GAMEDAY:
Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven vs Puerto Rico FC
Saturday, April 1, 2017 – 3:00 PM ET
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Watch/Listen Live:
- Local TV: MyINDY-TV 23
- Streaming Video: ESPN3
Follow Live:
- Facebook Live pre-game at 2:40 PM with Greg Rakestraw and Brad Hauter
- In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter
Media Game Notes:
And We're Back…
"Indiana's Team" looks to continue their undefeated streak at "The Mike" this Saturday as second-year expansion side Puerto Rico FC makes its return to the Hoosier State. In the 2016 Fall Season, your "Boys in Blue" traveled to Bayamon, Puerto Rico to face PRFC in their first-ever game as an NASL team.
Being the newcomers, Puerto Rico FC look to prove themselves after joining late in the 2016 season. Despite their late start, the visitors managed to finish in sixth place for the Fall Season and 10th in the Combined Season standings with 24 points, one point below Minnesota United FC. During their offseason, Puerto Rico FC managed to accumulate a seven-game winning streak and made an impressive run in the Caribbean Club Championship before ultimately falling short of qualifying as finalists.
Reflecting on Puerto Rico FC's 0-0 draw against defending NASL champs New York Cosmos, head coach Tim Hankinson is confident in Indy's ability to break down the visiting team's defensive efforts.
"We know we're in for a tougher Puerto Rico, but we're very excited about the way we came out of San Francisco; the way we played – we felt we were dangerous. [We] probably should have had a couple more goals, and so it's more about us putting our game back out there rather than so much about Puerto Rico."
Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed
All eyes are on Indy Eleven's all-time leading scorer Eamon Zayed when the 2017 home opener takes place on Saturday afternoon. Scoring 15 goals and chipping in six assists, Zayed was one of Indy's biggest threats throughout the whole of last year. When working in tandem with strike partner Justin Braun, the forward was especially dangerous and he'll get that chance again this year as the pair return.
The Irishman netted one time in the preseason – a calm, collected finish against Swope Park Rangers helping to secure a 1-1 draw. But, after last year's disappointment of missing out on the Golden Boot – awarded to the league's top scorer – the No.9 is hopeful that he can find those final few goals. While stressing that individual awards mean nothing when looking at the full picture, winning The Championship Final, the Golden Ball has been on Zayed's mind since his arrival at the beginning of the 2016 season.
Match-up to Mark: MF Gerardo Torrado vs. MF Yuma
The midfield will be a clash of veterans as Indy Eleven's Gerardo Torrado faces off against Puerto Rico's Javier "Yuma" Monsalves. The pair brings a combined 30-years of senior playing experience.
During the 2016 season, Yuma made his NASL debut with Rayo OKC before making a permanent transfer to Puerto Rico FC early in 2017. In Yuma's last encounter with the Eleven, Rayo OKC walked away with three points on their home turf before ending their championship run against New York Cosmos in The Championship Semifinal the following week.
It's sure to be a battle for the midfield as our own "El Borrego" looks to make his dominating presence known to the returning Spanish La Liga vet and to secure a "W" for Indy's home opener.
GAMEDAY:
Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview
Indy Eleven vs Puerto Rico FC
Saturday, April 1, 2017 – 3:00 PM ET
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Watch/Listen Live:
- Local TV: MyINDY-TV 23
- Streaming Video: ESPN3
Follow Live:
- Facebook Live pre-game at 2:40 PM with Greg Rakestraw and Brad Hauter
- In-game updates: Follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter
Media Game Notes:
And We’re Back…
“Indiana’s Team” looks to continue their undefeated streak at “The Mike” this Saturday as second-year expansion side Puerto Rico FC makes its return to the Hoosier State. In the 2016 Fall Season, your “Boys in Blue” traveled to Bayamon, Puerto Rico to face PRFC in their first-ever game as an NASL team.
Being the newcomers, Puerto Rico FC look to prove themselves after joining late in the 2016 season. Despite their late start, the visitors managed to finish in sixth place for the Fall Season and 10th in the Combined Season standings with 24 points, one point below Minnesota United FC. During their offseason, Puerto Rico FC managed to accumulate a seven-game winning streak and made an impressive run in the Caribbean Club Championship before ultimately falling short of qualifying as finalists.
Reflecting on Puerto Rico FC’s 0-0 draw against defending NASL champs New York Cosmos, head coach Tim Hankinson is confident in Indy’s ability to break down the visiting team’s defensive efforts.
“We know we’re in for a tougher Puerto Rico, but we’re very excited about the way we came out of San Francisco; the way we played – we felt we were dangerous. [We] probably should have had a couple more goals, and so it’s more about us putting our game back out there rather than so much about Puerto Rico.”
Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: FW Eamon Zayed
All eyes are on Indy Eleven’s all-time leading scorer Eamon Zayed when the 2017 home opener takes place on Saturday afternoon. Scoring 15 goals and chipping in six assists, Zayed was one of Indy’s biggest threats throughout the whole of last year. When working in tandem with strike partner Justin Braun, the forward was especially dangerous and he’ll get that chance again this year as the pair return.
The Irishman netted one time in the preseason – a calm, collected finish against Swope Park Rangers helping to secure a 1-1 draw. But, after last year’s disappointment of missing out on the Golden Boot – awarded to the league’s top scorer – the No.9 is hopeful that he can find those final few goals. While stressing that individual awards mean nothing when looking at the full picture, winning The Championship Final, the Golden Ball has been on Zayed’s mind since his arrival at the beginning of the 2016 season.
Match-up to Mark: MF Gerardo Torrado vs. MF Yuma
The midfield will be a clash of veterans as Indy Eleven’s Gerardo Torrado faces off against Puerto Rico’s Javier “Yuma” Monsalves. The pair brings a combined 30-years of senior playing experience.
During the 2016 season, Yuma made his NASL debut with Rayo OKC before making a permanent transfer to Puerto Rico FC early in 2017. In Yuma’s last encounter with the Eleven, Rayo OKC walked away with three points on their home turf before ending their championship run against New York Cosmos in The Championship Semifinal the following week.
It’s sure to be a battle for the midfield as our own “El Borrego” looks to make his dominating presence known to the returning Spanish La Liga vet and to secure a “W” for Indy’s home opener.