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GAMEDAY: Indy Eleven at Rayo OKC

GAMEDAY: #OKCvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at Rayo OKC
Saturday, April 30, 2016 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Miller Stadium – Yukon, OK

 

TEAM RECORDS:
Indy Eleven – 1W-2D-0L, 5 pts., 4th place in NASL Spring standings
Rayo OKC – 1W-1D-1L, 4 pts., 6th place in NASL Spring standings


WATCH LIVE:


LISTEN LIVE:

  • Local Radio:None
  • Online: None


FOLLOW LIVE:


MEDIA GAME NOTES:

 

Expanding the Fold

Indy Eleven face their first expansion test of the 2016 season when they face Rayo OKC on Saturday night. The newly-formed side has taken four points from three games and is coming off of their first win of the year, a 3-2 victory away against its expansion brethren, Miami FC.

Being one of the relatively new kids on the block, Indy Eleven has only had the opportunity to face two expansion sides – its “Class of 2014” mate Ottawa Fury FC and 2015’s NASL newcomer Jacksonville Armada FC. Both of those first meetings were ones Indy wouldn’t mind forgetting, as Ottawa (4-2) and Jacksonville (1-0) took the opening encounters in their series.

In a fun schedule quirk, Indy Eleven will face all three 2016 expansion teams – Rayo OKC (Saturday), Miami FC (June 4) and Puerto Rico FC (July 2) – for the first time on the road.

 

Last Time Out – Indy 2 : 1 New York

The late match drama followed Indy Eleven from week two against Ottawa into week three against New York at “The Mike,” as Eamon Zayed’s six-minute brace secured three points for the first time in 2016.

After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the Cosmos leapt into a second half lead when Sebastian Guenzatti was brought down under the challenge of Greg Janicki, leading to a penalty. Midfielder Niko Kranjcar stepped up to face Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch and beat the MLS veteran to his right to put the visitors one-nil up.

Consistent pressure and a few attacking swaps saw “Indiana’s Team” claw its way into the Cosmos half on multiple occasions, but the needle finally budged in favor of the home side when the Eleven were awarded a penalty of their own following Don Smart’s corner. The Jamaican whipped in a driven ball that Janicki was tracking, only to have his progress impeded by Cosmos defender Hunter Freeman, resulting in the whistle from referee Geoff Gamble. The Irishman Zayed stepped up to the spot and coolly put the Eleven back level.

Though it was Nemanja Vukovic who equalized last-gasp against Ottawa the week before, Zayed was not to be outdone. In the final minute of stoppage, Justin Braun produced a brilliant flick into the path of Dylan Mares, who found himself seven yards out in the left side of the area. The midfielder fired a hard effort towards Cosmos netminder Kyle Zobeck, who did well to save but couldn’t parry the danger clear. In stepped Zayed to tap-in the sure winner before jumping into the west end to celebrate with the Brickyard Battalion. The full-time whistle blew and what had been six straight draws with NASL foes from “The Big Apple” was finally capped off with a victory for the “Boys in Blue.”

 

Bye Week Strategy

Earlier this week, coach Tim Hankinson noted that most teams on a good run of form would be disappointed to meet a bye week, especially so early on in the season. However, Hankinson said that this team welcomed the week as an opportunity to recover ahead of the road test.

“There are two theories to it – one is you’re winning therefore you don’t like the bye week, but in our particular case, we were still getting over injuries and still trying to get some of our recovered players up to 90-minute fitness, so for me it came at a perfect time. Now we have 20 field players on the park and everyone is healthy and working hard in a positive direction,” said the veteran coach.

With a full squad available after two weeks away from a match, three points and a full 90 minutes remains the target.

 

Defense Continues to Rule

Jon Busch and the rest of the back line have put on an impressive display of performances through three games, leading to a 0.67 goals against average that places them second only to Minnesota United FC’s 0.50 conceded rate.

In front of Busch, Greg Janicki and Colin Falvey have formed an incredibly strong centerback partnership with Lovel Palmer and Nemanja Vukovic as solid fullbacks. Together, the four have posted a high total of 57 interceptions while winning over 76% of their tackles. With individual standout performances acting in conjunction with collective team displays, the defense has allowed just one goal from open play in their 270 minutes of action. Indy Eleven is also the only team through four rounds of play to not concede multiple goals in a contest.

Rayo OKC have posted the second-best goal conversion rate (19%) in the league, only behind the league leaders the Carolina Railhawks, and have scored five goals in their last two matches. Indy Eleven may be facing another battle of thrilling attack against profound defense on Saturday.

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed

Coming off of his first pair of goals for the Eleven against New York, Eamon Zayed will again highlight the attack against Rayo OKC this Saturday. However, the question may be whether Zayed again has a partner up top in a 4-4-2 formation, or whether that experience was short-lived and Hankinson goes back to having him spearhead a 4-2-3-1 line-up now that the coach has all his tools at his disposal.

Zayed rescued all three points against the Cosmos with his brace and the No.9 is hungry for more success having putting his capabilities on display. The Irishman is showing his skill with the ball at his feet and remains an ideal option for holding up play into the attack, no matter what the formation.

 

Who to Watch, Rayo OKC edition: DF Michel

The club’s first captain Michel also doubles as an attacking threat out of the defense, as the rampaging left back has buried two goals on seven chances to lead Rayo OKC in scoring through three games.

The 34-year-old Brazilian arrived in Oklahoma by way of FC Dallas, where he spent three seasons and netted 12 times as a free kick specialist in 74 total appearances. Now at Rayo OKC, he opened his account with a bullet of an effort in a 3-2 loss at Carolina before scoring from the penalty spot last week in a 3-2 win over Miami FC.

 

Match-up to Mark: Indy DF's Lovel Palmer/Nemanja Vukovic v. Rayo OKC FW Billy Forbes

Despite Rayo OKC being a new side, the “Boys in Blue” are plenty familiar with attacker Billy Forbes from his last two season in San Antonio. In four starts against the Eleven, the Turks and Caicos international scored once and registered two assists on separate occasions, and he has already hit the scoring column in 2016 with a goal against Miami FC last weekend.

Depending on what side Forbes is fielded on, he faces the challenge of going against one of Lovel Palmer or Nemanja Vukovic, both veterans who are used to dealing with players that possess the remarkable pace of Forbes. While he can get to the endline, Forbes has been more interested in getting straight to goal thus far in 2016, as evidenced by him having more shots (5) than crosses (3) in Rayo’s first three games.

GAMEDAY: #OKCvIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven at Rayo OKC
Saturday, April 30, 2016 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Miller Stadium – Yukon, OK

 

TEAM RECORDS:
Indy Eleven – 1W-2D-0L, 5 pts., 4th place in NASL Spring standings
Rayo OKC – 1W-1D-1L, 4 pts., 6th place in NASL Spring standings


WATCH LIVE:


LISTEN LIVE:

  • Local Radio:None
  • Online: None


FOLLOW LIVE:


MEDIA GAME NOTES:

     

    Expanding the Fold

    Indy Eleven face their first expansion test of the 2016 season when they face Rayo OKC on Saturday night. The newly-formed side has taken four points from three games and is coming off of their first win of the year, a 3-2 victory away against its expansion brethren, Miami FC.

    Being one of the relatively new kids on the block, Indy Eleven has only had the opportunity to face two expansion sides – its “Class of 2014” mate Ottawa Fury FC and 2015’s NASL newcomer Jacksonville Armada FC. Both of those first meetings were ones Indy wouldn’t mind forgetting, as Ottawa (4-2) and Jacksonville (1-0) took the opening encounters in their series.

    In a fun schedule quirk, Indy Eleven will face all three 2016 expansion teams – Rayo OKC (Saturday), Miami FC (June 4) and Puerto Rico FC (July 2) – for the first time on the road.

     

    Last Time Out – Indy 2 : 1 New York

    The late match drama followed Indy Eleven from week two against Ottawa into week three against New York at “The Mike,” as Eamon Zayed’s six-minute brace secured three points for the first time in 2016.

    After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the Cosmos leapt into a second half lead when Sebastian Guenzatti was brought down under the challenge of Greg Janicki, leading to a penalty. Midfielder Niko Kranjcar stepped up to face Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch and beat the MLS veteran to his right to put the visitors one-nil up.

    Consistent pressure and a few attacking swaps saw “Indiana’s Team” claw its way into the Cosmos half on multiple occasions, but the needle finally budged in favor of the home side when the Eleven were awarded a penalty of their own following Don Smart’s corner. The Jamaican whipped in a driven ball that Janicki was tracking, only to have his progress impeded by Cosmos defender Hunter Freeman, resulting in the whistle from referee Geoff Gamble. The Irishman Zayed stepped up to the spot and coolly put the Eleven back level.

    Though it was Nemanja Vukovic who equalized last-gasp against Ottawa the week before, Zayed was not to be outdone. In the final minute of stoppage, Justin Braun produced a brilliant flick into the path of Dylan Mares, who found himself seven yards out in the left side of the area. The midfielder fired a hard effort towards Cosmos netminder Kyle Zobeck, who did well to save but couldn’t parry the danger clear. In stepped Zayed to tap-in the sure winner before jumping into the west end to celebrate with the Brickyard Battalion. The full-time whistle blew and what had been six straight draws with NASL foes from “The Big Apple” was finally capped off with a victory for the “Boys in Blue.”

     

    Bye Week Strategy

    Earlier this week, coach Tim Hankinson noted that most teams on a good run of form would be disappointed to meet a bye week, especially so early on in the season. However, Hankinson said that this team welcomed the week as an opportunity to recover ahead of the road test.

    “There are two theories to it – one is you’re winning therefore you don’t like the bye week, but in our particular case, we were still getting over injuries and still trying to get some of our recovered players up to 90-minute fitness, so for me it came at a perfect time. Now we have 20 field players on the park and everyone is healthy and working hard in a positive direction,” said the veteran coach.

    With a full squad available after two weeks away from a match, three points and a full 90 minutes remains the target.

     

    Defense Continues to Rule

    Jon Busch and the rest of the back line have put on an impressive display of performances through three games, leading to a 0.67 goals against average that places them second only to Minnesota United FC’s 0.50 conceded rate.

    In front of Busch, Greg Janicki and Colin Falvey have formed an incredibly strong centerback partnership with Lovel Palmer and Nemanja Vukovic as solid fullbacks. Together, the four have posted a high total of 57 interceptions while winning over 76% of their tackles. With individual standout performances acting in conjunction with collective team displays, the defense has allowed just one goal from open play in their 270 minutes of action. Indy Eleven is also the only team through four rounds of play to not concede multiple goals in a contest.

    Rayo OKC have posted the second-best goal conversion rate (19%) in the league, only behind the league leaders the Carolina Railhawks, and have scored five goals in their last two matches. Indy Eleven may be facing another battle of thrilling attack against profound defense on Saturday.

     

    Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed

    Coming off of his first pair of goals for the Eleven against New York, Eamon Zayed will again highlight the attack against Rayo OKC this Saturday. However, the question may be whether Zayed again has a partner up top in a 4-4-2 formation, or whether that experience was short-lived and Hankinson goes back to having him spearhead a 4-2-3-1 line-up now that the coach has all his tools at his disposal.

    Zayed rescued all three points against the Cosmos with his brace and the No.9 is hungry for more success having putting his capabilities on display. The Irishman is showing his skill with the ball at his feet and remains an ideal option for holding up play into the attack, no matter what the formation.

     

    Who to Watch, Rayo OKC edition: DF Michel

    The club’s first captain Michel also doubles as an attacking threat out of the defense, as the rampaging left back has buried two goals on seven chances to lead Rayo OKC in scoring through three games.

    The 34-year-old Brazilian arrived in Oklahoma by way of FC Dallas, where he spent three seasons and netted 12 times as a free kick specialist in 74 total appearances. Now at Rayo OKC, he opened his account with a bullet of an effort in a 3-2 loss at Carolina before scoring from the penalty spot last week in a 3-2 win over Miami FC.

     

    Match-up to Mark: Indy DF’s Lovel Palmer/Nemanja Vukovic v. Rayo OKC FW Billy Forbes

    Despite Rayo OKC being a new side, the “Boys in Blue” are plenty familiar with attacker Billy Forbes from his last two season in San Antonio. In four starts against the Eleven, the Turks and Caicos international scored once and registered two assists on separate occasions, and he has already hit the scoring column in 2016 with a goal against Miami FC last weekend.

    Depending on what side Forbes is fielded on, he faces the challenge of going against one of Lovel Palmer or Nemanja Vukovic, both veterans who are used to dealing with players that possess the remarkable pace of Forbes. While he can get to the endline, Forbes has been more interested in getting straight to goal thus far in 2016, as evidenced by him having more shots (5) than crosses (3) in Rayo’s first three games.

    RECAP – IND 2 : 1 NYC

    Indy Eleven Collects First Win in Comeback Fashion over New York

    Eamon Zayed’s Pair of Stoppage Time Goals Lifts “Boys in Blue” to 2-1 Win over First-Place Cosmos

    INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 16, 2016) – Indy Eleven turned a potentially disappointing defeat into a breath-taking victory during second half stoppage time against the New York Cosmos, as Eamon Zayed’s late brace gave the home side a 2-1 comeback win in front of 9,067 fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

    Indy Eleven looked poised to end its six-game draw streak against the Cosmos with a loss after going down on Nico Kranjcar’s 51st minute penalty kick, but it instead snapped the run with a victory thanks to Zayed’s late-game dramatics.

    Neither side could break through during a stingy first 45 minutes of play. Indy Eleven had some early joy in attack through wide play and the crosses that came from it, but only one opportunity – Nemanja Vuković’s sidewinder off a Brad Ring service that bounced just wide in the 31st minute – would result in any danger.  New York’s four shots in the half would all come from distance, with Sebastian Guenzatti’s 33rdminute effort from 20 yards out that missed high looking the most threatening.

    Indy Eleven’s Dylan Mares would have the best chance of the stanza in stoppage time when he turned inside on his defender and fired a left-footed blast from 15 yards that forced Cosmos netminder Kyle Zobeck into a two-handed parry over for a corner.

    The home side looked to get the go-ahead goal in the 49th minute when Justin Braun nodded home another Ring cross at the top of the six, but the offside flag came up on a bang-bang call. That wave-off would loom large just a minute later, as New York countered on the other end to set up the game’s first tally. Guenzatti’s lunge for Juan Arango’s cross inside the six was judged to be altered by the sliding tackle of Greg Janicki, which drew a penalty kick for the visitors that Kranjcar slammed past the right of Indy goalkeeper John Busch to put New York up 1-0.

    While Indy would push numbers forward for an equalizer, it was New York that would get the better chances on the counter up through the end of the regulation 90 minutes. Jairo Arrieta would get a good look in the 56th minute, but Busch did well to cut off the angle and force the shot to be pushed into the outside netting. Lucky Mkosana almost made an immediate impact following his insertion for Arrieta in the 81stminute, as he slipped through the Indy center backs and fired off a shot from 20 yards out that missed just wide of the right post.

    The home side would enter the five minutes of injury time by taking its own trip to the penalty spot, ironically with Janicki being fouled by New York defender Hunter Freeman as he tried to track a looping corner that was sent into the heart of the area by Don Smart. While Zobeck would correctly guess to his left on the PK, Zayed placed it just out of reach and inside the right post to even the proceedings at 1-1.

    Indy fans might have thought the seventh straight draw between the two sides was meant to be after Justin Braun’s diving header off of Smart’s exquisite first-time cross four minutes into stoppage flashed just wide left. However, the home side’s push wasn’t over, as on the game’s final attack Mares’ sent a shot that Zobeck did well to block, but the rebound fell right to Zayed, who swept home from the doorstep to give Indy Eleven its first win of the Tim Hankinson era.

    Indy Eleven will enjoy its Spring Season bye week next weekend before getting back to action on Saturday, April 30, when “Indiana’s Team” will travel to Oklahoma for its first meeting with Rayo OKC (8:00 p.m. ET, live on beIN Sports). The squad will return home to Carroll Stadium on Saturday, May 7, to take on FC Edmonton; tickets for the match 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
    Indy Eleven  2 : 1  New York Cosmos
    Saturday, April 16, 2016
    Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
    Attendance: 9,037

    Indy Eleven: 
    Spring Season: 1W-2D-0L (5 pts.)

    New York Cosmos:
    Spring Season: 2W-0D-1L (6 pts.)

    Scoring Summary:
    NYC – Nico Kranjcar (penalty kick) 51’
    IND – Eamon Zayed (penalty kick) 90’
    IND – Eamon Zayed (unassisted) 90+5’

    Discipline Summary:
    IND – Nemanja Vuković (caution) 50’
    IND – Justin Braun (caution) 57’
    IND – Greg Janicki (caution) 65’
    NYC – Hunter Freeman (caution) 89’
    IND – Brad Ring (caution) 90+5’

    OPTA STATS: See the full array of statistics available at the Opta MatchCenter

    Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković (Marco Franco 73’), Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Duke Lacroix (Don Smart 63’), Nicki Paterson (Wojciech Wojcik 76’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares; Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed

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

    New York Cosmos (4-2-3-1):  Kyle Zobeck; Ayoze, Carlos Mendes (capt) (Gabriel Farfan 86’), Jimmy Ockford, Hunter Freeman; Michael Lahoud, Adam Moffat; Niko Kranjcar (Andres Flores 70’), Juan Arango, Sebastian Guenzatti; Jairo Arrieta (Lucky Mkosana 81’)

    Cosmos bench: Brian Holt (GK), David Ochieng, Yohandry Orozco, David Diosa

    Indy Eleven Collects First Win in Comeback Fashion over New York

    Eamon Zayed’s Pair of Stoppage Time Goals Lifts “Boys in Blue” to 2-1 Win over First-Place Cosmos

    INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 16, 2016) – Indy Eleven turned a potentially disappointing defeat into a breath-taking victory during second half stoppage time against the New York Cosmos, as Eamon Zayed’s late brace gave the home side a 2-1 comeback win in front of 9,067 fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium.

    Indy Eleven looked poised to end its six-game draw streak against the Cosmos with a loss after going down on Nico Kranjcar’s 51st minute penalty kick, but it instead snapped the run with a victory thanks to Zayed’s late-game dramatics.

    Neither side could break through during a stingy first 45 minutes of play. Indy Eleven had some early joy in attack through wide play and the crosses that came from it, but only one opportunity – Nemanja Vuković’s sidewinder off a Brad Ring service that bounced just wide in the 31st minute – would result in any danger.  New York’s four shots in the half would all come from distance, with Sebastian Guenzatti’s 33rdminute effort from 20 yards out that missed high looking the most threatening.

    Indy Eleven’s Dylan Mares would have the best chance of the stanza in stoppage time when he turned inside on his defender and fired a left-footed blast from 15 yards that forced Cosmos netminder Kyle Zobeck into a two-handed parry over for a corner.

    The home side looked to get the go-ahead goal in the 49th minute when Justin Braun nodded home another Ring cross at the top of the six, but the offside flag came up on a bang-bang call. That wave-off would loom large just a minute later, as New York countered on the other end to set up the game’s first tally. Guenzatti’s lunge for Juan Arango’s cross inside the six was judged to be altered by the sliding tackle of Greg Janicki, which drew a penalty kick for the visitors that Kranjcar slammed past the right of Indy goalkeeper John Busch to put New York up 1-0.

    While Indy would push numbers forward for an equalizer, it was New York that would get the better chances on the counter up through the end of the regulation 90 minutes. Jairo Arrieta would get a good look in the 56th minute, but Busch did well to cut off the angle and force the shot to be pushed into the outside netting. Lucky Mkosana almost made an immediate impact following his insertion for Arrieta in the 81stminute, as he slipped through the Indy center backs and fired off a shot from 20 yards out that missed just wide of the right post.

    The home side would enter the five minutes of injury time by taking its own trip to the penalty spot, ironically with Janicki being fouled by New York defender Hunter Freeman as he tried to track a looping corner that was sent into the heart of the area by Don Smart. While Zobeck would correctly guess to his left on the PK, Zayed placed it just out of reach and inside the right post to even the proceedings at 1-1.

    Indy fans might have thought the seventh straight draw between the two sides was meant to be after Justin Braun’s diving header off of Smart’s exquisite first-time cross four minutes into stoppage flashed just wide left. However, the home side’s push wasn’t over, as on the game’s final attack Mares’ sent a shot that Zobeck did well to block, but the rebound fell right to Zayed, who swept home from the doorstep to give Indy Eleven its first win of the Tim Hankinson era.

    Indy Eleven will enjoy its Spring Season bye week next weekend before getting back to action on Saturday, April 30, when “Indiana’s Team” will travel to Oklahoma for its first meeting with Rayo OKC (8:00 p.m. ET, live on beIN Sports). The squad will return home to Carroll Stadium on Saturday, May 7, to take on FC Edmonton; tickets for the match 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
    Indy Eleven  2 : 1  New York Cosmos
    Saturday, April 16, 2016
    Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
    Attendance: 9,037

    Indy Eleven: 
    Spring Season: 1W-2D-0L (5 pts.)

    New York Cosmos:
    Spring Season: 2W-0D-1L (6 pts.)

    Scoring Summary:
    NYC – Nico Kranjcar (penalty kick) 51’
    IND – Eamon Zayed (penalty kick) 90’
    IND – Eamon Zayed (unassisted) 90+5’

    Discipline Summary:
    IND – Nemanja Vuković (caution) 50’
    IND – Justin Braun (caution) 57’
    IND – Greg Janicki (caution) 65’
    NYC – Hunter Freeman (caution) 89’
    IND – Brad Ring (caution) 90+5’

    OPTA STATS: See the full array of statistics available at the Opta MatchCenter

    Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković (Marco Franco 73’), Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Duke Lacroix (Don Smart 63’), Nicki Paterson (Wojciech Wojcik 76’), Brad Ring, Dylan Mares; Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed

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

    New York Cosmos (4-2-3-1):  Kyle Zobeck; Ayoze, Carlos Mendes (capt) (Gabriel Farfan 86’), Jimmy Ockford, Hunter Freeman; Michael Lahoud, Adam Moffat; Niko Kranjcar (Andres Flores 70’), Juan Arango, Sebastian Guenzatti; Jairo Arrieta (Lucky Mkosana 81’)

    Cosmos bench: Brian Holt (GK), David Ochieng, Yohandry Orozco, David Diosa

    GAMEDAY: Indy v. New York

    GAMEDAY: #INDvNYC

    Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
    Indy Eleven vs. New York Cosmos
    Saturday, April 16, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
    Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indy Eleven


    WATCH LIVE:

    • Local TV: WISH-TV 8
    • National TV: ONE World Sports
    • Online: www.ONEWorldSports.com
    • Watch Parties: Union Jack Pub, Chatham Tap, St. Joseph’s Brewery


    LISTEN LIVE:


    FOLLOW LIVE:


    MEDIA GAME NOTES:

     

    “Death. Taxes. Draw the Cosmos.”

    As Monday’s tax deadline and Saturday’s first meeting of 2016 between Indy Eleven and New York approaches, that phrase adopted by the Indy faithful couldn’t be any timelier. The two sides have vast differences in many metrics, but when it comes to the results on the field it’s been split right down the middle every time, with all six prior meetings ending in ties, including a trio of 1-1 affairs last season.

    Both teams will look to break that mold when the first of their three match-ups in 2016 occurs at “The Mike” on Saturday. While there are no “must-win” games in Week 3 of a season, if Indy Eleven is to seriously contend for the Spring Season title at will at the very least need another draw against the front-running Cosmos. However, a breakthrough win would not only keep “Indiana’s Team” within distance of New York and the co-leading Carolina RailHawks – both on a maximum six points from their first two games – but it would also count as a “statement win” the side has long been looking for.


    Last Time Out – Indy 1 : 1 Ottawa

    In their first home match of the season, the “Boys in Blue” fought out to a draw with Ottawa Fury FC in chilly conditions at Carroll Stadium. After a scoreless opening first 45 minutes, the second half saw both goals as Fury FC found the back of the net first. Just over ten minutes in from the break, the deadlock was broken by Israeli striker Idan Vered.  The Red Star Belgrade signing broke through the center of the defense to get on the end of a great service from Jonny Steele on the heels of a counter-attack to put the visitors one-up. As the pressure mounted on Ottawa’s goal, the Eleven maintained their press and pushed the Fury defense further and further into their own territory. In the 89th minute, left back Nemanja Vuković found his way towards the near post and stuck a foot on the end of a bouncing ball, which came about when Ottawa ‘keeper Romuald Peiser’s made a low save of Greg Janicki’s header inside the six.
     

    Continuity in Question

    Through two games this season, Indy Eleven has allowed just a single goal with the same eleven on the pitch to start both matches. However, against Fury FC, Sinisa Ubiparipovic limped off with a hamstring injury, making it likely there will be at least one fresh face in the first XI to kick things off when the league leaders visit the Circle City on Saturday.
     

    Defense Rules the Day

    What remains constant is the effort from the Indy Eleven back five, including ‘keeper Jon Busch, as they are one of just four teams to have let in a goal or less in the opening 180 minutes. The resulting 0.50 goals allowed clip is tied with Tampa Bay for second in the NASL through Week 2 – behind only this weekend’s opposition, with the Cosmos posting clean sheets in each of their first two affairs. Indy’s defensive moxie will be put to the test against the high-flying Cosmos, whose attack led by Jairo Arrieta has put up a league-best five goals through two rounds.
     

    Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed

    In Indy Eleven’s first two games, Zayed has gone hungry up top, getting just 23 and 21 touches against Tampa Bay and Ottawa, respectively. There is no one culprit on the “Boys in Blue” responsible for feeding the big Irishman at the point of the team’s 4-2-3-1 attack – only one player (Justin Braun in the opener) has completed more than one pass to Zayed in a match – so it will take a collective effort to get the job done. It will be interesting to see, should the trend continue early on, if he’ll drop deeper and deeper to get into the game or if he’ll remain higher up the field to keep the Cosmos center backs honest.
     

    Who to Watch, New York Cosmos edition: MF Juan Arango

    While names like Nico Kranjcar and Jairo Arrieta might be more familiar to American fans of the beautiful game, perhaps the biggest threat among the Cosmos newcomers this offseason is Arango. Boasting two goals and one assist in two games, the former Venezuelan National Team captain and performer with Spanish La Liga side Mallorca and Liga MX’s Xolos de Tijuana still very clearly packs a punch at 35 years of age.

    A true attacking threat, Arango is known more for his ability to get forward than his distribution but has the ability to produce a peach of a pass at the drop of a hat. His two goals have him level for second in the league with teammate Adam Moffat and just behind Railhawks midfielder Austin da Luz, who leads the league with three.

    Look for Arango to try and exploit the space in front of the Eleven defense, leaving the task of marking him to midfielders Brad Ring and Nicki Paterson, who have impressed in their own right so far.
     

    Match-up to Mark: Indy GK Jon Busch v. New York Attackers

    Jon Busch arrived in Indianapolis just ahead of the 2016 season after 14 years in MLS, but had just one thing on his mind – winning a trophy. So far, Busch has been huge for “Indiana’s Team,” making three saves and numerous other massive plays on the ball in the season opener against Tampa Bay and doing his part in last week’s home opener against Ottawa.

    Now stands his biggest NASL test so far – facing the attack-laden lineup of Cosmos looking to continue their scoring ways. Speaking highly of the defense in front of him this week, Busch knows that he’ll get a good amount of help – but even the best defense can’t totally clamp down on New York for 90 minutes, so he’ll need to come up big on some occasions keep Indy Eleven’s stout defensive numbers intact for another week.
     

    2015 Overview vs. New York Cosmos: 0W-3D-0L

    IND 1 : 1 NYC – April 11, 2015 – Indy Eleven opened up the 2015 home slate at Carroll Stadium against the New York Cosmos in the first of three one-all stalemates that year. After drawing even with the Atlanta Silverbacks a week prior, the focus shifted to securing three points at home – and things looked bright early. Brian Brown opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Cosmos ‘keeper Jimmy Maurer took one too many steps away from home while clearing his lines, and the ball found its way to the feet of the Jamaican, who took a touch before lobbing an effort inside the right post from 30 yards out. However, in the 65th minute, the legend known as “Raúl” fired home a header from close range to bring the tally to 1-1. A brief chance in the 78th minute came towards striker Charlie Rugg, but his contested effort sailed over the crossbar and the match ended even. Theme continued.

    NYC 1 : 1 IND – July 5, 2015 – An early July encounter on Long Island to open the Fall Season, the Cosmos and “Boys in Blue” again couldn’t find a winner in the fifth tie in as many meetings. Again “Indiana’s Team” went ahead first as Wojciech Wojcik put a stronghold on the match after collecting a forced clearance and flushing on a volley from 12 yards out. The unwritten rule of a one-goal limit was nearly broken by the Eleven just a few minutes later when midfielder Dylan Mares popped a free kick across to the far post, but Duke Lacroix could only force a fantastic save out of netminder Jimmy Maurer, who forced the effort over the top of the bar.

    The Cosmos’ equalizer would come from Walter Restrepo in the 78th minute when he absorbed a through pass on the right side of the pitch to rifle an effort at Nicht. The big German would get a strong hand on it, but the rebound ricocheted back off Restrepo’s head and into the back of the net to level the score. Then came New York’s opportunity to break the deadlock in the 88th minute when Sebastián Guenzatti stuck out a leg to finish a cross from Marcos Senna, but after consulting the linesman the head official called the goal back and ruled Guenzatti as offside. After a tense five minutes of stoppage – played without the late-ejected Indy interim skipper Tim Regan on the bench – the full-time whistle blew and the pair once again settled for a point apiece. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

    IND 1 : 1 NYC – July 25, 2015 – It was less than three weeks later that the two would meet, this time back in the Hoosier State at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. As over 10K packed into “The Mike” once more, a set of two goals separated by a couple minutes of first half stoppage time would settle the match. The Cosmos capitalized first as Raul played through Walter Restrepo, and the Colombian picked up his second goal of the year against “Indiana’s Team” having placed an effort between Nicht and the far post. On the ensuing kickoff, momentum would swing back in favor of the “Boys in Blue” when Dylan Mares took a streamlined pass from Dragan Stojkov down in the area and fired low into the right side netting with his left boot. Both sides would have chances in the second half that did not come to fruition. The final 45 minutes weren’t without excitement though as both Erick Norales and Sebastian Guenzatti saw red for trading blows, and the 1-1 score that held at full-time would be the third of the 2015 season. Same old, same old … a familiar result.

    GAMEDAY: #INDvNYC

    Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
    Indy Eleven vs. New York Cosmos
    Saturday, April 16, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
    Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indy Eleven


    WATCH LIVE:

    • Local TV: WISH-TV 8
    • National TV: ONE World Sports
    • Online: www.ONEWorldSports.com
    • Watch Parties: Union Jack Pub, Chatham Tap, St. Joseph’s Brewery


    LISTEN LIVE:


    FOLLOW LIVE:


    MEDIA GAME NOTES:

       

      “Death. Taxes. Draw the Cosmos.”

      As Monday’s tax deadline and Saturday’s first meeting of 2016 between Indy Eleven and New York approaches, that phrase adopted by the Indy faithful couldn’t be any timelier. The two sides have vast differences in many metrics, but when it comes to the results on the field it’s been split right down the middle every time, with all six prior meetings ending in ties, including a trio of 1-1 affairs last season.

      Both teams will look to break that mold when the first of their three match-ups in 2016 occurs at “The Mike” on Saturday. While there are no “must-win” games in Week 3 of a season, if Indy Eleven is to seriously contend for the Spring Season title at will at the very least need another draw against the front-running Cosmos. However, a breakthrough win would not only keep “Indiana’s Team” within distance of New York and the co-leading Carolina RailHawks – both on a maximum six points from their first two games – but it would also count as a “statement win” the side has long been looking for.


      Last Time Out – Indy 1 : 1 Ottawa

      In their first home match of the season, the “Boys in Blue” fought out to a draw with Ottawa Fury FC in chilly conditions at Carroll Stadium. After a scoreless opening first 45 minutes, the second half saw both goals as Fury FC found the back of the net first. Just over ten minutes in from the break, the deadlock was broken by Israeli striker Idan Vered.  The Red Star Belgrade signing broke through the center of the defense to get on the end of a great service from Jonny Steele on the heels of a counter-attack to put the visitors one-up. As the pressure mounted on Ottawa’s goal, the Eleven maintained their press and pushed the Fury defense further and further into their own territory. In the 89th minute, left back Nemanja Vuković found his way towards the near post and stuck a foot on the end of a bouncing ball, which came about when Ottawa ‘keeper Romuald Peiser’s made a low save of Greg Janicki’s header inside the six.
       

      Continuity in Question

      Through two games this season, Indy Eleven has allowed just a single goal with the same eleven on the pitch to start both matches. However, against Fury FC, Sinisa Ubiparipovic limped off with a hamstring injury, making it likely there will be at least one fresh face in the first XI to kick things off when the league leaders visit the Circle City on Saturday.
       

      Defense Rules the Day

      What remains constant is the effort from the Indy Eleven back five, including ‘keeper Jon Busch, as they are one of just four teams to have let in a goal or less in the opening 180 minutes. The resulting 0.50 goals allowed clip is tied with Tampa Bay for second in the NASL through Week 2 – behind only this weekend’s opposition, with the Cosmos posting clean sheets in each of their first two affairs. Indy’s defensive moxie will be put to the test against the high-flying Cosmos, whose attack led by Jairo Arrieta has put up a league-best five goals through two rounds.
       

      Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed

      In Indy Eleven’s first two games, Zayed has gone hungry up top, getting just 23 and 21 touches against Tampa Bay and Ottawa, respectively. There is no one culprit on the “Boys in Blue” responsible for feeding the big Irishman at the point of the team’s 4-2-3-1 attack – only one player (Justin Braun in the opener) has completed more than one pass to Zayed in a match – so it will take a collective effort to get the job done. It will be interesting to see, should the trend continue early on, if he’ll drop deeper and deeper to get into the game or if he’ll remain higher up the field to keep the Cosmos center backs honest.
       

      Who to Watch, New York Cosmos edition: MF Juan Arango

      While names like Nico Kranjcar and Jairo Arrieta might be more familiar to American fans of the beautiful game, perhaps the biggest threat among the Cosmos newcomers this offseason is Arango. Boasting two goals and one assist in two games, the former Venezuelan National Team captain and performer with Spanish La Liga side Mallorca and Liga MX’s Xolos de Tijuana still very clearly packs a punch at 35 years of age.

      A true attacking threat, Arango is known more for his ability to get forward than his distribution but has the ability to produce a peach of a pass at the drop of a hat. His two goals have him level for second in the league with teammate Adam Moffat and just behind Railhawks midfielder Austin da Luz, who leads the league with three.

      Look for Arango to try and exploit the space in front of the Eleven defense, leaving the task of marking him to midfielders Brad Ring and Nicki Paterson, who have impressed in their own right so far.
       

      Match-up to Mark: Indy GK Jon Busch v. New York Attackers

      Jon Busch arrived in Indianapolis just ahead of the 2016 season after 14 years in MLS, but had just one thing on his mind – winning a trophy. So far, Busch has been huge for “Indiana’s Team,” making three saves and numerous other massive plays on the ball in the season opener against Tampa Bay and doing his part in last week’s home opener against Ottawa.

      Now stands his biggest NASL test so far – facing the attack-laden lineup of Cosmos looking to continue their scoring ways. Speaking highly of the defense in front of him this week, Busch knows that he’ll get a good amount of help – but even the best defense can’t totally clamp down on New York for 90 minutes, so he’ll need to come up big on some occasions keep Indy Eleven’s stout defensive numbers intact for another week.
       

      2015 Overview vs. New York Cosmos: 0W-3D-0L

      IND 1 : 1 NYC – April 11, 2015 – Indy Eleven opened up the 2015 home slate at Carroll Stadium against the New York Cosmos in the first of three one-all stalemates that year. After drawing even with the Atlanta Silverbacks a week prior, the focus shifted to securing three points at home – and things looked bright early. Brian Brown opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Cosmos ‘keeper Jimmy Maurer took one too many steps away from home while clearing his lines, and the ball found its way to the feet of the Jamaican, who took a touch before lobbing an effort inside the right post from 30 yards out. However, in the 65th minute, the legend known as “Raúl” fired home a header from close range to bring the tally to 1-1. A brief chance in the 78th minute came towards striker Charlie Rugg, but his contested effort sailed over the crossbar and the match ended even. Theme continued.

      NYC 1 : 1 IND – July 5, 2015 – An early July encounter on Long Island to open the Fall Season, the Cosmos and “Boys in Blue” again couldn’t find a winner in the fifth tie in as many meetings. Again “Indiana’s Team” went ahead first as Wojciech Wojcik put a stronghold on the match after collecting a forced clearance and flushing on a volley from 12 yards out. The unwritten rule of a one-goal limit was nearly broken by the Eleven just a few minutes later when midfielder Dylan Mares popped a free kick across to the far post, but Duke Lacroix could only force a fantastic save out of netminder Jimmy Maurer, who forced the effort over the top of the bar.

      The Cosmos’ equalizer would come from Walter Restrepo in the 78th minute when he absorbed a through pass on the right side of the pitch to rifle an effort at Nicht. The big German would get a strong hand on it, but the rebound ricocheted back off Restrepo’s head and into the back of the net to level the score. Then came New York’s opportunity to break the deadlock in the 88th minute when Sebastián Guenzatti stuck out a leg to finish a cross from Marcos Senna, but after consulting the linesman the head official called the goal back and ruled Guenzatti as offside. After a tense five minutes of stoppage – played without the late-ejected Indy interim skipper Tim Regan on the bench – the full-time whistle blew and the pair once again settled for a point apiece. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

      IND 1 : 1 NYC – July 25, 2015 – It was less than three weeks later that the two would meet, this time back in the Hoosier State at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. As over 10K packed into “The Mike” once more, a set of two goals separated by a couple minutes of first half stoppage time would settle the match. The Cosmos capitalized first as Raul played through Walter Restrepo, and the Colombian picked up his second goal of the year against “Indiana’s Team” having placed an effort between Nicht and the far post. On the ensuing kickoff, momentum would swing back in favor of the “Boys in Blue” when Dylan Mares took a streamlined pass from Dragan Stojkov down in the area and fired low into the right side netting with his left boot. Both sides would have chances in the second half that did not come to fruition. The final 45 minutes weren’t without excitement though as both Erick Norales and Sebastian Guenzatti saw red for trading blows, and the 1-1 score that held at full-time would be the third of the 2015 season. Same old, same old … a familiar result.

      RECAP – Indy 1 : 1 Ottawa

      Nemanja Vukovic’s Late Goal Gives Indy Eleven Draw with Ottawa

      89th Minute Equalizer Brings “Class of ‘14” Reunion with Fury FC to 1-1 Conclusion in Home Opener

       

      INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 9, 2016) – Ottawa Fury FC looked destined to spoil Indy Eleven’s home opener by taking the full three points out of IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium, but Indy defender Nemanja Vukovic’s 89th minute rebound goal forced a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw in front of 9,104 fans in downtown Indianapolis. Ottawa forward Idan Vered opened his Fury FC account in the 56th minute to put the visitors ahead – and nearly for good, until Vukovic’s late tally evened the “Class of 2014” reunion.

      Indy Eleven would come out the aggressor in its home debut, pushing forward well in the opening 20 minutes. The best look for the “Boys in Blue” would come in the 19th minute when winger Justin Braun nodded Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s cross to the back post, the shot bouncing just wide left.

      Ottawa would work its way into attack as the half progressed, but the Canadian club’s shots would come mostly from distance and be blocked before they could challenge Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch. In fact, neither he nor his opposite number, Romuald Peiser, would be forced into a save on any of the teams’ eight combined shots in the first 45 minutes.

      The second half would open up with an early injury to Indy Eleven midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic, the #10 forced to leave due to a hamstring injury just six minutes into the stanza. Ottawa would go ahead in the 56th minute through Vered on a play that began with nice hold up work by Gerardo Bruna. His post up at the top of the area allowed Jonny Steele to streak into the left side of the area, accepting Bruna’s pass with a first time cross inside the six where Vered was able to redirect home to take the lead.

      Vuković pressed Peiser into action with a looping ball from the left that forced the Ottawa netminder into a safety-first tip over his bar in the 66th minute, which seemed to spark the Indy attack into life. Nicki Paterson made the home crowd gasp in the 78th minute, when he first-timed a laid off ball at the top of the area, his dipping shot skimming off the top of the crossbar.

      The pressure would mount on the home side until the release came in front of the Brickyard Battalion a minute from time. The scoring play started when Don Smart’s cross from the left was nodded down by defender Greg Janicki, forcing Peiser into a reaction save. The ball would fall straight to Vuković, who made no mistake with a shot from eight yards out that gave the Eleven their first goal of the season and a hard earned point.

      The result didn’t allow Indy Eleven (0W-2D-0L, 2 pts.) to notch its first home win against Ottawa (0W-1D-1L, 1 pt.)  in now its fourth try, but it did stop Indy’s three-game losing streak to its expansion mate, which spanned the 2015 season.

      Indy Eleven will stay in the Circle City for its Spring Season Week 3 affair next Saturday, April 16, when it welcomes the defending NASL champion New York Cosmos to “The Mike” for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff (live on WISH-TV, ONE World Sports and www.ONEWorldSports.com).


      NASL Spring Season
      Indy Eleven  1 : 1  Ottawa Fury
      Saturday, April 9, 2016
      Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
      Attendance: 9,089


      Indy Eleven: 
      Spring Season: 0W-2D-0L (2 pts.)

      Ottawa Fury FC:
      Spring Season: 0W-1D-1L (1 pt.)


      Scoring Summary:
      OTT – Idan Vered (Jonny Steele) 56’
      IND – Nemanja Vuković (unassisted) 89’

      Discipline Summary:
      OTT – Jonny Steele (caution) 18’
      IND – Dylan Mares (caution) 55’
      IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 66’
      OTT – Gerardo Bruna (caution) 83’
      OTT – Dennis Chin (caution) 84’


      Indy Eleven line-up (4-2-3-1, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Nicki Paterson, Brad Ring; Duke Lacroix (Don Smart 74’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Dylan Mares 51’), Justin Braun (Jair Reinoso 63’); Eamon Zayed

      Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Gorka Larrea

      Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Romuald Peiser; Marcel de Jong, Timbo, Rafael Alves, Kyle Porter; Jonny Steele (Lance Rozeboom 79’), Julian de Guzman (capt) (Mauro Eustaquio 84’), James Bailey; Paulo Junior, Gerardo Bruna, Idan Vered (Dennis Chin 71’)

      Fury FC bench: Andrew MacRae (GK), Mozzi Gyorio, Carl Haworth, Bryan Olivera

      Nemanja Vukovic’s Late Goal Gives Indy Eleven Draw with Ottawa

      89th Minute Equalizer Brings “Class of ‘14” Reunion with Fury FC to 1-1 Conclusion in Home Opener

       

      INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 9, 2016) – Ottawa Fury FC looked destined to spoil Indy Eleven’s home opener by taking the full three points out of IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium, but Indy defender Nemanja Vukovic’s 89th minute rebound goal forced a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw in front of 9,104 fans in downtown Indianapolis. Ottawa forward Idan Vered opened his Fury FC account in the 56th minute to put the visitors ahead – and nearly for good, until Vukovic’s late tally evened the “Class of 2014” reunion.

      Indy Eleven would come out the aggressor in its home debut, pushing forward well in the opening 20 minutes. The best look for the “Boys in Blue” would come in the 19th minute when winger Justin Braun nodded Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s cross to the back post, the shot bouncing just wide left.

      Ottawa would work its way into attack as the half progressed, but the Canadian club’s shots would come mostly from distance and be blocked before they could challenge Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch. In fact, neither he nor his opposite number, Romuald Peiser, would be forced into a save on any of the teams’ eight combined shots in the first 45 minutes.

      The second half would open up with an early injury to Indy Eleven midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic, the #10 forced to leave due to a hamstring injury just six minutes into the stanza. Ottawa would go ahead in the 56th minute through Vered on a play that began with nice hold up work by Gerardo Bruna. His post up at the top of the area allowed Jonny Steele to streak into the left side of the area, accepting Bruna’s pass with a first time cross inside the six where Vered was able to redirect home to take the lead.

      Vuković pressed Peiser into action with a looping ball from the left that forced the Ottawa netminder into a safety-first tip over his bar in the 66th minute, which seemed to spark the Indy attack into life. Nicki Paterson made the home crowd gasp in the 78th minute, when he first-timed a laid off ball at the top of the area, his dipping shot skimming off the top of the crossbar.

      The pressure would mount on the home side until the release came in front of the Brickyard Battalion a minute from time. The scoring play started when Don Smart’s cross from the left was nodded down by defender Greg Janicki, forcing Peiser into a reaction save. The ball would fall straight to Vuković, who made no mistake with a shot from eight yards out that gave the Eleven their first goal of the season and a hard earned point.

      The result didn’t allow Indy Eleven (0W-2D-0L, 2 pts.) to notch its first home win against Ottawa (0W-1D-1L, 1 pt.)  in now its fourth try, but it did stop Indy’s three-game losing streak to its expansion mate, which spanned the 2015 season.

      Indy Eleven will stay in the Circle City for its Spring Season Week 3 affair next Saturday, April 16, when it welcomes the defending NASL champion New York Cosmos to “The Mike” for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff (live on WISH-TV, ONE World Sports and www.ONEWorldSports.com).


      NASL Spring Season
      Indy Eleven  1 : 1  Ottawa Fury
      Saturday, April 9, 2016
      Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
      Attendance: 9,089


      Indy Eleven: 
      Spring Season: 0W-2D-0L (2 pts.)

      Ottawa Fury FC:
      Spring Season: 0W-1D-1L (1 pt.)


      Scoring Summary:
      OTT – Idan Vered (Jonny Steele) 56’
      IND – Nemanja Vuković (unassisted) 89’

      Discipline Summary:
      OTT – Jonny Steele (caution) 18’
      IND – Dylan Mares (caution) 55’
      IND – Nicki Paterson (caution) 66’
      OTT – Gerardo Bruna (caution) 83’
      OTT – Dennis Chin (caution) 84’


      Indy Eleven line-up (4-2-3-1, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer; Nicki Paterson, Brad Ring; Duke Lacroix (Don Smart 74’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Dylan Mares 51’), Justin Braun (Jair Reinoso 63’); Eamon Zayed

      Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Marco Franco, Cory Miller, Gorka Larrea

      Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Romuald Peiser; Marcel de Jong, Timbo, Rafael Alves, Kyle Porter; Jonny Steele (Lance Rozeboom 79’), Julian de Guzman (capt) (Mauro Eustaquio 84’), James Bailey; Paulo Junior, Gerardo Bruna, Idan Vered (Dennis Chin 71’)

      Fury FC bench: Andrew MacRae (GK), Mozzi Gyorio, Carl Haworth, Bryan Olivera

      RECAP – Tampa Bay 0 : 0 Indy Eleven

      Indy Eleven Earn Gritty Road Point in Season Opening Stalemate at Tampa Bay

      Goalkeeper Jon Busch’s Three Saves, Steady Defensive Effort Help “Boys in Blue” to 0-0 Draw, Clean Sheet to Open 2016 Season


      ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Saturday, April 2, 2016) – For the third season opener in as many years, Indy Eleven would earn a point from its NASL season opener, this time securing a road point from a 0-0 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium. The new look Eleven squad featured ten “Boys in Blue” making their Indy debut, including goalkeeper Jon Busch, who made three saves in securing the clean sheet.

      “There’s no question that defensively we’re a very solid unit. I feel like in all games this year we’ll be able to defense well and stay in games until the very end certainly,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “Certainly the possession tonight was a lot better than we’ve seen in our preseason games, so I’m pleased with that, and the patience we showed was very solid. That’s the way you have to play on the road, so the point tonight was a very well taken point.”

      The first half was dominated by the defenses as just one of the teams’ five combined shots would force a save, Busch doing the deed five minutes in with an easy grab of Tamika Mkandawire’s header 10 yards straight out from goal. That’s not to say Busch wasn’t active, as he darted off his line on several occasions to frustrate the Rowdies attack, most notably sliding in to thwart a couple of through balls intended for runs by new Tampa Bay striker Tommy Heinemann.

      The sides finally traded solid chances early in the second half, Busch going low to stop Heinemann’s shot from space in the 52nd minute and Indy midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic seeing his dipping effort from 25 yards miss just high four minutes later.

      The visitors looked more and more content to secure their road point as the half continued, but a flurry in the 78th minute would almost see the Eleven sneak into the lead. However, Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens came up big, first steering aside a corner kick that somehow got through traffic in the six yard box before making his only save of the night on Indy forward Eamon Zayed’s volley from the right side of the area.

      The physicality of the Eleven defense would pay off time after time, as solid challenges and timely slide tackles throughout the evening helped keep Tampa off the board. However, Busch was called into service one last time in the 92nd minute when Eric Avila’s sidewinding shot from outside the area was hit with pace, but right at the Indy netminder in the center of goal.

      Indy Eleven (0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.) will take the road point back to the Hoosier State and prepare for its home opener next Saturday, April 9, against Ottawa Fury FC (0-0-0). Kickoff from Michael A. Carroll Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and tickets remain available for Bicentennial Celebration night at “The Mike” starting at just $11 at www.www.indyeleven.com. In addition, a $20 Bicentennial Picnic Pack featuring a ticket to the match and a meal full of Indiana favorites are on sale at bicentennial.https://www.indyeleven.com.  


      NASL Spring Season
      Tampa Bay Rowdies  0 : 0  Indy Eleven
      Saturday, April 2, 2016
      Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
      Attendance: 5,740

      Indy Eleven: 
      Spring Season: 0W-1D-0L (1 pt.)

      Tampa Bay Rowdies:
      Spring Season: 0W-1D-0L (1 pt.)

      Scoring Summary:
      None

      Discipline Summary:
      TBR – Neill Collins (caution) 40’
      TBR – Darnell King (caution) 43’
      IND – Brad Ring (caution) 53’
      IND – Gorka Larrea (caution) 87’
      TBR – Zac Portillos (caution) 87’


      Indy Eleven line-up (4-2-3-1, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer (Marco Franco 82’); Nicki Paterson (Gorka Larrea 63’), Brad Ring; Duke Lacroix (Jair Reinoso 73’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Justin Braun; Eamon Zayed

      Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Cory Miller, Dylan Mares, Don Smart


      Tampa Bay Rowdies (4-2-3-1): Matt Pickens; Zac Portillos, Neill Collins, Tamika Mkandawire (capt), Darnell King; Justin Chavez, Michael Nanchoff; Kalif Alhassan (Darwin Espinal 67’), Junior Burgos (Georgi Hristov 73’), Eric Avila; Tommy Heinemann

      Rowdies bench: Michael Langer (GK), Jeremy Hall, Ben Sweat, Juan Guerra, Danny Mwanga

      Indy Eleven Earn Gritty Road Point in Season Opening Stalemate at Tampa Bay

      Goalkeeper Jon Busch’s Three Saves, Steady Defensive Effort Help “Boys in Blue” to 0-0 Draw, Clean Sheet to Open 2016 Season


      ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Saturday, April 2, 2016) – For the third season opener in as many years, Indy Eleven would earn a point from its NASL season opener, this time securing a road point from a 0-0 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium. The new look Eleven squad featured ten “Boys in Blue” making their Indy debut, including goalkeeper Jon Busch, who made three saves in securing the clean sheet.

      “There’s no question that defensively we’re a very solid unit. I feel like in all games this year we’ll be able to defense well and stay in games until the very end certainly,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “Certainly the possession tonight was a lot better than we’ve seen in our preseason games, so I’m pleased with that, and the patience we showed was very solid. That’s the way you have to play on the road, so the point tonight was a very well taken point.”

      The first half was dominated by the defenses as just one of the teams’ five combined shots would force a save, Busch doing the deed five minutes in with an easy grab of Tamika Mkandawire’s header 10 yards straight out from goal. That’s not to say Busch wasn’t active, as he darted off his line on several occasions to frustrate the Rowdies attack, most notably sliding in to thwart a couple of through balls intended for runs by new Tampa Bay striker Tommy Heinemann.

      The sides finally traded solid chances early in the second half, Busch going low to stop Heinemann’s shot from space in the 52nd minute and Indy midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic seeing his dipping effort from 25 yards miss just high four minutes later.

      The visitors looked more and more content to secure their road point as the half continued, but a flurry in the 78th minute would almost see the Eleven sneak into the lead. However, Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens came up big, first steering aside a corner kick that somehow got through traffic in the six yard box before making his only save of the night on Indy forward Eamon Zayed’s volley from the right side of the area.

      The physicality of the Eleven defense would pay off time after time, as solid challenges and timely slide tackles throughout the evening helped keep Tampa off the board. However, Busch was called into service one last time in the 92nd minute when Eric Avila’s sidewinding shot from outside the area was hit with pace, but right at the Indy netminder in the center of goal.

      Indy Eleven (0W-1D-0L, 1 pt.) will take the road point back to the Hoosier State and prepare for its home opener next Saturday, April 9, against Ottawa Fury FC (0-0-0). Kickoff from Michael A. Carroll Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and tickets remain available for Bicentennial Celebration night at “The Mike” starting at just $11 at www.www.indyeleven.com. In addition, a $20 Bicentennial Picnic Pack featuring a ticket to the match and a meal full of Indiana favorites are on sale at bicentennial.https://www.indyeleven.com.  


      NASL Spring Season
      Tampa Bay Rowdies  0 : 0  Indy Eleven
      Saturday, April 2, 2016
      Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, FL
      Attendance: 5,740

      Indy Eleven: 
      Spring Season: 0W-1D-0L (1 pt.)

      Tampa Bay Rowdies:
      Spring Season: 0W-1D-0L (1 pt.)

      Scoring Summary:
      None

      Discipline Summary:
      TBR – Neill Collins (caution) 40’
      TBR – Darnell King (caution) 43’
      IND – Brad Ring (caution) 53’
      IND – Gorka Larrea (caution) 87’
      TBR – Zac Portillos (caution) 87’


      Indy Eleven line-up (4-2-3-1, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Lovel Palmer (Marco Franco 82’); Nicki Paterson (Gorka Larrea 63’), Brad Ring; Duke Lacroix (Jair Reinoso 73’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Justin Braun; Eamon Zayed

      Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Cory Miller, Dylan Mares, Don Smart


      Tampa Bay Rowdies (4-2-3-1): Matt Pickens; Zac Portillos, Neill Collins, Tamika Mkandawire (capt), Darnell King; Justin Chavez, Michael Nanchoff; Kalif Alhassan (Darwin Espinal 67’), Junior Burgos (Georgi Hristov 73’), Eric Avila; Tommy Heinemann

      Rowdies bench: Michael Langer (GK), Jeremy Hall, Ben Sweat, Juan Guerra, Danny Mwanga

      GAMEDAY: Indy Eleven at Tampa Bay

      GAMEDAY: #TBRvIND

      Indy Eleven at Tampa Bay Rowdies
      Saturday, April 2, 2015 – 7:30 p.m. ET
      Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, Fla.
      NASL Spring Season Game #1


      WATCH LIVE

      TV: ONE World Sports
      ONLINE: Streaming video via OneWorldSports.com
      WATCH PARTIES: “HQ” location at Union Jack Pub in Broad Ripple
      – Click here for full listing of watch parties across the Hoosier State

       

      LIVE UPDATES

      IN-GAME UPDATES: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter and @IndyEleven on Snapchat
      LIVE STATS: Powered by Opta at expanded NASL.com MatchCenter
      MEDIA GAME NOTES:    Indy Eleven    Tampa Bay Rowdies

       

      The wait is over.

      After six long months, Indy Eleven will begin their third season of play away to Tampa Bay as the start of the 2016 NASL season begins. After an offseason packed with changes, the “Boys in Blue” have a different look about them, though the goal remains the same – to qualify for The Championship and lift the famed Soccer Bowl trophy in November.

      It’s a lengthy goal on a road filled with twists and turns, but the path begins with a big step on Saturday against a talented Rowdies squad.

      The bad news for “Indiana’s Team” is that the club is away from Michael A. Carroll Stadium to start the year and will face a hostile environment from the get-go. The decent news is that the “Boys in Blue” have been able to gain a point from each of their two visits to Al Lang Stadium. The good news is that this test is followed by two straight home games, albeit against stiff competition against last year’s Championship finalists in Ottawa Fury FC and the New York Cosmos, in that order.

       

      2015 Overview vs. Tampa Bay: 1W-2D-0L

      IND 2 : 2 TBR – May 30, 2015 – A game that had a little bit of everything – goals, cautions, sending offs, a storm delay and late match drama – the “Boys in Blue” earned a hard-fought point as Kyle Hyland’s 98th minute equalizer finished unhinging the Rowdies in a late-night affair at “The Mike.” Dylan Mares opened the scoring in the 21st minute but the visitors found an equalizer just before half. Maicon Santos would send the Rowdies ahead with two unanswered in the 68th minute, but was sent off four minutes later for a rash reaction to a scuffle between Cory Miller and defender Robert Hernandez. Just before full time, Rowdies defender Stefan Antonijevic received a second yellow and was sent off, making it an 11-v-9 affair for what would be seven-plus minutes of added time. It was in the final minute of all things extra that Hyland found the equalizer, rifling home a dipping effort off the underside of the crossbar to end a spectacular encounter that will live on in Carroll Stadium lore. The game would end up being the beginning of a Rowdies downslide that saw the club go from the cusp of the Spring Season title to a mid-season firing of coach Thomas Rongen early in the Fall campaign.

      IND 2 : 0 TBR – August 19, 2015 – The lone decided game between the two came at Carroll Stadium in the sweltering August heat thanks to goals from Dane Richards and Erick Norales. A scoreless first half coupled with a pair of cautions meant the second half left it all on the table, and the “Boys in Blue” took advantage. The Jamaican Richards opened his account in an Indy Eleven shirt, beating Matt Pickens low to his left, while then-captain Norales sealed the deal with a peach of a free kick over the wall in the 70th minute. Left stunned, the Rowdies would not respond and the three points meant that “Indiana’s Team” would snap a five-game winless streak.

      TBR 1 : 1 IND – September 30, 2015 – The second of two draws with Tampa Bay came in the final game of September as Jaime Frias would earn his first goal – and only – goal of the season to secure a point on the road. After a scoreless first half despite plenty of chances, Long Tan opened the scoring at Al Lang Stadium in the 63rd minute, only for the defender Frias to swoop in four minutes later with an equalizer that would decide the match. The best chance for either team to earn the full points came for Don Smart in stoppage time, but Pickens was there to deny a tight angle.

       

      New faces, same challenge

      With many unfamiliar faces on the 2016 roster, “Indiana’s Team” takes on a fresh look under new head coach Tim Hankinson. Aware of the challenges ahead, Hankinson & Co. feel that the team they have assembled are more than capable of challenging for a place in the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament.

      Under the leadership of players brought from all realms of North American soccer – from MLS to the NASL to the USL – this year’s squad faces high expectations under Hankinson, who won the NASL’s regular season title with the San Antonio Scorpions during their 2012 expansion season. Bottom line, Hankinson knows how to get things going, and quickly, and nothing less will be expected.

       

      Preseason difficulties stay in the preseason

      After battling what seemed to be an abundance of preseason injuries, the Eleven are almost completely healed of their wounds from February and March.

      Going 2W-4D-3L during their nine game preseason slate, Coach Hankinson emphasized that the concepts sinking into his players’ brains take more time than just a month or two to settle, and that with an entire new group comes a gelling period that isn’t easily put on a timetable. Momentum is on their side, however, after a 1-0 win over Butler University compounded a 0-0 draw with the University of Louisville to cap off a defensively staunch early era. If the need is to grind out results until the goals come, the fact that the “Boys in Blue” let in more than a goal just once in those nine preseason exhibitions is a great sign.

       

      Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: MF Nicki Paterson

      Paterson comes to the Circle City as one of three to convert from expansion mate Ottawa Fury FC to the Eleven in the offseason. A human metronome, Paterson will bring a stability to the center of the park that will be necessary in the possession style Hankinson wants his charges to evolve towards.

      Though Paterson was one of many fighting a nagging injury, the now fully healthy Scotsman is relishing the opportunity to fight in Indianapolis and to earn a consistent place in Hankinson’s starting XI. Starting seven of nine games for the Fury while tacking on two goals, Paterson’s 2015 was brought to an early end by a knee injury. Now the true No. 8 has the perfect chance to prove why all his rehabilitation to return was worth it. While his possession game is key, it might be his tenacity on the defensive side of the ball against a dangerous Rowdies midfield that will be more important on Saturday night.

       

      Who to Watch, Tampa Bay Rowdies edition: F Georgi Hristov

      While newcomer Tommy Heinemann is getting a lot of the ink down on the Gulf Coast, it’s the Bulgarian baller that we’ll focus on. Starting in 22 of 28 games for the Rowdies last season while tacking on an impressive 11 combined goals and assists, Hristov is one of the strongest attacking threats being thrown at the fast-gelling Indy Eleven defense.

      Assisting in last season’s 2-2 draw in May, Hristov has a history of performing well against “Indiana’s Team.” The 2013 NASL Golden Ball (League MVP) winner will have all eyes on jump-starting his 2016 run in the Rowdies home opener on Saturday.

       

      Match-up to Mark: Indy F Eamon Zayed v. Tampa Bay Center Backs

      Indy’s new target man and true No. 9, Eamon Zayed’s early reputation has been as much about the Irish accent as it has the goal scoring, though there has been plenty of both. Zayed poked home three goals during the preseason slate to back up his reputation as a true goalscorer, and Coach Hankinson is ecstatic about the possibilities for the Irishman as he embarks on his 2016 campaign. With an eye for goal and ability in space, Zayed is a tough task to mark when in and around the area, and if he can bring in whoever will be filling the winger roles for Indy on Saturday night it will go a long way in unlocking the Rowdies backline, especially the men in the middle.

      GAMEDAY: #TBRvIND

      Indy Eleven at Tampa Bay Rowdies
      Saturday, April 2, 2015 – 7:30 p.m. ET
      Al Lang Stadium – St. Petersburg, Fla.
      NASL Spring Season Game #1


      WATCH LIVE

      TV: ONE World Sports
      ONLINE: Streaming video via OneWorldSports.com
      WATCH PARTIES: “HQ” location at Union Jack Pub in Broad Ripple
      – Click here for full listing of watch parties across the Hoosier State

       

      LIVE UPDATES

      IN-GAME UPDATES: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter and @IndyEleven on Snapchat
      LIVE STATS: Powered by Opta at expanded NASL.com MatchCenter
      MEDIA GAME NOTES:    Indy Eleven    Tampa Bay Rowdies

       

      The wait is over.

      After six long months, Indy Eleven will begin their third season of play away to Tampa Bay as the start of the 2016 NASL season begins. After an offseason packed with changes, the “Boys in Blue” have a different look about them, though the goal remains the same – to qualify for The Championship and lift the famed Soccer Bowl trophy in November.

      It’s a lengthy goal on a road filled with twists and turns, but the path begins with a big step on Saturday against a talented Rowdies squad.

      The bad news for “Indiana’s Team” is that the club is away from Michael A. Carroll Stadium to start the year and will face a hostile environment from the get-go. The decent news is that the “Boys in Blue” have been able to gain a point from each of their two visits to Al Lang Stadium. The good news is that this test is followed by two straight home games, albeit against stiff competition against last year’s Championship finalists in Ottawa Fury FC and the New York Cosmos, in that order.

       

      2015 Overview vs. Tampa Bay: 1W-2D-0L

      IND 2 : 2 TBR – May 30, 2015 – A game that had a little bit of everything – goals, cautions, sending offs, a storm delay and late match drama – the “Boys in Blue” earned a hard-fought point as Kyle Hyland’s 98th minute equalizer finished unhinging the Rowdies in a late-night affair at “The Mike.” Dylan Mares opened the scoring in the 21st minute but the visitors found an equalizer just before half. Maicon Santos would send the Rowdies ahead with two unanswered in the 68th minute, but was sent off four minutes later for a rash reaction to a scuffle between Cory Miller and defender Robert Hernandez. Just before full time, Rowdies defender Stefan Antonijevic received a second yellow and was sent off, making it an 11-v-9 affair for what would be seven-plus minutes of added time. It was in the final minute of all things extra that Hyland found the equalizer, rifling home a dipping effort off the underside of the crossbar to end a spectacular encounter that will live on in Carroll Stadium lore. The game would end up being the beginning of a Rowdies downslide that saw the club go from the cusp of the Spring Season title to a mid-season firing of coach Thomas Rongen early in the Fall campaign.

      IND 2 : 0 TBR – August 19, 2015 – The lone decided game between the two came at Carroll Stadium in the sweltering August heat thanks to goals from Dane Richards and Erick Norales. A scoreless first half coupled with a pair of cautions meant the second half left it all on the table, and the “Boys in Blue” took advantage. The Jamaican Richards opened his account in an Indy Eleven shirt, beating Matt Pickens low to his left, while then-captain Norales sealed the deal with a peach of a free kick over the wall in the 70th minute. Left stunned, the Rowdies would not respond and the three points meant that “Indiana’s Team” would snap a five-game winless streak.

      TBR 1 : 1 IND – September 30, 2015 – The second of two draws with Tampa Bay came in the final game of September as Jaime Frias would earn his first goal – and only – goal of the season to secure a point on the road. After a scoreless first half despite plenty of chances, Long Tan opened the scoring at Al Lang Stadium in the 63rd minute, only for the defender Frias to swoop in four minutes later with an equalizer that would decide the match. The best chance for either team to earn the full points came for Don Smart in stoppage time, but Pickens was there to deny a tight angle.

       

      New faces, same challenge

      With many unfamiliar faces on the 2016 roster, “Indiana’s Team” takes on a fresh look under new head coach Tim Hankinson. Aware of the challenges ahead, Hankinson & Co. feel that the team they have assembled are more than capable of challenging for a place in the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament.

      Under the leadership of players brought from all realms of North American soccer – from MLS to the NASL to the USL – this year’s squad faces high expectations under Hankinson, who won the NASL’s regular season title with the San Antonio Scorpions during their 2012 expansion season. Bottom line, Hankinson knows how to get things going, and quickly, and nothing less will be expected.

       

      Preseason difficulties stay in the preseason

      After battling what seemed to be an abundance of preseason injuries, the Eleven are almost completely healed of their wounds from February and March.

      Going 2W-4D-3L during their nine game preseason slate, Coach Hankinson emphasized that the concepts sinking into his players’ brains take more time than just a month or two to settle, and that with an entire new group comes a gelling period that isn’t easily put on a timetable. Momentum is on their side, however, after a 1-0 win over Butler University compounded a 0-0 draw with the University of Louisville to cap off a defensively staunch early era. If the need is to grind out results until the goals come, the fact that the “Boys in Blue” let in more than a goal just once in those nine preseason exhibitions is a great sign.

       

      Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: MF Nicki Paterson

      Paterson comes to the Circle City as one of three to convert from expansion mate Ottawa Fury FC to the Eleven in the offseason. A human metronome, Paterson will bring a stability to the center of the park that will be necessary in the possession style Hankinson wants his charges to evolve towards.

      Though Paterson was one of many fighting a nagging injury, the now fully healthy Scotsman is relishing the opportunity to fight in Indianapolis and to earn a consistent place in Hankinson’s starting XI. Starting seven of nine games for the Fury while tacking on two goals, Paterson’s 2015 was brought to an early end by a knee injury. Now the true No. 8 has the perfect chance to prove why all his rehabilitation to return was worth it. While his possession game is key, it might be his tenacity on the defensive side of the ball against a dangerous Rowdies midfield that will be more important on Saturday night.

       

      Who to Watch, Tampa Bay Rowdies edition: F Georgi Hristov

      While newcomer Tommy Heinemann is getting a lot of the ink down on the Gulf Coast, it’s the Bulgarian baller that we’ll focus on. Starting in 22 of 28 games for the Rowdies last season while tacking on an impressive 11 combined goals and assists, Hristov is one of the strongest attacking threats being thrown at the fast-gelling Indy Eleven defense.

      Assisting in last season’s 2-2 draw in May, Hristov has a history of performing well against “Indiana’s Team.” The 2013 NASL Golden Ball (League MVP) winner will have all eyes on jump-starting his 2016 run in the Rowdies home opener on Saturday.

       

      Match-up to Mark: Indy F Eamon Zayed v. Tampa Bay Center Backs

      Indy’s new target man and true No. 9, Eamon Zayed’s early reputation has been as much about the Irish accent as it has the goal scoring, though there has been plenty of both. Zayed poked home three goals during the preseason slate to back up his reputation as a true goalscorer, and Coach Hankinson is ecstatic about the possibilities for the Irishman as he embarks on his 2016 campaign. With an eye for goal and ability in space, Zayed is a tough task to mark when in and around the area, and if he can bring in whoever will be filling the winger roles for Indy on Saturday night it will go a long way in unlocking the Rowdies backline, especially the men in the middle.

      Eleven Prep for Butler

      It’s been a difficult preseason for Indy Eleven since its return from sunny Arizona to a balmy, cooler Indiana. Injuries have more than played their part in a tough stretch over the last two weeks, but player concepts and understanding the right way to play has been equal to the former. Head coach Tim Hankinson knows this – and he’s working on it ahead of the second-to-last preseason friendly with the Butler University Wednesday night.

      “This will be the longest most of the players have pushed to get more minutes in. We’re still working on our match fitness and certainly we want to avoid injuries, but we want to see our concepts. We have not possessed the ball as well as I’d like to, and we’ve created some good attacking chances, but we haven’t really been a group that’s been finishing and taking advantage of those opportunities,” said Hankinson.

      Following two 1-1 draws with FC Cincinnati and St. Louis FC and, most recently, a 0-1 loss to Louisville City FC on Saturday, much work is still to be done. The problem? With just 11 days left until the season opens at Tampa Bay, the time to put that work in is dwindling.

      “We tend to have been a team in the preseason that lets up one goal but no more though it would be nice to get through the game with a clean sheet and put two or three balls in the net,” continued Hankinson. “We’re looking for a more complete effort than what we’ve seen in these last two or three matches. The preseason results haven’t been what were expected, but we are determined to make things right.”

      The Butler Bulldogs roll into tomorrow’s friendly on the heels of two out-of-state contests against Michigan State University and Oakland University in Pontiac, Michigan last Saturday. Wednesday’s friendly will be their only against a professional side, and the second of five matchdays during an abbreviated spring season.

      Coach Hankinson is weary to the dangers collegiate players present after earning a hard-fought draw against Indiana University in a 9-v-9 affair in Bloomington that kicked off the exhibition schedule last month, but insists his team is ready for the test.

      “The college players always give tremendous effort. Their fitness, their desire to work hard against you puts you under a lot of pressure. It’s always a proving ground for them. Any player on their team is looking to get noticed for a professional opportunity down the road,” Hankinson explained. “We know it will be a tough match, and I think we’re expecting windy conditions so that will add a feature to how the game will be played.

      “But we should have a number of our starting players available – it’s been a very difficult preseason with our injuries to get a consistent, collective group together. Wednesday’s match is important to the preparations for Tampa for this group that I have in mind.”

      Indy Eleven faces off with the Bulldogs tomorrow night at Field #3 at Grand Park; click here for a map of Grand Park and click here for directions to the magnificent sports complex in Westfield. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.ET and admission is free to the public. There are no stands for spectators, who are encouraged to bring their own chairs to the game.

      Just 48 hours later, Indy Eleven will have its final test ahead of the April 2nd NASL season opener in Tampa this Friday night when the squad heads south down I-65 to face the University of Louisville.

      Visit www.indyeleven.com’s Preseason page for all the details on the team’s preparations for its third season of NASL action.

      It’s been a difficult preseason for Indy Eleven since its return from sunny Arizona to a balmy, cooler Indiana. Injuries have more than played their part in a tough stretch over the last two weeks, but player concepts and understanding the right way to play has been equal to the former. Head coach Tim Hankinson knows this – and he’s working on it ahead of the second-to-last preseason friendly with the Butler University Wednesday night.

      “This will be the longest most of the players have pushed to get more minutes in. We’re still working on our match fitness and certainly we want to avoid injuries, but we want to see our concepts. We have not possessed the ball as well as I’d like to, and we’ve created some good attacking chances, but we haven’t really been a group that’s been finishing and taking advantage of those opportunities,” said Hankinson.

      Following two 1-1 draws with FC Cincinnati and St. Louis FC and, most recently, a 0-1 loss to Louisville City FC on Saturday, much work is still to be done. The problem? With just 11 days left until the season opens at Tampa Bay, the time to put that work in is dwindling.

      “We tend to have been a team in the preseason that lets up one goal but no more though it would be nice to get through the game with a clean sheet and put two or three balls in the net,” continued Hankinson. “We’re looking for a more complete effort than what we’ve seen in these last two or three matches. The preseason results haven’t been what were expected, but we are determined to make things right.”

      The Butler Bulldogs roll into tomorrow’s friendly on the heels of two out-of-state contests against Michigan State University and Oakland University in Pontiac, Michigan last Saturday. Wednesday’s friendly will be their only against a professional side, and the second of five matchdays during an abbreviated spring season.

      Coach Hankinson is weary to the dangers collegiate players present after earning a hard-fought draw against Indiana University in a 9-v-9 affair in Bloomington that kicked off the exhibition schedule last month, but insists his team is ready for the test.

      “The college players always give tremendous effort. Their fitness, their desire to work hard against you puts you under a lot of pressure. It’s always a proving ground for them. Any player on their team is looking to get noticed for a professional opportunity down the road,” Hankinson explained. “We know it will be a tough match, and I think we’re expecting windy conditions so that will add a feature to how the game will be played.

      “But we should have a number of our starting players available – it’s been a very difficult preseason with our injuries to get a consistent, collective group together. Wednesday’s match is important to the preparations for Tampa for this group that I have in mind.”

      Indy Eleven faces off with the Bulldogs tomorrow night at Field #3 at Grand Park; click here for a map of Grand Park and click here for directions to the magnificent sports complex in Westfield. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.ET and admission is free to the public. There are no stands for spectators, who are encouraged to bring their own chairs to the game.

      Just 48 hours later, Indy Eleven will have its final test ahead of the April 2nd NASL season opener in Tampa this Friday night when the squad heads south down I-65 to face the University of Louisville.

      Visit www.indyeleven.com’s Preseason page for all the details on the team’s preparations for its third season of NASL action.

      Recap – Eleven 0 : 0 U of L

      Indy Eleven Ends Preseason with Scoreless Draw at University of Louisville

      Goalkeeper Keith Cardona Steps up with Three Saves to Post Clean Sheet in Finale

       
      LOUISVILLE (Friday, March 25, 2016) – Indy Eleven dueled the University of Louisville to a 0-0 draw in the squad’s 2016 preseason finale this evening at Cardinal Park on the UofL campus. Eleven goalkeeper Keith Cardona made three saves and other critical interventions to help the visitors post the clean sheet.

      While play would flow back and forth throughout the early stages, the game’s first real dangerous chance wouldn’t come until the 36th minute, when Indy Eleven guest player Aaron Horton’s run down the right flank was cut down by a Cardinal defender to set up a free kick. Midfielder Nicki Paterson swung a nice ball in towards the penalty spot where forward Wojciech Wojcik rose to meet it, but his header bounced down off the crossbar and was cleared from the area.

      Louisville had some good looks of their own in the final five minutes, but Cardona came up huge. The second year netminder first came off his line strong and went low to block away a 1-v-1 opportunity in the right side of the area in the 40th minute, followed by a back-peddling leap to stop a chipped effort from distance destined for the upper left corner that ended the first half.

      The home side had a couple of looks in the 54th minute when several Cards flooded Indy’s six-yard box, but a couple of pokes failed to make their way through heavy traffic at the left post and the danger was eventually cleared.

      The chances would dry up from there on out, but Louisville would ratchet up the pressure in the 82nd minute when an attacker cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a low shot from 20 yards out that forced Cardona into a smothering stop. Indy would push some numbers into the Cardinals area for some good-looking set piece opportunities of its own in the final two minutes, but Wojcik and defender Cory Miller saw their headed efforts deflected out for corners, keeping the match scoreless to the final whistle.

      Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson elected to leave the bulk of the “Boys in Blue” that played most or all of Wednesday’s match against Butler back in Indianapolis, giving five guest players the opportunity to see considerable minutes against the Cards. Three of those players – Vinnie Mitchell, Nago Mbengue and Thomas Schmitt – were earlier this week named to the roster that will compete for the Indy Eleven NPSL side beginning in May.

      With the six-week preseason now in the rearview mirror, Indy Eleven can turn its focus fully to its NASL season opener next Saturday, April 2, at the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Fans can watch the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff from Al Lang Stadium live on ONE World Sports and online at ONEWorldSports.com, and can also follow live updates via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed and additional Indy Eleven social media outlets.

      Indy Eleven kicks off its home slate at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium a week later on Saturday, April 9, against 2015 NASL Championship finalist Ottawa Fury FC. Season, single game and group tickets for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at “The Mike” can be purchased at www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET).


      Scoring Summary:
      None


      Indy Eleven XI (4-2-3-1, L -> R): Keith Cardona; *Jeff McClure, Neil Shaffer, Cory Miller, Don Smart; Nicki Paterson (*Nago Mbengue 38’) (Marco Franco 75’), Brad Ring (*Thomas Schmitt 38’); Duke Lacroix (Aaron Horton 87’), Dylan Mares, *Vinnie Mitchell (^Aaron Horton 32’) (Vinnie Mitchell 67’); Wojciech Wojcik

      * Indy Eleven NPSL player
      ^ Guest player
       

      www.www.indyeleven.com / Follow @IndyEleven on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat

      Indy Eleven Ends Preseason with Scoreless Draw at University of Louisville

      Goalkeeper Keith Cardona Steps up with Three Saves to Post Clean Sheet in Finale

       
      LOUISVILLE (Friday, March 25, 2016) – Indy Eleven dueled the University of Louisville to a 0-0 draw in the squad’s 2016 preseason finale this evening at Cardinal Park on the UofL campus. Eleven goalkeeper Keith Cardona made three saves and other critical interventions to help the visitors post the clean sheet.

      While play would flow back and forth throughout the early stages, the game’s first real dangerous chance wouldn’t come until the 36th minute, when Indy Eleven guest player Aaron Horton’s run down the right flank was cut down by a Cardinal defender to set up a free kick. Midfielder Nicki Paterson swung a nice ball in towards the penalty spot where forward Wojciech Wojcik rose to meet it, but his header bounced down off the crossbar and was cleared from the area.

      Louisville had some good looks of their own in the final five minutes, but Cardona came up huge. The second year netminder first came off his line strong and went low to block away a 1-v-1 opportunity in the right side of the area in the 40th minute, followed by a back-peddling leap to stop a chipped effort from distance destined for the upper left corner that ended the first half.

      The home side had a couple of looks in the 54th minute when several Cards flooded Indy’s six-yard box, but a couple of pokes failed to make their way through heavy traffic at the left post and the danger was eventually cleared.

      The chances would dry up from there on out, but Louisville would ratchet up the pressure in the 82nd minute when an attacker cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a low shot from 20 yards out that forced Cardona into a smothering stop. Indy would push some numbers into the Cardinals area for some good-looking set piece opportunities of its own in the final two minutes, but Wojcik and defender Cory Miller saw their headed efforts deflected out for corners, keeping the match scoreless to the final whistle.

      Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson elected to leave the bulk of the “Boys in Blue” that played most or all of Wednesday’s match against Butler back in Indianapolis, giving five guest players the opportunity to see considerable minutes against the Cards. Three of those players – Vinnie Mitchell, Nago Mbengue and Thomas Schmitt – were earlier this week named to the roster that will compete for the Indy Eleven NPSL side beginning in May.

      With the six-week preseason now in the rearview mirror, Indy Eleven can turn its focus fully to its NASL season opener next Saturday, April 2, at the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Fans can watch the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff from Al Lang Stadium live on ONE World Sports and online at ONEWorldSports.com, and can also follow live updates via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed and additional Indy Eleven social media outlets.

      Indy Eleven kicks off its home slate at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium a week later on Saturday, April 9, against 2015 NASL Championship finalist Ottawa Fury FC. Season, single game and group tickets for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at “The Mike” can be purchased at www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET).


      Scoring Summary:
      None


      Indy Eleven XI (4-2-3-1, L -> R): Keith Cardona; *Jeff McClure, Neil Shaffer, Cory Miller, Don Smart; Nicki Paterson (*Nago Mbengue 38’) (Marco Franco 75’), Brad Ring (*Thomas Schmitt 38’); Duke Lacroix (Aaron Horton 87’), Dylan Mares, *Vinnie Mitchell (^Aaron Horton 32’) (Vinnie Mitchell 67’); Wojciech Wojcik

      * Indy Eleven NPSL player
      ^ Guest player
       

      www.www.indyeleven.com / Follow @IndyEleven on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat

      Recap – Eleven 1 : 0 Butler

      Indy Eleven Starts Final Preseason Push with 1-0 Win vs. Butler

      Forward Eamon Zayed’s 18th Minute Tally Stands Tall in Victory at Grand Park

       
      WESTFIELD (Wednesday, March 23, 2016) – Indy Eleven gained some momentum to start the final push of its 2016 preseason tonight against Butler University, using a goal from forward Eamon Zayed in the first half and a stout defensive effort throughout to post a 1-0 victory at Grand Park.

      The Bulldogs came out and stood toe-to-toe with Indy Eleven for about the first 10 minutes, including a pair of decent looks in the eighth minute that put the pro side on guard, before ceding the bulk of the possession and quality chances to the “Boys in Blue.”

      It was Zayed putting Indy on top in the 18th minute, the play starting with midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s through ball that split the Butler center backs. The Irish striker took it from there, pushing a low shot from 20 yards inside the left post to put the Eleven up early. Less than a minute, later trialist Jair Reinoso almost doubled the advantage after the ball worked its way around to him in the left side of the area, but the Bulldogs goalkeeper alertly cut down the angle early and blocked the Colombian’s shot out for a corner.

      Indy Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch had some work of his own to do a little after the half-hour mark, first coming off his line in the 33rd minute to get a piece of a near-angle shot that defender Nemanja Vuković swept over to clear out of the six-yard box. Three minutes later, Busch shuffled over to his left post and leapt to grab a shot from distance that threatened his frame. In between, Vuković had a couple of chances himself, but both a free kick and shot from open play, each from roughly 30 yards out, were saved.

      Both teams were limited to shots from distance and half chances through the start of the second half, the first real look of any danger coming from Indy winger Justin Braun’s near-post effort from the left side of the area in the 71st minute.

      Substitute midfielder Duke Lacroix injected some life into the Indy Eleven attack across the final 15 minutes with a handful of lengthy forays into the final third, but he’d find his shots saved or passes for runners inside the area cleared away. Zayed had one last chance to find a second in stoppage time after again being slipped into space by Ubiparipović, and while his far post effort beat the goalkeeper it couldn’t stay inside the right post.

      A main area of focus for Indy Eleven, now 11 days out from its NASL Spring Season opener on April 2 at the Tampa Bay Rowdies, was getting players 90 minutes fit. Head coach Tim Hankinson was able to get the bulk of his charges just that, as eight of the 11 starters would go the distance on the windy evening in Westfield.

      Indy Eleven’s final preseason exhibition match comes in just two days’ time on Friday evening, when “Indiana’s Team” will head down I-65 and cross into Kentucky to square off against the University of Louisville Cardinals. Kickoff from Cardinal Park on the UofL campus is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can follow live updates as they happen via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed and additional Indy Eleven social media outlets.

      Visit www.www.indyeleven.com/preseason for the full details on Indy Eleven’s preseason itinerary leading up to the team’s third season of NASL play, beginning next weekend in the Sunshine State against the Rowdies (7:30 p.m. ET, live on ONE World Sports & ONEWorldSports.com). Indy Eleven kicks off its home slate at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium a week later on Saturday, April 9, against 2015 NASL Championship finalist Ottawa Fury FC. Season, single game and group tickets for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff at “The Mike” can be purchased at www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET).


      Scoring Summary:
      IND – Eamon Zayed (Siniša Ubiparipović) 18’


      Indy Eleven XI (4-2-3-1, L -> R): Jon Busch; Marco Franco, Greg Janicki (Brad Ring 25’), Colin Falvey, Lovel Palmer; Nicki Paterson (Dylan Mares 73’), Nemanja Vuković; Justin Braun, Siniša Ubiparipović, Jair Reinoso (Duke Lacroix 58’); Eamon Zayed


      www.www.indyeleven.com / Follow @IndyEleven on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat

      Indy Eleven Starts Final Preseason Push with 1-0 Win vs. Butler

      Forward Eamon Zayed’s 18th Minute Tally Stands Tall in Victory at Grand Park

       
      WESTFIELD (Wednesday, March 23, 2016) – Indy Eleven gained some momentum to start the final push of its 2016 preseason tonight against Butler University, using a goal from forward Eamon Zayed in the first half and a stout defensive effort throughout to post a 1-0 victory at Grand Park.

      The Bulldogs came out and stood toe-to-toe with Indy Eleven for about the first 10 minutes, including a pair of decent looks in the eighth minute that put the pro side on guard, before ceding the bulk of the possession and quality chances to the “Boys in Blue.”

      It was Zayed putting Indy on top in the 18th minute, the play starting with midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s through ball that split the Butler center backs. The Irish striker took it from there, pushing a low shot from 20 yards inside the left post to put the Eleven up early. Less than a minute, later trialist Jair Reinoso almost doubled the advantage after the ball worked its way around to him in the left side of the area, but the Bulldogs goalkeeper alertly cut down the angle early and blocked the Colombian’s shot out for a corner.

      Indy Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch had some work of his own to do a little after the half-hour mark, first coming off his line in the 33rd minute to get a piece of a near-angle shot that defender Nemanja Vuković swept over to clear out of the six-yard box. Three minutes later, Busch shuffled over to his left post and leapt to grab a shot from distance that threatened his frame. In between, Vuković had a couple of chances himself, but both a free kick and shot from open play, each from roughly 30 yards out, were saved.

      Both teams were limited to shots from distance and half chances through the start of the second half, the first real look of any danger coming from Indy winger Justin Braun’s near-post effort from the left side of the area in the 71st minute.

      Substitute midfielder Duke Lacroix injected some life into the Indy Eleven attack across the final 15 minutes with a handful of lengthy forays into the final third, but he’d find his shots saved or passes for runners inside the area cleared away. Zayed had one last chance to find a second in stoppage time after again being slipped into space by Ubiparipović, and while his far post effort beat the goalkeeper it couldn’t stay inside the right post.

      A main area of focus for Indy Eleven, now 11 days out from its NASL Spring Season opener on April 2 at the Tampa Bay Rowdies, was getting players 90 minutes fit. Head coach Tim Hankinson was able to get the bulk of his charges just that, as eight of the 11 starters would go the distance on the windy evening in Westfield.

      Indy Eleven’s final preseason exhibition match comes in just two days’ time on Friday evening, when “Indiana’s Team” will head down I-65 and cross into Kentucky to square off against the University of Louisville Cardinals. Kickoff from Cardinal Park on the UofL campus is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can follow live updates as they happen via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed and additional Indy Eleven social media outlets.

      Visit www.www.indyeleven.com/preseason for the full details on Indy Eleven’s preseason itinerary leading up to the team’s third season of NASL play, beginning next weekend in the Sunshine State against the Rowdies (7:30 p.m. ET, live on ONE World Sports & ONEWorldSports.com). Indy Eleven kicks off its home slate at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium a week later on Saturday, April 9, against 2015 NASL Championship finalist Ottawa Fury FC. Season, single game and group tickets for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff at “The Mike” can be purchased at www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET).


      Scoring Summary:
      IND – Eamon Zayed (Siniša Ubiparipović) 18’


      Indy Eleven XI (4-2-3-1, L -> R): Jon Busch; Marco Franco, Greg Janicki (Brad Ring 25’), Colin Falvey, Lovel Palmer; Nicki Paterson (Dylan Mares 73’), Nemanja Vuković; Justin Braun, Siniša Ubiparipović, Jair Reinoso (Duke Lacroix 58’); Eamon Zayed


      www.www.indyeleven.com / Follow @IndyEleven on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Snapchat

      Recap – Eleven 0 : 1 Louisville City

      Indy Eleven Drops 0-1 Exhibition to Louisville City FC

      Several Chances to Equalize Down the Stretch Fall Short for “Boys in Blue”

       
      INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, March 19, 2016) – Indy Eleven looked poised to even up a third straight exhibition match during its preseason calendar, but a 66th minute tally by Louisville City FC would stand just tall enough in Indy’s 0-1 defeat at UIndy’s Key Stadium this afternoon.

      “Our possession was better from the last game, and our creation of scoring chances was better and came more often, but it’s about putting the ball in the back of the net. We’d feel a lot differently about the result if we put two of those chances in and walked away with a win today,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “Defensively we just were not good enough today, and that’s all over the field, not just regarding the back four.”

      The first half hour saw dead ball opportunities rule for both teams, with Louisville City getting the first crack five minutes in off a free kick that missed high from 25 yards out. In the 16th minute it was a LCFC corner kick getting flicked on to the near left post, but Indy Eleven goalkeeper Keith Cardona was there to take the ball on a hop.

      Indy Eleven forward Wojciech Wojcik started to get the home side some dangerous looks in the 26th minute, but his header off of defender Neil Shaffer’s service missed just high. Defender Nemanja Vuković swerved in a free kick from the right flank two minutes later, but it fell straight to the Louisville City ‘keeper.

      Cardona came up big right on the half hour mark when he darted off his line to get a piece of a point blank shot, and midfielder Nicki Paterson tracked back to sweep the deflected ball off the line to keep things scoreless. In the 39th minute it was Wednesday’s goal scorer for Indy Eleven, midfielder Don Smart, nearly getting another, but his volleyed attempt from 12 yards out was deflected out by a defender for a corner kick, which Wojcik nearly headed home only to see the ball cleared off the line.

      Cardona was active at the start of the second half, coming off his line in the 48th minute to parry a cross to the corner of the six out of danger and colliding hard with a LCFC attacker in the process. It took another 20 minutes until either team would put one on frame, but it was Cardona looking sharp again, looking a 20-yard shot with plenty of pace into his gloves.

      The breakthrough finally came from Louisville City FC in the 66th minute, when Andrew Lubahn was rewarded for his far post run. LCFC midfielder Jonghyun Son’s cross from the left flank was nodded down by Lubahn six yards out, sneaking past Cardona to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. 

      Second half substitute Duke Lacroix nearly got one back for Indy Eleven four minutes later when he tracked a through ball towards the spot, but the LCFC ‘keeper beat him to the ball to clear the chance away. It was Lacroix creating havoc again when he bodied past a defender to gain space in the left side of the area in the 76th minute. His shot beat the ‘keeper but was blocked by a defender and almost snuck under the crossbar for an own goal, only to float just over for a corner instead.

      Indy Eleven’s furious attempt to equalize culminated with several chances in the last five minutes, starting when midfielder Dragan Stojkov linked up with a streaking Justin Braun in the right side of the area, but Braun’s header destined for the near post was grabbed by the LCFC netminder. Some nice interplay two minutes later down the left flank ended with Indy defender Lovel Palmer’s square ball again being snagged by the Louisville City ‘keeper. Ninety seconds later it was Lacroix rising to meet Smart’s cross 12 yards out, but the shot missed high. In stoppage time, defender Cory Miller rose to nod on Dylan Mares’ free kick, but a lunging Braun couldn’t redirect before the ‘keeper pounced on the ball.

      Indy Eleven’s next preseason scrimmage comes next Wednesday, March 23 against the Butler University Bulldogs. The 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield will be open to the public (field information TBA). For fans that cannot make it, live updates will be posted as they happen via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed and additional Indy Eleven social media outlets.

      Visit www.www.indyeleven.com/preseason for the full details on Indy Eleven’s preseason itinerary leading up to the team’s third season of NASL play, beginning Saturday, April 2, at the Tampa Bay Rowdies. “Indiana’s Team” kicks off its home slate at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium a week later on Saturday, April 9, against 2015 NASL Championship finalist Ottawa Fury FC. Season, single game and group tickets can be purchased at www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET).


      Scoring Summary:
      LOU – Andrew Lubahn (Jonghyun Son) 66’


      Indy Eleven XI (4-2-3-1, L -> R): Keith Cardona); Marco Franco, Nemanja Vukovic (Greg Janicki 45’), Cory Miller, Neil Shaffer (Lovel Palmer 57’); Dylan Mares, Nicki Paterson (Brad Ring 35’) (Duke Lacroix 57’); Dragan Stojkov, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Justin Braun 45’), Don Smart; Wojciech Wojcik (Vincent Mitchell 76’)
       

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      Indy Eleven Drops 0-1 Exhibition to Louisville City FC

      Several Chances to Equalize Down the Stretch Fall Short for “Boys in Blue”

       
      INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, March 19, 2016) – Indy Eleven looked poised to even up a third straight exhibition match during its preseason calendar, but a 66th minute tally by Louisville City FC would stand just tall enough in Indy’s 0-1 defeat at UIndy’s Key Stadium this afternoon.

      “Our possession was better from the last game, and our creation of scoring chances was better and came more often, but it’s about putting the ball in the back of the net. We’d feel a lot differently about the result if we put two of those chances in and walked away with a win today,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “Defensively we just were not good enough today, and that’s all over the field, not just regarding the back four.”

      The first half hour saw dead ball opportunities rule for both teams, with Louisville City getting the first crack five minutes in off a free kick that missed high from 25 yards out. In the 16th minute it was a LCFC corner kick getting flicked on to the near left post, but Indy Eleven goalkeeper Keith Cardona was there to take the ball on a hop.

      Indy Eleven forward Wojciech Wojcik started to get the home side some dangerous looks in the 26th minute, but his header off of defender Neil Shaffer’s service missed just high. Defender Nemanja Vuković swerved in a free kick from the right flank two minutes later, but it fell straight to the Louisville City ‘keeper.

      Cardona came up big right on the half hour mark when he darted off his line to get a piece of a point blank shot, and midfielder Nicki Paterson tracked back to sweep the deflected ball off the line to keep things scoreless. In the 39th minute it was Wednesday’s goal scorer for Indy Eleven, midfielder Don Smart, nearly getting another, but his volleyed attempt from 12 yards out was deflected out by a defender for a corner kick, which Wojcik nearly headed home only to see the ball cleared off the line.

      Cardona was active at the start of the second half, coming off his line in the 48th minute to parry a cross to the corner of the six out of danger and colliding hard with a LCFC attacker in the process. It took another 20 minutes until either team would put one on frame, but it was Cardona looking sharp again, looking a 20-yard shot with plenty of pace into his gloves.

      The breakthrough finally came from Louisville City FC in the 66th minute, when Andrew Lubahn was rewarded for his far post run. LCFC midfielder Jonghyun Son’s cross from the left flank was nodded down by Lubahn six yards out, sneaking past Cardona to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. 

      Second half substitute Duke Lacroix nearly got one back for Indy Eleven four minutes later when he tracked a through ball towards the spot, but the LCFC ‘keeper beat him to the ball to clear the chance away. It was Lacroix creating havoc again when he bodied past a defender to gain space in the left side of the area in the 76th minute. His shot beat the ‘keeper but was blocked by a defender and almost snuck under the crossbar for an own goal, only to float just over for a corner instead.

      Indy Eleven’s furious attempt to equalize culminated with several chances in the last five minutes, starting when midfielder Dragan Stojkov linked up with a streaking Justin Braun in the right side of the area, but Braun’s header destined for the near post was grabbed by the LCFC netminder. Some nice interplay two minutes later down the left flank ended with Indy defender Lovel Palmer’s square ball again being snagged by the Louisville City ‘keeper. Ninety seconds later it was Lacroix rising to meet Smart’s cross 12 yards out, but the shot missed high. In stoppage time, defender Cory Miller rose to nod on Dylan Mares’ free kick, but a lunging Braun couldn’t redirect before the ‘keeper pounced on the ball.

      Indy Eleven’s next preseason scrimmage comes next Wednesday, March 23 against the Butler University Bulldogs. The 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield will be open to the public (field information TBA). For fans that cannot make it, live updates will be posted as they happen via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed and additional Indy Eleven social media outlets.

      Visit www.www.indyeleven.com/preseason for the full details on Indy Eleven’s preseason itinerary leading up to the team’s third season of NASL play, beginning Saturday, April 2, at the Tampa Bay Rowdies. “Indiana’s Team” kicks off its home slate at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium a week later on Saturday, April 9, against 2015 NASL Championship finalist Ottawa Fury FC. Season, single game and group tickets can be purchased at www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET).


      Scoring Summary:
      LOU – Andrew Lubahn (Jonghyun Son) 66’


      Indy Eleven XI (4-2-3-1, L -> R): Keith Cardona); Marco Franco, Nemanja Vukovic (Greg Janicki 45’), Cory Miller, Neil Shaffer (Lovel Palmer 57’); Dylan Mares, Nicki Paterson (Brad Ring 35’) (Duke Lacroix 57’); Dragan Stojkov, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Justin Braun 45’), Don Smart; Wojciech Wojcik (Vincent Mitchell 76’)
       

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