notes:

  • Indy Eleven game notes
  • The Miami FC game notes

 

Indy Eleven began their 2016 run at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night when it hosted the USL's Louisville City FC at Carroll Stadium.

 

Going a goal down midway through the first half at the feet of City FC's top scorer Chandler Hoffman, the "Boys in Blue" were once again in position to fight back. Justin Braun and Eamon Zayed were injected into the game just six minutes apart (40' & 46') and the move proved effective as Indy's terrible twosome began to wreak havoc on the visitor's back line.

In the 58th minute, the tide turned in Indy's favor for good. Omar Gordon intercepted a howler of a pass by LCFC 'keeper Greg Ranjetsingh and, after some tidy footwork, the Jamaican used his left foot to find the back of the net from 20 yards and square the match. Ten minutes later, it was Zayed's turn to put his name up in lights as a neat 1-2-3 between Mares, Lacroix, and Zayed resulted in the Irishman tapping home from three yards. Full-time saw "Indiana's Team" advance to the Fourth Round of #USOC2016 with a trip to Chicago to face the Fire SC on June 15. For the full www.indyeleven.com recap.

 

In their U.S. Open Cup debut, Miami FC fell in surprising fashion to USL side Wilmington Hammerheads 2-1 at its FIU Stadium home. The hosts went 2-nil down in the opening five minutes of the game after Hammerheads forward Jeff Michaud and midfielder Justin Moose scored in the second and fourth minutes, but the NASL side would not go quietly.

Though trailing by two goals at the break, it took just seven minutes into the second half for the NASL expansion side to pull one back – this time through 28-year-old striker Jaime Chavez, the first of his Miami FC career. Drama ensued in the 80th minute with Chavez again at the center of the action, winning a penalty after a challenge from Wilmington 'keeper Eric Ati. Miami forward Dario Cvitanich stepped forward to the penalty spot and fired a low drive to the left side of the net, but Ati chose his dive correctly and stopped the spot kick to hold the Hammerheads lead. In the end, Miami FC dropped the Open Cup game and now has all eyes on finishing the Spring Season strongly. For a full recap, click here.

 

Laundry List of Injuries

It's a testament to the will and depth of Indy Eleven that it has gotten to this point in the season undefeated with the amount of injury trouble the squad has faced. Unfortunately for Coach Hankinson's crew, that injury trouble persists.

Brad Ring has been sidelined since the beginning of May with a nagging MCL sprain, Lovel Palmer has missed the last two games and is out indefinitely with a leg injury, Sinisa Ubiparipovic has been on and off with a hip issue and Greg Janicki has also sat out two games while recovering from a terrible twosome of a concussion and facial fracture … and that's just the beginning. Though Janicki and “Ubi” are for certain making the trip to South Beach, both Ring and Lovel Palmer will not travel. And now in recent days, the Eleven saw Don Smart and Jair Reinoso exit Wednesday night's U.S. Open Cup match having picked up a couple of knocks, though their status for this weekend's game is still up in the air.

While the injuries have allowed some fresh (albeit familiar) faces into the lineup (see Cory Miller, Marco Franco, etc.), consistency has been a difficult thing to achieve. As the Spring Season winds down with a potential championship battle set up for next weekend (pending this weekend's results), health will be a major factor in "Indiana's Team" finding success down the stretch – and achieving the six points it needs to chase the crown.

 

The Chase Continues

The "Boys in Blue" head into their fourth Florida contest of the 2016 Spring Season sitting second in the NASL table with the very real possibility of jumping to the top by the June 11 finale. To win the title, Indy Eleven needs:

 

  • To take six points out of six in its next two games and have the New York Cosmos draw or lose at Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night, OR
  • Take four points out of the next two games, have New York lose on Saturday, AND stay above the chasing pack of FC Edmonton, Minnesota United FC, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale
  • Take four points out of the next two games, have New York Draw Fort Lauderdale on Saturday AND leap the Cosmos in goal differential, AND stay above the five-team chasing pack

 

Obviously, Indy would prefer to go with the first scenario, which means the other match in South Florida at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday is every bit as important as its own 43 miles away at FIU Stadium.

While the team realizes the ultimate goal, it's imperative to Coach Hankinson that the focus remains solely on Saturday night, as dropped points against Miami FC would rule it out of the title chase. The squad’s three games in the State of Florida have not been cruel to the Eleven – but they haven’t been kind either, the “Boys in Blue” earning a point via draws at Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale and, most recently, last weekend in Jacksonville.

While Saturday's opposition is looking up the table at Indy, The Miami FC remains just as much a real threat to the Spring title chase as anyone "Indiana's Team" has faced so far.

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Justin Braun

After not scoring in an Indy Eleven shirt until the game against Minnesota United FC two weeks ago, Braun has been on an absolute tear – scoring two goals and his last three games while also tacking on an assist. While not on the scoresheet against Louisville City FC midweek, his introduction into the match helped inject some energy into attack, creating the space and drive going forward that Indy would eventually exploit in its 2-1 win. 

Additionally, Braun was the hero in last week's 1-1 draw with Armada FC as he helped to salvage a point with a crucial 73rd minute equalizer. If his recent performances are any indication of what we will see Saturday night, Indy's workhorse will be as active as ever when it goes for the win.

Who to Watch, Miami FC edition: MF Ariel Martinez

Though the Miami club fell in the USOC midweek, their NASL form as of late was capped with a significant 1-0 victory – its first three point result in club history – over previous title challengers FC Edmonton thanks to a goal from the midfielder Martinez. Having started seven games in as many seven appearances, Martinez has scored twice for Alessandro Nesta's side and helped them take four points from their last two games against FCE and the Carolina Railhawks.

The 30-year-old Cuban international will be deployed behind a front two of Jaime Chavez and Dario Cvitanich, both of whom will be enough of a test, and will look to play as a traditional No.10 ahead of an Eleven back four that may yet see more changes at the weekend. Though Miami FC have been light in the scoring department, Martinez and Cvitanich have been responsible for five of their six league goals, leaving Coach Hankinson a pair of clear choices on who to mark.

 

Match-up to Mark: MIA MF Richie Ryan vs. IND MF Nicki Paterson

After arriving to Miami as part of one of the biggest financial transfers in NASL history, Richie Ryan has been at the heart of the club's midfield in his only two league games since leaving Jacksonville Armada FC. Spending the 2014 and 2015 seasons with Ottawa Fury FC, Ryan left the Canadian club for the Armada in the offseason, only for him to join Nesta & Co. in the middle of May. A smooth midfielder operating dead center of the pitch, Ryan will be the facilitator for Miami when the pair clash at FIU Stadium.

 

His opposite number will be Indy Eleven midfielder Nicki Paterson, who after serving his delayed USOC suspension from 2013 with the Charleston Battery on Wednesday night, will be one of the fresher pairs of legs at Coach Hankinson's disposal. Being deployed centrally all season, Paterson has shifted from a starting role to a bench role but may again find himself on the pitch from the first minute on with the injury trouble the squad is still wrestling with. That, and the set piece threat he has proven himself to be, may see him have a major impact on the match.

PREVIEW: #MIAvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at The Miami FC
Saturday, June 4, 2016 – 8:00 p.m. ET
FIU Stadium – Miami, FL

 

Team Records:

  • Indy Eleven: 3W-5D-0L, 14 pts, 2nd in NASL Spring standings
  • Miami FC: 1W-3D-4L, 6 pts, 10th in NASL Spring standings

Watch Live:

  • Local: WISH-TV
  • National: None
  • Online: ESPN3.com

 

Follow Live:

 

Media Game Notes:

  • Indy Eleven game notes
  • The Miami FC game notes

 

Indy Eleven began their 2016 run at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night when it hosted the USL’s Louisville City FC at Carroll Stadium.

 

Going a goal down midway through the first half at the feet of City FC’s top scorer Chandler Hoffman, the “Boys in Blue” were once again in position to fight back. Justin Braun and Eamon Zayed were injected into the game just six minutes apart (40′ & 46′) and the move proved effective as Indy’s terrible twosome began to wreak havoc on the visitor’s back line.

In the 58th minute, the tide turned in Indy’s favor for good. Omar Gordon intercepted a howler of a pass by LCFC ‘keeper Greg Ranjetsingh and, after some tidy footwork, the Jamaican used his left foot to find the back of the net from 20 yards and square the match. Ten minutes later, it was Zayed’s turn to put his name up in lights as a neat 1-2-3 between Mares, Lacroix, and Zayed resulted in the Irishman tapping home from three yards. Full-time saw “Indiana’s Team” advance to the Fourth Round of #USOC2016 with a trip to Chicago to face the Fire SC on June 15. For the full www.indyeleven.com recap.

 

In their U.S. Open Cup debut, Miami FC fell in surprising fashion to USL side Wilmington Hammerheads 2-1 at its FIU Stadium home. The hosts went 2-nil down in the opening five minutes of the game after Hammerheads forward Jeff Michaud and midfielder Justin Moose scored in the second and fourth minutes, but the NASL side would not go quietly.

Though trailing by two goals at the break, it took just seven minutes into the second half for the NASL expansion side to pull one back – this time through 28-year-old striker Jaime Chavez, the first of his Miami FC career. Drama ensued in the 80th minute with Chavez again at the center of the action, winning a penalty after a challenge from Wilmington ‘keeper Eric Ati. Miami forward Dario Cvitanich stepped forward to the penalty spot and fired a low drive to the left side of the net, but Ati chose his dive correctly and stopped the spot kick to hold the Hammerheads lead. In the end, Miami FC dropped the Open Cup game and now has all eyes on finishing the Spring Season strongly. For a full recap, click here.

 

Laundry List of Injuries

It’s a testament to the will and depth of Indy Eleven that it has gotten to this point in the season undefeated with the amount of injury trouble the squad has faced. Unfortunately for Coach Hankinson’s crew, that injury trouble persists.

Brad Ring has been sidelined since the beginning of May with a nagging MCL sprain, Lovel Palmer has missed the last two games and is out indefinitely with a leg injury, Sinisa Ubiparipovic has been on and off with a hip issue and Greg Janicki has also sat out two games while recovering from a terrible twosome of a concussion and facial fracture … and that’s just the beginning. Though Janicki and “Ubi” are for certain making the trip to South Beach, both Ring and Lovel Palmer will not travel. And now in recent days, the Eleven saw Don Smart and Jair Reinoso exit Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup match having picked up a couple of knocks, though their status for this weekend’s game is still up in the air.

While the injuries have allowed some fresh (albeit familiar) faces into the lineup (see Cory Miller, Marco Franco, etc.), consistency has been a difficult thing to achieve. As the Spring Season winds down with a potential championship battle set up for next weekend (pending this weekend’s results), health will be a major factor in “Indiana’s Team” finding success down the stretch – and achieving the six points it needs to chase the crown.

 

The Chase Continues

The “Boys in Blue” head into their fourth Florida contest of the 2016 Spring Season sitting second in the NASL table with the very real possibility of jumping to the top by the June 11 finale. To win the title, Indy Eleven needs:

 

  • To take six points out of six in its next two games and have the New York Cosmos draw or lose at Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night, OR
  • Take four points out of the next two games, have New York lose on Saturday, AND stay above the chasing pack of FC Edmonton, Minnesota United FC, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale
  • Take four points out of the next two games, have New York Draw Fort Lauderdale on Saturday AND leap the Cosmos in goal differential, AND stay above the five-team chasing pack

 

Obviously, Indy would prefer to go with the first scenario, which means the other match in South Florida at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday is every bit as important as its own 43 miles away at FIU Stadium.

While the team realizes the ultimate goal, it’s imperative to Coach Hankinson that the focus remains solely on Saturday night, as dropped points against Miami FC would rule it out of the title chase. The squad’s three games in the State of Florida have not been cruel to the Eleven – but they haven’t been kind either, the “Boys in Blue” earning a point via draws at Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale and, most recently, last weekend in Jacksonville.

While Saturday’s opposition is looking up the table at Indy, The Miami FC remains just as much a real threat to the Spring title chase as anyone “Indiana’s Team” has faced so far.

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Justin Braun

After not scoring in an Indy Eleven shirt until the game against Minnesota United FC two weeks ago, Braun has been on an absolute tear – scoring two goals and his last three games while also tacking on an assist. While not on the scoresheet against Louisville City FC midweek, his introduction into the match helped inject some energy into attack, creating the space and drive going forward that Indy would eventually exploit in its 2-1 win. 

Additionally, Braun was the hero in last week’s 1-1 draw with Armada FC as he helped to salvage a point with a crucial 73rd minute equalizer. If his recent performances are any indication of what we will see Saturday night, Indy’s workhorse will be as active as ever when it goes for the win.

Who to Watch, Miami FC edition: MF Ariel Martinez

Though the Miami club fell in the USOC midweek, their NASL form as of late was capped with a significant 1-0 victory – its first three point result in club history – over previous title challengers FC Edmonton thanks to a goal from the midfielder Martinez. Having started seven games in as many seven appearances, Martinez has scored twice for Alessandro Nesta’s side and helped them take four points from their last two games against FCE and the Carolina Railhawks.

The 30-year-old Cuban international will be deployed behind a front two of Jaime Chavez and Dario Cvitanich, both of whom will be enough of a test, and will look to play as a traditional No.10 ahead of an Eleven back four that may yet see more changes at the weekend. Though Miami FC have been light in the scoring department, Martinez and Cvitanich have been responsible for five of their six league goals, leaving Coach Hankinson a pair of clear choices on who to mark.

 

Match-up to Mark: MIA MF Richie Ryan vs. IND MF Nicki Paterson

After arriving to Miami as part of one of the biggest financial transfers in NASL history, Richie Ryan has been at the heart of the club’s midfield in his only two league games since leaving Jacksonville Armada FC. Spending the 2014 and 2015 seasons with Ottawa Fury FC, Ryan left the Canadian club for the Armada in the offseason, only for him to join Nesta & Co. in the middle of May. A smooth midfielder operating dead center of the pitch, Ryan will be the facilitator for Miami when the pair clash at FIU Stadium.

 

His opposite number will be Indy Eleven midfielder Nicki Paterson, who after serving his delayed USOC suspension from 2013 with the Charleston Battery on Wednesday night, will be one of the fresher pairs of legs at Coach Hankinson’s disposal. Being deployed centrally all season, Paterson has shifted from a starting role to a bench role but may again find himself on the pitch from the first minute on with the injury trouble the squad is still wrestling with. That, and the set piece threat he has proven himself to be, may see him have a major impact on the match.

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