
PREVIEW: #OTTVIND
Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven at Ottawa Fury FC
Sunday, August 28, 2016 – 2:00 p.m. ET
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario, CAN
Team Records:
- Indy Eleven:
6W-1D-3L, 19 pts., 3rd in NASL Fall Season
10W-7D-3L, 37 pts., 3rd in Combined Season - Carolina Railhawks FC:
3W-1D-6L, 12 pts., 9th in NASL Fall Season
5W-4D-11L, 19 pts., 10th in Combined Season - Click here for the complete NASL Fall Season standings
- Click here for the complete NASL Combined Season standings
SEE WHAT OTHER GAMES YOUR "BOYS IN BLUE" HAVE AT CARROLL STADIUM IN 2016!
Watch Live:
- Local: None
- National: None
- Online: ESPN3
Follow Live:
- Play-by-play updates via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed
- Get line-ups & live in-game stats powered by Opta at the NASL.com MatchCenter
- Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match
- Game Hashtag = #OTTvIND
Media Game Notes:
Indy Eleven's Last Time Out – Carolina Railhawks FC 3 : 2 Indy Eleven
It can't always go the Eleven's way at the end of games, but last week's 3-2 loss at Railhawks FC was the first time the team was on the wrong side of a late goal as Omar Bravo's penalty secured three points for the hosts.
With momentum in favor of Indy to start, it was defender Greg Janicki who opened the scoring in the 20th minute with his fourth goal of the season off excellent service from Dylan Mares, who now sits T-3 in the league in assists. Battling back just three minutes later, midfielder Nazmi Albadawi connected with striker Matt Fondy only for the later to turn away from the defense and sneak a low drive past Eleven 'keeper Jon Busch to level the scoring at one. With the first half moving quickly, the tide turned back in Indy's favor when Souleymane Youla was brought down inside the area to win a penalty, which forward Eamon Zayed buried with confidence right at the half hour mark. The Irishman's 12th goal of the year leaves him still one behind Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez (13) in as many appearances (20).
The second half was a bit of whirlwind as Railhawks FC began to control their turf and asserted dominance in distribution and possession amidst heavy fog. In the 54th minute, a solo effort from right-back Steven Miller equaled things up at two, though in odd fashion. The defender smacked the ball into the area but saw his cross-turn-shot and loop over the head of Eleven 'keeper Jon Busch and Greg Janicki for his first goal of the year. Chances few and far between for the remainder of the match made it seem as if Indy would escape the Tar Heel State with a point, but pressure on the Eleven goal at the beginning of stoppage eventually saw a sliding challenge from Brad Ring whistled as a handball and a penalty to the home side. On a bit of a scoring streak, Mexico international forward Omar Bravo stepped up and beat Busch in the fifth minute of stoppage to seal the victory. The unfortunate loss moves Indy down to third in both the Fall and Combined Season standings.
Ottawa Fury FC's Last Time Out – Ottawa Fury FC 0 : 0 Miami FC
Miami FC has been on a tear as of late, but that run came to an end during a stalemate at TD Place against Fury FC.
After three straight wins, Ottawa had lost three straight matches dating back to the 1-0 falter at "The Mike" against Indy, which left them in a bit of a mixed zone and struggling for points. Deploying their usual 3-5-2 midweek, a midfield battle of sorts was at hand and despite not being able to break down Miami FC's defense, they also kept an important clean sheet allowing minimal chances.
A relatively even match statistically, Fury FC outshot Miami FC 11-10 total, but the latter had the advantage in shots on target (2-3). One of the relatively few chances for the hosts was a beautiful free kick from Ryan Williams in the 70th minute, but his shot destined for the top corner was beaten away by Miami FC 'keeper Daniel Vega to keep things locked at zeros.
The draw leaves Ottawa Fury FC at 9th in the Fall Season and 10th in the Combined Season standings.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
Last week's loss at Railhawks FC saw Indy drop off the top of the table for the first time since the loss to Miami FC in the Sunshine State at the end of July. However, the "Boys in Blue" remain just three points off the top in both the Fall and Combined Season standings, and despite FC Edmonton holding a game in hand, head coach Tim Hankinson is confident of his side's ability to return to the apex.
"Rebounding from our losses and showing that we can indeed play successful football on the road is really first and foremost our approach this Sunday,” he said.
More than that, coach Hankinson is tired of emphasizing how important these road matches are, especially seeing as Sunday's match is still only the middle of a three-game stretch that sees his team also travel to face the New York Cosmos next Wednesday. Though goals on the road were a point of concern before the match against Carolina, the team proved that to be a non-factor with two goals in the first half. However, it was instead a set of defensive breakdowns that cost Indy – an unfamiliar sight in 2016 – that coach Hankinson will look to sure up.
A win could see Indiana's Team vault back up to the top of the table, while even a loss would see them hold third place for another week as Miami FC remain four points off the mark.
INDY ELEVEN PLAYER TO WATCH: FW EAMON ZAYED
Zayed continued his goal scoring run last week in Carolina with a penalty to send his tally to 12 and is still just one off the pace for the Golden Boot with twelve matches remaining, including Sunday's game in Ottawa. Having not tallied since facing Jacksonville at the beginning of August, it was a confidence boost for the Irishman to see his name back on the scoresheet and hopefully a sign of more things to come.
Ottawa is just one of three teams Indy has faced on more than one occasion that Zayed has not scored against – the others being Rayo OKC and FC Edmonton – as he has scored in at least one meeting against all of New York, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Carolina, and Miami. Facing familiar opposition should allow Zayed to play off his prior knowledge of Fury FC, with this being the third and final meeting between the two sides in 2016.
OTTAWA FURY FC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW CARL HAWORTH
The only player to score in their last three games despite not featuring against Miami FC, Carl Haworth heads into Sunday with seven goals in 17 appearances for Fury FC and will be the one to mark for Indy's defense.
At Carroll Stadium three weeks ago, the "Boys in Blue" managed to stifle the Canadian forward, limiting him to just one shot in all 90 minutes and beating him on the ball in 9/11 duels. However, Haworth is still likely Fury FC's biggest threat moving forward alongside one of his striking partners Bryan Olivera or Danny Mwanga and has a knack for creating something out of nothing.
With the forward being the only Fury FC player to score more than one goal in 2016, neutralizing him will be one of the keys to success on Sunday.
MATCHUP TO MARK: MF GERARDO TORRADO VS. MF JAMES BAILEY
It's no secret that part of Indy's success in the fall has been due to the addition of Mexico international Gerardo Torrado.
In seven appearances and five starts for the club, Torrado has already shown his incredible display of passing, chance creation, and ability to lock down the midfield alongside Brad Ring. Working in a rotational 4-4-2 that sees him move both up and down the pitch depending on where Ring is when the ball is won or lost, he has won 16/16 tackles with 13 interceptions while creating 13 chances.
Meanwhile, James Bailey is at the center of a Fury FC midfield that places heavy emphasis on movement. Running a three-back system, the midfield is largely responsible for covering defensively when not in possession and charging forward with numbers when attacking. Last week against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Bailey also displayed his passing range completing 33/38 total while winning two of his three tackles.
Just like against Miami FC, Sunday's match is likely to be a battle in midfield with influence from both Torrado and Bailey playing a major part.
PREVIEW: #OTTVIND
Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Indy Eleven at Ottawa Fury FC
Sunday, August 28, 2016 – 2:00 p.m. ET
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario, CAN
Team Records:
- Indy Eleven:
6W-1D-3L, 19 pts., 3rd in NASL Fall Season
10W-7D-3L, 37 pts., 3rd in Combined Season - Carolina Railhawks FC:
3W-1D-6L, 12 pts., 9th in NASL Fall Season
5W-4D-11L, 19 pts., 10th in Combined Season - Click here for the complete NASL Fall Season standings
- Click here for the complete NASL Combined Season standings
SEE WHAT OTHER GAMES YOUR “BOYS IN BLUE” HAVE AT CARROLL STADIUM IN 2016!
Watch Live:
- Local: None
- National: None
- Online: ESPN3
Follow Live:
- Play-by-play updates via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed
- Get line-ups & live in-game stats powered by Opta at the NASL.com MatchCenter
- Vote for the Indy Eleven “Man of the Match” on the @IndyEleven Twitter feed immediately following the match
- Game Hashtag = #OTTvIND
Media Game Notes:
Indy Eleven’s Last Time Out – Carolina Railhawks FC 3 : 2 Indy Eleven
It can’t always go the Eleven’s way at the end of games, but last week’s 3-2 loss at Railhawks FC was the first time the team was on the wrong side of a late goal as Omar Bravo’s penalty secured three points for the hosts.
With momentum in favor of Indy to start, it was defender Greg Janicki who opened the scoring in the 20th minute with his fourth goal of the season off excellent service from Dylan Mares, who now sits T-3 in the league in assists. Battling back just three minutes later, midfielder Nazmi Albadawi connected with striker Matt Fondy only for the later to turn away from the defense and sneak a low drive past Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch to level the scoring at one. With the first half moving quickly, the tide turned back in Indy’s favor when Souleymane Youla was brought down inside the area to win a penalty, which forward Eamon Zayed buried with confidence right at the half hour mark. The Irishman’s 12th goal of the year leaves him still one behind Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez (13) in as many appearances (20).
The second half was a bit of whirlwind as Railhawks FC began to control their turf and asserted dominance in distribution and possession amidst heavy fog. In the 54th minute, a solo effort from right-back Steven Miller equaled things up at two, though in odd fashion. The defender smacked the ball into the area but saw his cross-turn-shot and loop over the head of Eleven ‘keeper Jon Busch and Greg Janicki for his first goal of the year. Chances few and far between for the remainder of the match made it seem as if Indy would escape the Tar Heel State with a point, but pressure on the Eleven goal at the beginning of stoppage eventually saw a sliding challenge from Brad Ring whistled as a handball and a penalty to the home side. On a bit of a scoring streak, Mexico international forward Omar Bravo stepped up and beat Busch in the fifth minute of stoppage to seal the victory. The unfortunate loss moves Indy down to third in both the Fall and Combined Season standings.
Ottawa Fury FC’s Last Time Out – Ottawa Fury FC 0 : 0 Miami FC
Miami FC has been on a tear as of late, but that run came to an end during a stalemate at TD Place against Fury FC.
After three straight wins, Ottawa had lost three straight matches dating back to the 1-0 falter at “The Mike” against Indy, which left them in a bit of a mixed zone and struggling for points. Deploying their usual 3-5-2 midweek, a midfield battle of sorts was at hand and despite not being able to break down Miami FC’s defense, they also kept an important clean sheet allowing minimal chances.
A relatively even match statistically, Fury FC outshot Miami FC 11-10 total, but the latter had the advantage in shots on target (2-3). One of the relatively few chances for the hosts was a beautiful free kick from Ryan Williams in the 70th minute, but his shot destined for the top corner was beaten away by Miami FC ‘keeper Daniel Vega to keep things locked at zeros.
The draw leaves Ottawa Fury FC at 9th in the Fall Season and 10th in the Combined Season standings.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Last week’s loss at Railhawks FC saw Indy drop off the top of the table for the first time since the loss to Miami FC in the Sunshine State at the end of July. However, the “Boys in Blue” remain just three points off the top in both the Fall and Combined Season standings, and despite FC Edmonton holding a game in hand, head coach Tim Hankinson is confident of his side’s ability to return to the apex.
“Rebounding from our losses and showing that we can indeed play successful football on the road is really first and foremost our approach this Sunday,” he said.
More than that, coach Hankinson is tired of emphasizing how important these road matches are, especially seeing as Sunday’s match is still only the middle of a three-game stretch that sees his team also travel to face the New York Cosmos next Wednesday. Though goals on the road were a point of concern before the match against Carolina, the team proved that to be a non-factor with two goals in the first half. However, it was instead a set of defensive breakdowns that cost Indy – an unfamiliar sight in 2016 – that coach Hankinson will look to sure up.
A win could see Indiana’s Team vault back up to the top of the table, while even a loss would see them hold third place for another week as Miami FC remain four points off the mark.
INDY ELEVEN PLAYER TO WATCH: FW EAMON ZAYED
Zayed continued his goal scoring run last week in Carolina with a penalty to send his tally to 12 and is still just one off the pace for the Golden Boot with twelve matches remaining, including Sunday’s game in Ottawa. Having not tallied since facing Jacksonville at the beginning of August, it was a confidence boost for the Irishman to see his name back on the scoresheet and hopefully a sign of more things to come.
Ottawa is just one of three teams Indy has faced on more than one occasion that Zayed has not scored against – the others being Rayo OKC and FC Edmonton – as he has scored in at least one meeting against all of New York, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Carolina, and Miami. Facing familiar opposition should allow Zayed to play off his prior knowledge of Fury FC, with this being the third and final meeting between the two sides in 2016.
OTTAWA FURY FC PLAYER TO WATCH: FW CARL HAWORTH
The only player to score in their last three games despite not featuring against Miami FC, Carl Haworth heads into Sunday with seven goals in 17 appearances for Fury FC and will be the one to mark for Indy’s defense.
At Carroll Stadium three weeks ago, the “Boys in Blue” managed to stifle the Canadian forward, limiting him to just one shot in all 90 minutes and beating him on the ball in 9/11 duels. However, Haworth is still likely Fury FC’s biggest threat moving forward alongside one of his striking partners Bryan Olivera or Danny Mwanga and has a knack for creating something out of nothing.
With the forward being the only Fury FC player to score more than one goal in 2016, neutralizing him will be one of the keys to success on Sunday.
MATCHUP TO MARK: MF GERARDO TORRADO VS. MF JAMES BAILEY
It’s no secret that part of Indy’s success in the fall has been due to the addition of Mexico international Gerardo Torrado.
In seven appearances and five starts for the club, Torrado has already shown his incredible display of passing, chance creation, and ability to lock down the midfield alongside Brad Ring. Working in a rotational 4-4-2 that sees him move both up and down the pitch depending on where Ring is when the ball is won or lost, he has won 16/16 tackles with 13 interceptions while creating 13 chances.
Meanwhile, James Bailey is at the center of a Fury FC midfield that places heavy emphasis on movement. Running a three-back system, the midfield is largely responsible for covering defensively when not in possession and charging forward with numbers when attacking. Last week against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Bailey also displayed his passing range completing 33/38 total while winning two of his three tackles.
Just like against Miami FC, Sunday’s match is likely to be a battle in midfield with influence from both Torrado and Bailey playing a major part.