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RECAP – Eleven 2 : 1 Louisville

Strong Second Half Sees Indy Eleven Post 2-1 Win over Louisville City FC in U.S. Open Cup Third Round

Goals 10 Minutes Apart by Omar Gordon & Eamon Zayed Lift “Boys in Blue” to Fourth Round Match-up with MLS’ Chicago Fire SC

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, June 1, 2016) – Indy Eleven used goals by Omar Gordon and Eamon Zayed 10 minutes apart in the second half to post a 2-1 win over USL squad Louisville City FC in the Third Round of the 103rd edition  Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

The win for Indy Eleven, which avenged a loss to the same LCFC side in the same round one year ago and kept the NASL squad undefeated through nine games in 2016, advances the “Boys in Blue” to a Fourth Round contest at Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire SC in two weeks’ time. Kickoff at Toyota Park in suburban Bridgeview, Ill., on Wednesday, June 15, is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local).

The opening 20 minutes would see neither team seriously threaten goal, although Louisville’s Greg Ranjitsingh was the more active of the goalkeepers in clearing his penalty area of crosses sent in. The lack of a clearance in Indy Eleven’s back third would lead to Louisville City’s opener in the 21st minute, as a pair of defenders couldn’t decide who would go after George Davis IV’s spinning through ball near the arc. The rolling ball would finally be run onto by Chandler Hoffman, who beat Indy ‘keeper Keith Cardona from 12 yards out to give the visitors the early 1-0 advantage.  

An infraction called on Indy Eleven defender Cory Miller’s sliding challenge against Hoffman on the endline caused some confusion amongst both teams around the half hour mark, as referee Brandon Artis looked to initially signal a penalty kick, only to change his decision to an indirect free kick a few yards inside the area. Louisville’s ensuing free kick to the six did create a shot, but it couldn’t make its way through heavy traffic near the Indy Eleven goalline, the chance eventually dying on a LCFC foul seconds later.

Indy Eleven’s best look of the opening half came in the 43rd minute when Marco Franco’s wall pass with Don Smart freed the Indy right back into the area. Franco’s bouncing square ball missed its intended target of Gordon, but Duke Lacroix did get on the end of it, only to find his shot from 15 yards deflected out for a corner.

An increasingly physical game saw another appeal for a penalty for LCFC, this time in the 56th minute when Davis IV went down under the challenge of Omar Gordon in the top of the area, but Artis adjudged it to be a fair shoulder and play went on. Two minutes later it was Gordon equalizing for Indy, as he collected a failed clearance 20 yards out, took a touch inside into space and fired low and past Ranjitsingh to level things at 1-1.

Just a couple minutes later Louisville had a great chance to go right back ahead, but Davis IV’s free kick from 22 yards out flashed just wide of the near left post. On the other Indy midfielder Dylan Mares was slipped into the top of the area on a nice 1-2, but a sliding tackle by Ben Newnam stopped him from an open look on frame. Those opportunities marked an entertaining 10-minute period of end-to-end chances, setting the pace for a frantic finish.

Hoffman nearly doubled his account in the 67th minute when substitute midfielder Ilija Ilic slipped him through the central defense, only to see his shot from 20 yards skip off the top of the crossbar. It was another second half substitute that would give Indy the lead a minute later, as Zayed finished off a well-worked break orchestrated by Mares and Lacroix, the latter supplying the final cross for an easy redirect from six yards out.

A bungled clearance by Indy Eleven in the 88th minute nearly saw Hoffman equalize, but Cardona was alert off his line, diving in to take the ball off the charging attacker’s feet 10 yards from his line. A 22-yard free kick that sailed on Hoffman at the onset of four minutes of stoppage time would mark the last chance of any quality for LCFC to even up in the dying moments of the match.

The undefeated Indy Eleven (3W-5D-0L, 14 pts., 2nd in NASL) will return its focus to league play and renew its chase for the NASL’s Spring Season title this Saturday, June 4, with its second visit in as many weekends to the Sunshine State, this time to take on The Miami FC. Kickoff from FIU Stadium in Miami is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, and the match can be seen live in Central Indiana on WISH-TV and across the nation online via ESPN3.


Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Third Round
Indy Eleven (NASL)  2 :  1 Louisville City FC (USL)
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 2,145


Scoring Summary:
LOU – Chandler Hoffman (George Davis IV) 21’
IND – Omar Gordon (unassisted) 58’
IND – Eamon Zayed (Duke Lacroix) 68’


Discipline Summary:
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (caution) 26’
IND – Eamon Zayed (caution) 81’
IND – Daniel Keller (caution) 84’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona; Neil Shaffer, Nemanja Vuković (capt), Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Duke Lacroix (Gorka Larrea 77’), Daniel Keller, Dylan Mares, Don Smart (Eamon Zayed 45’); Omar Gordon, Jair Reinoso (Justin Braun 41’)

Eleven bench: Jon Busch (GK), Colin Falvey


Louisville City FC (4-2-3-1): Greg Ranjitsingh; Ben Newnam, Sean Reynolds, Tarek Morad (capt), Kyle Smith (Enrique Montano 74’); Guy Abend, Paolo DelPiccolo; George Davis IV, Cameron Lancaster (Ilija Ilic 65’), Andrew Lubahn (Kadeem Dacres 69’); Chandler Hoffman

City FC bench: Scott Goodwin (GK); Paco Craig, Aodhan Quinn, Kenny Doublette

Strong Second Half Sees Indy Eleven Post 2-1 Win over Louisville City FC in U.S. Open Cup Third Round

Goals 10 Minutes Apart by Omar Gordon & Eamon Zayed Lift “Boys in Blue” to Fourth Round Match-up with MLS’ Chicago Fire SC

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, June 1, 2016) – Indy Eleven used goals by Omar Gordon and Eamon Zayed 10 minutes apart in the second half to post a 2-1 win over USL squad Louisville City FC in the Third Round of the 103rd edition  Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

The win for Indy Eleven, which avenged a loss to the same LCFC side in the same round one year ago and kept the NASL squad undefeated through nine games in 2016, advances the “Boys in Blue” to a Fourth Round contest at Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire SC in two weeks’ time. Kickoff at Toyota Park in suburban Bridgeview, Ill., on Wednesday, June 15, is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local).

The opening 20 minutes would see neither team seriously threaten goal, although Louisville’s Greg Ranjitsingh was the more active of the goalkeepers in clearing his penalty area of crosses sent in. The lack of a clearance in Indy Eleven’s back third would lead to Louisville City’s opener in the 21st minute, as a pair of defenders couldn’t decide who would go after George Davis IV’s spinning through ball near the arc. The rolling ball would finally be run onto by Chandler Hoffman, who beat Indy ‘keeper Keith Cardona from 12 yards out to give the visitors the early 1-0 advantage.  

An infraction called on Indy Eleven defender Cory Miller’s sliding challenge against Hoffman on the endline caused some confusion amongst both teams around the half hour mark, as referee Brandon Artis looked to initially signal a penalty kick, only to change his decision to an indirect free kick a few yards inside the area. Louisville’s ensuing free kick to the six did create a shot, but it couldn’t make its way through heavy traffic near the Indy Eleven goalline, the chance eventually dying on a LCFC foul seconds later.

Indy Eleven’s best look of the opening half came in the 43rd minute when Marco Franco’s wall pass with Don Smart freed the Indy right back into the area. Franco’s bouncing square ball missed its intended target of Gordon, but Duke Lacroix did get on the end of it, only to find his shot from 15 yards deflected out for a corner.

An increasingly physical game saw another appeal for a penalty for LCFC, this time in the 56th minute when Davis IV went down under the challenge of Omar Gordon in the top of the area, but Artis adjudged it to be a fair shoulder and play went on. Two minutes later it was Gordon equalizing for Indy, as he collected a failed clearance 20 yards out, took a touch inside into space and fired low and past Ranjitsingh to level things at 1-1.

Just a couple minutes later Louisville had a great chance to go right back ahead, but Davis IV’s free kick from 22 yards out flashed just wide of the near left post. On the other Indy midfielder Dylan Mares was slipped into the top of the area on a nice 1-2, but a sliding tackle by Ben Newnam stopped him from an open look on frame. Those opportunities marked an entertaining 10-minute period of end-to-end chances, setting the pace for a frantic finish.

Hoffman nearly doubled his account in the 67th minute when substitute midfielder Ilija Ilic slipped him through the central defense, only to see his shot from 20 yards skip off the top of the crossbar. It was another second half substitute that would give Indy the lead a minute later, as Zayed finished off a well-worked break orchestrated by Mares and Lacroix, the latter supplying the final cross for an easy redirect from six yards out.

A bungled clearance by Indy Eleven in the 88th minute nearly saw Hoffman equalize, but Cardona was alert off his line, diving in to take the ball off the charging attacker’s feet 10 yards from his line. A 22-yard free kick that sailed on Hoffman at the onset of four minutes of stoppage time would mark the last chance of any quality for LCFC to even up in the dying moments of the match.

The undefeated Indy Eleven (3W-5D-0L, 14 pts., 2nd in NASL) will return its focus to league play and renew its chase for the NASL’s Spring Season title this Saturday, June 4, with its second visit in as many weekends to the Sunshine State, this time to take on The Miami FC. Kickoff from FIU Stadium in Miami is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, and the match can be seen live in Central Indiana on WISH-TV and across the nation online via ESPN3.


Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Third Round
Indy Eleven (NASL)  2 :  1 Louisville City FC (USL)
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 2,145


Scoring Summary:
LOU – Chandler Hoffman (George Davis IV) 21’
IND – Omar Gordon (unassisted) 58’
IND – Eamon Zayed (Duke Lacroix) 68’


Discipline Summary:
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (caution) 26’
IND – Eamon Zayed (caution) 81’
IND – Daniel Keller (caution) 84’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona; Neil Shaffer, Nemanja Vuković (capt), Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Duke Lacroix (Gorka Larrea 77’), Daniel Keller, Dylan Mares, Don Smart (Eamon Zayed 45’); Omar Gordon, Jair Reinoso (Justin Braun 41’)

Eleven bench: Jon Busch (GK), Colin Falvey


Louisville City FC (4-2-3-1): Greg Ranjitsingh; Ben Newnam, Sean Reynolds, Tarek Morad (capt), Kyle Smith (Enrique Montano 74’); Guy Abend, Paolo DelPiccolo; George Davis IV, Cameron Lancaster (Ilija Ilic 65’), Andrew Lubahn (Kadeem Dacres 69’); Chandler Hoffman

City FC bench: Scott Goodwin (GK); Paco Craig, Aodhan Quinn, Kenny Doublette

GAMEDAY: Indy welcomes Louisville for Open Cup Third Round

PREVIEW: #INDvLOU

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City FC (USL)
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Third Round
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN

 

Team Records:

 

Watch Live:

  • No TV/streaming video

 

Listen Live:

 

Follow Live:

 

Media Game Notes:

 

Indy Eleven and Louisville City FC are in a peculiar position … geographically they are just two hours apart (or 90 minutes depending on your driving style), but they are separately by league affiliation, putting a wedge in a potential rivalry. However, U.S. Soccer has done fans of both sides a favor for a second straight season, pitting the two together in a Third Round fixture in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup once again – a game that will again be contested at “The Mike.”

While Indy Eleven’s arrival to the American soccer scene preceded Louisville’s by a year, it’s been the newcomers holding the advantage between the two by taking last year’s Third Round affair by a 2-0 score in added extra time in addition to a preseason result each of the last two seasons. While most preseason contests are ragged affairs – the new group of Boys in Blue was still very much figuring things out during the contest this past March – and the results count for nothing, tendencies can be learned, and grudges can fester from them.

Sure, it’s not fit to call the occasional meeting between Indy and Louisville a rivalry at this point, but there will indeed be more than a Fourth Round pairing against MLS’ Chicago Fire SC when the two sides clash on Wednesday night.

 

Last Time Out – Jacksonville Armada FC 1 : 1 Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven travelled to the Sunshine State for the first of two visits in one week, this time to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville where they faced Jacksonville Armada FC.

It was a lethargic start for the “Boys in Blue” as the humid conditions added an extra challenge to the night, and the hosts took advantage of a prostrated midfield to get on the board first. After pummeling ‘keeper Jon Busch with repeated shots in the first half hour – only to see the veteran equal to every effort – captain Matt Bahner rocketed home a distance effort that beat Busch to his near post to give Armada FC a 1-nil advantage. The closest “Indiana’s Team” got to goal was a point-blank header from Eamon Zayed that was denied well by JAX ‘netminder Sebastian Evers.

The second half brought a bit of a flurry from both sides as the Eleven clawed their way towards an equalizer while Jacksonville attempted to build on their one goal lead. In the 73rd minute, Jacksonville’s lead gave way to a thumping header from Justin Braun, his second tally in as many games. Impact substitute Jair Reinoso raced towards the end line and lifted a ball dead center of the box, where Braun put his vertical leap to the test and knocked in an equalizer past substitute ‘keeper Miguel Gallardo.

Both sides scrambled for a winner towards the end of the match, and substitute winger Duke Lacroix nearly created the perfect chance as he drove a low ball into the area, but with no teammates there to meet his cross the chance fell through. The 1-1 draw might not have been the full three they wanted to take back, but it did elevate Indiana’s Team to second place in the 2016 Spring Season table with two matches remaining – this weekend’s visit to Miami FC and a home match against the Carolina Railhawks on June 11.

RECAP | Jax Armada FC 1 : 1 Indy Eleven

 

Testing Squad Depth

A week with a congested fixture list means one where the depth of the squad will be tested. For “Indiana’s Team,” that means some new faces … and some old faces that may seem new again.

For a perfect example, see Eleven defender Marco Franco. One of the more well-known “Boys in Blue,” he suited up for nearly every regular season match last year and ranked first in minutes played during the 2015 NASL season.  However, on a roster that only retained eleven players there were bound to be challenges for the starting spot in each position. Franco has started only one match for Indy Eleven – Saturday night’s bout with Jacksonville Armada FC in place of an injured Lovel Palmer. For him, though, it is necessary to keep a “next man up” mentality going forward.

“You just have to be mentally tough. It’s part of the game, and part of the business. You’re going to have guys come in every year and try to take your spot – you just have to give your all on the field and hope for the best. That’s all you can do. Every day, train hard, get better, improve, and that’s all you can ask for,” said Franco.

While there will be a few familiar bodies in the starting XI Wednesday night, the spotlight will be shining on those with a point to prove, and now a stage to prove it on.

 

One Eye on Two Competitions

The other half of tomorrow night is the difficulty of touching the top in separate competitions. For Coach Tim Hankinson, the emphasis is being placed on the competition within closest reach. Right now, that’s the 2016 Spring Season where the Eleven are two games away from potentially being champions assuming they take six points out of six and get some help from Fort Lauderdale against the front-running New York Cosmos on Saturday night.

However, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a prestigious tournament in its own right, and one that’s gaining more notoriety with each passing year. To not go all out in an attempt to progress would be to disrespect the occasion of the match – something Coach Hankinson is strongly opposed to. Therefore, a balance must be found in the team between going all out for the Spring title and going for the U.S. Open Cup, where the Eleven were not up to the task last season against this same Louisville side.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: MF Duke Lacroix

Like Marco Franco, Duke Lacroix is another player with a likely chance to showcase his talents when the Eleven take the field tomorrow night in this #USOC2016 Third Round encounter. Lacroix, who featured in the first XI in Indy’s first three games to start 2016, has a tendency to flash through the back line and create chances for teammates waiting in the area – or slash inside and create for himself.

While the winger has an eye for goal, he also has a variety in skillset that will allow him to be one of Coach Hank’s most formidable weapons. While he’s the youngest player on the squad as 22 years of age, he’ll still be tasked with jumpstarting the team’s attack against a LCFC defense that has allowed just nine goals in 11 matches and also shut down the Indy attack when the two met in a 1-0 Lou City win in a March preseason fixture.

 

Who to Watch, Louisville City FC edition: FW Jon Chandler Hoffman

A monster in front of net, Chandler Hoffman has netted seven times in ten appearances to put him at third on the USL’s scoring chart. A physical forward with MLS experience, Hoffman most recently played with the Houston Dynamo before going on a loan spell with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Now he commands the attack for the third-highest scoring team in the USL with a chance to prove himself in front of a NASL side.

While it was Andrew Lubahn who scored the winner against Indy in the preseason, Hoffman will want to get off the mark quickly when the two meet tomorrow. An Eleven defense that may have some moving parts will have to communicate effectively and clear their line their lines properly to avoid letting a chance slip through to the scrappy forward.

 

Match-up to Mark: FW Jair Reinoso vs. Lou City goalkeeper TBD

Jair Reinoso has been a fairly major player this season as one of multiple new signings in Coach Hankinson’s attack. He scored the opening goal on the road at Rayo OKC and has shown his ability both on the ball and off, brushing past players with pace while making enough runs forward to outlast Roadrunner.

Playing time has been limited as he worked himself to full fitness through the first month of the season, but he’s shown the ability to both finish (see his stunning strike at Rayo OKC) in addition to set up a teammate as he did with Braun last weekend. One challenge for Wednesday, though, is not knowing the opposition goalkeeper – whether Joseph Goodwin steps in net or his teammate Gregory Ranjitsingh. Both have registered six appearances – Goodwin having conceded eight goals while making 17 saves to Ranjitsingh’s one conceded and 10 saves.

Regardless who is minding the net for LCFC tomorrow, the focus remains the same for Reinoso: make goals happen, then survive and advance. 

PREVIEW: #INDvLOU

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City FC (USL)
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – Third Round
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN

 

Team Records:

 

Watch Live:

  • No TV/streaming video

 

Listen Live:

 

Follow Live:

 

Media Game Notes:

 

Indy Eleven and Louisville City FC are in a peculiar position … geographically they are just two hours apart (or 90 minutes depending on your driving style), but they are separately by league affiliation, putting a wedge in a potential rivalry. However, U.S. Soccer has done fans of both sides a favor for a second straight season, pitting the two together in a Third Round fixture in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup once again – a game that will again be contested at “The Mike.”

While Indy Eleven’s arrival to the American soccer scene preceded Louisville’s by a year, it’s been the newcomers holding the advantage between the two by taking last year’s Third Round affair by a 2-0 score in added extra time in addition to a preseason result each of the last two seasons. While most preseason contests are ragged affairs – the new group of Boys in Blue was still very much figuring things out during the contest this past March – and the results count for nothing, tendencies can be learned, and grudges can fester from them.

Sure, it’s not fit to call the occasional meeting between Indy and Louisville a rivalry at this point, but there will indeed be more than a Fourth Round pairing against MLS’ Chicago Fire SC when the two sides clash on Wednesday night.

 

Last Time Out – Jacksonville Armada FC 1 : 1 Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven travelled to the Sunshine State for the first of two visits in one week, this time to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville where they faced Jacksonville Armada FC.

It was a lethargic start for the “Boys in Blue” as the humid conditions added an extra challenge to the night, and the hosts took advantage of a prostrated midfield to get on the board first. After pummeling ‘keeper Jon Busch with repeated shots in the first half hour – only to see the veteran equal to every effort – captain Matt Bahner rocketed home a distance effort that beat Busch to his near post to give Armada FC a 1-nil advantage. The closest “Indiana’s Team” got to goal was a point-blank header from Eamon Zayed that was denied well by JAX ‘netminder Sebastian Evers.

The second half brought a bit of a flurry from both sides as the Eleven clawed their way towards an equalizer while Jacksonville attempted to build on their one goal lead. In the 73rd minute, Jacksonville’s lead gave way to a thumping header from Justin Braun, his second tally in as many games. Impact substitute Jair Reinoso raced towards the end line and lifted a ball dead center of the box, where Braun put his vertical leap to the test and knocked in an equalizer past substitute ‘keeper Miguel Gallardo.

Both sides scrambled for a winner towards the end of the match, and substitute winger Duke Lacroix nearly created the perfect chance as he drove a low ball into the area, but with no teammates there to meet his cross the chance fell through. The 1-1 draw might not have been the full three they wanted to take back, but it did elevate Indiana’s Team to second place in the 2016 Spring Season table with two matches remaining – this weekend’s visit to Miami FC and a home match against the Carolina Railhawks on June 11.

RECAP | Jax Armada FC 1 : 1 Indy Eleven

 

Testing Squad Depth

A week with a congested fixture list means one where the depth of the squad will be tested. For “Indiana’s Team,” that means some new faces … and some old faces that may seem new again.

For a perfect example, see Eleven defender Marco Franco. One of the more well-known “Boys in Blue,” he suited up for nearly every regular season match last year and ranked first in minutes played during the 2015 NASL season.  However, on a roster that only retained eleven players there were bound to be challenges for the starting spot in each position. Franco has started only one match for Indy Eleven – Saturday night’s bout with Jacksonville Armada FC in place of an injured Lovel Palmer. For him, though, it is necessary to keep a “next man up” mentality going forward.

“You just have to be mentally tough. It’s part of the game, and part of the business. You’re going to have guys come in every year and try to take your spot – you just have to give your all on the field and hope for the best. That’s all you can do. Every day, train hard, get better, improve, and that’s all you can ask for,” said Franco.

While there will be a few familiar bodies in the starting XI Wednesday night, the spotlight will be shining on those with a point to prove, and now a stage to prove it on.

 

One Eye on Two Competitions

The other half of tomorrow night is the difficulty of touching the top in separate competitions. For Coach Tim Hankinson, the emphasis is being placed on the competition within closest reach. Right now, that’s the 2016 Spring Season where the Eleven are two games away from potentially being champions assuming they take six points out of six and get some help from Fort Lauderdale against the front-running New York Cosmos on Saturday night.

However, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a prestigious tournament in its own right, and one that’s gaining more notoriety with each passing year. To not go all out in an attempt to progress would be to disrespect the occasion of the match – something Coach Hankinson is strongly opposed to. Therefore, a balance must be found in the team between going all out for the Spring title and going for the U.S. Open Cup, where the Eleven were not up to the task last season against this same Louisville side.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: MF Duke Lacroix

Like Marco Franco, Duke Lacroix is another player with a likely chance to showcase his talents when the Eleven take the field tomorrow night in this #USOC2016 Third Round encounter. Lacroix, who featured in the first XI in Indy’s first three games to start 2016, has a tendency to flash through the back line and create chances for teammates waiting in the area – or slash inside and create for himself.

While the winger has an eye for goal, he also has a variety in skillset that will allow him to be one of Coach Hank’s most formidable weapons. While he’s the youngest player on the squad as 22 years of age, he’ll still be tasked with jumpstarting the team’s attack against a LCFC defense that has allowed just nine goals in 11 matches and also shut down the Indy attack when the two met in a 1-0 Lou City win in a March preseason fixture.

 

Who to Watch, Louisville City FC edition: FW Jon Chandler Hoffman

A monster in front of net, Chandler Hoffman has netted seven times in ten appearances to put him at third on the USL’s scoring chart. A physical forward with MLS experience, Hoffman most recently played with the Houston Dynamo before going on a loan spell with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Now he commands the attack for the third-highest scoring team in the USL with a chance to prove himself in front of a NASL side.

While it was Andrew Lubahn who scored the winner against Indy in the preseason, Hoffman will want to get off the mark quickly when the two meet tomorrow. An Eleven defense that may have some moving parts will have to communicate effectively and clear their line their lines properly to avoid letting a chance slip through to the scrappy forward.

 

Match-up to Mark: FW Jair Reinoso vs. Lou City goalkeeper TBD

Jair Reinoso has been a fairly major player this season as one of multiple new signings in Coach Hankinson’s attack. He scored the opening goal on the road at Rayo OKC and has shown his ability both on the ball and off, brushing past players with pace while making enough runs forward to outlast Roadrunner.

Playing time has been limited as he worked himself to full fitness through the first month of the season, but he’s shown the ability to both finish (see his stunning strike at Rayo OKC) in addition to set up a teammate as he did with Braun last weekend. One challenge for Wednesday, though, is not knowing the opposition goalkeeper – whether Joseph Goodwin steps in net or his teammate Gregory Ranjitsingh. Both have registered six appearances – Goodwin having conceded eight goals while making 17 saves to Ranjitsingh’s one conceded and 10 saves.

Regardless who is minding the net for LCFC tomorrow, the focus remains the same for Reinoso: make goals happen, then survive and advance. 

RECAP: Jax Armada FC 1 : 1 Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven Stay Unbeaten with 1-1 Draw at Jacksonville Armada FC
The "Boys in Blue" take one point from the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville as the Spring Season rolls on

 
JACKSONVILLE (Saturday, May 28, 2016) – A crucial second half equalizer from forward Justin Braun secured an important point for Indy Eleven after a hard fought tussle with Jacksonville Armada FC ended 1-1 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The result temporarily moves "Indiana's Team" into a tie for second place on 14 points with two matches remaining.

Chances were few and far early on between as both sides took their time settling into the match. It was Armada FC who looked most eager early on and midfielder Junior Sandoval was the first to test Eleven 'keeper Jon Busch, though the veteran was equal to everything kicked his way in the opening fifteen minutes. For the visitors, forward Eamon Zayed came closest at the twenty minute mark as midfielder Don Smart whipped in a long, hanging cross that found the head of the Irishman, only for Armada FC 'netminder Sebastian Evers to make a point-blank save.

In the 29th minute, the match got chippy as defender Cory Miller entered the referee's book after fouling Jacksonville forward Danny Barrow just outside the Indy area. Again, it was midfielder Junior Sandoval standing over the free kick duties but his curling effort was deflected off the wall and off the underside of the crossbar to keep things level at zero.

However, one minute later the deadlock was broken. Following the free kick on the ensuing Jacksonville attack, Armada FC defender Matt Bahner took a pass and unleashed a powerful low drive to beat GK Jon Busch to his near post as the hosts jumped ahead.

The Eleven took their first steps to an equalizer in the 35th minute via a Nemanja Vukovic free kick. A favorable angle for the left-footed defender, he clipped the ball over the wall but could not keep it on frame as 'keeper Sebastian Evers saw the effort wide. Just before half, "Indiana's Team" had another golden opportunity after a long throw from winger Omar Gordon, but Evers was equal to the close range chance at the far post to keep his side 1-nil up.

Halftime came and went as neither side made changes for the second period of play. The Armada came out as the aggressors with an early opportunity that forced Jon Busch into one of his four saves, this time as he denied forward Alhassane Keita what would have been the go-ahead goal. Five minutes later, Jacksonville won a free kick that broke into the Indy area only for Busch to come off his line and take the effort with both palms. 

Potentially a match-turning moment came in the 56th minute when Jacksonville 'keeper Sebastian Evers went down awkwardly following a free kick, forcing the hosts into their first change of the night bringing in Miguel Gallardo in his place.

The Eleven kept pounding towards the Armada goal, and in the 73rd minute they got their reward. Impact substitute Jair Reinoso found a yard of space outside the area and lifted a ball dead center of the area where his teammate Justin Braun was waiting. Indy's No.17 met the cross with a thunderous header leaving Gallardo scrambling on his line, with nothing to do to prevent the equalizer as Braun tallied his second goal in two weeks.

The "Boys in Blue" continued to press on the host's defense, but when Omar Gordon won a set-piece chance on the right flank in the 78th minute, Nemanja Vukovic's delivery was too near the 'keeper Gallardo and the opportunity was missed.

Jacksonville had one more quality look at goal in the 87th minute as substitute Matt Fondy did well to angle a pass into the path of his teammate Keita. The Guinean forward then turned towards Indy's goal to squeeze a shot past Busch, but defender Marco Franco was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the line, preserving the 1-1 scoreline. The match ended at one-all and Coach Hankinson and co. took their third point out of the Sunshine state in as many visits.

Indy Eleven returns home midweek on Wednesday, June 1, when it will host Louisville City FC in the Third Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Carroll Stadium. Tickets for last year's USOC rematch are available starting at $5 in the Brickyard Battalion sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.)

NASL Spring Season
Jacksonville Armada FC  1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, FL

Indy Eleven:
Spring Season: 3W-5D-0L, 14 pts., 2nd place

Jacksonville Armada FC:
Spring Season: 1W-2D-5L, 5 pts., 10th place

Click here to see the full NASL Spring Season standings

Scoring Summary:
JAX – Matt Bahner (unassisted) 30'
IND – Justin Baun (Jair Reinoso) 73'

Discipline Summary:
IND – Cory Miller (caution) 28'
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 41'
JAX – Matt Bahner (caution) 63'
IND – Nemanja Vukovic (caution) 70'

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R): Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Cory Miller, Colin Falvey, Marco Franco; Omar Gordon (Duke Lacroix 82'), Dylan Mares (Gorka Larrea 60'), Nicki Paterson, Don Smart (Jair Reinoso 60'); Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Neil Shaffer, Daniel Keller

Jacksonville Armada line-up (4-3-3, L–>R): Sebastian Evers (Miguel Gallardo 57'); Matt Bahner, Tyler Ruthvan, Beto Navarro, Shawn Nicklaw; Nicolas Perea (Patrick Otte 74'), Junior Sandoval, Kevan George; Jemal Johnson, Alhassane Keita, Danny Barrow (Matthew Fondy 82')

Jacksonville Armada FC bench: Bryan Burke, Alex Dixon, Derek Gebhard, Charles Eloundou

Indy Eleven Stay Unbeaten with 1-1 Draw at Jacksonville Armada FC
The “Boys in Blue” take one point from the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville as the Spring Season rolls on

 
JACKSONVILLE (Saturday, May 28, 2016) – A crucial second half equalizer from forward Justin Braun secured an important point for Indy Eleven after a hard fought tussle with Jacksonville Armada FC ended 1-1 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The result temporarily moves “Indiana’s Team” into a tie for second place on 14 points with two matches remaining.

Chances were few and far early on between as both sides took their time settling into the match. It was Armada FC who looked most eager early on and midfielder Junior Sandoval was the first to test Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch, though the veteran was equal to everything kicked his way in the opening fifteen minutes. For the visitors, forward Eamon Zayed came closest at the twenty minute mark as midfielder Don Smart whipped in a long, hanging cross that found the head of the Irishman, only for Armada FC ‘netminder Sebastian Evers to make a point-blank save.

In the 29th minute, the match got chippy as defender Cory Miller entered the referee’s book after fouling Jacksonville forward Danny Barrow just outside the Indy area. Again, it was midfielder Junior Sandoval standing over the free kick duties but his curling effort was deflected off the wall and off the underside of the crossbar to keep things level at zero.

However, one minute later the deadlock was broken. Following the free kick on the ensuing Jacksonville attack, Armada FC defender Matt Bahner took a pass and unleashed a powerful low drive to beat GK Jon Busch to his near post as the hosts jumped ahead.

The Eleven took their first steps to an equalizer in the 35th minute via a Nemanja Vukovic free kick. A favorable angle for the left-footed defender, he clipped the ball over the wall but could not keep it on frame as ‘keeper Sebastian Evers saw the effort wide. Just before half, “Indiana’s Team” had another golden opportunity after a long throw from winger Omar Gordon, but Evers was equal to the close range chance at the far post to keep his side 1-nil up.

Halftime came and went as neither side made changes for the second period of play. The Armada came out as the aggressors with an early opportunity that forced Jon Busch into one of his four saves, this time as he denied forward Alhassane Keita what would have been the go-ahead goal. Five minutes later, Jacksonville won a free kick that broke into the Indy area only for Busch to come off his line and take the effort with both palms. 

Potentially a match-turning moment came in the 56th minute when Jacksonville ‘keeper Sebastian Evers went down awkwardly following a free kick, forcing the hosts into their first change of the night bringing in Miguel Gallardo in his place.

The Eleven kept pounding towards the Armada goal, and in the 73rd minute they got their reward. Impact substitute Jair Reinoso found a yard of space outside the area and lifted a ball dead center of the area where his teammate Justin Braun was waiting. Indy’s No.17 met the cross with a thunderous header leaving Gallardo scrambling on his line, with nothing to do to prevent the equalizer as Braun tallied his second goal in two weeks.

The “Boys in Blue” continued to press on the host’s defense, but when Omar Gordon won a set-piece chance on the right flank in the 78th minute, Nemanja Vukovic’s delivery was too near the ‘keeper Gallardo and the opportunity was missed.

Jacksonville had one more quality look at goal in the 87th minute as substitute Matt Fondy did well to angle a pass into the path of his teammate Keita. The Guinean forward then turned towards Indy’s goal to squeeze a shot past Busch, but defender Marco Franco was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the line, preserving the 1-1 scoreline. The match ended at one-all and Coach Hankinson and co. took their third point out of the Sunshine state in as many visits.

Indy Eleven returns home midweek on Wednesday, June 1, when it will host Louisville City FC in the Third Round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Carroll Stadium. Tickets for last year’s USOC rematch are available starting at $5 in the Brickyard Battalion sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.)

NASL Spring Season
Jacksonville Armada FC  1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, FL

Indy Eleven:
Spring Season: 3W-5D-0L, 14 pts., 2nd place

Jacksonville Armada FC:
Spring Season: 1W-2D-5L, 5 pts., 10th place

Click here to see the full NASL Spring Season standings

Scoring Summary:
JAX – Matt Bahner (unassisted) 30′
IND – Justin Baun (Jair Reinoso) 73′

Discipline Summary:
IND – Cory Miller (caution) 28′
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 41′
JAX – Matt Bahner (caution) 63′
IND – Nemanja Vukovic (caution) 70′

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R): Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Cory Miller, Colin Falvey, Marco Franco; Omar Gordon (Duke Lacroix 82′), Dylan Mares (Gorka Larrea 60′), Nicki Paterson, Don Smart (Jair Reinoso 60′); Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Neil Shaffer, Daniel Keller

Jacksonville Armada line-up (4-3-3, L–>R): Sebastian Evers (Miguel Gallardo 57′); Matt Bahner, Tyler Ruthvan, Beto Navarro, Shawn Nicklaw; Nicolas Perea (Patrick Otte 74′), Junior Sandoval, Kevan George; Jemal Johnson, Alhassane Keita, Danny Barrow (Matthew Fondy 82′)

Jacksonville Armada FC bench: Bryan Burke, Alex Dixon, Derek Gebhard, Charles Eloundou

RECAP – Eleven 4 : 2 Minnesota

Indy Eleven Takes “Fight for First” with Minnesota United FC via 4-2 Win

Crowd of 9,076 at Carroll Stadium Spur “Boys in Blue” on to Three Points, Share of Top Spot in NASL Spring Standings

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 21, 2016) – In a game fit for a fight for the top spot in the NASL, Indy Eleven managed to join Minnesota United FC atop of the standings – at least for a night – via a thrilling 4-2 win over the Loons in front of 9,076 fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

Indy Eleven came out the aggressor in the first quarter hour with some nice build up play, but it was a counter-attack in the 16th minute that put the “Boys in Blue” on the board first. Defender Nemanja Vuković won possession in his defensive third and carried across midfield before playing Justin Braun into the area, where he was cleared out by Minnesota goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock coming off his line. However, Braun was able to push the ball towards goal, and Eamon Zayed beat a pair of defenders to slide the ball into the open net for his team-high third tally of the season.

Minnesota looked to have a golden chance just before the Indy opener when Danny Cruz found some space to fire from 12 yards out, but a sliding Greg Janicki would knock the ball off his foot to deflect out for a corner.

Both teams had quality chances to get on the board in the half’s final five minutes, starting when Indy had two bang-bang shots in the 40thminute. Midfielder Dylan Mares sliced a shot past a diving Ndjock but off the base of the right post, and the rebound would bounce right to Braun, who pushed his shot from the top of the six wide left. A minute later Christian Ramirez contorted himself to get a high boot on Bernardo Anor’s looping ball to the far left post, only to miss the chance from five yards out high.

Indy Eleven had a dream start to the second half thanks to Omar Gordon’s NASL account opener four minutes into the stanza. The well-worked play saw Don Smart, Braun and Zayed work the ball down the right side and into the area, the latter trying to take a chance on frame but pushing the ball towards the endline. It was Gordon racing to reach the ball and, with Ndjock off his line, slotting on a near angle to double the lead for the Eleven.

But that two-goal advantage wouldn’t last long, as Stefano Pihno woke up the Minnesota attack in the 54th minute with a scorcher from 25 yards out that gave Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch no chance as it whistled into the upper left side of goal, slicing the Indy lead to 2-1.

It was Venegas playing provider again for the Loons’ equalizer in the 69th minute, as his corner kick service into traffic just outside the six found a crashing Damion Lowe, the center back adjusting to get a leg to the service and sweep a shot past Busch to even things up heading into the final 20 minutes.

The back-and-forth affair took another swing in the 75th minute when Braun finally managed to put one home. Ndjock did well to dive and save Vuković’s free kick from 25 yards, but Braun crashed the six and somehow snuck the rebound between the Minnesota ‘keeper and the right post to put Indy back in front.

Eleven substitute midfielder Nicki Paterson looked to make an impact of his own on a free kick opportunity in the 84th minute, but his dipping effort from 25 yards missed just high – and Ndjock may very well have had a beat on it regardless.

Due to a clash of heads between Greg Janicki and Stefano Pinho with 20 minutes in regulation, eight minutes of stoppage time was added to the second half.  It was Indy controlling things throughout, thanks in part to a pair of cautions and subsequent red card issued to Loons captain Justin Davis, the second for a foul on Mares that set up a free kick just a yard outside the area. This time Paterson was able to hit home, bending his shot into the right side netting to secure the biggest three points in Indy Eleven’s short history – and a temporary spot on top of the league on 13 points with Minnesota, which remained in first by one goal in the goal differential department, and third-place Carolina.

Indy Eleven will return to Florida for a third time this Spring Season next Saturday, May 28, when it takes on Jacksonville Armada FC (1-1-4, 4 pts., 10th place) at 7:00 p.m., a match that can be seen live online via ESPN3. Following that game, another trip to the Sunshine State for a first meeting with Miami FC (0-3-4, 3 pts., 11th place) on June 4 and the home finale on June 11 vs. Carolina will close out Indy’s chase for the Spring Season title.


QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM HANKINSON

On his team’s effort vs. Minnesota:

“One of my favorite words in sport that epitomizes this team is resilience – the ability to get knocked down and to come back and not stay on the floor. We showed that again tonight and we’ve shown it in almost all of our games, even in Fort Lauderdale when we just wouldn’t break. It’s a great quality to have. You have to have it to win championships. Hopefully this will be a part of the foundation of what’s inside of us that we remind ourselves of before every match to bring in for 90 minutes.”

On a change in approach defensively for tonight’s match:

“We changed the way we defended a little bit tonight, going with a more high pressure game. When you’re not scoring goals, when you’re sitting back, you have to build possession to create quality moments. We haven’t done that often enough. It’s not enough to be dangerous. Tonight we decided to pressure so we can force turnovers closer to their goal hoping that turns into more goals, which we have to look at this game and say ‘we’re better tonight.’” 


NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  4 : 2 Minnesota United FC
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,076


Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 3W-4D-0L, 13 pts., 2nd place

Minnesota United FC:
Spring Season: 4W-1D-2L, 13 pts., 1st place
 

Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed (Justin Braun) 16’
IND – Omar Gordon (Eamon Zayed) 49’
MNU – Stefano Pinho (Kevin Venegas) 54’
MNU – Damion Lowe (Kevin Venegas) 69’
IND – Justin Braun (unassisted) 75’
IND – Nicki Paterson (unassisted) 90+’

Discipline Summary:
MNU – Danny Cruz (caution) 7’
IND – Colin Falvey (caution) 56’
IND – Jon Busch (caution) 76’
MNU – Justin Davis (caution) 90+’
MNU – Justin Davis (caution) 90+’
MNU – Justin Davis (ejection, 2nd caution) 90+’
 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki (Cory Miller 74’), Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Omar Gordon, Dylan Mares, Gorka Larrea (Nicki Paterson 67’), Don Smart (Duke Lacroix 77’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Daniel Keller, Jair Reinoso


Minnesota United FC (4-2-3-1): Sammy Ndjock; Justin Davis (capt), Brent Kallman, Damion Lowe, Kevin Venegas; Juliano (Daniel Mendes 80’), Jeb Brovsky; Stefano Pinho, Danny Cruz (J.C. Banks 70’), Bernardo Anor (Lance Laing 70’); Christian Ramirez

United FC bench: Steward Ceus (GK), Tiago Calvano, Ismaila Jome, Aaron Pitchkolan

Indy Eleven Takes “Fight for First” with Minnesota United FC via 4-2 Win

Crowd of 9,076 at Carroll Stadium Spur “Boys in Blue” on to Three Points, Share of Top Spot in NASL Spring Standings

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 21, 2016) – In a game fit for a fight for the top spot in the NASL, Indy Eleven managed to join Minnesota United FC atop of the standings – at least for a night – via a thrilling 4-2 win over the Loons in front of 9,076 fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

Indy Eleven came out the aggressor in the first quarter hour with some nice build up play, but it was a counter-attack in the 16th minute that put the “Boys in Blue” on the board first. Defender Nemanja Vuković won possession in his defensive third and carried across midfield before playing Justin Braun into the area, where he was cleared out by Minnesota goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock coming off his line. However, Braun was able to push the ball towards goal, and Eamon Zayed beat a pair of defenders to slide the ball into the open net for his team-high third tally of the season.

Minnesota looked to have a golden chance just before the Indy opener when Danny Cruz found some space to fire from 12 yards out, but a sliding Greg Janicki would knock the ball off his foot to deflect out for a corner.

Both teams had quality chances to get on the board in the half’s final five minutes, starting when Indy had two bang-bang shots in the 40thminute. Midfielder Dylan Mares sliced a shot past a diving Ndjock but off the base of the right post, and the rebound would bounce right to Braun, who pushed his shot from the top of the six wide left. A minute later Christian Ramirez contorted himself to get a high boot on Bernardo Anor’s looping ball to the far left post, only to miss the chance from five yards out high.

Indy Eleven had a dream start to the second half thanks to Omar Gordon’s NASL account opener four minutes into the stanza. The well-worked play saw Don Smart, Braun and Zayed work the ball down the right side and into the area, the latter trying to take a chance on frame but pushing the ball towards the endline. It was Gordon racing to reach the ball and, with Ndjock off his line, slotting on a near angle to double the lead for the Eleven.

But that two-goal advantage wouldn’t last long, as Stefano Pihno woke up the Minnesota attack in the 54th minute with a scorcher from 25 yards out that gave Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch no chance as it whistled into the upper left side of goal, slicing the Indy lead to 2-1.

It was Venegas playing provider again for the Loons’ equalizer in the 69th minute, as his corner kick service into traffic just outside the six found a crashing Damion Lowe, the center back adjusting to get a leg to the service and sweep a shot past Busch to even things up heading into the final 20 minutes.

The back-and-forth affair took another swing in the 75th minute when Braun finally managed to put one home. Ndjock did well to dive and save Vuković’s free kick from 25 yards, but Braun crashed the six and somehow snuck the rebound between the Minnesota ‘keeper and the right post to put Indy back in front.

Eleven substitute midfielder Nicki Paterson looked to make an impact of his own on a free kick opportunity in the 84th minute, but his dipping effort from 25 yards missed just high – and Ndjock may very well have had a beat on it regardless.

Due to a clash of heads between Greg Janicki and Stefano Pinho with 20 minutes in regulation, eight minutes of stoppage time was added to the second half.  It was Indy controlling things throughout, thanks in part to a pair of cautions and subsequent red card issued to Loons captain Justin Davis, the second for a foul on Mares that set up a free kick just a yard outside the area. This time Paterson was able to hit home, bending his shot into the right side netting to secure the biggest three points in Indy Eleven’s short history – and a temporary spot on top of the league on 13 points with Minnesota, which remained in first by one goal in the goal differential department, and third-place Carolina.

Indy Eleven will return to Florida for a third time this Spring Season next Saturday, May 28, when it takes on Jacksonville Armada FC (1-1-4, 4 pts., 10th place) at 7:00 p.m., a match that can be seen live online via ESPN3. Following that game, another trip to the Sunshine State for a first meeting with Miami FC (0-3-4, 3 pts., 11th place) on June 4 and the home finale on June 11 vs. Carolina will close out Indy’s chase for the Spring Season title.


QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM HANKINSON

On his team’s effort vs. Minnesota:

“One of my favorite words in sport that epitomizes this team is resilience – the ability to get knocked down and to come back and not stay on the floor. We showed that again tonight and we’ve shown it in almost all of our games, even in Fort Lauderdale when we just wouldn’t break. It’s a great quality to have. You have to have it to win championships. Hopefully this will be a part of the foundation of what’s inside of us that we remind ourselves of before every match to bring in for 90 minutes.”

On a change in approach defensively for tonight’s match:

“We changed the way we defended a little bit tonight, going with a more high pressure game. When you’re not scoring goals, when you’re sitting back, you have to build possession to create quality moments. We haven’t done that often enough. It’s not enough to be dangerous. Tonight we decided to pressure so we can force turnovers closer to their goal hoping that turns into more goals, which we have to look at this game and say ‘we’re better tonight.’” 


NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  4 : 2 Minnesota United FC
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,076


Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 3W-4D-0L, 13 pts., 2nd place

Minnesota United FC:
Spring Season: 4W-1D-2L, 13 pts., 1st place
 

Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed (Justin Braun) 16’
IND – Omar Gordon (Eamon Zayed) 49’
MNU – Stefano Pinho (Kevin Venegas) 54’
MNU – Damion Lowe (Kevin Venegas) 69’
IND – Justin Braun (unassisted) 75’
IND – Nicki Paterson (unassisted) 90+’

Discipline Summary:
MNU – Danny Cruz (caution) 7’
IND – Colin Falvey (caution) 56’
IND – Jon Busch (caution) 76’
MNU – Justin Davis (caution) 90+’
MNU – Justin Davis (caution) 90+’
MNU – Justin Davis (ejection, 2nd caution) 90+’
 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki (Cory Miller 74’), Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Omar Gordon, Dylan Mares, Gorka Larrea (Nicki Paterson 67’), Don Smart (Duke Lacroix 77’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Daniel Keller, Jair Reinoso


Minnesota United FC (4-2-3-1): Sammy Ndjock; Justin Davis (capt), Brent Kallman, Damion Lowe, Kevin Venegas; Juliano (Daniel Mendes 80’), Jeb Brovsky; Stefano Pinho, Danny Cruz (J.C. Banks 70’), Bernardo Anor (Lance Laing 70’); Christian Ramirez

United FC bench: Steward Ceus (GK), Tiago Calvano, Ismaila Jome, Aaron Pitchkolan

GAMEDAY: #INDvMNU

PREVIEW: #INDvMNU

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven vs. Minnesota United FC
Saturday, May 21, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET

Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN

 

TEAM RECORDS:

  • Indy Eleven – 2W-4D-0L, 10 pts., 5th place in NASL Spring standings
  • Minnesota United FC – 4W-1D-1L, 13 pts., 1st place in NASL Spring standings 

 

WATCH LIVE:

  • Local TV: WISH-TV
  • National TV: beIN SPORTS
  • Online: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (subscription necessary)

 

LISTEN LIVE:

  • Local Radio: Exitos 1590 (Spanish)
  • Online: Exitos1590.com (Spanish)

 

FOLLOW LIVE:

 

MEDIA GAME NOTES:

 

Last Time Out – Fort Lauderdale Strikers 0 : 0 Indy Eleven

If not for Indy Eleven GK Jon Busch, the “Boys in Blue” may have let the hosts gather all three points when they hit the road to Fort Lauderdale last Saturday.

Busch was outstanding in his sixth appearance for “Indiana’s Team,” parrying all six shots away from his area to prevent the Strikers from finding what would have been the go-ahead goal in a tight scoreless contest. Indy’s No.18 took two first half efforts, one long and one short, away from the net, diving across his line on one occasion to pin the ball on the goal line, and took another four in the second half. On the opposite end, the Eleven came closest through the left foot of defender Nemanja Vuković, though the opposition netminder, Diego Restrepo, did well to equal the effort and keep a low, swerving ball out of the back of the net.

Adding to the frustrations, the match was stopped right after the halftime break due to inclement weather. This caused nearly an hour-and-a-half delay that only confined the fixed energy levels further. The 0-0 draw leaves Indy Eleven in fifth place, still unbeaten, with 10 points after six games.

 

Spring Season’s “Moving Day”

With just four games remaining for both the Eleven and Minnesota United FC, Saturday’s clash could ultimately determine how the table shakes out, with the Spring Season champion being crowned in under a month’s time. The Week 7 slate could be equated to a golf tournament’s Saturday “moving day” as the top six will be pitted against each other in three crucial match-ups: Indy v. Minnesota on Saturday and FC Edmonton/Carolina and New York/Tampa Bay both on Sunday.

A win for the “Boys in Blue” on Military Appreciation Night could see them catapult into a tie for first place with their weekend foe (at least for 24 hours), while a loss could all but eliminate them from contention for a first shot at hardware in 2016. In between the two sides are three teams Indy Eleven has a game in hand on – FCE and the Cosmos, both of whom have already made their visit to Circle City, as well as Carolina, which the Eleven welcomes in the final game of the spring on June 11.

On the task at hand, Coach Tim Hankinson said, “We have a game in hand as they do, and three points puts you in a tie for first place, so it’s a first-place game. You have to get good at winning those, because if you’re ever going to expect to win a championship, when those games come along that’s performance time.”

 

Attack, Attack … Attack, Attack, Attack! … And Defense!

Minnesota United FC jet into town with the most prolific attack in the league, having scored 11 goals in six matches. The visitors are led up top by the NASL’s co-leading goalscorer, Christian Ramirez, who has found the back of the net four times already thus far.

The side most organized in defense may prevail on the evening, though, as the Eleven and MNU are tied at the top of the charts in fewest goals conceded (4). While Indy has kept two clean sheets this season in comparison to MNU’s four, Indiana’s Team is the only one in the NASL that has yet to concede multiple goals in a contest, the bend-but-not-break fashion allowing three points to remain a possibility at the end of every match.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: MF Gorka Larrea

Last week, the Spaniard Larrea earned his first start under head coach Tim Hankinson and put in a shift in the heat as one of the two central midfielders charged with breaking down the Strikers attack. Larrea, who was troubled with nagging injuries early on, appears to be in line for another chance at the starting XI this weekend against the Minnesotan adversary in a similar role.

Without Brad Ring, Larrea will also be responsible for acting as the metronome of the side. With Hankinson looking for ways to find cohesion in the middle of the field in a way that will get some offense going, Larrea’s box-to-box style and duty of linking the defense with the attack (as any No.8 would) could be the key on Saturday night.

 

Who to Watch, Minnesota United FC edition: DF Kevin Venegas

Venegas has been a key figure in all six performances for Minnesota United FC, tallying two assists on the year – one apiece against FC Edmonton and Ottawa Fury FC – and one goal, against Jacksonville Armada FC.

The right-back has started all six matches so far while helping MNU climb to the top of the table with over half the season gone, acting as a competent defender with an eye towards goal. Like the scoring defender Michel for Rayo OKC, the Eleven will have to keep Venegas in line and occupied in the defensive third as much as possible in order to neutralize the attacking threat he presents.

 

Match-up to Mark: GK Jon Busch vs. FWD Christian Ramirez

A match that pits one of the best netminders in the league against one of the best forwards, Jon Busch may have to repeat last week’s performance against the Strikers when forward Christian Ramirez and Co. come to town.

Last week it was Maicon Santos losing the most sleep for the Strikers after seeing Busch stymie chance after chance for 90 minutes-plus. While United FC has plenty of firepower alongside Ramirez, if Indy is to succeed it might have to be the 2014 Golden Boot winner that Busch will have to keep at bay the most.

“I think that [Busch’s] individual performance will be an inspiration for everyone to reach for their personal best going into Saturday,” said Hankinson earlier this week.

PREVIEW: #INDvMNU

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven vs. Minnesota United FC
Saturday, May 21, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET

Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN

 

TEAM RECORDS:

  • Indy Eleven – 2W-4D-0L, 10 pts., 5th place in NASL Spring standings
  • Minnesota United FC – 4W-1D-1L, 13 pts., 1st place in NASL Spring standings 

 

WATCH LIVE:

  • Local TV: WISH-TV
  • National TV: beIN SPORTS
  • Online: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (subscription necessary)

 

LISTEN LIVE:

  • Local Radio: Exitos 1590 (Spanish)
  • Online: Exitos1590.com (Spanish)

 

FOLLOW LIVE:

 

MEDIA GAME NOTES:

 

Last Time Out – Fort Lauderdale Strikers 0 : 0 Indy Eleven

If not for Indy Eleven GK Jon Busch, the “Boys in Blue” may have let the hosts gather all three points when they hit the road to Fort Lauderdale last Saturday.

Busch was outstanding in his sixth appearance for “Indiana’s Team,” parrying all six shots away from his area to prevent the Strikers from finding what would have been the go-ahead goal in a tight scoreless contest. Indy’s No.18 took two first half efforts, one long and one short, away from the net, diving across his line on one occasion to pin the ball on the goal line, and took another four in the second half. On the opposite end, the Eleven came closest through the left foot of defender Nemanja Vuković, though the opposition netminder, Diego Restrepo, did well to equal the effort and keep a low, swerving ball out of the back of the net.

Adding to the frustrations, the match was stopped right after the halftime break due to inclement weather. This caused nearly an hour-and-a-half delay that only confined the fixed energy levels further. The 0-0 draw leaves Indy Eleven in fifth place, still unbeaten, with 10 points after six games.

 

Spring Season’s “Moving Day”

With just four games remaining for both the Eleven and Minnesota United FC, Saturday’s clash could ultimately determine how the table shakes out, with the Spring Season champion being crowned in under a month’s time. The Week 7 slate could be equated to a golf tournament’s Saturday “moving day” as the top six will be pitted against each other in three crucial match-ups: Indy v. Minnesota on Saturday and FC Edmonton/Carolina and New York/Tampa Bay both on Sunday.

A win for the “Boys in Blue” on Military Appreciation Night could see them catapult into a tie for first place with their weekend foe (at least for 24 hours), while a loss could all but eliminate them from contention for a first shot at hardware in 2016. In between the two sides are three teams Indy Eleven has a game in hand on – FCE and the Cosmos, both of whom have already made their visit to Circle City, as well as Carolina, which the Eleven welcomes in the final game of the spring on June 11.

On the task at hand, Coach Tim Hankinson said, “We have a game in hand as they do, and three points puts you in a tie for first place, so it’s a first-place game. You have to get good at winning those, because if you’re ever going to expect to win a championship, when those games come along that’s performance time.”

 

Attack, Attack … Attack, Attack, Attack! … And Defense!

Minnesota United FC jet into town with the most prolific attack in the league, having scored 11 goals in six matches. The visitors are led up top by the NASL’s co-leading goalscorer, Christian Ramirez, who has found the back of the net four times already thus far.

The side most organized in defense may prevail on the evening, though, as the Eleven and MNU are tied at the top of the charts in fewest goals conceded (4). While Indy has kept two clean sheets this season in comparison to MNU’s four, Indiana’s Team is the only one in the NASL that has yet to concede multiple goals in a contest, the bend-but-not-break fashion allowing three points to remain a possibility at the end of every match.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: MF Gorka Larrea

Last week, the Spaniard Larrea earned his first start under head coach Tim Hankinson and put in a shift in the heat as one of the two central midfielders charged with breaking down the Strikers attack. Larrea, who was troubled with nagging injuries early on, appears to be in line for another chance at the starting XI this weekend against the Minnesotan adversary in a similar role.

Without Brad Ring, Larrea will also be responsible for acting as the metronome of the side. With Hankinson looking for ways to find cohesion in the middle of the field in a way that will get some offense going, Larrea’s box-to-box style and duty of linking the defense with the attack (as any No.8 would) could be the key on Saturday night.

 

Who to Watch, Minnesota United FC edition: DF Kevin Venegas

Venegas has been a key figure in all six performances for Minnesota United FC, tallying two assists on the year – one apiece against FC Edmonton and Ottawa Fury FC – and one goal, against Jacksonville Armada FC.

The right-back has started all six matches so far while helping MNU climb to the top of the table with over half the season gone, acting as a competent defender with an eye towards goal. Like the scoring defender Michel for Rayo OKC, the Eleven will have to keep Venegas in line and occupied in the defensive third as much as possible in order to neutralize the attacking threat he presents.

 

Match-up to Mark: GK Jon Busch vs. FWD Christian Ramirez

A match that pits one of the best netminders in the league against one of the best forwards, Jon Busch may have to repeat last week’s performance against the Strikers when forward Christian Ramirez and Co. come to town.

Last week it was Maicon Santos losing the most sleep for the Strikers after seeing Busch stymie chance after chance for 90 minutes-plus. While United FC has plenty of firepower alongside Ramirez, if Indy is to succeed it might have to be the 2014 Golden Boot winner that Busch will have to keep at bay the most.

“I think that [Busch’s] individual performance will be an inspiration for everyone to reach for their personal best going into Saturday,” said Hankinson earlier this week.

RECAP – Strikers 0 : 0 Indy Eleven

Busch’s Big Night in Goal Helps Indy Eleven to 0-0 Draw at Fort Lauderdale

Veteran Netminder’s Season-high Six Saves Earn Crucial Road Point, Set up Possible Fight for First Next Weekend at Home vs. Minnesota

 

FORT LAUDERDALE (Saturday, May 14, 2016) – The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were all over Indy Eleven from the beginning this evening at Lockhart Stadium, but Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch was there at every turn to help the visitors earn a crucial standings point from a 0-0 draw in a rain-delayed affair in South Florida.

Busch came through with an inspired effort, making a season-high six stops – a few of the highlight-reel variety – to help keep “Indiana’s Team” the lone undefeated team in the NASL on the season.

With the draw, Indy Eleven (2W-4D-0L, 10 pts.) remained in fourth place in the Spring Season standings, while Fort Lauderdale (1W-3D-2L, 6 pts.), a week after beating the then-league-leading Carolina RailHawks on the road, saw their momentum halted by sticking in eighth position. More importantly for Indy Eleven, the “Boys in Blue” managed to stay within a game of first place, which for now is occupied by next week’s opponent at Carroll Stadium, Minnesota United FC (13 pts.). However, the second-place New York Cosmos (12 pts.) will help round out Week 7 action tomorrow afternoon at FC Edmonton.

Busch was alert from the early-going, starting in the 8th minute when he adjusted well to Geison Moura’s deflected shot from the top of the area. Scrambling to his right post, Busch dove to get a hand – and then a foot – to the ball on the line to keep it out. Four minutes later a failed clearance sat up around the penalty spot for a hard-charging Maicon Santos, but his rocketed shot would be kept out by Busch’s two-handed parry.

While it wasn’t a save, Busch came up big again in the 21st minute when Santos got behind the Eleven backline. The Indy ‘keeper came off his line to force Santos wide, and while the Brazilian was able to get a shot towards the open net, Eleven center back Colin Falvey and forward Justin Braun combined to keep it out of goal and clear the danger.

Indy’s offense finally showed some bite in the final 15 minutes of the half, starting when midfielder Omar Gordon latched onto Justin Braun’s cross from the right endline and fiercely headed a shot just wide of the left post. Gordon was at it again in the 38th minute as he pounced on a loose ball and fired from 15 yards out, but what could have been a dangerous shot was blocked by a diving Gale Agbossoumonde. A minute later Falvey was able to get on the end of a corner with a free header from 10 yards out, only to push the chance wide left.

The halftime break was an extended one, as storms that entered the area forced a nearly hour-and-a-half delay in the action. Coming out of the break it was the Strikers nearly striking first in the 48th minute when Jose Angulo cut across the area and rifled a shot from 10 yards out that smacked off the crossbar but stayed out of goal. Three minutes later it was Busch again thwarting Santos with his finest effort yet, diving and extending fully to steer a header from eight yards around the right post.

The Eleven made things more interesting with better possession and attacking presence throughout the second half, but it wasn’t until the 69th minute that Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Diego Restrepo was forced to make a save. And it was a quality one, as he dove low and right to bat away defender Nemanja Vukovic’s low, skipping effort from 30 yards out on the slick turf.

Down the stretch the Strikers would press for the decisive tally, but Busch had other ideas, first stopping defending NASL Player of the Week Nana Attakora’s point-blank effort in the 88th minute. Then in stoppage time it was the veteran goalkeeper batting away Dalton’s header from the top of the six off a set-piece delivery from Ramon Nunez, a play  that helped Indy Eleven – and the 20-year pro Busch – to a second clean sheet in 2016.

Indy Eleven returns home next weekend on Saturday, May 21, when it will host Minnesota United FC on IMS & Military Appreciation Night at Carroll Stadium. Tickets for the pivotal 7:30 p.m. ET showdown at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 in the Brickyard Battalion and East Goal Top sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.).


NASL Spring Season
Fort Lauderdale Strikers  0 : 0  Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Lockhart Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Click here for full match statistics via the Opta MatchCenter

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 2W-4D-0L, 10 pts., 4th place


Fort Lauderdale Strikers:
Spring Season: 1W-3D-2L, 6 pts., 8th place


Scoring Summary:
None


Discipline Summary:
IND – Justin Braun (caution) 61’
FTL – PC (caution) 75’
FTL – Maicon Santos (caution) 83’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Dylan Mares, Gorka Larrea, Sinisa Ubiparipović (Don Smart 55’), Omar Gordon; Justin Braun (Eamon Zayed 66’), Jair Reinoso (Nicki Paterson 81’)

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Daniel Keller, Duke Lacroix


Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4-2-3-1): Diego Restrepo; PC, Dalton, Gale Agbossoumonde, Nana Attakora; Luis Felipe, Jean-Marc Alexandre (capt) (Manny Gonzalez 67’); Jose Angulo, Ramon Nunez, Geison Moura (Matheus Carvalho 56’) (Adrianinho 89’); Maicon Santos

Strikers bench: Bruno (GK), Victor Pineda, Aurelio Saco Vertiz, Luis Zapata

Busch’s Big Night in Goal Helps Indy Eleven to 0-0 Draw at Fort Lauderdale

Veteran Netminder’s Season-high Six Saves Earn Crucial Road Point, Set up Possible Fight for First Next Weekend at Home vs. Minnesota

 

FORT LAUDERDALE (Saturday, May 14, 2016) – The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were all over Indy Eleven from the beginning this evening at Lockhart Stadium, but Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch was there at every turn to help the visitors earn a crucial standings point from a 0-0 draw in a rain-delayed affair in South Florida.

Busch came through with an inspired effort, making a season-high six stops – a few of the highlight-reel variety – to help keep “Indiana’s Team” the lone undefeated team in the NASL on the season.

With the draw, Indy Eleven (2W-4D-0L, 10 pts.) remained in fourth place in the Spring Season standings, while Fort Lauderdale (1W-3D-2L, 6 pts.), a week after beating the then-league-leading Carolina RailHawks on the road, saw their momentum halted by sticking in eighth position. More importantly for Indy Eleven, the “Boys in Blue” managed to stay within a game of first place, which for now is occupied by next week’s opponent at Carroll Stadium, Minnesota United FC (13 pts.). However, the second-place New York Cosmos (12 pts.) will help round out Week 7 action tomorrow afternoon at FC Edmonton.

Busch was alert from the early-going, starting in the 8th minute when he adjusted well to Geison Moura’s deflected shot from the top of the area. Scrambling to his right post, Busch dove to get a hand – and then a foot – to the ball on the line to keep it out. Four minutes later a failed clearance sat up around the penalty spot for a hard-charging Maicon Santos, but his rocketed shot would be kept out by Busch’s two-handed parry.

While it wasn’t a save, Busch came up big again in the 21st minute when Santos got behind the Eleven backline. The Indy ‘keeper came off his line to force Santos wide, and while the Brazilian was able to get a shot towards the open net, Eleven center back Colin Falvey and forward Justin Braun combined to keep it out of goal and clear the danger.

Indy’s offense finally showed some bite in the final 15 minutes of the half, starting when midfielder Omar Gordon latched onto Justin Braun’s cross from the right endline and fiercely headed a shot just wide of the left post. Gordon was at it again in the 38th minute as he pounced on a loose ball and fired from 15 yards out, but what could have been a dangerous shot was blocked by a diving Gale Agbossoumonde. A minute later Falvey was able to get on the end of a corner with a free header from 10 yards out, only to push the chance wide left.

The halftime break was an extended one, as storms that entered the area forced a nearly hour-and-a-half delay in the action. Coming out of the break it was the Strikers nearly striking first in the 48th minute when Jose Angulo cut across the area and rifled a shot from 10 yards out that smacked off the crossbar but stayed out of goal. Three minutes later it was Busch again thwarting Santos with his finest effort yet, diving and extending fully to steer a header from eight yards around the right post.

The Eleven made things more interesting with better possession and attacking presence throughout the second half, but it wasn’t until the 69th minute that Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Diego Restrepo was forced to make a save. And it was a quality one, as he dove low and right to bat away defender Nemanja Vukovic’s low, skipping effort from 30 yards out on the slick turf.

Down the stretch the Strikers would press for the decisive tally, but Busch had other ideas, first stopping defending NASL Player of the Week Nana Attakora’s point-blank effort in the 88th minute. Then in stoppage time it was the veteran goalkeeper batting away Dalton’s header from the top of the six off a set-piece delivery from Ramon Nunez, a play  that helped Indy Eleven – and the 20-year pro Busch – to a second clean sheet in 2016.

Indy Eleven returns home next weekend on Saturday, May 21, when it will host Minnesota United FC on IMS & Military Appreciation Night at Carroll Stadium. Tickets for the pivotal 7:30 p.m. ET showdown at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 in the Brickyard Battalion and East Goal Top sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.).


NASL Spring Season
Fort Lauderdale Strikers  0 : 0  Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Lockhart Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Click here for full match statistics via the Opta MatchCenter

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 2W-4D-0L, 10 pts., 4th place


Fort Lauderdale Strikers:
Spring Season: 1W-3D-2L, 6 pts., 8th place


Scoring Summary:
None


Discipline Summary:
IND – Justin Braun (caution) 61’
FTL – PC (caution) 75’
FTL – Maicon Santos (caution) 83’


Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Dylan Mares, Gorka Larrea, Sinisa Ubiparipović (Don Smart 55’), Omar Gordon; Justin Braun (Eamon Zayed 66’), Jair Reinoso (Nicki Paterson 81’)

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Daniel Keller, Duke Lacroix


Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4-2-3-1): Diego Restrepo; PC, Dalton, Gale Agbossoumonde, Nana Attakora; Luis Felipe, Jean-Marc Alexandre (capt) (Manny Gonzalez 67’); Jose Angulo, Ramon Nunez, Geison Moura (Matheus Carvalho 56’) (Adrianinho 89’); Maicon Santos

Strikers bench: Bruno (GK), Victor Pineda, Aurelio Saco Vertiz, Luis Zapata

FOLLOW: Indy Eleven at Fort Lauderdale Strikers

GAMEDAY: #FTLvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Saturday, May 14, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Lockhart Stadium – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

 

TEAM RECORDS:
Indy Eleven – 2W-3D-0L, 9 pts., 4th place in NASL Spring standings
Fort Lauderdale – 1W-2D-2L, 5 pts., 9th place in NASL Spring standings
Click here for the complete NASL Spring Season standings

 

WATCH LIVE:

 

FOLLOW LIVE:

 

MEDIA GAME NOTES:

 

Last Time Out – Indy 1 : 1 FC Edmonton

Last Saturday, “Indiana’s Team” could not produce a late winner similar to weeks past as a one-all stalemate left the Eleven with just one point taken at home. However, the draw also left Indy as the only unbeaten team in the NASL, a quality worthy of mentioning when speaking of title-winning resumes.

Two first half goals is all “The Mike” would see as Eleven centerback Greg Janicki netted his first of the year, getting a slight touch on Nicki Paterson’s free kick delivery in the 22nd minute. Just a few moments later, Justin Braun nearly made it two-nil to the good but was unable to make Edmonton ‘keeper Matt VanOekel pay for his poor distribution.

The visitors managed to tie things up in the 37th minute as Sainey Nyassi pushed in a cross from the right flank that found teammate Jake Keegan near the penalty spot. Keegan would beat Janicki to the looping ball and nudged a header that went just over the reach of Eleven netminder Jon Busch as the reset button was hit at Carroll Stadium.

The second half was devoid of any major chances for the most part as both sides struggled to break through the other’s midfield. Sinisa Ubiparipovic had an attempt blocked in the 58th minute, and FC Edmonton missed the best chance of the night with two minutes to go as they streaked with numbers down the right flank but could not beat an onrushing Busch, who corralled a low cross in.

Though Coach Tim Hankinson rued the missed opportunity to climb further up the standings, he was impressed with his side’s grit to keep at least a point from the proceedings.

 

Unpredictability at Hand

After kicking their way through a 1-1 draw at home against FC Edmonton, Indy Eleven now hits the road to the “Sunshine State” for the second time in the 2016 Spring Season, this time to face the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Last week’s results leave Indy Eleven square in fourth place with a game in hand, just three points off the co-leading New York Cosmos and Carolina RailHawks (NYC currently has the goal differential tiebreaker). Heading into this week, the Cosmos face a Sunday trip to the Eleven’s recent opposition, FC Edmonton, while Carolina hosts Miami FC. Also in front of Indy Eleven – and, like Indy, with a game in hand on the leaders – is Minnesota United FC, who will welcome Jacksonville Armada FC.

This weekend’s final scores could help shake out who is really in the hunt at the top of the table, and Coach Hankinson is insistent on his “Boys in Blue” escaping Florida with all three points.  

 

Midfield in Question

With Brad Ring questionable for this Saturday, “Coach Hank” has a few things to ponder in regards to his starting XI. If Ring is unable to, does Hankinson stick to his recently-favored 4-4-2 with a flat line in midfield? Ubiparipovic could stay in the middle with Nicki Paterson, but given the nature of the two’s playing styles, would it make more sense for Hankinson to move towards a diamond in midfield with Ubiparipović in the No.10 role and Paterson as a deep-lying playmaker?

Out wide, Omar Gordon is set to keep his place in the team following his debut against Rayo OKC and home debut against FC Edmonton, but if Ubiparipovic is shifted back centrally then a spot opens up on either flank – enter Duke Lacroix and Dylan Mares. Hankinson has repeatedly mentioned his belief in rotating players into positions to keep guys fresh and keep the talent continuous, and with Lacroix earning starts in Indy’s first three matches (and playing much of the next when Ring went out injured at Rayo OKC), his return to the XI would not be considered a shake-up by any means.

Meanwhile, Dylan Mares has a strong case having impressed both in the starting lineup and as an impact substitution when called upon. However, Mares could also enter the match as a straight swap in the center of the pitch if Ubiparipović works just as well out wide. While the backline is likely to remain as steady as it’s been across the first five contests, the Busch-Vuković-Janicki-Falvey-Palmer line having started every match thus far, it is the midfield and attackers that will have Coach Hankinson keeping people guessing come Saturday night.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven Edition: FW Justin Braun

Away games require players to have a little higher-revving engine to make things happen, and that’s where Braun can be a game-changer. In his return to the starting lineup last weekend, Braun was buzzing all over the field – and found himself in the right place to almost put things away on the heels of Janicki’s opening salvo, only to see how best look at a first goal in checkers be thwarted.

Can he use that as motivation to put one away on the road? Can he do the dirty work that the players around him can feed off of? Can that help grind out three important points on the road? We’ll see what Coach Hankinson has in store line-up wise, but it could be a game that’s tailor-made for the Salt Lake City native.

 

Who to Watch, Fort Lauderdale Edition: MF Ramon Nunez

American soccer watchers may recognize the talented Nunez from his early-career days with FC Dallas, but are more than likely to have seen him in the blue-and-white of the Honduran National Team. The 2010 World Cup vet was late to the party for Fort Lauderdale having just been added on April 19, but if his two-assist performance in last Saturday’s surprise 3-1 win at league-leading Carolina is any indication, the diminutive playmaker is starting to find his footing.

 

Match-up to Mark: D Nana Attakora vs. D Nemanja Vukovic

It’s a match-up of attack-friendly wide backs this week … the two-time goal scorer Vuković versus the reigning NASL Player of the Week Attakora. Their side of the field will be active all night long as neither defender is shy about getting forward to support in possession, so don’t be surprised if a pivotal moment comes from one of these two.

GAMEDAY: #FTLvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Saturday, May 14, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Lockhart Stadium – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

 

TEAM RECORDS:
Indy Eleven – 2W-3D-0L, 9 pts., 4th place in NASL Spring standings
Fort Lauderdale – 1W-2D-2L, 5 pts., 9th place in NASL Spring standings
Click here for the complete NASL Spring Season standings

 

WATCH LIVE:

 

FOLLOW LIVE:

 

MEDIA GAME NOTES:

 

Last Time Out – Indy 1 : 1 FC Edmonton

Last Saturday, “Indiana’s Team” could not produce a late winner similar to weeks past as a one-all stalemate left the Eleven with just one point taken at home. However, the draw also left Indy as the only unbeaten team in the NASL, a quality worthy of mentioning when speaking of title-winning resumes.

Two first half goals is all “The Mike” would see as Eleven centerback Greg Janicki netted his first of the year, getting a slight touch on Nicki Paterson’s free kick delivery in the 22nd minute. Just a few moments later, Justin Braun nearly made it two-nil to the good but was unable to make Edmonton ‘keeper Matt VanOekel pay for his poor distribution.

The visitors managed to tie things up in the 37th minute as Sainey Nyassi pushed in a cross from the right flank that found teammate Jake Keegan near the penalty spot. Keegan would beat Janicki to the looping ball and nudged a header that went just over the reach of Eleven netminder Jon Busch as the reset button was hit at Carroll Stadium.

The second half was devoid of any major chances for the most part as both sides struggled to break through the other’s midfield. Sinisa Ubiparipovic had an attempt blocked in the 58th minute, and FC Edmonton missed the best chance of the night with two minutes to go as they streaked with numbers down the right flank but could not beat an onrushing Busch, who corralled a low cross in.

Though Coach Tim Hankinson rued the missed opportunity to climb further up the standings, he was impressed with his side’s grit to keep at least a point from the proceedings.

 

Unpredictability at Hand

After kicking their way through a 1-1 draw at home against FC Edmonton, Indy Eleven now hits the road to the “Sunshine State” for the second time in the 2016 Spring Season, this time to face the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Last week’s results leave Indy Eleven square in fourth place with a game in hand, just three points off the co-leading New York Cosmos and Carolina RailHawks (NYC currently has the goal differential tiebreaker). Heading into this week, the Cosmos face a Sunday trip to the Eleven’s recent opposition, FC Edmonton, while Carolina hosts Miami FC. Also in front of Indy Eleven – and, like Indy, with a game in hand on the leaders – is Minnesota United FC, who will welcome Jacksonville Armada FC.

This weekend’s final scores could help shake out who is really in the hunt at the top of the table, and Coach Hankinson is insistent on his “Boys in Blue” escaping Florida with all three points.  

 

Midfield in Question

With Brad Ring questionable for this Saturday, “Coach Hank” has a few things to ponder in regards to his starting XI. If Ring is unable to, does Hankinson stick to his recently-favored 4-4-2 with a flat line in midfield? Ubiparipovic could stay in the middle with Nicki Paterson, but given the nature of the two’s playing styles, would it make more sense for Hankinson to move towards a diamond in midfield with Ubiparipović in the No.10 role and Paterson as a deep-lying playmaker?

Out wide, Omar Gordon is set to keep his place in the team following his debut against Rayo OKC and home debut against FC Edmonton, but if Ubiparipovic is shifted back centrally then a spot opens up on either flank – enter Duke Lacroix and Dylan Mares. Hankinson has repeatedly mentioned his belief in rotating players into positions to keep guys fresh and keep the talent continuous, and with Lacroix earning starts in Indy’s first three matches (and playing much of the next when Ring went out injured at Rayo OKC), his return to the XI would not be considered a shake-up by any means.

Meanwhile, Dylan Mares has a strong case having impressed both in the starting lineup and as an impact substitution when called upon. However, Mares could also enter the match as a straight swap in the center of the pitch if Ubiparipović works just as well out wide. While the backline is likely to remain as steady as it’s been across the first five contests, the Busch-Vuković-Janicki-Falvey-Palmer line having started every match thus far, it is the midfield and attackers that will have Coach Hankinson keeping people guessing come Saturday night.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven Edition: FW Justin Braun

Away games require players to have a little higher-revving engine to make things happen, and that’s where Braun can be a game-changer. In his return to the starting lineup last weekend, Braun was buzzing all over the field – and found himself in the right place to almost put things away on the heels of Janicki’s opening salvo, only to see how best look at a first goal in checkers be thwarted.

Can he use that as motivation to put one away on the road? Can he do the dirty work that the players around him can feed off of? Can that help grind out three important points on the road? We’ll see what Coach Hankinson has in store line-up wise, but it could be a game that’s tailor-made for the Salt Lake City native.

 

Who to Watch, Fort Lauderdale Edition: MF Ramon Nunez

American soccer watchers may recognize the talented Nunez from his early-career days with FC Dallas, but are more than likely to have seen him in the blue-and-white of the Honduran National Team. The 2010 World Cup vet was late to the party for Fort Lauderdale having just been added on April 19, but if his two-assist performance in last Saturday’s surprise 3-1 win at league-leading Carolina is any indication, the diminutive playmaker is starting to find his footing.

 

Match-up to Mark: D Nana Attakora vs. D Nemanja Vukovic

It’s a match-up of attack-friendly wide backs this week … the two-time goal scorer Vuković versus the reigning NASL Player of the Week Attakora. Their side of the field will be active all night long as neither defender is shy about getting forward to support in possession, so don’t be surprised if a pivotal moment comes from one of these two.

RECAP – Indy 1 : 1 Edmonton

Indy Eleven Remains Undefeated after 1-1 Draw with FC Edmonton

Point at Home Keeps Indy Undefeated through First Half of NASL Spring Season;

“Boys in Blue” Move to Within Three Points of Co-leaders New York & Carolina

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 7, 2016) – Indy Eleven would remain the lone undefeated team in the NASL, but not with the three points it wanted after settling for a 1-1 draw against FC Edmonton in front of 7,415 fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  First half goals from Indy Eleven’s Greg Janicki and FC Edmonton’s Jake Keegan would cancel each other out in a stingy affair that would see the Eleven (2W-3D-0L, 9 pts.) remain in fourth place in the NASL Spring Season standings, while FC Edmonton (2W-2D-2L, 8 pts.) stayed a point behind the “Boys in Blue” but gained a standings spot, now sitting on Indy’s heels in 5th position.

After tonight’s other Round 6 action, Indy Eleven now sits within one win of the co-leading New York Cosmos and Carolina RailHawks, both now on 12 points following Carolina’s surprising 1-3 home loss to Fort Lauderdale and the Cosmos’ 3-0 triumph at Miami FC.

After each team got an early look off a cross in the first 90 seconds, the end-to-end play would yield no good looks for another 20 minutes. The home side would capitalize off a set piece opportunity midway through the first half when Nicki Paterson, after being fouled in the corner, would whip in the ensuing free kick himself, a ball that took a hop before being deflected in on the doorstep by Janicki.

The center back’s first goal in his 24th appearance for the “Boys in Blue” gave Indy Eleven a 1-0 lead, which Justin Braun was unlucky to double just a minute later. The Indy Eleven striker was unable to punish FC Edmonton ‘keeper Matt VanOekel for a poor pass out of his area, the latter atoning for the error with a fine 1-v-1 stop.

FC Edmonton would begin to concede possession more and more, but a quick build-up down the right flank would even things up in the 37thminute. Sainey Nyassi would have space to push in a cross from the right flank that would find the head of Keegan, the Eddies’ attacker deftly looping the ball to the far post and over Indy netminder Jon Busch to pull the match to 1-1, where it would stay until the halftime break.

The second half would be devoid of any seriously threatening chances on Busch or VanOekel, as both ‘keepers patrolled their areas well to carve out crosses and through balls. The lone shot on goal by either side in the second 45 minutes would come on a blocked bicycle kick attempt by Sinisa Ubiparipovic , which popped harmlessly to a waiting VanOekel in the 58th minute. FC Edmonton would see a golden opportunity of its own two minutes from time when an apparent offside play was let go when Gustavo ran onto the ball in the right side of the Eleven area, but Busch did well to come off his line and cut off a square pass intended for a pair of Eddies’ runners.

Indy Eleven will make the first of three road trips to the Sunshine State within four weeks’ time net Saturday, May 14, when the “Boys in Blue” will tussle with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1W-2D-2L, 5 pts., 8th place) at Lockhart Stadium. The 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can be seen live online via ESPN3.

Indy Eleven returns home the following weekend on Saturday, May 21, when it will host Minnesota United FC on IMS & Military Appreciation Night at Carroll Stadium. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 in the Brickyard Battalion and East Goal Top sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.).

 

QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM HANKINSON

On the result:

“Obviously at home you have expectations for yourself to get three (points). Also, with Minnesota’s draw with Ottawa today, it meant that three points today would have seen us jump them into the second place slot. We missed that opportunity, and that’s something that we hopefully will not have to look back at at the end of the spring, but it makes it harder. We have games down in Florida and we finish with Carolina, so we just have to keep building points. We’re undefeated still, and as long as we can keep moving in that direction, whether it’s three or one, those are positive things to focus on.”

On creating scoring opportunities:

“The final third needs improvement. We haven’t seen real creative playmaking to get strikers in the right place. We see a lot of balls coming out of the back and we need more control in the midfield to set up service for strikers. They can’t do it all themselves. Our guys are going to need quality service, which means more work on our crossing and wing game. Once we have that it will open up the defense and channels to slip balls into place.”

 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  1 : 1  FC Edmonton
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 7,415

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 2W-3D-0L, 9 pts., 4th place

FC Edmonton:
Spring Season: 2W-2D-2L, 8 pts., 5th place

Scoring Summary:
IND – Greg Janicki (Nicki Paterson) 22’
FCE – Jake Keegan (Sainey Nyassi) 37’

Discipline Summary:
FCE – Nikolas Ledgerwood (caution) 30’
IND – Lovel Palmer (caution) 68’
IND – Gorka Larrea (caution) 71’
FCE – Jake Keegan (caution) 78’

www.indyeleven.com Man of the Match: Greg Janicki

Get the full Opta statistics of the match via the NASL.com MatchCenter

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Sinisa Ubiparipović (Jair Reinoso 74’), Nicki Paterson (Gorka Larrea 62’), Brad Ring (Dylan Mares 62’), Omar Gordon; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun 57

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Duke Lacroix

FC Edmonton (4-1-4-1): Matt VanOekel;  Johann Smith, Albert Watson (capt), Pape Diakite, Eddie Edward; Nikolas Ledgerwood; Sainey Nyassi (Tomi Ameobi 81), Daryl Fordyce, Dustin Corea (Pablo Cruz 85’), Jason Plumhoff (Gustavo 71’); Jake Keegan

FC Edmonton bench: Nathan Ingham, Mallan Roberts

Indy Eleven Remains Undefeated after 1-1 Draw with FC Edmonton

Point at Home Keeps Indy Undefeated through First Half of NASL Spring Season;

“Boys in Blue” Move to Within Three Points of Co-leaders New York & Carolina

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 7, 2016) – Indy Eleven would remain the lone undefeated team in the NASL, but not with the three points it wanted after settling for a 1-1 draw against FC Edmonton in front of 7,415 fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.  First half goals from Indy Eleven’s Greg Janicki and FC Edmonton’s Jake Keegan would cancel each other out in a stingy affair that would see the Eleven (2W-3D-0L, 9 pts.) remain in fourth place in the NASL Spring Season standings, while FC Edmonton (2W-2D-2L, 8 pts.) stayed a point behind the “Boys in Blue” but gained a standings spot, now sitting on Indy’s heels in 5th position.

After tonight’s other Round 6 action, Indy Eleven now sits within one win of the co-leading New York Cosmos and Carolina RailHawks, both now on 12 points following Carolina’s surprising 1-3 home loss to Fort Lauderdale and the Cosmos’ 3-0 triumph at Miami FC.

After each team got an early look off a cross in the first 90 seconds, the end-to-end play would yield no good looks for another 20 minutes. The home side would capitalize off a set piece opportunity midway through the first half when Nicki Paterson, after being fouled in the corner, would whip in the ensuing free kick himself, a ball that took a hop before being deflected in on the doorstep by Janicki.

The center back’s first goal in his 24th appearance for the “Boys in Blue” gave Indy Eleven a 1-0 lead, which Justin Braun was unlucky to double just a minute later. The Indy Eleven striker was unable to punish FC Edmonton ‘keeper Matt VanOekel for a poor pass out of his area, the latter atoning for the error with a fine 1-v-1 stop.

FC Edmonton would begin to concede possession more and more, but a quick build-up down the right flank would even things up in the 37thminute. Sainey Nyassi would have space to push in a cross from the right flank that would find the head of Keegan, the Eddies’ attacker deftly looping the ball to the far post and over Indy netminder Jon Busch to pull the match to 1-1, where it would stay until the halftime break.

The second half would be devoid of any seriously threatening chances on Busch or VanOekel, as both ‘keepers patrolled their areas well to carve out crosses and through balls. The lone shot on goal by either side in the second 45 minutes would come on a blocked bicycle kick attempt by Sinisa Ubiparipovic , which popped harmlessly to a waiting VanOekel in the 58th minute. FC Edmonton would see a golden opportunity of its own two minutes from time when an apparent offside play was let go when Gustavo ran onto the ball in the right side of the Eleven area, but Busch did well to come off his line and cut off a square pass intended for a pair of Eddies’ runners.

Indy Eleven will make the first of three road trips to the Sunshine State within four weeks’ time net Saturday, May 14, when the “Boys in Blue” will tussle with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1W-2D-2L, 5 pts., 8th place) at Lockhart Stadium. The 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can be seen live online via ESPN3.

Indy Eleven returns home the following weekend on Saturday, May 21, when it will host Minnesota United FC on IMS & Military Appreciation Night at Carroll Stadium. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 in the Brickyard Battalion and East Goal Top sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.).

 

QUOTE SHEET – INDY ELEVEN HEAD COACH TIM HANKINSON

On the result:

“Obviously at home you have expectations for yourself to get three (points). Also, with Minnesota’s draw with Ottawa today, it meant that three points today would have seen us jump them into the second place slot. We missed that opportunity, and that’s something that we hopefully will not have to look back at at the end of the spring, but it makes it harder. We have games down in Florida and we finish with Carolina, so we just have to keep building points. We’re undefeated still, and as long as we can keep moving in that direction, whether it’s three or one, those are positive things to focus on.”

On creating scoring opportunities:

“The final third needs improvement. We haven’t seen real creative playmaking to get strikers in the right place. We see a lot of balls coming out of the back and we need more control in the midfield to set up service for strikers. They can’t do it all themselves. Our guys are going to need quality service, which means more work on our crossing and wing game. Once we have that it will open up the defense and channels to slip balls into place.”

 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven  1 : 1  FC Edmonton
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 7,415

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 2W-3D-0L, 9 pts., 4th place

FC Edmonton:
Spring Season: 2W-2D-2L, 8 pts., 5th place

Scoring Summary:
IND – Greg Janicki (Nicki Paterson) 22’
FCE – Jake Keegan (Sainey Nyassi) 37’

Discipline Summary:
FCE – Nikolas Ledgerwood (caution) 30’
IND – Lovel Palmer (caution) 68’
IND – Gorka Larrea (caution) 71’
FCE – Jake Keegan (caution) 78’

www.indyeleven.com Man of the Match: Greg Janicki

Get the full Opta statistics of the match via the NASL.com MatchCenter

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Sinisa Ubiparipović (Jair Reinoso 74’), Nicki Paterson (Gorka Larrea 62’), Brad Ring (Dylan Mares 62’), Omar Gordon; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun 57

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Duke Lacroix

FC Edmonton (4-1-4-1): Matt VanOekel;  Johann Smith, Albert Watson (capt), Pape Diakite, Eddie Edward; Nikolas Ledgerwood; Sainey Nyassi (Tomi Ameobi 81), Daryl Fordyce, Dustin Corea (Pablo Cruz 85’), Jason Plumhoff (Gustavo 71’); Jake Keegan

FC Edmonton bench: Nathan Ingham, Mallan Roberts

FOLLOW: #INDvFCE

GAMEDAY: #INDvFCE

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven vs. FC Edmonton
Saturday, May 7, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN


TEAM RECORDS:


WATCH LIVE:

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

LISTEN LIVE:

  • Local Radio: Exitos 1590 (Spanish)
  • Online: Exitos1590.com (Spanish)
     

FOLLOW LIVE:

MEDIA GAME NOTES:​


Last Time Out – Rayo OKC 1 : 2 Indy Eleven
More late-match drama followed the Eleven from Indianapolis to Yukon, Okla., where they faced expansion side Rayo OKC at Miller Stadium last Saturday night.

Unlike in past matches, it was the "Boys in Blue" who struck first as Jair Reinoso took a beautiful ball from Sinisa Ubiparipovic on the half-volley to put his side one-up in the seventh minute. After end-to-end stuff from both clubs, Michel notched an equalizer from a set-piece, beating Eleven netminder Jon Busch to his right-hand side just under 20 minutes later to tie things up.

Level after 45 minutes, the match evened out as “Indiana’s Team” was able to push into the attacking third more often. Eamon Zayed came closest for the visitors in the 50th minute as he forced a 1-on-1 with Daniel Fernandes, but the OKC ‘keeper showed his stuff and pushed the Irishman into a tight angle where he could not get his shot on target. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 77th minute when Indy left-back Nemanja Vukovic swept up a ball knocked down into the area from a free kick – which he set up himself on a foray up the sideline – to beat Fernandes on the far side. The goal was Vukovic’s second of the season and secured all three points for the “Boys in Blue,” who were forced to secure a lead for the first time all season.


Tight Towards the Top
With its fifth game on tap Saturday, Indy Eleven will hit the halfway mark of the ten-game Spring Season sprint when it plays host to FC Edmonton. The only team still unbeaten thus far, Indy Eleven’s eight points places it fourth in the standings, one point behind both Minnesota United FC and the New York Cosmos and four points behind the league leader, the Carolina Railhawks. Following their win over Jacksonville Armada FC on Wednesday, FC Edmonton are just one point off the pace of “Indiana’s Team,” a two-game winning streak of their own pushing the Canadian club into sixth place on seven points.

A third straight win would leave “Indiana’s Team” sitting in excellent position through six rounds of NASL play, as Indy has a game in hand on both Carolina and New York. In addition, Indy Eleven will get to host both Carolina and Minnesota for its two remaining home games following Saturday night, which makes three points against the “Eddies” all that much more pivotal for Indy’s Spring Season title hopes.


Both Sides Defensively Sound 
Indy Eleven continue to boast one of the best defensive records in the league having only conceded three goals in four games played. Only Minnesota United FC have conceded less (2) while the New York Cosmos and this Saturday’s opposition FC Edmonton have also conceded just three goals.

The Canadian side have also shown their strength at the back though, having won 84.3% of their challenges while keeping three clean sheets in their five matches. While the Eleven have just one clean sheet, they haven’t conceded a goal from open play since Idan Vered put Ottawa Fury FC in front in the 56th minute of the April 9 contest at Carroll Stadium, totaling 214 minutes.


Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Omar Gordon
Indy Eleven’s newest player, Omar Gordon, did not take long to bust his way into the lineup, as Coach Hankinson gave his former Montego Bay United sparkplug the start last Saturday at Rayo OKC in the Jamaican’s first available match. The speedy winger indeed showed glimpses of why he was brought on board, but he also had some frustrating moments that come with the territory of learning the tendencies of new teammates.

When he's on the ball, Gordon's strentgth and speed make him a downright handful, which could be magnified against an FC Edmonton side making a quick turnaround during a week-long road trip. Gordon should become more and more comfortable with his new squad with each passing week, and it will be interesting to see if he can channel his tremendous motor and knack for getting upfield in a hurry into better scoring chances this weekend against the Eddies.


Who to Watch, FC Edmonton edition: DF Albert Watson
In five games thus far, FC Edmonton has conceded only three goals – but they have also only scored three goals, two of which have come by defenders off of set pieces. Needless to say (but we’ll do it anyway) that the Eddies’ calling card is its defense, a lunch-pail-carrying unit led by captain and center back Albert Watson – who has one of said three goals on the campaign (and also scored against Indy Eleven last season).

In the 300 minutes he’s been on the field, FCE’s conceded just once … in the 150 minutes he’s missed (due to a 30’ red card in their opener at Rayo OKC), they’ve conceded twice. FC Edmonton brings a 197-shutout streak and two-game winning streak into Indianapolis, and if it intends to keep both going through Saturday the Northern Ireland native will have to shoulder the load for a team that could be weary with its second game in four days and likely be without its usual “security blanket” in front of the back four Cristian Raudales, who was injured early in their game in Jacksonville on Wednesday night.


Match-up to Mark: GK Jon Busch vs. GK Matt VanOekel
Sure, they won’t go toe-to-toe on the field against each other (barring maybe a last-minute set piece situation), but with their early season displays the pair of netminders will be the focus. VanOekel’s three clean sheets has him tied for the league lead, while his 14 saves are just one behind the league lead. Meanwhile, Busch’s organization has led to him having to make less saves (eight in four games), but has also allowed him to be the only keeper in NASL thus far to not let in multiple goals in a game – and allowed Indy Eleven to stay in each contest.

GAMEDAY: #INDvFCE

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven vs. FC Edmonton
Saturday, May 7, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN


TEAM RECORDS:


WATCH LIVE:

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

LISTEN LIVE:

  • Local Radio: Exitos 1590 (Spanish)
  • Online: Exitos1590.com (Spanish)
     

FOLLOW LIVE:

MEDIA GAME NOTES:​


Last Time Out – Rayo OKC 1 : 2 Indy Eleven
More late-match drama followed the Eleven from Indianapolis to Yukon, Okla., where they faced expansion side Rayo OKC at Miller Stadium last Saturday night.

Unlike in past matches, it was the “Boys in Blue” who struck first as Jair Reinoso took a beautiful ball from Sinisa Ubiparipovic on the half-volley to put his side one-up in the seventh minute. After end-to-end stuff from both clubs, Michel notched an equalizer from a set-piece, beating Eleven netminder Jon Busch to his right-hand side just under 20 minutes later to tie things up.

Level after 45 minutes, the match evened out as “Indiana’s Team” was able to push into the attacking third more often. Eamon Zayed came closest for the visitors in the 50th minute as he forced a 1-on-1 with Daniel Fernandes, but the OKC ‘keeper showed his stuff and pushed the Irishman into a tight angle where he could not get his shot on target. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 77th minute when Indy left-back Nemanja Vukovic swept up a ball knocked down into the area from a free kick – which he set up himself on a foray up the sideline – to beat Fernandes on the far side. The goal was Vukovic’s second of the season and secured all three points for the “Boys in Blue,” who were forced to secure a lead for the first time all season.


Tight Towards the Top
With its fifth game on tap Saturday, Indy Eleven will hit the halfway mark of the ten-game Spring Season sprint when it plays host to FC Edmonton. The only team still unbeaten thus far, Indy Eleven’s eight points places it fourth in the standings, one point behind both Minnesota United FC and the New York Cosmos and four points behind the league leader, the Carolina Railhawks. Following their win over Jacksonville Armada FC on Wednesday, FC Edmonton are just one point off the pace of “Indiana’s Team,” a two-game winning streak of their own pushing the Canadian club into sixth place on seven points.

A third straight win would leave “Indiana’s Team” sitting in excellent position through six rounds of NASL play, as Indy has a game in hand on both Carolina and New York. In addition, Indy Eleven will get to host both Carolina and Minnesota for its two remaining home games following Saturday night, which makes three points against the “Eddies” all that much more pivotal for Indy’s Spring Season title hopes.


Both Sides Defensively Sound 
Indy Eleven continue to boast one of the best defensive records in the league having only conceded three goals in four games played. Only Minnesota United FC have conceded less (2) while the New York Cosmos and this Saturday’s opposition FC Edmonton have also conceded just three goals.

The Canadian side have also shown their strength at the back though, having won 84.3% of their challenges while keeping three clean sheets in their five matches. While the Eleven have just one clean sheet, they haven’t conceded a goal from open play since Idan Vered put Ottawa Fury FC in front in the 56th minute of the April 9 contest at Carroll Stadium, totaling 214 minutes.


Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Omar Gordon
Indy Eleven’s newest player, Omar Gordon, did not take long to bust his way into the lineup, as Coach Hankinson gave his former Montego Bay United sparkplug the start last Saturday at Rayo OKC in the Jamaican’s first available match. The speedy winger indeed showed glimpses of why he was brought on board, but he also had some frustrating moments that come with the territory of learning the tendencies of new teammates.

When he’s on the ball, Gordon’s strentgth and speed make him a downright handful, which could be magnified against an FC Edmonton side making a quick turnaround during a week-long road trip. Gordon should become more and more comfortable with his new squad with each passing week, and it will be interesting to see if he can channel his tremendous motor and knack for getting upfield in a hurry into better scoring chances this weekend against the Eddies.


Who to Watch, FC Edmonton edition: DF Albert Watson
In five games thus far, FC Edmonton has conceded only three goals – but they have also only scored three goals, two of which have come by defenders off of set pieces. Needless to say (but we’ll do it anyway) that the Eddies’ calling card is its defense, a lunch-pail-carrying unit led by captain and center back Albert Watson – who has one of said three goals on the campaign (and also scored against Indy Eleven last season).

In the 300 minutes he’s been on the field, FCE’s conceded just once … in the 150 minutes he’s missed (due to a 30’ red card in their opener at Rayo OKC), they’ve conceded twice. FC Edmonton brings a 197-shutout streak and two-game winning streak into Indianapolis, and if it intends to keep both going through Saturday the Northern Ireland native will have to shoulder the load for a team that could be weary with its second game in four days and likely be without its usual “security blanket” in front of the back four Cristian Raudales, who was injured early in their game in Jacksonville on Wednesday night.


Match-up to Mark: GK Jon Busch vs. GK Matt VanOekel
Sure, they won’t go toe-to-toe on the field against each other (barring maybe a last-minute set piece situation), but with their early season displays the pair of netminders will be the focus. VanOekel’s three clean sheets has him tied for the league lead, while his 14 saves are just one behind the league lead. Meanwhile, Busch’s organization has led to him having to make less saves (eight in four games), but has also allowed him to be the only keeper in NASL thus far to not let in multiple goals in a game – and allowed Indy Eleven to stay in each contest.

RECAP – Rayo OKC 1 : 2 Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven Stays Undefeated with 2-1 Road Win at Rayo OKC

Jair Reinoso Opens Account, Nemanja Vuković Strikes Again to Give Indy Second Straight Win

 

YUKON, Okla. (Saturday, April 30, 2016) – Indy Eleven remained undefeated with more late-game dramatics, as defender Nemanja Vukovic’s 77th minute goal lifted the visitors to a 2-1 win at Rayo OKC in the teams’ inaugural meeting at Miller Stadium. The victory pushed Indy Eleven to a 2W-2D-0L mark and into third place on the NASL Spring Season table with eight points, while Rayo dropped to 1-1-2 and remained on four points, still in sixth place where it started the evening.

Indy Eleven had made its faithful accustomed to waiting until the bitter end for goals across its first three games, but forward Jair Reinoso wasted little time getting the visitors on the board in his first start for coach Tim Hankinson. After running onto a perfectly weighted ball over the top and into the left side of the area from Sinisa Ubiparipovic, the Colombian attacker adjusted and unleashed a bending shot inside the far right post that Rayo OKC netminder Daniel Fernandes could do nothing about.

Indy would be dealt an early injury blow in the 18th minute, when midfielder Brad Ring was forced from the match with an apparent ankle injury, and would be replaced by Duke Lacroix. That would shuffle Hankinson’s formation, as the newcomer would push out left in midfield, sending veteran playmaker Siniša Ubiparipović back into a more accustomed central position.

Rayo OKC would dominate the possession in the opening 45 minutes, but would find most of its danger from set pieces, and that’s also where it would find paydirt from in the 26th minute. After earning a free kick himself 25 yards out from goal, it was the captain Michel finishing the job by curling a one-hopper past the Eleven wall and inside the left post, beating a diving Jon Busch to even things up  at 1-1.

Rayo OKC would have the best chance to push ahead for the remainder of the first half in the 36th minute, but Billy Forbes saw his shot from 20 yards out take a deflection before ringing off the left post.

Indy Eleven would have the first clear chance of the second half in the 50th minute as Eamon Zayed scrapped to work past two defenders inside the area and get 1-on-1 with Fernandes, but the OKC ‘keeper did well to cut the angle and force the Irish striker to push his chance wide right. Forbes would continue to cause headaches in the 56th minute when he split the Indy central defense and nearly caught Busch in between thoughts, only to miss his chance wide right as well.

The score would remain even until Vuković’s timely tally in the 77th minute, set up a minute earlier when he pushed past Pecka on the left sideline with a nutmeg and drew a foul on the Rayo OKC midfielder. Nicki Paterson’s ensuing free kick looped to the far right post, took a deflection off an OKC defender and bounced right to Vuković, who swept home with his right foot from seven yards out to re-take the lead for Indy Eleven.

Rayo OKC would have one last good look to even the match five minutes deep into stoppage time when a ball over the top was flicked on by Futty Danso and found a streaking Georgios Samaras at the top of the area. While the Greek international beat his defender inside, he couldn’t track down his chest-trap, the first touch falling to Busch and ending the final threat for the home side.

Indy Eleven will return home to Carroll Stadium next weekend on Saturday, May 7, to take on FC Edmonton (1-1-2, 4 pts.). Tickets for “Furballs and Futbol” Night at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 in the Brickyard Battalion and East Goal Top sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Fans can also purchase special tickets via the furballs.https://www.indyeleven.com link, with portions of the proceeds going to benefit the F.A.C.E. Low-cost Spay & Neuter Clinic of Indianapolis.

 

NASL Spring Season
Rayo OKC  1 : 2  Indy Eleven
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Miller Stadium – Yukon, OK
Attendance: 4,729

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 2W-2D-0L, 8 pts., 3rd place

Rayo OKC:
Spring Season: 1W-1D-2L, 4 pts., 6th place

Scoring Summary:
IND – Jair Reinoso (Nemanja Vuković) 7’
OKC – Michel (unassisted) 26’
IND – Nemanja Vuković (unassisted) 77’

Discipline Summary:
IND – Siniša Ubiparipović (caution) 9’
OKC – Villy Forbes (caution) 29’
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 44’
OKC – Futty Danso (caution) 69’
IND – Omar Gordon (caution) 84’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Sinisa UbiparipoviÄ (Gorka Larrea 75’), Nicki Paterson, Brad Ring (Duke Lacroix 18’), Omar Gordon; Eamon Zayed, Jair Reinoso (Justin Braun 57’)

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Don Smart

Rayo OKC (4-3-3):  Daniel Fernandes; Jarad Van Schaik, Futty Danso, Rauwshan McKenzie, Kosuke Kimura; Michel (capt), Derek Boateng, Pecka; Richard Menjivar, Ryan Johnson (Georgios Samaras 63’), Billy Forbes

Rayo OKC bench: Caleb Patterson-Sewell (GK), Yuma, Tyler Gibson, Juanan, Ian Svantesson

Indy Eleven Stays Undefeated with 2-1 Road Win at Rayo OKC

Jair Reinoso Opens Account, Nemanja Vuković Strikes Again to Give Indy Second Straight Win

 

YUKON, Okla. (Saturday, April 30, 2016) – Indy Eleven remained undefeated with more late-game dramatics, as defender Nemanja Vukovic’s 77th minute goal lifted the visitors to a 2-1 win at Rayo OKC in the teams’ inaugural meeting at Miller Stadium. The victory pushed Indy Eleven to a 2W-2D-0L mark and into third place on the NASL Spring Season table with eight points, while Rayo dropped to 1-1-2 and remained on four points, still in sixth place where it started the evening.

Indy Eleven had made its faithful accustomed to waiting until the bitter end for goals across its first three games, but forward Jair Reinoso wasted little time getting the visitors on the board in his first start for coach Tim Hankinson. After running onto a perfectly weighted ball over the top and into the left side of the area from Sinisa Ubiparipovic, the Colombian attacker adjusted and unleashed a bending shot inside the far right post that Rayo OKC netminder Daniel Fernandes could do nothing about.

Indy would be dealt an early injury blow in the 18th minute, when midfielder Brad Ring was forced from the match with an apparent ankle injury, and would be replaced by Duke Lacroix. That would shuffle Hankinson’s formation, as the newcomer would push out left in midfield, sending veteran playmaker Siniša Ubiparipović back into a more accustomed central position.

Rayo OKC would dominate the possession in the opening 45 minutes, but would find most of its danger from set pieces, and that’s also where it would find paydirt from in the 26th minute. After earning a free kick himself 25 yards out from goal, it was the captain Michel finishing the job by curling a one-hopper past the Eleven wall and inside the left post, beating a diving Jon Busch to even things up  at 1-1.

Rayo OKC would have the best chance to push ahead for the remainder of the first half in the 36th minute, but Billy Forbes saw his shot from 20 yards out take a deflection before ringing off the left post.

Indy Eleven would have the first clear chance of the second half in the 50th minute as Eamon Zayed scrapped to work past two defenders inside the area and get 1-on-1 with Fernandes, but the OKC ‘keeper did well to cut the angle and force the Irish striker to push his chance wide right. Forbes would continue to cause headaches in the 56th minute when he split the Indy central defense and nearly caught Busch in between thoughts, only to miss his chance wide right as well.

The score would remain even until Vuković’s timely tally in the 77th minute, set up a minute earlier when he pushed past Pecka on the left sideline with a nutmeg and drew a foul on the Rayo OKC midfielder. Nicki Paterson’s ensuing free kick looped to the far right post, took a deflection off an OKC defender and bounced right to Vuković, who swept home with his right foot from seven yards out to re-take the lead for Indy Eleven.

Rayo OKC would have one last good look to even the match five minutes deep into stoppage time when a ball over the top was flicked on by Futty Danso and found a streaking Georgios Samaras at the top of the area. While the Greek international beat his defender inside, he couldn’t track down his chest-trap, the first touch falling to Busch and ending the final threat for the home side.

Indy Eleven will return home to Carroll Stadium next weekend on Saturday, May 7, to take on FC Edmonton (1-1-2, 4 pts.). Tickets for “Furballs and Futbol” Night at “The Mike” are available starting at $11 in the Brickyard Battalion and East Goal Top sections at www.www.indyeleven.com or over the phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Fans can also purchase special tickets via the furballs.https://www.indyeleven.com link, with portions of the proceeds going to benefit the F.A.C.E. Low-cost Spay & Neuter Clinic of Indianapolis.

 

NASL Spring Season
Rayo OKC  1 : 2  Indy Eleven
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Miller Stadium – Yukon, OK
Attendance: 4,729

Indy Eleven: 
Spring Season: 2W-2D-0L, 8 pts., 3rd place

Rayo OKC:
Spring Season: 1W-1D-2L, 4 pts., 6th place

Scoring Summary:
IND – Jair Reinoso (Nemanja Vuković) 7’
OKC – Michel (unassisted) 26’
IND – Nemanja Vuković (unassisted) 77’

Discipline Summary:
IND – Siniša Ubiparipović (caution) 9’
OKC – Villy Forbes (caution) 29’
IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 44’
OKC – Futty Danso (caution) 69’
IND – Omar Gordon (caution) 84’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Sinisa UbiparipoviÄ (Gorka Larrea 75’), Nicki Paterson, Brad Ring (Duke Lacroix 18’), Omar Gordon; Eamon Zayed, Jair Reinoso (Justin Braun 57’)

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Don Smart

Rayo OKC (4-3-3):  Daniel Fernandes; Jarad Van Schaik, Futty Danso, Rauwshan McKenzie, Kosuke Kimura; Michel (capt), Derek Boateng, Pecka; Richard Menjivar, Ryan Johnson (Georgios Samaras 63’), Billy Forbes

Rayo OKC bench: Caleb Patterson-Sewell (GK), Yuma, Tyler Gibson, Juanan, Ian Svantesson

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