Game Recaps

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 8, 2017) – Indy Eleven collected another point on the road, and a second straight point against Puerto Rico FC, in a leggy 1-1 draw at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel on Saturday night.

Making four changes to the starting XI that faced “La Naranja” one week earlier at Michael A. Carroll Stadium, Indy welcomed the return of the captain Colin Falvey and forward Eamon Zayed to the lineup. In addition, midfielder Craig Henderson received his first start as a member of “Indiana’s Team” this season.

After a testy opening 15 minutes where both sides tried to find their feet, the first chance of the night fell the way of the hosts as midfielder Jairo Puerto got on the end of a bouncing ball. Puerto did well to connect and drive it towards goal, but Cardona was relieved to see it go well wide of his left-hand side and out for a goal kick. However, nearly five minutes later, PRFC would capitalize on their second chance of the night thanks to forward Hector Ramos. Midfielder Walter Ramirez settled a pass on the left flank and picked out Ramos in the center of the box. Swinging on the pass on the first time, Ramos beat Cardona low and away to gift his side the opening goal.

As Indy worked their way back into the match, their first quality opportunity of the night fell the way of forward Justin Braun just two minutes later. On a cross swung in dead center, Braun powered a header directly at the chest of Spangenberg. Though the ‘keeper repelled the initial effort, Braun was able to get a toe on the follow-up only for Spangenberg to deny him once more and see it out for a corner. Fifteen minutes later, another chance fell for Braun, who broke towards goal, but a perfectly timed challenge by PRFC midfielder Michael Kafari thwarted the attacker and ended the move.

Right before the halftime whistle blew, though, Indy would level the score. Braun and Zayed linked up and created a tight but open angle for the Irishman, and as the ball rolled through on Braun’s pass, Zayed connected with his left foot and watched the effort roll into the side netting and past Spangenberg.

PRFC opened the second half with a high press and nearly saw it pay off in the opening minute. Indy ‘keeper Keith Cardona, who replaced the injured Jon Busch this week, raced off his line to sweep a ball clear with his head. Getting under the clearance, “La Naranja’s” Ramirez squared a pass for Ramos, but the skipper Falvey was there to put a stopper on the move.

A back-and-forth affair saw chances fall for both sides, but Indy came closest to separating the sides in the 77th minute. As Ubiparipovic stretched a ball across the six-yard box, forward Justin Braun was inches away from getting on the end of the pass as the chance went begging. Five minutes later, Zayed nearly doubled his tally on the night but again the ball in was just too far in front for Indy’s all-time leading goalscorer to capitalize on and the score stayed level.

The “Boys in Blue,” sporting white on the night, had one final chance at the feet of Zayed in the 89th minute. After clever interplay between the forward and his strike partner Braun, Zayed twisted and turned to create space only to lift a left-footed drive over the bar and out. As the full time whistle blew, Indy earned their third point in three games – two on the road – and took a pair of points against PRFC in their second match in one week.  

Indiana’s Team has Spring Season Week 4 off, but returns home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium for the second time on Saturday, April 22, when they host the San Francisco Deltas for another 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets for the game – and all remaining 15 NASL matches at “The Mike” in 2017 – can be purchased for as little as $11 online at www.www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100. 

NASL Spring Season
Puerto Rico FC 1 : 1 Indy Eleven
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel – Bayamon, Puerto Rico
 
Scoring Summary:
PRFC – Hector Ramos 19’ (W. Ramirez)
IND – Eamon Zayed 45+3’ (J. Braun)

Discipline Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed 49’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona (GK); Nemanja Vuković, Lovel Palmer (Anthony Manning 79’), Colin Falvey © (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 72’), Marco Franco; Craig Henderson, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring, Don Smart (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 45’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

IND bench: Christian Lomeli (GK), Daniel Keller, David Goldsmith

 

Puerto Rico FC line-up: Trevor Spangenberg (GK); Kyle Culbertson, Cristiano Dias ©, Rudy Dawson, Ramon Soria; Jairo Puerto (Seth Moses 79’), Walter Ramirez (Emery Welshman 72’), Yuma, Michael Kafari (Giuseppe Gentile 59’); Conor Doyle, Hector Ramos

PRFC bench: Austin Pack (GK), Sidney Rivera, Jackie Marrero, Mike Ramos

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 8, 2017) – Indy Eleven collected another point on the road, and a second straight point against Puerto Rico FC, in a leggy 1-1 draw at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel on Saturday night.

Making four changes to the starting XI that faced “La Naranja” one week earlier at Michael A. Carroll Stadium, Indy welcomed the return of the captain Colin Falvey and forward Eamon Zayed to the lineup. In addition, midfielder Craig Henderson received his first start as a member of “Indiana’s Team” this season.

After a testy opening 15 minutes where both sides tried to find their feet, the first chance of the night fell the way of the hosts as midfielder Jairo Puerto got on the end of a bouncing ball. Puerto did well to connect and drive it towards goal, but Cardona was relieved to see it go well wide of his left-hand side and out for a goal kick. However, nearly five minutes later, PRFC would capitalize on their second chance of the night thanks to forward Hector Ramos. Midfielder Walter Ramirez settled a pass on the left flank and picked out Ramos in the center of the box. Swinging on the pass on the first time, Ramos beat Cardona low and away to gift his side the opening goal.

As Indy worked their way back into the match, their first quality opportunity of the night fell the way of forward Justin Braun just two minutes later. On a cross swung in dead center, Braun powered a header directly at the chest of Spangenberg. Though the ‘keeper repelled the initial effort, Braun was able to get a toe on the follow-up only for Spangenberg to deny him once more and see it out for a corner. Fifteen minutes later, another chance fell for Braun, who broke towards goal, but a perfectly timed challenge by PRFC midfielder Michael Kafari thwarted the attacker and ended the move.

Right before the halftime whistle blew, though, Indy would level the score. Braun and Zayed linked up and created a tight but open angle for the Irishman, and as the ball rolled through on Braun’s pass, Zayed connected with his left foot and watched the effort roll into the side netting and past Spangenberg.

PRFC opened the second half with a high press and nearly saw it pay off in the opening minute. Indy ‘keeper Keith Cardona, who replaced the injured Jon Busch this week, raced off his line to sweep a ball clear with his head. Getting under the clearance, “La Naranja’s” Ramirez squared a pass for Ramos, but the skipper Falvey was there to put a stopper on the move.

A back-and-forth affair saw chances fall for both sides, but Indy came closest to separating the sides in the 77th minute. As Ubiparipovic stretched a ball across the six-yard box, forward Justin Braun was inches away from getting on the end of the pass as the chance went begging. Five minutes later, Zayed nearly doubled his tally on the night but again the ball in was just too far in front for Indy’s all-time leading goalscorer to capitalize on and the score stayed level.

The “Boys in Blue,” sporting white on the night, had one final chance at the feet of Zayed in the 89th minute. After clever interplay between the forward and his strike partner Braun, Zayed twisted and turned to create space only to lift a left-footed drive over the bar and out. As the full time whistle blew, Indy earned their third point in three games – two on the road – and took a pair of points against PRFC in their second match in one week.  

Indiana’s Team has Spring Season Week 4 off, but returns home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium for the second time on Saturday, April 22, when they host the San Francisco Deltas for another 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets for the game – and all remaining 15 NASL matches at “The Mike” in 2017 – can be purchased for as little as $11 online at www.www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100. 

NASL Spring Season
Puerto Rico FC 1 : 1 Indy Eleven
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel – Bayamon, Puerto Rico
 
Scoring Summary:
PRFC – Hector Ramos 19’ (W. Ramirez)
IND – Eamon Zayed 45+3’ (J. Braun)

Discipline Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed 49’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona (GK); Nemanja Vuković, Lovel Palmer (Anthony Manning 79’), Colin Falvey © (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 72’), Marco Franco; Craig Henderson, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring, Don Smart (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 45’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

IND bench: Christian Lomeli (GK), Daniel Keller, David Goldsmith

 

Puerto Rico FC line-up: Trevor Spangenberg (GK); Kyle Culbertson, Cristiano Dias ©, Rudy Dawson, Ramon Soria; Jairo Puerto (Seth Moses 79’), Walter Ramirez (Emery Welshman 72’), Yuma, Michael Kafari (Giuseppe Gentile 59’); Conor Doyle, Hector Ramos

PRFC bench: Austin Pack (GK), Sidney Rivera, Jackie Marrero, Mike Ramos

(Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski)

 

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 1, 2017) – An action-packed affair, Indy Eleven drew even with Puerto Rico FC in a six-goal thriller at Carroll Stadium. Played in front of a crowd measuring just over 9,000 in total, it marked the first sellout of the 2017 season in the first opportunity at “The Mike.”

The “Boys in Blue” were quick off the mark, opening the scoring in the fifth minute of play. Winning a free kick on the near side, Indy Eleven left-back Nemanja Vukovic delivered a peach of a pass that planted directly on the head of forward Justin Braun, and the forward scored his first goal of the season with a powerful header that beat PRFC ‘keeper Trevor Spangenberg from close range.

Continuing their prolific attack, Indy doubled their lead just five minutes later thanks to midfielder Ben Speas. Amidst confusion among the Puerto Rico FC back line, Speas slipped in behind to catch a bouncing pass from Braun to then chip Spangenberg from ten yards out for the second goal of the game. The goal was Speas’s first of his Indy Eleven career after making the switch from Minnesota United FC in the offseason.

As the Indy attack poured on, another chance fell their way in the 18th minute, again from Ben Speas. The midfielder curled in an out-swinging corner into the middle of the box, but like last week against San Francisco, fellow playmaker Brad Ring was on the end of it but could not produce the power necessary to beat the ‘netminder.

Against the run of play in the 24th minute, Puerto Rico FC would get on the scoresheet with their first opportunity of the half after combination play by forwards Conor Doyle and Hector Ramos. Doyle laid off for Ramos near the edge of the box, and the No.9 produced a clever flick back towards Doyle to open the opportunity. Doyle would then beat home past Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch at the far post to pull one back, with the ‘keeper in the right position but unable to make the save.

“La Naranja” attempted to turn up the heat as the half wore on with Ramos remaining the target man. In the 45th minute, consistent pressure turned opportunity when PRFC midfielder Yuma launched a high ball into the box on a free kick. Indy defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe and defender Cristiano Dias went up for the ball but clashed hard in the penalty area, and the head official pointed to the spot to award the visitors a penalty. Stepping up, the forward Ramos failed to beat ‘keeper Jon Busch on the first try, but he slammed home the rebound to level the score at two just before the half.

Eamon Zayed entered the fray for Tanner Thompson just after the halftime break and made an almost immediate impact, slipping in forward Justin Braun in the 47th minute only for the flag to go up for offside. Zayed was again in the thick of the action after playing in Speas a minute later, but the goalscorer on the day could not keep his chance on frame and his shot flashed wide of Spangenberg’s near post.

After a back-and-forth opening 10 minutes in the second half, the visitors were awarded their second penalty on the day after ‘keeper Jon Busch clipped midfielder Jairo Puerto on a counterattack. Midfielder Walter Ramirez stepped up to the spot in the 57th minute and sent “Buschy” the wrong way to give “La Naranja” their first lead of the game.

Indy would continue their press, and the introduction of midfielder Craig Henderson in the 73rd minute gave Indy a pair of fresh legs to up the tempo. Two minutes after his introduction, Henderson was involved in the build-up to Justin Braun’s 75th-minute chance, which he would then bury, scoring his second of the day on an effort lashed past Spangenberg in front of the Brickyard Battalion.

More chances and more drama ensued in the final three minutes of the match when Zayed and Braun were back to their old tricks, playing off one another and nearly creating the fourth goal of the game. The Irishman broke past Dias on a ball played over the top, but his touch to Braun was judged to have played in the attacker in an offside position and the flag went up after the forward had already buried the chance.

The contest saw ended and Indy Eleven earned another important point in their march through the Spring Season.

Indiana’s Team will hit the road against Puerto Rico FC next weekend, but return home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium for the second time on Saturday, April 22, when the “Boys in Blue” host the San Francisco Deltas for another 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets for the game – and all remaining 15 NASL matches at “The Mike” in 2017 – can be purchased for as little as $11 online at www.www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100. 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven 3 : 3  Puerto Rico FC
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
 
Scoring Summary:
IND – Justin Braun 5’ (Vukovic)
IND – Ben Speas 10’ (Braun)
PRFC – Conor Doyle 24’ (Ramos)
PRFC – Hector Ramos 45’
PRFC – Walter Ramirez 57’
IND – Justin Braun 75’
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Tanner Thompson 44’
IND – Jon Busch 55’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch (GK); Nemanja Vuković, Daniel Keller (Lovel Palmer 80’), Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Ben Speas, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring (Craig Henderson 73’), Don Smart; Tanner Thompson (Eamon Zayed 46’), Justin Braun

IND bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Colin Falvey, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, David Goldsmith

 

Puerto Rico FC line-up: Trevor Spangenberg (GK); Kyle Culbertson, Cristiano Dias, Rudy Dawson, Tyler Rudy (Ramon Soria 41’); Jairo Puerto (Giuseppe Gentile 62’), Walter Ramirez (Sidney Rivera 82’), Michael Kafari, Yuma; Conor Doyle, Hector Ramos

PRFC bench: Austin Pack (GK), Jorge Rivera, Michael Ramos

(Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski)

 

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, April 1, 2017) – An action-packed affair, Indy Eleven drew even with Puerto Rico FC in a six-goal thriller at Carroll Stadium. Played in front of a crowd measuring just over 9,000 in total, it marked the first sellout of the 2017 season in the first opportunity at “The Mike.”

The “Boys in Blue” were quick off the mark, opening the scoring in the fifth minute of play. Winning a free kick on the near side, Indy Eleven left-back Nemanja Vukovic delivered a peach of a pass that planted directly on the head of forward Justin Braun, and the forward scored his first goal of the season with a powerful header that beat PRFC ‘keeper Trevor Spangenberg from close range.

Continuing their prolific attack, Indy doubled their lead just five minutes later thanks to midfielder Ben Speas. Amidst confusion among the Puerto Rico FC back line, Speas slipped in behind to catch a bouncing pass from Braun to then chip Spangenberg from ten yards out for the second goal of the game. The goal was Speas’s first of his Indy Eleven career after making the switch from Minnesota United FC in the offseason.

As the Indy attack poured on, another chance fell their way in the 18th minute, again from Ben Speas. The midfielder curled in an out-swinging corner into the middle of the box, but like last week against San Francisco, fellow playmaker Brad Ring was on the end of it but could not produce the power necessary to beat the ‘netminder.

Against the run of play in the 24th minute, Puerto Rico FC would get on the scoresheet with their first opportunity of the half after combination play by forwards Conor Doyle and Hector Ramos. Doyle laid off for Ramos near the edge of the box, and the No.9 produced a clever flick back towards Doyle to open the opportunity. Doyle would then beat home past Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch at the far post to pull one back, with the ‘keeper in the right position but unable to make the save.

“La Naranja” attempted to turn up the heat as the half wore on with Ramos remaining the target man. In the 45th minute, consistent pressure turned opportunity when PRFC midfielder Yuma launched a high ball into the box on a free kick. Indy defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe and defender Cristiano Dias went up for the ball but clashed hard in the penalty area, and the head official pointed to the spot to award the visitors a penalty. Stepping up, the forward Ramos failed to beat ‘keeper Jon Busch on the first try, but he slammed home the rebound to level the score at two just before the half.

Eamon Zayed entered the fray for Tanner Thompson just after the halftime break and made an almost immediate impact, slipping in forward Justin Braun in the 47th minute only for the flag to go up for offside. Zayed was again in the thick of the action after playing in Speas a minute later, but the goalscorer on the day could not keep his chance on frame and his shot flashed wide of Spangenberg’s near post.

After a back-and-forth opening 10 minutes in the second half, the visitors were awarded their second penalty on the day after ‘keeper Jon Busch clipped midfielder Jairo Puerto on a counterattack. Midfielder Walter Ramirez stepped up to the spot in the 57th minute and sent “Buschy” the wrong way to give “La Naranja” their first lead of the game.

Indy would continue their press, and the introduction of midfielder Craig Henderson in the 73rd minute gave Indy a pair of fresh legs to up the tempo. Two minutes after his introduction, Henderson was involved in the build-up to Justin Braun’s 75th-minute chance, which he would then bury, scoring his second of the day on an effort lashed past Spangenberg in front of the Brickyard Battalion.

More chances and more drama ensued in the final three minutes of the match when Zayed and Braun were back to their old tricks, playing off one another and nearly creating the fourth goal of the game. The Irishman broke past Dias on a ball played over the top, but his touch to Braun was judged to have played in the attacker in an offside position and the flag went up after the forward had already buried the chance.

The contest saw ended and Indy Eleven earned another important point in their march through the Spring Season.

Indiana’s Team will hit the road against Puerto Rico FC next weekend, but return home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium for the second time on Saturday, April 22, when the “Boys in Blue” host the San Francisco Deltas for another 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets for the game – and all remaining 15 NASL matches at “The Mike” in 2017 – can be purchased for as little as $11 online at www.www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100. 

NASL Spring Season
Indy Eleven 3 : 3  Puerto Rico FC
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
 
Scoring Summary:
IND – Justin Braun 5’ (Vukovic)
IND – Ben Speas 10’ (Braun)
PRFC – Conor Doyle 24’ (Ramos)
PRFC – Hector Ramos 45’
PRFC – Walter Ramirez 57’
IND – Justin Braun 75’
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Tanner Thompson 44’
IND – Jon Busch 55’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch (GK); Nemanja Vuković, Daniel Keller (Lovel Palmer 80’), Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Ben Speas, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring (Craig Henderson 73’), Don Smart; Tanner Thompson (Eamon Zayed 46’), Justin Braun

IND bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Colin Falvey, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, David Goldsmith

 

Puerto Rico FC line-up: Trevor Spangenberg (GK); Kyle Culbertson, Cristiano Dias, Rudy Dawson, Tyler Rudy (Ramon Soria 41’); Jairo Puerto (Giuseppe Gentile 62’), Walter Ramirez (Sidney Rivera 82’), Michael Kafari, Yuma; Conor Doyle, Hector Ramos

PRFC bench: Austin Pack (GK), Jorge Rivera, Michael Ramos

SAN FRANCISCO (Saturday, March 25, 2017) – Indy Eleven earned an important point in the 2017 season opener as they come away from San Francisco following a 1-1 draw.

Lining up without 2016 leading goalscorer Eamon Zayed in the starting XI, the "Boys in Blue" deployed the pair of Ben Speas and Justin Braun up top, with a midfield four of Brad Ring, Gerardo Torrado, Don Smart, and Tanner Thompson packing in the center. At the back, it fell on defenders Nemanja Vukovic, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Daniel Keller, and Marco Franco to protect 'keeper Jon Busch against a fresh Deltas side.

San Francisco was the more eager of the two sides to begin the match, and their first chance of the evening fell just six minutes into the contest. The delivery from midfielder Cristian Portilla, a curling corner fell into a jumble of defenders and attackers alike but ultimately fell out of play at the back post for a goal kick to end the initial threat. As the Deltas settled into the match, chances piled up in the opening 15 minutes. San Francisco would come close once again in the 16th minute when forward Tom Heinemann sought the run of midfielder Jackson into the 18-yard box, but Indy 'keeper Jon Busch was off his line in time to punch out for a throw.

The best chance of the half for Indy would come ten minutes later, this time for forward Justin Braun. Using his incredible pace to sneak behind San Francisco's back four, Braun found himself on a 1v1 with Deltas 'keeper Romuald Peiser. Finessing a right-footed roller, Braun would beat the 'netminder but fail to find the back of the net.

As momentum swung from side-to-side, the hosts would open the scoring just after 30 minutes of play thanks to midfielder Kyle Bekker. Taking a pass from forward Danny Cruz, Bekker swept in a one-time effort past Jon Busch with his right foot as San Francisco scored their first ever goal in league play.

The seconds ticked down in the opening 45 minutes, but Indy would come close once more as Justin Braun linked up momentarily with midfielder Ben Speas only for the Deltas defense to collapse the move and absorb the pressure.

With no changes for either side to start the second half, Indy jumped out ahead and nearly connected within two minutes of the restart. Again the combo of Speas and Braun was fruitful, but as Braun stretched to meet the low, driven ball from Speas he would come just inches away from making a solid connection.

However, Indy's high press to start the second half would eventually pay off in the 58th minute. Ben Speas knocked in a beautiful, left-footed cross for debutant Tanner Thompson, and Indy's newest signing produced a skillful, looping header that arced over the head of Peiser and into the back of the net to tie things at one-all. For Thompson, it was the first shot and goal of his NASL career. For Speas, it was also his first assist as a member of Indiana's Team.

"It feels really good on the debut. You can only wish to be able to contribute on the stat sheet, and Ben put in a great ball at the right time and I was able to head it home," said Thompson.

"I would have never put any money on scoring like that. It was actually my first headed goal ever – even from youth soccer and into college. I was just able to get my body position right and throw off their jump. It fell nicely and I was thrilled to be on the end of it.

Not done yet, Indy continued to up the pressure and Justin Braun again proved a catalyst. Working in behind Deltas defender Nana Attakora, Braun wiggled into a second 1v1 against Peiser, but the 'netminder stood tall and denied the forward from point-blank range to keep things level.

After a back-and-forth next twenty minutes, another quality chance fell to Indy near the death. Substitute Eamon Zayed replaced midfielder Ben Speas with 15 minutes to play and found himself on the end of an excellent delivery from Don Smart. However, after Smart did well to lift the ball to the Irishman, the forward could not direct his effort on frame and the chance went missing.

Into six minutes of stoppage, two final opportunities would come Indy's way – the first in the form of a Nemanja Vukovic free kick. Standing over the ball in the 93rd minute, "Vuko" cracked a cross-cum-shot towards the Deltas goal that saw the San Fran 'keeper react in the nick of time to prevent a sure winner from crossing the line. Seconds later, Kwame Watson-Siriboe was able to get a head on a corner kick from the left-back Vukovic, but the ball skimmed off the top of his head and out for a goal kick.

As the final whistle blew at Kezar Stadium, both teams earned a hard-fought point in a match that could have yielded much more in attacking output. 

Indy Eleven will return home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium for the first time next Saturday, April 1, when the “Boys in Blue” will host Puerto Rico FC for a 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets for the April 1 home opener – and all 16 NASL matches at “The Mike” in 2017 – can be purchased for as little as $11 online at www.www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100. 
 

2017 NASL Season
San Francisco Deltas 1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Kezar Stadium – San Francisco, CA
 
Scoring Summary:
SFD – Kyle Bekker 31'
IND – Tanner Thompson 58'
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Nemanja Vukovic 55'
IND – Kwame Watson-Siriboe 60'
SFD – Nana Attakora 60'
SFD – Pablo Dyego 67'

 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch (GK); Nemanja Vukovic, Daniel Keller, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Brad Ring (C), Gerardo Torrado, Tanner Thompson (Craig Henderson 77'), Don Smart; Ben Speas (Eamon Zayed 77'), Justin Braun
 
Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Anthony Manning, Sinisa Ubiparipovic

San Francisco Deltas line-up (4-3-3, L–>R):  Romuald Peiser (GK); Karl Ouimette, Nana Attakora (C), Reiner Ferreira, Kenny Teijsse; Michael Stephens, Cristian Portilla, Kyle Bekker; Jackson (Pablo Dyego 67'), Tommy Heinemann (Devon Sandoval 90+5'), Danny Cruz (Tyler Gibson 81')

San Francisco Deltas bench: Alex Mangels (GK), Bryan Burke, Patrick Hopkins, Greg Jordan  

SAN FRANCISCO (Saturday, March 25, 2017) – Indy Eleven earned an important point in the 2017 season opener as they come away from San Francisco following a 1-1 draw.

Lining up without 2016 leading goalscorer Eamon Zayed in the starting XI, the “Boys in Blue” deployed the pair of Ben Speas and Justin Braun up top, with a midfield four of Brad Ring, Gerardo Torrado, Don Smart, and Tanner Thompson packing in the center. At the back, it fell on defenders Nemanja Vukovic, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Daniel Keller, and Marco Franco to protect ‘keeper Jon Busch against a fresh Deltas side.

San Francisco was the more eager of the two sides to begin the match, and their first chance of the evening fell just six minutes into the contest. The delivery from midfielder Cristian Portilla, a curling corner fell into a jumble of defenders and attackers alike but ultimately fell out of play at the back post for a goal kick to end the initial threat. As the Deltas settled into the match, chances piled up in the opening 15 minutes. San Francisco would come close once again in the 16th minute when forward Tom Heinemann sought the run of midfielder Jackson into the 18-yard box, but Indy ‘keeper Jon Busch was off his line in time to punch out for a throw.

The best chance of the half for Indy would come ten minutes later, this time for forward Justin Braun. Using his incredible pace to sneak behind San Francisco’s back four, Braun found himself on a 1v1 with Deltas ‘keeper Romuald Peiser. Finessing a right-footed roller, Braun would beat the ‘netminder but fail to find the back of the net.

As momentum swung from side-to-side, the hosts would open the scoring just after 30 minutes of play thanks to midfielder Kyle Bekker. Taking a pass from forward Danny Cruz, Bekker swept in a one-time effort past Jon Busch with his right foot as San Francisco scored their first ever goal in league play.

The seconds ticked down in the opening 45 minutes, but Indy would come close once more as Justin Braun linked up momentarily with midfielder Ben Speas only for the Deltas defense to collapse the move and absorb the pressure.

With no changes for either side to start the second half, Indy jumped out ahead and nearly connected within two minutes of the restart. Again the combo of Speas and Braun was fruitful, but as Braun stretched to meet the low, driven ball from Speas he would come just inches away from making a solid connection.

However, Indy’s high press to start the second half would eventually pay off in the 58th minute. Ben Speas knocked in a beautiful, left-footed cross for debutant Tanner Thompson, and Indy’s newest signing produced a skillful, looping header that arced over the head of Peiser and into the back of the net to tie things at one-all. For Thompson, it was the first shot and goal of his NASL career. For Speas, it was also his first assist as a member of Indiana’s Team.

“It feels really good on the debut. You can only wish to be able to contribute on the stat sheet, and Ben put in a great ball at the right time and I was able to head it home,” said Thompson.

“I would have never put any money on scoring like that. It was actually my first headed goal ever – even from youth soccer and into college. I was just able to get my body position right and throw off their jump. It fell nicely and I was thrilled to be on the end of it.

Not done yet, Indy continued to up the pressure and Justin Braun again proved a catalyst. Working in behind Deltas defender Nana Attakora, Braun wiggled into a second 1v1 against Peiser, but the ‘netminder stood tall and denied the forward from point-blank range to keep things level.

After a back-and-forth next twenty minutes, another quality chance fell to Indy near the death. Substitute Eamon Zayed replaced midfielder Ben Speas with 15 minutes to play and found himself on the end of an excellent delivery from Don Smart. However, after Smart did well to lift the ball to the Irishman, the forward could not direct his effort on frame and the chance went missing.

Into six minutes of stoppage, two final opportunities would come Indy’s way – the first in the form of a Nemanja Vukovic free kick. Standing over the ball in the 93rd minute, “Vuko” cracked a cross-cum-shot towards the Deltas goal that saw the San Fran ‘keeper react in the nick of time to prevent a sure winner from crossing the line. Seconds later, Kwame Watson-Siriboe was able to get a head on a corner kick from the left-back Vukovic, but the ball skimmed off the top of his head and out for a goal kick.

As the final whistle blew at Kezar Stadium, both teams earned a hard-fought point in a match that could have yielded much more in attacking output. 

Indy Eleven will return home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium for the first time next Saturday, April 1, when the “Boys in Blue” will host Puerto Rico FC for a 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets for the April 1 home opener – and all 16 NASL matches at “The Mike” in 2017 – can be purchased for as little as $11 online at www.www.indyeleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100. 
 

2017 NASL Season
San Francisco Deltas 1 : 1  Indy Eleven
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Kezar Stadium – San Francisco, CA
 
Scoring Summary:
SFD – Kyle Bekker 31′
IND – Tanner Thompson 58′
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Nemanja Vukovic 55′
IND – Kwame Watson-Siriboe 60′
SFD – Nana Attakora 60′
SFD – Pablo Dyego 67′

 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch (GK); Nemanja Vukovic, Daniel Keller, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Brad Ring (C), Gerardo Torrado, Tanner Thompson (Craig Henderson 77′), Don Smart; Ben Speas (Eamon Zayed 77′), Justin Braun
 
Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Anthony Manning, Sinisa Ubiparipovic

San Francisco Deltas line-up (4-3-3, L–>R):  Romuald Peiser (GK); Karl Ouimette, Nana Attakora (C), Reiner Ferreira, Kenny Teijsse; Michael Stephens, Cristian Portilla, Kyle Bekker; Jackson (Pablo Dyego 67′), Tommy Heinemann (Devon Sandoval 90+5′), Danny Cruz (Tyler Gibson 81′)

San Francisco Deltas bench: Alex Mangels (GK), Bryan Burke, Patrick Hopkins, Greg Jordan  

Photo credit: Matt Schlotzhauer 

EVANSVILLE (Saturday, March 18, 2017) – In their second trip to the University of Evansville in as many years, Indy Eleven earned a 1-1 draw with USL side Louisville City FC thanks to a 90th-minute rocket from Nemanja Vukovic.

A sunny Arad McCutchan Stadium welcomed the two sides, but the visitors got things going early when the first chance of the match fell for midfielder Brian Ownby only for the move to break down due to solid defending from Kwame Watson-Siriboe. In the 11th minute, Ownby was at the heart of the move again as midfielder Richard Ballard skipped down the touchline and floated in a cross, but his teammate on the other side could not direct his header on frame and the chance went missing.

Two minutes later, Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch made one of his four saves on the night as City forward Cameron Lancaster turned at the top of the box and swiped a low, right-footed effort at the veteran. However, “Buschy” was well-positioned and dipped low to turn the effort away. On the other end, Indy forward Eamon Zayed had the best look of the half for the home side when he lifted a beautiful chip over the head of the LCFC ‘keeper only to see the flag up for offside on the near side.

A few minutes before the end of the half, Lancaster nearly found the opening goal off the back of a free kick in shooting position, but his right-footed curler beat the wall but couldn’t beat the post as it ricocheted off the crossbar and away. Indy defender Nemanja Vukovic had a chance of his own in the 42nd minute off a Ben Speas corner, but his header narrowly missed the side net and turned away for a goal kick. One minute later, Busch made his second acrobatic save of the night as he beat away an effort from City midfielder George Davis, and the two sides went into the halftime break scoreless after a heavy first 45 minutes.

To start the second half, Indy introduced midfielder Don Smart in place of Justin Braun, but it was the visitors on the attack from the whistle. In the 51st minute, Richard Ballard got around the back of Nemanja Vukovic only for Indy defender Lovel Palmer to see him over the byline. However, the head official judged Palmer to have fouled the midfielder and awarded a penalty to City. Cameron Lancaster stepped up and beat Jon Busch to his left and Louisville would take the lead.

After a flurry of substitutes by Indy that saw the introduction of Craig Henderson, Daniel Keller, Keith Cardona, and more, the full press was on in search of an equalizer. Trialist Tanner Thompson and forward Eamon Zayed linked up well, but the Louisville defense stayed tight to thwart everything sent their way. However, in the 90th minute, a bouncing ball across the top of the box was swung on sweetly by Vukovic and placed perfectly in the top corner to give Indy the goal they came for.

With no time left for either side to find a winner, the fulltime whistle blew and Indy salvaged a draw at the death.

The 2017 NASL regular season gets underway on March 25 away to the San Francisco Deltas, but the “Boys in Blue” are back home again in Indiana on April 1 for the 2017 home opener. Secure your season tickets for every game at Carroll Stadium this year at CueTheSmoke.com or by calling 317-685-1100 on Mon-Fri during regular business hours.

 

NASL Preseason
Indy Eleven 1 : 1  Louisville City FC
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Arad McCutchan Stadium – Evansville, IN
 
Scoring Summary:
LCFC – Cameron Lancaster 52’

IND – Nemanja Vukovic 90’
 
Discipline Summary:
LCFC – George Davis 28’

IND – Brad Ring 32’

IND – Lovel Palmer 52’

IND – Kwame Watson-Siriboe 62’

LCFC – Cameron Lancaster 66’

LCFC – Ilija Ilic 88’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch (Keith Cardona 71’); Nemanja Vukovic, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Lovel Palmer (Anthony Manning 76’), Marco Franco; Ben Speas (Daniel Keller 71’), Brad Ring (Craig Henderson), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Tanner Thompson 59’), Gerardo Torrado, Eamon Zayed (David Goldsmith 68’), Justin Braun (Don Smart 46’)
 
Indy Eleven bench**: Christian Lomeli (GK)

*denotes trialists

**not full list of trialists

Photo credit: Matt Schlotzhauer 

EVANSVILLE (Saturday, March 18, 2017) – In their second trip to the University of Evansville in as many years, Indy Eleven earned a 1-1 draw with USL side Louisville City FC thanks to a 90th-minute rocket from Nemanja Vukovic.

A sunny Arad McCutchan Stadium welcomed the two sides, but the visitors got things going early when the first chance of the match fell for midfielder Brian Ownby only for the move to break down due to solid defending from Kwame Watson-Siriboe. In the 11th minute, Ownby was at the heart of the move again as midfielder Richard Ballard skipped down the touchline and floated in a cross, but his teammate on the other side could not direct his header on frame and the chance went missing.

Two minutes later, Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch made one of his four saves on the night as City forward Cameron Lancaster turned at the top of the box and swiped a low, right-footed effort at the veteran. However, “Buschy” was well-positioned and dipped low to turn the effort away. On the other end, Indy forward Eamon Zayed had the best look of the half for the home side when he lifted a beautiful chip over the head of the LCFC ‘keeper only to see the flag up for offside on the near side.

A few minutes before the end of the half, Lancaster nearly found the opening goal off the back of a free kick in shooting position, but his right-footed curler beat the wall but couldn’t beat the post as it ricocheted off the crossbar and away. Indy defender Nemanja Vukovic had a chance of his own in the 42nd minute off a Ben Speas corner, but his header narrowly missed the side net and turned away for a goal kick. One minute later, Busch made his second acrobatic save of the night as he beat away an effort from City midfielder George Davis, and the two sides went into the halftime break scoreless after a heavy first 45 minutes.

To start the second half, Indy introduced midfielder Don Smart in place of Justin Braun, but it was the visitors on the attack from the whistle. In the 51st minute, Richard Ballard got around the back of Nemanja Vukovic only for Indy defender Lovel Palmer to see him over the byline. However, the head official judged Palmer to have fouled the midfielder and awarded a penalty to City. Cameron Lancaster stepped up and beat Jon Busch to his left and Louisville would take the lead.

After a flurry of substitutes by Indy that saw the introduction of Craig Henderson, Daniel Keller, Keith Cardona, and more, the full press was on in search of an equalizer. Trialist Tanner Thompson and forward Eamon Zayed linked up well, but the Louisville defense stayed tight to thwart everything sent their way. However, in the 90th minute, a bouncing ball across the top of the box was swung on sweetly by Vukovic and placed perfectly in the top corner to give Indy the goal they came for.

With no time left for either side to find a winner, the fulltime whistle blew and Indy salvaged a draw at the death.

The 2017 NASL regular season gets underway on March 25 away to the San Francisco Deltas, but the “Boys in Blue” are back home again in Indiana on April 1 for the 2017 home opener. Secure your season tickets for every game at Carroll Stadium this year at CueTheSmoke.com or by calling 317-685-1100 on Mon-Fri during regular business hours.

 

NASL Preseason
Indy Eleven 1 : 1  Louisville City FC
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Arad McCutchan Stadium – Evansville, IN
 
Scoring Summary:
LCFC – Cameron Lancaster 52’

IND – Nemanja Vukovic 90’
 
Discipline Summary:
LCFC – George Davis 28’

IND – Brad Ring 32’

IND – Lovel Palmer 52’

IND – Kwame Watson-Siriboe 62’

LCFC – Cameron Lancaster 66’

LCFC – Ilija Ilic 88’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch (Keith Cardona 71’); Nemanja Vukovic, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Lovel Palmer (Anthony Manning 76’), Marco Franco; Ben Speas (Daniel Keller 71’), Brad Ring (Craig Henderson), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Tanner Thompson 59’), Gerardo Torrado, Eamon Zayed (David Goldsmith 68’), Justin Braun (Don Smart 46’)
 
Indy Eleven bench**: Christian Lomeli (GK)

*denotes trialists

**not full list of trialists

Indy Eleven Impresses in 0-0 Draw at University of Louisville

Boys in Blue stay unbeaten during 2017 preseason in scoreless tie with the Cardinals

LOUISVILLE (Friday, March 10, 2017) – Indy Eleven continued its 2017 preseason with a 0-0 draw at the University of Louisville in a solid showing at Lynn Stadium.

A first half full of chances for the “Boys in Blue,” Indy’s first chance of the half came just eight minutes in when forward Eamon Zayed got on the end of a cross by midfielder Don Smart, only to head directly at Cards ‘keeper Jake Gelnovatch. Five minutes later, the hosts saw a half chance break their way the area as a ball was played through between midfielder Brad Ring and goalkeeper Jon Busch, but the veteran ‘netminder was quick off his line to collect.

Indy again tested the waters in the 19th minute when Zayed and Torrado combined on the far side, but the former Mexico legend saw his shot absorbed by a sea of white kits and the chance was gone. After a few minutes of back and forth between the two sides, the Cardinals had their best opportunity of the half in the 36th minute. Striding forward, forward Mohamed Thiaw found himself in on goal with a tight angle, but centerback Lovel Palmer raced back to make a goal line clearance and keep the score level. For Indy, it was again the Irishman Zayed who provided the best go at goal when in the 43rd minute, he curled a beautiful ball towards the far post only to narrowly miss. Despite plenty of chances for the visitors, the two went in level at the break.

The second half presented an equal amount of opportunities for both sides, and it was the hosts who came closest first. Just three minutes into the second half, Louisville forward Tate Schmitt nearly broke through on Jon Busch’s goal but his side-footed effort rolled just wide and out. Three minutes later, it was Thiaw again as a rifled effort was solidly blocked by Kwame Watson-Siriboe, who was among the more active members of Indiana’s Team until the wholesale swap just after the hour mark. With just under 30 minutes to play, a mix of ‘keeper Keith Cardona, defender Anthony Manning, and a few trialists replaced eight on the park for Indiana’s Team, beginning a testy last half hour. Immediate pressure by the Cards nearly saw a defender head in a Louisville corner, but Cardona had his near post covered and the chance went dry.

Louisville had their finest look on goal in the 73rd minute when forward Tate Schmitt stopped just over 20 yards outside the box and curled a left-footed bullet that clipped the crossbar on its way over and out. Five minutes later, Indy trialist David Goldsmith had a terrific look on goal, but an impressive cover save by the UofL ‘netminder kept the score at zeroes. Right at the death, trialist Vincent Cicciarelli nearly clipped in an effort past replacement goalie Will Meyer, but his awareness stifled the move and the full-time whistle blew.

The scoreless draw keeps Indy Eleven unbeaten in their 2017 preseason tour after a win over the Butler Bulldogs (NCAA) and a draw with Swope Park Rangers (USL). Indiana’s Team marches on to the University of Evansville next Saturday where they face Louisville City FC (USL) at Arad McCutcheon Stadium. Ticketing information for that game can be found at www.indyeleven.com

The 2017 NASL regular season gets underway on March 25 away to the San Francisco Deltas, but the “Boys in Blue” are back home again in Indiana on April 1 for the 2017 home opener. Secure your season tickets for every game at Carroll Stadium this year at CueTheSmoke.com or by calling 317-685-1100 on Mon-Fri during regular business hours!

 

NASL Preseason
University of Louisville 0 : 0  Indy Eleven
Friday, March 10, 2017
Lynn Stadium – Louisville, KY
 
Scoring Summary:
–
 
Discipline Summary:
UL – Mohamed Thiaw 24’
IND – Brad Ring 44’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Daniel Keller, Lovel Palmer, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Ben Speas, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring, Don Smart; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench**: Keith Cardona (GK), Jeff McClure*, Anthony Manning, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, David Goldsmith*, Vincent Cicciarelli*

*denotes trialists
**not full list of trialists

Indy Eleven Impresses in 0-0 Draw at University of Louisville

Boys in Blue stay unbeaten during 2017 preseason in scoreless tie with the Cardinals

LOUISVILLE (Friday, March 10, 2017) – Indy Eleven continued its 2017 preseason with a 0-0 draw at the University of Louisville in a solid showing at Lynn Stadium.

A first half full of chances for the “Boys in Blue,” Indy’s first chance of the half came just eight minutes in when forward Eamon Zayed got on the end of a cross by midfielder Don Smart, only to head directly at Cards ‘keeper Jake Gelnovatch. Five minutes later, the hosts saw a half chance break their way the area as a ball was played through between midfielder Brad Ring and goalkeeper Jon Busch, but the veteran ‘netminder was quick off his line to collect.

Indy again tested the waters in the 19th minute when Zayed and Torrado combined on the far side, but the former Mexico legend saw his shot absorbed by a sea of white kits and the chance was gone. After a few minutes of back and forth between the two sides, the Cardinals had their best opportunity of the half in the 36th minute. Striding forward, forward Mohamed Thiaw found himself in on goal with a tight angle, but centerback Lovel Palmer raced back to make a goal line clearance and keep the score level. For Indy, it was again the Irishman Zayed who provided the best go at goal when in the 43rd minute, he curled a beautiful ball towards the far post only to narrowly miss. Despite plenty of chances for the visitors, the two went in level at the break.

The second half presented an equal amount of opportunities for both sides, and it was the hosts who came closest first. Just three minutes into the second half, Louisville forward Tate Schmitt nearly broke through on Jon Busch’s goal but his side-footed effort rolled just wide and out. Three minutes later, it was Thiaw again as a rifled effort was solidly blocked by Kwame Watson-Siriboe, who was among the more active members of Indiana’s Team until the wholesale swap just after the hour mark. With just under 30 minutes to play, a mix of ‘keeper Keith Cardona, defender Anthony Manning, and a few trialists replaced eight on the park for Indiana’s Team, beginning a testy last half hour. Immediate pressure by the Cards nearly saw a defender head in a Louisville corner, but Cardona had his near post covered and the chance went dry.

Louisville had their finest look on goal in the 73rd minute when forward Tate Schmitt stopped just over 20 yards outside the box and curled a left-footed bullet that clipped the crossbar on its way over and out. Five minutes later, Indy trialist David Goldsmith had a terrific look on goal, but an impressive cover save by the UofL ‘netminder kept the score at zeroes. Right at the death, trialist Vincent Cicciarelli nearly clipped in an effort past replacement goalie Will Meyer, but his awareness stifled the move and the full-time whistle blew.

The scoreless draw keeps Indy Eleven unbeaten in their 2017 preseason tour after a win over the Butler Bulldogs (NCAA) and a draw with Swope Park Rangers (USL). Indiana’s Team marches on to the University of Evansville next Saturday where they face Louisville City FC (USL) at Arad McCutcheon Stadium. Ticketing information for that game can be found at www.indyeleven.com

The 2017 NASL regular season gets underway on March 25 away to the San Francisco Deltas, but the “Boys in Blue” are back home again in Indiana on April 1 for the 2017 home opener. Secure your season tickets for every game at Carroll Stadium this year at CueTheSmoke.com or by calling 317-685-1100 on Mon-Fri during regular business hours!

 

NASL Preseason
University of Louisville 0 : 0  Indy Eleven
Friday, March 10, 2017
Lynn Stadium – Louisville, KY
 
Scoring Summary:
–
 
Discipline Summary:
UL – Mohamed Thiaw 24’
IND – Brad Ring 44’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Daniel Keller, Lovel Palmer, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Ben Speas, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring, Don Smart; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench**: Keith Cardona (GK), Jeff McClure*, Anthony Manning, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, David Goldsmith*, Vincent Cicciarelli*

*denotes trialists
**not full list of trialists

WESTFIELD (Thursday, March 2, 2017) – In their second game of the 2017 preseason, Indy Eleven drew one-all with USL side Swope Park Rangers at the Grand Park Event Center in Westfield.

In a heavily contested first half, forward Eamon Zayed got “Indiana’s Team” off to a quick start with a goal in the fourth minute off a pass by midfielder Brad Ring. The Indiana original had initially played the ball through to fellow midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic, but a clever bit of play saw the Rangers’ defense thrown off and Zayed was through to produce a cool finish.

SPR responded quickly with an effort on the other end, but the attack petered out after the solid combination of Lovel Palmer and Kwame Watson-Siriboe cleared the ball away from danger. Rangers would again come close just before the 15th minute, but another shot sailed over Busch’s crossbar and out.

The heat of the contest picked up minutes later when Brad Ring collided with a Rangers midfielder just inside his own half, earning both him and Lovel Palmer the first cautions of the match for their role in the incident after the foul. The next best chance of the first half for Indy came in the 20th minute when Zayed created space for a shot, but it was deflected and rolled out for a corner that produced nothing.

Rangers would come close one more time in the opening 45 minutes when an effort from a free kick cracked off the underside of the Indy crossbar and out. Following up, a Rangers forward was able to get a solid head on the ball, but his subsequent effort was also too high. Indy Eleven led the contest 1-0 at the break.

The second half began with a completely different XI for Indy that featured midfielders Don Smart & Daniel Keller, as well as ‘keeper Keith Cardona. As the intensity picked up, the visitors came close to securing an equalizer in the 49th minute, but Cardona was well positioned to make an easy save.

However, right at the hour mark, the Rangers got what they came for in the form of a Robert Mirosavic goal to level play. After being played clean through on goal, Cardona rushed off his line in an attempt to get to the attacker before he could get his shot away, but the latter cleverly clipped the ball over the Indy ‘netminder to tie things up at one apiece.

Indy had their best chance of the second half in the 68th minute when trialist Vincent Cicciarelli nearly broke in on goal, but the pass from trialist Phil Fives was a yard too far in front and the opportunity went begging. The “Boys in Blue” had one final opportunity in the 91st minute when again Fives was on the ball, but after breaking through space his right-footed curler could not find the far side of the net and the chance was gone. At full time, Indy Eleven earned a deserved 1-1 draw.
 
NASL Fall Season
Indy Eleven 1 : 1  Swope Park Rangers
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Grand Park Event Center – Westfield, IN
 
Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed 4’
SPR – Robert Mirosavic 60’
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Brad Ring 16’
IND – Lovel Palmer 16’
IND – Don Smart 74’
SPR – Felipe Hernandez 74’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Lovel Palmer, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Ben Speas, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun
 
Indy Eleven bench**: Keith Cardona (GK), Daniel Keller, Jeff McClure*, Anthony Manning*, Don Smart, Vincent Mitchell*, David Goldsmith*, Phil Fives*

*denotes trialists

**not full list of trialists

 

Swope Park Rangers line-up: Greczek (GK); Storm, Didic, Ballo, Maher; Wan Kuzain, Duke; Hernandez, Belmar, Selbol; Gonzalez

WESTFIELD (Thursday, March 2, 2017) – In their second game of the 2017 preseason, Indy Eleven drew one-all with USL side Swope Park Rangers at the Grand Park Event Center in Westfield.

In a heavily contested first half, forward Eamon Zayed got “Indiana’s Team” off to a quick start with a goal in the fourth minute off a pass by midfielder Brad Ring. The Indiana original had initially played the ball through to fellow midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic, but a clever bit of play saw the Rangers’ defense thrown off and Zayed was through to produce a cool finish.

SPR responded quickly with an effort on the other end, but the attack petered out after the solid combination of Lovel Palmer and Kwame Watson-Siriboe cleared the ball away from danger. Rangers would again come close just before the 15th minute, but another shot sailed over Busch’s crossbar and out.

The heat of the contest picked up minutes later when Brad Ring collided with a Rangers midfielder just inside his own half, earning both him and Lovel Palmer the first cautions of the match for their role in the incident after the foul. The next best chance of the first half for Indy came in the 20th minute when Zayed created space for a shot, but it was deflected and rolled out for a corner that produced nothing.

Rangers would come close one more time in the opening 45 minutes when an effort from a free kick cracked off the underside of the Indy crossbar and out. Following up, a Rangers forward was able to get a solid head on the ball, but his subsequent effort was also too high. Indy Eleven led the contest 1-0 at the break.

The second half began with a completely different XI for Indy that featured midfielders Don Smart & Daniel Keller, as well as ‘keeper Keith Cardona. As the intensity picked up, the visitors came close to securing an equalizer in the 49th minute, but Cardona was well positioned to make an easy save.

However, right at the hour mark, the Rangers got what they came for in the form of a Robert Mirosavic goal to level play. After being played clean through on goal, Cardona rushed off his line in an attempt to get to the attacker before he could get his shot away, but the latter cleverly clipped the ball over the Indy ‘netminder to tie things up at one apiece.

Indy had their best chance of the second half in the 68th minute when trialist Vincent Cicciarelli nearly broke in on goal, but the pass from trialist Phil Fives was a yard too far in front and the opportunity went begging. The “Boys in Blue” had one final opportunity in the 91st minute when again Fives was on the ball, but after breaking through space his right-footed curler could not find the far side of the net and the chance was gone. At full time, Indy Eleven earned a deserved 1-1 draw.
 
NASL Fall Season
Indy Eleven 1 : 1  Swope Park Rangers
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Grand Park Event Center – Westfield, IN
 
Scoring Summary:
IND – Eamon Zayed 4’
SPR – Robert Mirosavic 60’
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Brad Ring 16’
IND – Lovel Palmer 16’
IND – Don Smart 74’
SPR – Felipe Hernandez 74’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Lovel Palmer, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Marco Franco; Ben Speas, Gerardo Torrado, Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun
 
Indy Eleven bench**: Keith Cardona (GK), Daniel Keller, Jeff McClure*, Anthony Manning*, Don Smart, Vincent Mitchell*, David Goldsmith*, Phil Fives*

*denotes trialists

**not full list of trialists

 

Swope Park Rangers line-up: Greczek (GK); Storm, Didic, Ballo, Maher; Wan Kuzain, Duke; Hernandez, Belmar, Selbol; Gonzalez

Indy Eleven Opens 2017 Preseason with 1-0 Win at Butler
Nemanja Vukovic's free-kick goal in the 2nd minute separates the two sides

INDIANAPOLIS (February 24, 2017) – Indy Eleven opened the 2017 preseason with a 1-0 win over the Butler Bulldogs at the Butler Bowl on a wet and windy Friday night.

It was a quick start for the "Boys in Blue" after their first attack indirectly resulted in a goal. Forward Eamon Zayed was taken down just outside the box, leaving defender Nemanja Vukovic to step up and rip a low, curling effort into the far side of the Butler goal to open the scoring.

"Indiana's Team" came close again just before the half-hour mark as Marco Franco, who found himself forward frequently, nearly slipped in the Irishman Zayed only to see his pass to roll too far in front of the forward's reach. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs would get their best chance of the first half during a five-minute spell of possession just after the opening 30 minutes, but cross after cross into the box was repelled by Indy defenders Lovel Palmer and Kwame Watson-Siriboe. Butler forward Isaac Galliford nearly equalized in the 36th minute, but Indy Eleven 'keeper Keith Cardona was there to beat the effort clear. At the end of the first half, Indy held a deserving 1-0 lead.

Fielding a completely different XI from the first 45, Indy Eleven managed to shut down the Bulldogs despite plenty of chances falling to both sides. Butler pressed Indy's mixture of trialists and first-team players early in the second half, and their effort nearly paid off when again forward Isaac Galliford was on the end of a cross that he couldn't direct it on goal. As the Bulldogs pushed higher up the park, Indy tried to take advantage on the counter. Productive play from trialist forwards Vincent Mitchell and David Goldsmith resulted in a few chances, but Butler goalkeeper Eric Dick would produce two fine saves in response.

The hosts' top opportunity came in the final five minutes when successive shots were saved by an Indy trialist in goal, and a subsequent shot from a Butler midfielder sailed wide of the far post. Indy would get one final opportunity right at the death, but again the Butler 'netminder would get big to make a save. The full-time whistle blew and Indy Eleven secured their first win of the 2017 preseason.

The "Boys in Blue" are back in action next Thursday when they welcome USL side Swope Park Rangers to the Grand Park Event Center in Westfield, IN. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2 PM and is free and open to the public. For more details, visit www.indyeleven.com.

Want to see "Indiana's Team" at every match in 2017? Get your season tickets today online at CueTheSmoke.com or by calling 317.685.1100 during business hours on Mon-Fri. The NASL regular season begins on March 25 with an away trip to San Francisco to face the Deltas, then Indy is "Back Home Again" for the home opener on April 1.

Indy Eleven Opens 2017 Preseason with 1-0 Win at Butler
Nemanja Vukovic’s free-kick goal in the 2nd minute separates the two sides

INDIANAPOLIS (February 24, 2017) – Indy Eleven opened the 2017 preseason with a 1-0 win over the Butler Bulldogs at the Butler Bowl on a wet and windy Friday night.

It was a quick start for the “Boys in Blue” after their first attack indirectly resulted in a goal. Forward Eamon Zayed was taken down just outside the box, leaving defender Nemanja Vukovic to step up and rip a low, curling effort into the far side of the Butler goal to open the scoring.

“Indiana’s Team” came close again just before the half-hour mark as Marco Franco, who found himself forward frequently, nearly slipped in the Irishman Zayed only to see his pass to roll too far in front of the forward’s reach. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs would get their best chance of the first half during a five-minute spell of possession just after the opening 30 minutes, but cross after cross into the box was repelled by Indy defenders Lovel Palmer and Kwame Watson-Siriboe. Butler forward Isaac Galliford nearly equalized in the 36th minute, but Indy Eleven ‘keeper Keith Cardona was there to beat the effort clear. At the end of the first half, Indy held a deserving 1-0 lead.

Fielding a completely different XI from the first 45, Indy Eleven managed to shut down the Bulldogs despite plenty of chances falling to both sides. Butler pressed Indy’s mixture of trialists and first-team players early in the second half, and their effort nearly paid off when again forward Isaac Galliford was on the end of a cross that he couldn’t direct it on goal. As the Bulldogs pushed higher up the park, Indy tried to take advantage on the counter. Productive play from trialist forwards Vincent Mitchell and David Goldsmith resulted in a few chances, but Butler goalkeeper Eric Dick would produce two fine saves in response.

The hosts’ top opportunity came in the final five minutes when successive shots were saved by an Indy trialist in goal, and a subsequent shot from a Butler midfielder sailed wide of the far post. Indy would get one final opportunity right at the death, but again the Butler ‘netminder would get big to make a save. The full-time whistle blew and Indy Eleven secured their first win of the 2017 preseason.

The “Boys in Blue” are back in action next Thursday when they welcome USL side Swope Park Rangers to the Grand Park Event Center in Westfield, IN. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2 PM and is free and open to the public. For more details, visit www.indyeleven.com.

Want to see “Indiana’s Team” at every match in 2017? Get your season tickets today online at CueTheSmoke.com or by calling 317.685.1100 during business hours on Mon-Fri. The NASL regular season begins on March 25 with an away trip to San Francisco to face the Deltas, then Indy is “Back Home Again” for the home opener on April 1.

Indy Eleven Falls in Penalties to New York Cosmos in The Championship Final

First Trip to NASL’s Final Falls Short After Scoreless 120 Minutes, 2-4 Loss in PK’s

QUEENS, New York (Sunday, November 13, 2016) – Indy Eleven saw its trademark fight and determination even out the New York Cosmos all evening, but Indiana’s Team would eventually fall short in penalty kicks, dropping its first appearance in The Championship Final tonight at Belson Stadium.

After dueling the league's highest-scoring attack to a scoreless stalemate through 90 minutes of regulation and 30 more of added extra time, New York would make each of its first four penalties in the determining round, giving the Cosmos their third title in four seasons of play in their NASL reboot.

PHOTOS: Click to download pictures from #TheChampionshipFinal from the NASL’s FTP site

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the best moments from #TheChampionshipFinal

Indy Eleven had the first dangerous shot on goal 11 minutes into the game. Midfielder Don Smart centered from the right flank to Eamon Zayed, who settled the ball and turned for a shot that was saved by Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. The Eleven were on the attack again three minutes later. Left-side defender Nemanja Vukovic hit a high diagonal ball that Smart smacked on the volley off the goalpost and out for a goal kick.

New York answered back with its best chance in the 18th minute. Juan Arango, the winner of the league’s Golden Ball as most valuable player, found a streaking Yohandry Orozco at the top of the Indy penalty area. But he got under his left-footed shot, which sailed high and wide. In the 29th minute, Cosmos defender Ayoze dropped a long lead pass over the Indy defense that Arango was able to run on to for a shot that Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch jumped to swat away.

In the 54th minute, a shot by New York midfielder Ruben Bover, with his second-favorite right foot, tested Busch from about 20 yards out. The Indy goalkeeper was up to the task, first knocking the ball down in front of him, then smothering it to prevent Jairo Arrieta from pouncing.

Indy had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 70th. Sinisa Ubiparipovic controlled the ball at the top of the Cosmos penalty area and touched a pass to Smart. Smart ran onto the ball and curved an open, left-footed shot that had Maurer beaten, but rebounded off the angle where the crossbar meets the goalpost.

The Cosmos came close four minutes later. Ryan Richter sent a curving cross into the Indy penalty area that Arrieta met with his head, but his effort skittered wide of the near post for a goal kick. Looking for a spark up front, Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese inserted David Diosa as a replacement for Orozco.

With a little less than 10 minutes left in regulation time, Richter on the right again sent a dangerous ball into the Indy penalty area. Four players, two from each team plus goalkeeper Busch, converged in a jumble as the ball bounced and skipped wide without being touched by anyone.

At the start of second-half added time, an Ubiparipovic free kick from deep on the left flank found the head of Zayed. His effort was deflected over the end line for a corner. Two minutes later, Arrieta crossed from the left to Diosa in the center of the penalty area. His first touch escaped him, but Diosa stayed with the play, turned and hit a right-footed shot that just skipped wide of the near post.

Indy went first in the shootout and Nicki Paterson, the Eleven’s final substitute in the game, beat Maurer with a shot inside the far post. Arrieta stepped up for the Cosmos and smacked his shot off the far post and in.

Zayed was up next for Indy, but saw his shot hit the far post, skitter along the goal line and out. Adam Moffat took the second kick for the Cosmos and put it right down the middle as Busch dove the other way, giving New York a 2-1 advantage.

In a departure from usual practices, Indy coach Tim Hankinson had Busch take the third kick, which he put high and wide. Ayoze gave the Cosmos a 3-1 lead, curing a patented left-footed shot past Busch.

The Eleven were in danger as Vukovic kept Indy alive by planting a hard shot in the near, upper corner. Richter then had a chance to ice the game and the championship for New York. He did not fail, hitting a shot low and inside the far post to give the Cosmos the victory.

Indy Eleven will return to Indianapolis on Monday afternoon, scheduled to arrive at the Indianapolis International Airport at 2:43 pm via Delta Airlines. Fans are encouraged to welcome back the “Boys in Blue,” while media looking to attend for interviews are asked to contact John Koluder at 317-919-0808 (mobile) to confirm details.

The Championship – NASL Final
(#1) New York Cosmos  0 : 0  Indy Eleven (#2)
New York wins 4-2 on penalty kicks
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Belson Stadium – Queens, NY

Scoring Summary:
None

Penalty Kicks:
IND – Nicki Paterson (goal)
NYC – Jairo Arrieta (goal)
IND – Eamon Zayed (miss)
NYC – Adam Moffat (goal)
IND – Jon Busch (miss)
NYC – Ayoze (goal)
IND – Nemanja Vukovic (goal)
NYC – Ryan Richter (goal)

Discipline Summary:
IND – Brad Ring (caution) 72’
IND – Colin Falvey (caution) 83’
NYC – Jairo Arrieta (caution) 116’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Dylan Mares (Gerardo Torrado 45’), Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Nicki Paterson 101’), Don Smart (Duke Lacroix 90’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Lovel Palmer, Daniel Keller, Souleymane Youla

New York Cosmos (4-1-4-1): Jimmy Maurer; Ayoze, Carlos Mendes (capt), Roversio (David Ochieng 59’), Ryan Richter; Adam Moffat; Yohandry Orozco (David Diosa 77’), Ruben Bover, Juan Arango, Andres Flores (Danny Szetela 103’); Jairo Arrieta

Cosmos bench: Brain Holt (GK), Jimmy Ockford, Jimmy Mulligan, Eric Calvillo

Indy Eleven Falls in Penalties to New York Cosmos in The Championship Final

First Trip to NASL’s Final Falls Short After Scoreless 120 Minutes, 2-4 Loss in PK’s

QUEENS, New York (Sunday, November 13, 2016) – Indy Eleven saw its trademark fight and determination even out the New York Cosmos all evening, but Indiana’s Team would eventually fall short in penalty kicks, dropping its first appearance in The Championship Final tonight at Belson Stadium.

After dueling the league’s highest-scoring attack to a scoreless stalemate through 90 minutes of regulation and 30 more of added extra time, New York would make each of its first four penalties in the determining round, giving the Cosmos their third title in four seasons of play in their NASL reboot.

PHOTOS: Click to download pictures from #TheChampionshipFinal from the NASL’s FTP site

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the best moments from #TheChampionshipFinal

Indy Eleven had the first dangerous shot on goal 11 minutes into the game. Midfielder Don Smart centered from the right flank to Eamon Zayed, who settled the ball and turned for a shot that was saved by Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. The Eleven were on the attack again three minutes later. Left-side defender Nemanja Vukovic hit a high diagonal ball that Smart smacked on the volley off the goalpost and out for a goal kick.

New York answered back with its best chance in the 18th minute. Juan Arango, the winner of the league’s Golden Ball as most valuable player, found a streaking Yohandry Orozco at the top of the Indy penalty area. But he got under his left-footed shot, which sailed high and wide. In the 29th minute, Cosmos defender Ayoze dropped a long lead pass over the Indy defense that Arango was able to run on to for a shot that Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch jumped to swat away.

In the 54th minute, a shot by New York midfielder Ruben Bover, with his second-favorite right foot, tested Busch from about 20 yards out. The Indy goalkeeper was up to the task, first knocking the ball down in front of him, then smothering it to prevent Jairo Arrieta from pouncing.

Indy had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 70th. Sinisa Ubiparipovic controlled the ball at the top of the Cosmos penalty area and touched a pass to Smart. Smart ran onto the ball and curved an open, left-footed shot that had Maurer beaten, but rebounded off the angle where the crossbar meets the goalpost.

The Cosmos came close four minutes later. Ryan Richter sent a curving cross into the Indy penalty area that Arrieta met with his head, but his effort skittered wide of the near post for a goal kick. Looking for a spark up front, Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese inserted David Diosa as a replacement for Orozco.

With a little less than 10 minutes left in regulation time, Richter on the right again sent a dangerous ball into the Indy penalty area. Four players, two from each team plus goalkeeper Busch, converged in a jumble as the ball bounced and skipped wide without being touched by anyone.

At the start of second-half added time, an Ubiparipovic free kick from deep on the left flank found the head of Zayed. His effort was deflected over the end line for a corner. Two minutes later, Arrieta crossed from the left to Diosa in the center of the penalty area. His first touch escaped him, but Diosa stayed with the play, turned and hit a right-footed shot that just skipped wide of the near post.

Indy went first in the shootout and Nicki Paterson, the Eleven’s final substitute in the game, beat Maurer with a shot inside the far post. Arrieta stepped up for the Cosmos and smacked his shot off the far post and in.

Zayed was up next for Indy, but saw his shot hit the far post, skitter along the goal line and out. Adam Moffat took the second kick for the Cosmos and put it right down the middle as Busch dove the other way, giving New York a 2-1 advantage.

In a departure from usual practices, Indy coach Tim Hankinson had Busch take the third kick, which he put high and wide. Ayoze gave the Cosmos a 3-1 lead, curing a patented left-footed shot past Busch.

The Eleven were in danger as Vukovic kept Indy alive by planting a hard shot in the near, upper corner. Richter then had a chance to ice the game and the championship for New York. He did not fail, hitting a shot low and inside the far post to give the Cosmos the victory.

Indy Eleven will return to Indianapolis on Monday afternoon, scheduled to arrive at the Indianapolis International Airport at 2:43 pm via Delta Airlines. Fans are encouraged to welcome back the “Boys in Blue,” while media looking to attend for interviews are asked to contact John Koluder at 317-919-0808 (mobile) to confirm details.

The Championship – NASL Final
(#1) New York Cosmos  0 : 0  Indy Eleven (#2)
New York wins 4-2 on penalty kicks
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Belson Stadium – Queens, NY

Scoring Summary:
None

Penalty Kicks:
IND – Nicki Paterson (goal)
NYC – Jairo Arrieta (goal)
IND – Eamon Zayed (miss)
NYC – Adam Moffat (goal)
IND – Jon Busch (miss)
NYC – Ayoze (goal)
IND – Nemanja Vukovic (goal)
NYC – Ryan Richter (goal)

Discipline Summary:
IND – Brad Ring (caution) 72’
IND – Colin Falvey (caution) 83’
NYC – Jairo Arrieta (caution) 116’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Dylan Mares (Gerardo Torrado 45’), Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Nicki Paterson 101’), Don Smart (Duke Lacroix 90’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Lovel Palmer, Daniel Keller, Souleymane Youla

New York Cosmos (4-1-4-1): Jimmy Maurer; Ayoze, Carlos Mendes (capt), Roversio (David Ochieng 59’), Ryan Richter; Adam Moffat; Yohandry Orozco (David Diosa 77’), Ruben Bover, Juan Arango, Andres Flores (Danny Szetela 103’); Jairo Arrieta

Cosmos bench: Brain Holt (GK), Jimmy Ockford, Jimmy Mulligan, Eric Calvillo

Indy Eleven’s 1-0 Win over FC Edmonton Secures Spot in The Championship Final

Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s 63rd Minute Goal the Difference at Sold Out Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, November 5, 2016) – Sinisa Ubiparipovic smashed a 20-yard shot into the upper corner for the game’s only goal as Indy Eleven defeated FC Edmonton, 1-0, in a semifinal clash in The Championship, the North American Soccer League’s four-team postseason tournament. The game was played before a sellout crowd of 9,702 fans at Carroll Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

PHOTOS: Click to download pictures from #INDvFCE from the NASL’s FTP site

STATS: Get detailed Opta statistics from #INDvFCE via the NASL MatchCenter

Indiana’s Team will either travel to New York to face the Cosmos or host Rayo OKC in The Championship Final next Sunday, Nov. 13, for the right to hoist the Soccer Bowl Trophy. Top-seeded New York hosts Rayo in Saturday’s other semifinal at 7 p.m. ET.

“We’ve grown into being a confident team especially late in the season with the work we’ve done on our game,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson.  “We knew coming into this game that even with our game plan and focus, the Eddies were going to be a tight team to face. To see Sinisa pick out that upper corner like a surgeon, it’s a great bit of redemption for him and it’s great for this club. You can’t say enough about this group of guys.”

Ubiparipovic, who played in The Championship Final last year while with Ottawa Fury FC (along with the Indy captain and defender Colin Falvey and Nicki Paterson), only recently returned from an injury that kept him sidelined most of the year. On the goal, he converted a pass from Dylan Mares, who was active and dangerous the entire game.

Indy, the No 2 seed after going unbeaten to win the Spring Season title, has now gone 19 games without a loss at Carroll Stadium dating back to last year and is 14W-3D-0L at home in NASL play in 2016, outscoring the opposition, 38-11. The Eddies entered the game having lost three of their last four, but boasted the league’s best defense, having allowed only 21 goals all year. But Edmonton also had the least productive offense, scoring only 25 goals combined across both the Spring and Fall Seasons.

Indy had the game’s first chance only two minutes in when Ubiparipovic found Don Smart with a pass at the top of the Eddies’ penalty area. Smart’s left-footed shot forced goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, who had 16 shutouts this year, to dive to his left to smother the shot.

Minutes later, Ubiparipovic again hit Smart with a pass, this time on the right side. Smart dribbled once before sliding a pass to an open Éamon Zayed for a shot that rolled under VanOekel, but Zayed was whistled for offside. Indy kept up the early pressure when Nemanja Vukovic whipped in a cross from the left that was headed over the bar by Zayed’s running mate up front, Justin Braun.

The Eddies countered quickly and Shawn Nicklaw found himself alone on the right side for a cross that was headed just over the crossbar by Sainey Nyassi in the game’s 9th minute.

In the 14th minute, Ubiparipovic drew a foul at the top of the penalty area that set up a golden scoring opportunity. The free kick by Mares, who was lively the entire game, curled but ultimately sailed over the crossbar.

In the 29th minute, Vukovic and Mares worked a neat give-and-go with Vukovic ending up with the ball on the left. He floated a cross on-frame that VanOekel let pass as it hit the crossbar and went out for a goal kick. Two minutes later, Mares unleashed a left-footed shot from the top of the arc that forced VanOekel to parry the ball out for a corner kick.

Indy pressed forward again, and again came close, in the 39th minute. Braun’s shot was stopped by VanOekel, but the rebound fell to Zayed, whose shot was once more stopped by VanOekel. But Marco Franco pounced on the rebound for a left-footed shot that VanOekel pushed wide of the near post as he hit his head on the goalpost.

Indy’s captain and central defender Colin Falvey spent about five minutes on the turf late in the first half after knocking heads with Tomi Ameobi on a corner kick. He walked off under his own power, but with his head wrapped to stanch the bleeding from a cut. He returned to the field before the end of the half.

Ten minutes into the second half, Mares created yet another opportunity. He chested down a cross and slid a pass to Smart for a right-footed shot that was struck well but sailed over the crossbar for an Edmonton goal kick. The assault on the Eddies goal continued three minutes later when Brad Ring’s diagonal ball from the right was headed wide by Braun, who was open at the back post.

Indy’s efforts finally paid off when Ubiparipovic scored his first goal in an Eleven uniform, giving the home team the 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute. On the play, Zayed held up the ball at the top of the area and rolled a pass to Mares, and with his back to the goal Mares lightly touched a pass to Ubiparipovic for a bending, right-footed shot that eluded VanOekel high to the far post.

“I was praying to God that the ball would fall to me, and once it left my foot I knew it was destined to hit the net. I obviously didn’t know it would hit the top corner the way it did, but that definitely made the goal extra special,” explained Ubiparipovic. “I’m extremely happy and proud of my teammates and really the entire organization. With this being our first postseason appearance, to win at home in front of our crowd is tremendous.”

The Eddies brought on Canadian youth international Ben Fisk in the 68th minute and pressed for the equalizer. Tomi Ameobi headed a ball across the goal for another header by Nik Ledgerwood that went right to Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch.

The Eleven nearly iced the match in the 83rd minute as Vukovic powered a free kick inside the Eddies goal box where Braun slid for a shot but pushed it wide.

Indy’s Busch was called on to make the save of the game with just under five minutes left in regulation as FC Edmonton pressed desperately for an equalizer. Nicklaw struck a cross from the right flank that Ameobi rose above the defense to head down in front of Busch. He kept his body in front of the ball and pushed the shot wide shot to preserve Indy’s lead – and his fourth straight shutout.

The victory in Indy Eleven’s playoff debut secured another first during the team’s historic 2016 season – a first appearance in The Championship Final in the squad’s third year of play.

The Championship – NASL Semifinals
(#2) Indy Eleven  1 : 0  FC Edmonton (#3)
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,702 (sellout)

Scoring Summary:
IND – Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Dylan Mares) 63’

Discipline Summary:
FCE – Papa Diakite (caution) 83’
FCE – Adam Eckersley (caution) 92+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Dylan Mares, Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Gerardo Torrado 75’), Don Smart (Duke Lacroix 80’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Lovel Palmer,Nicki Paterson, Omar Gordon, Souleymane Youla

FC Edmonton (4-1-4-1): Matt VanOekel; Adam Eckersley, Albert Watson (capt), Pape Diakite, Shawn Nicklaw; Nik Ledgerwood; Daryl Fordyce, Shamit Stone (Jake Keegan 78’), Dustin Corea, Sainey Nyassi (Ben Fisk 68’); Tomi Ameobi

FC Edmonton bench: Nathan Ingham (GK), Cristian Raudales, Karsten Smith, Johann Smith, Nicolas Di Biase

Indy Eleven’s 1-0 Win over FC Edmonton Secures Spot in The Championship Final

Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s 63rd Minute Goal the Difference at Sold Out Carroll Stadium

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, November 5, 2016) – Sinisa Ubiparipovic smashed a 20-yard shot into the upper corner for the game’s only goal as Indy Eleven defeated FC Edmonton, 1-0, in a semifinal clash in The Championship, the North American Soccer League’s four-team postseason tournament. The game was played before a sellout crowd of 9,702 fans at Carroll Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

PHOTOS: Click to download pictures from #INDvFCE from the NASL’s FTP site

STATS: Get detailed Opta statistics from #INDvFCE via the NASL MatchCenter

Indiana’s Team will either travel to New York to face the Cosmos or host Rayo OKC in The Championship Final next Sunday, Nov. 13, for the right to hoist the Soccer Bowl Trophy. Top-seeded New York hosts Rayo in Saturday’s other semifinal at 7 p.m. ET.

“We’ve grown into being a confident team especially late in the season with the work we’ve done on our game,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson.  “We knew coming into this game that even with our game plan and focus, the Eddies were going to be a tight team to face. To see Sinisa pick out that upper corner like a surgeon, it’s a great bit of redemption for him and it’s great for this club. You can’t say enough about this group of guys.”

Ubiparipovic, who played in The Championship Final last year while with Ottawa Fury FC (along with the Indy captain and defender Colin Falvey and Nicki Paterson), only recently returned from an injury that kept him sidelined most of the year. On the goal, he converted a pass from Dylan Mares, who was active and dangerous the entire game.

Indy, the No 2 seed after going unbeaten to win the Spring Season title, has now gone 19 games without a loss at Carroll Stadium dating back to last year and is 14W-3D-0L at home in NASL play in 2016, outscoring the opposition, 38-11. The Eddies entered the game having lost three of their last four, but boasted the league’s best defense, having allowed only 21 goals all year. But Edmonton also had the least productive offense, scoring only 25 goals combined across both the Spring and Fall Seasons.

Indy had the game’s first chance only two minutes in when Ubiparipovic found Don Smart with a pass at the top of the Eddies’ penalty area. Smart’s left-footed shot forced goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, who had 16 shutouts this year, to dive to his left to smother the shot.

Minutes later, Ubiparipovic again hit Smart with a pass, this time on the right side. Smart dribbled once before sliding a pass to an open Éamon Zayed for a shot that rolled under VanOekel, but Zayed was whistled for offside. Indy kept up the early pressure when Nemanja Vukovic whipped in a cross from the left that was headed over the bar by Zayed’s running mate up front, Justin Braun.

The Eddies countered quickly and Shawn Nicklaw found himself alone on the right side for a cross that was headed just over the crossbar by Sainey Nyassi in the game’s 9th minute.

In the 14th minute, Ubiparipovic drew a foul at the top of the penalty area that set up a golden scoring opportunity. The free kick by Mares, who was lively the entire game, curled but ultimately sailed over the crossbar.

In the 29th minute, Vukovic and Mares worked a neat give-and-go with Vukovic ending up with the ball on the left. He floated a cross on-frame that VanOekel let pass as it hit the crossbar and went out for a goal kick. Two minutes later, Mares unleashed a left-footed shot from the top of the arc that forced VanOekel to parry the ball out for a corner kick.

Indy pressed forward again, and again came close, in the 39th minute. Braun’s shot was stopped by VanOekel, but the rebound fell to Zayed, whose shot was once more stopped by VanOekel. But Marco Franco pounced on the rebound for a left-footed shot that VanOekel pushed wide of the near post as he hit his head on the goalpost.

Indy’s captain and central defender Colin Falvey spent about five minutes on the turf late in the first half after knocking heads with Tomi Ameobi on a corner kick. He walked off under his own power, but with his head wrapped to stanch the bleeding from a cut. He returned to the field before the end of the half.

Ten minutes into the second half, Mares created yet another opportunity. He chested down a cross and slid a pass to Smart for a right-footed shot that was struck well but sailed over the crossbar for an Edmonton goal kick. The assault on the Eddies goal continued three minutes later when Brad Ring’s diagonal ball from the right was headed wide by Braun, who was open at the back post.

Indy’s efforts finally paid off when Ubiparipovic scored his first goal in an Eleven uniform, giving the home team the 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute. On the play, Zayed held up the ball at the top of the area and rolled a pass to Mares, and with his back to the goal Mares lightly touched a pass to Ubiparipovic for a bending, right-footed shot that eluded VanOekel high to the far post.

“I was praying to God that the ball would fall to me, and once it left my foot I knew it was destined to hit the net. I obviously didn’t know it would hit the top corner the way it did, but that definitely made the goal extra special,” explained Ubiparipovic. “I’m extremely happy and proud of my teammates and really the entire organization. With this being our first postseason appearance, to win at home in front of our crowd is tremendous.”

The Eddies brought on Canadian youth international Ben Fisk in the 68th minute and pressed for the equalizer. Tomi Ameobi headed a ball across the goal for another header by Nik Ledgerwood that went right to Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch.

The Eleven nearly iced the match in the 83rd minute as Vukovic powered a free kick inside the Eddies goal box where Braun slid for a shot but pushed it wide.

Indy’s Busch was called on to make the save of the game with just under five minutes left in regulation as FC Edmonton pressed desperately for an equalizer. Nicklaw struck a cross from the right flank that Ameobi rose above the defense to head down in front of Busch. He kept his body in front of the ball and pushed the shot wide shot to preserve Indy’s lead – and his fourth straight shutout.

The victory in Indy Eleven’s playoff debut secured another first during the team’s historic 2016 season – a first appearance in The Championship Final in the squad’s third year of play.

The Championship – NASL Semifinals
(#2) Indy Eleven  1 : 0  FC Edmonton (#3)
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Attendance: 9,702 (sellout)

Scoring Summary:
IND – Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Dylan Mares) 63’

Discipline Summary:
FCE – Papa Diakite (caution) 83’
FCE – Adam Eckersley (caution) 92+’

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Greg Janicki, Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Dylan Mares, Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Gerardo Torrado 75’), Don Smart (Duke Lacroix 80’); Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun

Indy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Lovel Palmer,Nicki Paterson, Omar Gordon, Souleymane Youla

FC Edmonton (4-1-4-1): Matt VanOekel; Adam Eckersley, Albert Watson (capt), Pape Diakite, Shawn Nicklaw; Nik Ledgerwood; Daryl Fordyce, Shamit Stone (Jake Keegan 78’), Dustin Corea, Sainey Nyassi (Ben Fisk 68’); Tomi Ameobi

FC Edmonton bench: Nathan Ingham (GK), Cristian Raudales, Karsten Smith, Johann Smith, Nicolas Di Biase

Indy Eleven Ends 2016 Regular Season With 2-1 Defeat at Rayo OKC
Nicki Paterson's penalty is offset by goals from Sebastian Velasquez and Moises Hernandez in season finale at Miller Stadium

YUKON, Okla. (Sunday, October 30, 2016) – Indy Eleven rounded out the 2016 regular season in unfortunate fashion with a 2-1 loss at Rayo OKC. Nicki Paterson's penalty in the 52nd minute separated the two sides, but Sebastian Velasquez's equalizer in the 61st minute was added to by Moises Hernandez's 85th minute tally to give the home side all three points.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair as Indy and OKC took turns running at the opposition defense. The first chance of the match came inside the opening three minutes when OKC winger Pecka cut inside and attempted to test Indy 'keeper Keith Cardona, but the Brazilian saw his effort blocked. Just a couple of minutes later, Sebastian Velasquez would attempt a similar effort from the opposite side, but the Eleven defense held firm and blocked the subsequent shot.

PHOTOS: Click to download pictures from #OKCvIND from the NASL’s FTP site

For the "Boys in White," Omar Gordon came closest just before the half hour mark when the Jamaican danced around OKC defender Sebastian Ibeagha and rifled a shot at Rayo 'netminder Bryan Byars, but the 'keeper was well-positioned and produced a solid save to keep things level. The pair went into the break all square after 45 minutes of scoreless action.
 
HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the best moments from #OKCvIND on Indy Eleven’s YouTube home
 
As the second half picked up, Indy Eleven stayed on the offense and got their reward just six minutes in thanks to tidy work from Duke Lacroix. After winning the NASL Play of the Week, the Indy Eleven midfielder put on an impressive display and won a penalty for his side after launching a shot at OKC's Yuma only for it to ricochet off the midfielder's arm to result in the chance. Up stepped Nicki Paterson, and after netting twice in his previous three appearances, Paterson added a third by sending the OKC 'keeper Byars the wrong way to separate the two sides.

Rayo would fight back though, and after coming close through small opportunities they would find their equalizer thanks to a left-footed effort from Sebastian Velasquez. Collecting and turning on a dime, the midfielder beat Cardona to his right-hand side to level the scoring and up the atmosphere at Miller Stadium. 

Indy Eleven would respond almost instantly after Lacroix created another quality opportunity, but forward Souleymane Youla could not keep his header down and the chance went begging. All credit to Indiana's Team as they continued their fight on goal, and chances for Jair Reinoso and Omar Gordon would both go wide despite great work from both to open an angle.

The final 15 minutes were hectic, and just as it looked like Indy would take momentum back for good, Rayo OKC found their eventual winner off a corner. Defender Moises Hernandez rose to meet the delivery from Pecka, and though Cardona would nearly get a fingertip to it, his effort would not be enough to keep it out of the back of the net as the home side went ahead.

STATS: Get detailed Opta statistics from #OKCvIND via the NASL MatchCenter 

Final opportunities would fall to Indy's Nicki Paterson and Greg Janicki off a corner, but Rayo would hold the pair off and secure the three points in a 2-1 win despite Indy's hard work.
 
Attention now turns to a chance at history in The Championship semifinal, which Indy Eleven will host on Saturday, November 5 against FC Edmonton at 3 P.M. ET! Tickets for that match are still available at semifinal.https://www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 M-F from 9 AM – 5 PM.
 
NASL Fall Season
Rayo OKC  2 : 1  Indy Eleven
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Miller Stadium – Yukon, OK
 
Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 11W-4D-7L, 37 pts., 2nd place
Overall Season: 15W-10D-7L, 55 pts., 2nd place
 
Rayo OKC:
Fall Season: 9W-8D-5L, 35 pts., 4th place
Overall Season: 12W-11D-9L, 47 pts., 4th place
 
Scoring Summary:
IND – Nicki Paterson (penalty kick) 52'
OKC – Sebastian Velasquez (Marvin Chavez) 61'
OKC – Moises Hernandez (unassisted) 85'
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Marco Franco (caution) 30'
OKC – Yuma (caution) 54'
OKC – Marvin Chavez (caution) 71'
OKC – Pecka (caution) 88'
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona; Neil Shaffer, Greg Janicki, Daniel Keller, Marco Franco (Nemanja Vukovic 56'); Omar Gordon, Nicki Paterson, Duke Lacroix, Don Smart (Gerardo Torrado 62'); Jair Reinoso, Souleymane Youla
 
Indy Eleven bench: Jon Busch (GK); Colin Falvey, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed
 
Rayo OKC (4-2-3-1): Bryan Byars (GK); Moises Hernandez, Sebastian Ibeagha, Rauwshan McKenzie (Jarad Van Schaik 46'), Kosuke Kimura; Yuma, Derek Boateng (Tyler Gibson 9'); Pecka, Sebastian Velasquez, Marvin Chavez; Devon Sandoval
 
Rayo OKC bench: Daniel Fernandes (GK), Michel, Richard Menjivar, Billy Forbes, Georgios Samaras

Indy Eleven Ends 2016 Regular Season With 2-1 Defeat at Rayo OKC
Nicki Paterson’s penalty is offset by goals from Sebastian Velasquez and Moises Hernandez in season finale at Miller Stadium

YUKON, Okla. (Sunday, October 30, 2016) – Indy Eleven rounded out the 2016 regular season in unfortunate fashion with a 2-1 loss at Rayo OKC. Nicki Paterson’s penalty in the 52nd minute separated the two sides, but Sebastian Velasquez’s equalizer in the 61st minute was added to by Moises Hernandez’s 85th minute tally to give the home side all three points.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair as Indy and OKC took turns running at the opposition defense. The first chance of the match came inside the opening three minutes when OKC winger Pecka cut inside and attempted to test Indy ‘keeper Keith Cardona, but the Brazilian saw his effort blocked. Just a couple of minutes later, Sebastian Velasquez would attempt a similar effort from the opposite side, but the Eleven defense held firm and blocked the subsequent shot.

PHOTOS: Click to download pictures from #OKCvIND from the NASL’s FTP site

For the “Boys in White,” Omar Gordon came closest just before the half hour mark when the Jamaican danced around OKC defender Sebastian Ibeagha and rifled a shot at Rayo ‘netminder Bryan Byars, but the ‘keeper was well-positioned and produced a solid save to keep things level. The pair went into the break all square after 45 minutes of scoreless action.
 
HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the best moments from #OKCvIND on Indy Eleven’s YouTube home
 
As the second half picked up, Indy Eleven stayed on the offense and got their reward just six minutes in thanks to tidy work from Duke Lacroix. After winning the NASL Play of the Week, the Indy Eleven midfielder put on an impressive display and won a penalty for his side after launching a shot at OKC’s Yuma only for it to ricochet off the midfielder’s arm to result in the chance. Up stepped Nicki Paterson, and after netting twice in his previous three appearances, Paterson added a third by sending the OKC ‘keeper Byars the wrong way to separate the two sides.

Rayo would fight back though, and after coming close through small opportunities they would find their equalizer thanks to a left-footed effort from Sebastian Velasquez. Collecting and turning on a dime, the midfielder beat Cardona to his right-hand side to level the scoring and up the atmosphere at Miller Stadium. 

Indy Eleven would respond almost instantly after Lacroix created another quality opportunity, but forward Souleymane Youla could not keep his header down and the chance went begging. All credit to Indiana’s Team as they continued their fight on goal, and chances for Jair Reinoso and Omar Gordon would both go wide despite great work from both to open an angle.

The final 15 minutes were hectic, and just as it looked like Indy would take momentum back for good, Rayo OKC found their eventual winner off a corner. Defender Moises Hernandez rose to meet the delivery from Pecka, and though Cardona would nearly get a fingertip to it, his effort would not be enough to keep it out of the back of the net as the home side went ahead.

STATS: Get detailed Opta statistics from #OKCvIND via the NASL MatchCenter 

Final opportunities would fall to Indy’s Nicki Paterson and Greg Janicki off a corner, but Rayo would hold the pair off and secure the three points in a 2-1 win despite Indy’s hard work.
 
Attention now turns to a chance at history in The Championship semifinal, which Indy Eleven will host on Saturday, November 5 against FC Edmonton at 3 P.M. ET! Tickets for that match are still available at semifinal.https://www.indyeleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 M-F from 9 AM – 5 PM.
 
NASL Fall Season
Rayo OKC  2 : 1  Indy Eleven
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Miller Stadium – Yukon, OK
 
Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 11W-4D-7L, 37 pts., 2nd place
Overall Season: 15W-10D-7L, 55 pts., 2nd place
 
Rayo OKC:
Fall Season: 9W-8D-5L, 35 pts., 4th place
Overall Season: 12W-11D-9L, 47 pts., 4th place
 
Scoring Summary:
IND – Nicki Paterson (penalty kick) 52′
OKC – Sebastian Velasquez (Marvin Chavez) 61′
OKC – Moises Hernandez (unassisted) 85′
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Marco Franco (caution) 30′
OKC – Yuma (caution) 54′
OKC – Marvin Chavez (caution) 71′
OKC – Pecka (caution) 88′
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R):  Keith Cardona; Neil Shaffer, Greg Janicki, Daniel Keller, Marco Franco (Nemanja Vukovic 56′); Omar Gordon, Nicki Paterson, Duke Lacroix, Don Smart (Gerardo Torrado 62′); Jair Reinoso, Souleymane Youla
 
Indy Eleven bench: Jon Busch (GK); Colin Falvey, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed
 
Rayo OKC (4-2-3-1): Bryan Byars (GK); Moises Hernandez, Sebastian Ibeagha, Rauwshan McKenzie (Jarad Van Schaik 46′), Kosuke Kimura; Yuma, Derek Boateng (Tyler Gibson 9′); Pecka, Sebastian Velasquez, Marvin Chavez; Devon Sandoval
 
Rayo OKC bench: Daniel Fernandes (GK), Michel, Richard Menjivar, Billy Forbes, Georgios Samaras