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PREVIEW: #CARVIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven at Carolina Railhawks FC
Saturday, August 20, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC


Team Records:


SEE WHAT OTHER GAMES YOUR "BOYS IN BLUE" HAVE AT CARROLL STADIUM IN 2016!


Watch Live:

  • Local: WISH-TV
  • National: None
  • Online: beIN Sports

Follow Live:

Media Game Notes:

 

Indy Eleven's Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 2 : 1 Rayo OKC

"The Mike" saw even more last gasp drama last Saturday night in rainy conditions when Indiana's Team locked up the top spot for another week in a 2-1 win over Rayo OKC.

Under new head coach Gerard Nus, the visiting side was fresh off a one-all draw at New York that ended the league's then-longest running home win streak, and the Oklahomans looked to spoil the party in the Circle City. Early on in the first half, it looked like the westerners would do just that. Winning a free kick just outside the area, free-kick specialist and captain Michel whipped in a ball deep into the area that defender Futty Danso got on the end of to put them 1-0 up just 12 minutes in. 

With the rain still pouring, the rest of the first half was a fight for head coach Tim Hankinson's team as OKC was content to sit back and hold possession, methodically moving throughout the Eleven's midfield and defense. Despite the patient approach, Indy was still able to create a number of opportunities (out-shooting OKC 24-2 in all) and just before the end of the first half even managed an equalizer. Off a deep cross by Don Smart, Eamon Zayed headed well at OKC 'keeper Daniel Fernandes, only for the latter to make a good save right in front of goal. However, he was unable to parry away from danger and midfielder Dylan Mares capitalized to level the match at one a piece.

In the second half, the rain stopped falling, but so did the quality chances for either side for about the first half hour. The majority of the final 45 was rather dry in attack, but captain Colin Falvey flipped the script just six minutes before full-time. Off a corner, Fernandes mishandled the delivery into the area and dropped it at the feet of the Irishman, who made no mistake and poked home from six yards out for his first goal in an Eleven uniform. With limited time, Falvey's goal became the clear-cut winner as Indy faced no true threat of an equalizer downt the stretch to secure all three points. The win kept the "Boys in Blue" at the top of the table and extended their home win streak to eight, now the longest standing in the league.

 

Carolina Railhawks FC's Last Time Out – Carolina Railhawks FC 2 : 2 Puerto Rico FC

Last Saturday in Cary, NC, Railhawks FC hosted Fall Season expansion side Puerto Rico FC in a thrilling 2-2 draw that went down to nearly the very last kick.

Though scoreless through just under the first 40 minutes, the hosts broke the deadlock five minutes before the end of the half through the feet of new signing Omar Bravo. The Mexican striker took a pass from Tiyi Shipalane after the latter created space with a stepover and sprint towards the byline, and Bravo settled to strike from just a few yards out for a 1-0 lead, one they would hold for the rest of the half.

The second 45 began with a bang as PRFC's Paulo Mendes took a back-heeled pass from forward Hector Ramos and turned pass to assist with a finish through Railhawks FC 'netminder Brian Sylvestre. Fifteen minutes later, Sylvestre was beaten again, this time by Ramos as he nestled a header into the lower far corner off a cross by Martin Del Campo to give Puerto Rico FC the lead.

However, like at Carroll Stadium, end of game drama was present at WakeMed Soccer Park. New Railhawks FC forward Matt Fondy headed home in the 88th minute off a Matt Watson pass to level the score at 2-2, and that would be the final as the hosts continue their attempted push up the Fall Season standings.


 

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Last time Indy rolled out to face Carolina, the Spring Season title was on the line – a title the Eleven would eventually secure with a 4-1 win on June 11. This time? While no trophy is on the line, the stakes are certainly high for both sides.

For Indy, a win during a weekend of action that sees the top four clubs on the Fall and Combined Season tables – Indy, Edmonton, New York and Minnesota – all on the road would keep the pressure on the chasing pack. While Indiana's Team has already secured a slot in The Championship this November, head coach Tim Hankinson is adament about keeping momentum moving in the right direction, and sees its road performances as vital to a potential Fall Season championship – and #1 postseason seed.

For Carolina, the hosts currently sit seven points off a fourth-placed Minnesota United FC in the Combined Season table and need to begin accumulating points if they are to fight for their own spot in The Championship. Additionally, revenge is a dish best served cold. Two months removed from Indy's emotional 4-1 win over Carolina that secured the Spring title for the Eleven, Carolina may see Saturday as the perfect chance to pounce back with a dominant win of their own and erase a bitter taste created back in June. 

 

INDY ELEVEN PLAYER TO WATCH: MF GERARDO TORRADO

Since signing before the Fall Season, former Mexico international Gerardo Torrado has been class for Indy, displaying exactly why head coach Tim Hankinson was eager for his services. 

With the ability to pick the right pass, time every move, and create multiple chances for the attack in front from the defense behind, Torrado has displayed an incredible poise on the ball and continues to dominate the midfield alongside Brad Ring. Though the former Cruz Azul captain has yet to score or tally an assist, his presence on the pitch creates space for the wide midfielders and forwards to roam free only, leaving one of Indy's newest signings free to select one of many options moving forward.

Though only in action for a few weeks so far, the midfielder will be essential in the Boys in Blue's success for the rest of the fall campaign leading into the playoffs. He'll also have familiar company to face off against on Saturday in the form of …

CAROLINA RAILHAWKS FC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW OMAR BRAVO

Not to be outdone, Torrado's longtime Mexican National Team cohort, Railhawks FC forward Omar Bravo, has made an immediate impact of his own, netting three goals in four appearances since signing in July and leading the line for Carolina alongside other new forward Matt Fondy. After seeing the early returns of the pair of "El Tri" alums, you would think every NASL club might be trying to work deals with Mexican legends to bolster their squads for the remainder of the Fall Season, but only Indy and Carolina have been savvy enough to make the moves … thus far, anyway.

While Bravo's side still has work to do in shoring up its defense, scoring is no longer an for the RailHawks, as evidenced by the new forward tandem both getting on the scoresheet in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Puerto Rico FC. Bravo has a knack for getting in the right position, and with a quick-to-fire right foot, sees the ball in the back of the net more often than not (3 goals on 4 shots on goal on 7 shots total in 342 minutes). 

Eleven centerbacks Greg Janicki and Colin Falvey – and likely central midfielders Torrado and Ring – will need to be a step ahead this week as Fondy and Bravo offer different but complimentary styles of play that have given life to Carolina's attack in the fall. 

MATCHUP TO MARK: MF BRAD RING VS. MF NAZMI ALBADAWI

Brad Ring has yet to feature on the scoresheet this season for Indy Eleven, but that's just fine by Coach Hankinson. Ring's ability to work alongside Torrado and clean up the mess in front of the defense has been one of the many keys to Indy's recent success (did we mention just TWO shots allowed last weekend?), and the Indiana University grad will likely be tasked with something similar on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

His task, specifically: limiting Railhawks FC midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, who has three goals and six assists in 15 appearances across the Spring and Fall Seasons. Albadawi has an excellent first touch, and like his opposite number, the vision to execute in the attacking third when needed. 

It is worth noting that Albadawi hasn't contributed in either the goal or assist column since July 9, but he remains a fairly dangerous threat when Carolina moves forward, and will be a handful for Ring and the defense this weekend.

PREVIEW: #CARVIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven at Carolina Railhawks FC
Saturday, August 20, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. ET
WakeMed Soccer Park – Cary, NC


Team Records:


SEE WHAT OTHER GAMES YOUR “BOYS IN BLUE” HAVE AT CARROLL STADIUM IN 2016!


Watch Live:

  • Local: WISH-TV
  • National: None
  • Online: beIN Sports

Follow Live:

Media Game Notes:

 

Indy Eleven’s Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 2 : 1 Rayo OKC

“The Mike” saw even more last gasp drama last Saturday night in rainy conditions when Indiana’s Team locked up the top spot for another week in a 2-1 win over Rayo OKC.

Under new head coach Gerard Nus, the visiting side was fresh off a one-all draw at New York that ended the league’s then-longest running home win streak, and the Oklahomans looked to spoil the party in the Circle City. Early on in the first half, it looked like the westerners would do just that. Winning a free kick just outside the area, free-kick specialist and captain Michel whipped in a ball deep into the area that defender Futty Danso got on the end of to put them 1-0 up just 12 minutes in. 

With the rain still pouring, the rest of the first half was a fight for head coach Tim Hankinson’s team as OKC was content to sit back and hold possession, methodically moving throughout the Eleven’s midfield and defense. Despite the patient approach, Indy was still able to create a number of opportunities (out-shooting OKC 24-2 in all) and just before the end of the first half even managed an equalizer. Off a deep cross by Don Smart, Eamon Zayed headed well at OKC ‘keeper Daniel Fernandes, only for the latter to make a good save right in front of goal. However, he was unable to parry away from danger and midfielder Dylan Mares capitalized to level the match at one a piece.

In the second half, the rain stopped falling, but so did the quality chances for either side for about the first half hour. The majority of the final 45 was rather dry in attack, but captain Colin Falvey flipped the script just six minutes before full-time. Off a corner, Fernandes mishandled the delivery into the area and dropped it at the feet of the Irishman, who made no mistake and poked home from six yards out for his first goal in an Eleven uniform. With limited time, Falvey’s goal became the clear-cut winner as Indy faced no true threat of an equalizer downt the stretch to secure all three points. The win kept the “Boys in Blue” at the top of the table and extended their home win streak to eight, now the longest standing in the league.

 

Carolina Railhawks FC’s Last Time Out – Carolina Railhawks FC 2 : 2 Puerto Rico FC

Last Saturday in Cary, NC, Railhawks FC hosted Fall Season expansion side Puerto Rico FC in a thrilling 2-2 draw that went down to nearly the very last kick.

Though scoreless through just under the first 40 minutes, the hosts broke the deadlock five minutes before the end of the half through the feet of new signing Omar Bravo. The Mexican striker took a pass from Tiyi Shipalane after the latter created space with a stepover and sprint towards the byline, and Bravo settled to strike from just a few yards out for a 1-0 lead, one they would hold for the rest of the half.

The second 45 began with a bang as PRFC’s Paulo Mendes took a back-heeled pass from forward Hector Ramos and turned pass to assist with a finish through Railhawks FC ‘netminder Brian Sylvestre. Fifteen minutes later, Sylvestre was beaten again, this time by Ramos as he nestled a header into the lower far corner off a cross by Martin Del Campo to give Puerto Rico FC the lead.

However, like at Carroll Stadium, end of game drama was present at WakeMed Soccer Park. New Railhawks FC forward Matt Fondy headed home in the 88th minute off a Matt Watson pass to level the score at 2-2, and that would be the final as the hosts continue their attempted push up the Fall Season standings.


 

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Last time Indy rolled out to face Carolina, the Spring Season title was on the line – a title the Eleven would eventually secure with a 4-1 win on June 11. This time? While no trophy is on the line, the stakes are certainly high for both sides.

For Indy, a win during a weekend of action that sees the top four clubs on the Fall and Combined Season tables – Indy, Edmonton, New York and Minnesota – all on the road would keep the pressure on the chasing pack. While Indiana’s Team has already secured a slot in The Championship this November, head coach Tim Hankinson is adament about keeping momentum moving in the right direction, and sees its road performances as vital to a potential Fall Season championship – and #1 postseason seed.

For Carolina, the hosts currently sit seven points off a fourth-placed Minnesota United FC in the Combined Season table and need to begin accumulating points if they are to fight for their own spot in The Championship. Additionally, revenge is a dish best served cold. Two months removed from Indy’s emotional 4-1 win over Carolina that secured the Spring title for the Eleven, Carolina may see Saturday as the perfect chance to pounce back with a dominant win of their own and erase a bitter taste created back in June. 

 

INDY ELEVEN PLAYER TO WATCH: MF GERARDO TORRADO

Since signing before the Fall Season, former Mexico international Gerardo Torrado has been class for Indy, displaying exactly why head coach Tim Hankinson was eager for his services. 

With the ability to pick the right pass, time every move, and create multiple chances for the attack in front from the defense behind, Torrado has displayed an incredible poise on the ball and continues to dominate the midfield alongside Brad Ring. Though the former Cruz Azul captain has yet to score or tally an assist, his presence on the pitch creates space for the wide midfielders and forwards to roam free only, leaving one of Indy’s newest signings free to select one of many options moving forward.

Though only in action for a few weeks so far, the midfielder will be essential in the Boys in Blue’s success for the rest of the fall campaign leading into the playoffs. He’ll also have familiar company to face off against on Saturday in the form of …

CAROLINA RAILHAWKS FC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW OMAR BRAVO

Not to be outdone, Torrado’s longtime Mexican National Team cohort, Railhawks FC forward Omar Bravo, has made an immediate impact of his own, netting three goals in four appearances since signing in July and leading the line for Carolina alongside other new forward Matt Fondy. After seeing the early returns of the pair of “El Tri” alums, you would think every NASL club might be trying to work deals with Mexican legends to bolster their squads for the remainder of the Fall Season, but only Indy and Carolina have been savvy enough to make the moves … thus far, anyway.

While Bravo’s side still has work to do in shoring up its defense, scoring is no longer an for the RailHawks, as evidenced by the new forward tandem both getting on the scoresheet in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Puerto Rico FC. Bravo has a knack for getting in the right position, and with a quick-to-fire right foot, sees the ball in the back of the net more often than not (3 goals on 4 shots on goal on 7 shots total in 342 minutes). 

Eleven centerbacks Greg Janicki and Colin Falvey – and likely central midfielders Torrado and Ring – will need to be a step ahead this week as Fondy and Bravo offer different but complimentary styles of play that have given life to Carolina’s attack in the fall. 

MATCHUP TO MARK: MF BRAD RING VS. MF NAZMI ALBADAWI

Brad Ring has yet to feature on the scoresheet this season for Indy Eleven, but that’s just fine by Coach Hankinson. Ring’s ability to work alongside Torrado and clean up the mess in front of the defense has been one of the many keys to Indy’s recent success (did we mention just TWO shots allowed last weekend?), and the Indiana University grad will likely be tasked with something similar on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

His task, specifically: limiting Railhawks FC midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, who has three goals and six assists in 15 appearances across the Spring and Fall Seasons. Albadawi has an excellent first touch, and like his opposite number, the vision to execute in the attacking third when needed. 

It is worth noting that Albadawi hasn’t contributed in either the goal or assist column since July 9, but he remains a fairly dangerous threat when Carolina moves forward, and will be a handful for Ring and the defense this weekend.

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