News

TAMPA/INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr today earned his first career placement on the USL Championship Team of the Week presented by Cleer Audio.

The fourth-year netminder for Indiana’s Team garnered the plaudit for his dominant, five-save performance that helped Indy Eleven shut out its archrival Louisville City FC 1-0 last Saturday night at IUPUI Carroll Stadium. Farr now has five of the squad’s six shutouts during the 2021 campaign and has posted a solid 1.26 goals against average across his 19 starts this season.

Farr became the fifth member of the Boys in Blue to secure a spot on the Championship’s weekly best XI in 2021, joining Nicky Law (Week 17), Neveal Hackshaw (Week 10), Gordon Wild (Week 6), and Jordan Hamilton (Week 5). The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

Indy Eleven will finish out its home campaign at Carroll Stadium this Saturday, Oct. 23, with the club’s annual Fan Appreciation Night contest against FC Tulsa, presented by your Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours, while fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com (in Spanish), and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, also presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

 

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 26

 

GK – Jordan Farr, Indy Eleven: Jordan Farr recorded a five-save shutout and a -1.90 Expected Goals Differential to keep Indy in the game against Louisville City FC before a late goal earned the hosts a 1-0 victory and the season series in the LIPAFC against their biggest rivals at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.

D – Josh Drack, LA Galaxy II: Josh Drack recorded three assists across a pair of contests, including two assists in Los Dos’ 5-0 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Sunday evening, and over the week completed 63 of 81 passes and made five interceptions and 11 recoveries.

D – Mark Segbers, Memphis 901 FC: Mark Segbers recorded the game-winning goal for 901 FC as it took a 2-1 victory against Louisville City FC on Wednesday night, and across two games recorded seven interceptions and 11 recoveries while completing 45 of 65 passes.

D – Ashkanov Appolon, Hartford Athletic: The Haitian veteran was impressive as Hartford swept a pair of victories against Loudoun United FC, recording one assist in the side’s 3-2 win on Wednesday night as he won 13 of 16 duels, made 15 recoveries and completed 33 of 45 passes across both games.

M – Aodhan Quinn, Phoenix Rising FC: Aodhan Quinn became only the 21st player to record three assists in one game in Phoenix’s 6-3 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday afternoon and moved into a tie for the league-lead on 11 assists for the campaign while finishing the contest with 12 key passes overall.

M – Nick Ross, El Paso Locomotive FC: Nick Ross recorded a pair of assists and four key passes overall in El Paso’s 4-2 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday night and ended the contest having won 7 of 7 duels and made 13 recoveries while completing 38 of 51 passes.

M – Alejandro Guido, San Diego Loyal SC: The San Diego native continued to shine for SD Loyal in a 1-1 draw against New Mexico United on Sunday afternoon as he notched one assist and five key passes while winning 15 of 19 duels and completing 29 of 36 passes in an impressive all-around performance.

M – Leo Torres, Real Monarchs SLC: The 17-year-old recorded not only his first professional goal but bagged a pair of outstanding finishes as the Monarchs took a 4-3 victory against Austin Bold FC on Saturday afternoon.

F – Cal Jennings, Las Vegas Lights FC: Cal Jennings recorded a hat trick in a losing cause for Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon at Cashman Field, scoring all three of Lights FC’s goals in a 6-3 defeat to Phoenix Rising FC while recording five shots and one key pass overall.

F – Dane Kelly, Charlotte Independence: The Jamaican forward scored twice as the Independence clinched their playoff berth and moved into second place in the Atlantic Division with a 5-1 win against the Charleston Battery while recording five shots and completing 15 of 20 passes overall on Saturday night.

F – Jorge Hernandez, LA Galaxy II: The 20-year-old playmaker recorded a goal and assist, had three shots and four key passes and completed 20 of 24 passes as Los Dos moved closer to clinching a third consecutive trip to the playoffs with 5-0 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Bench: Patrick Rakovsky (OC), Jonathan Dean (BHM), Lamar Batista (OKC), Cameron Dunbar (LA), Conor McGlynn (HFD), Santi Moar (PHX), Preston Judd (LA)

TAMPA/INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr today earned his first career placement on the USL Championship Team of the Week presented by Cleer Audio.

The fourth-year netminder for Indiana’s Team garnered the plaudit for his dominant, five-save performance that helped Indy Eleven shut out its archrival Louisville City FC 1-0 last Saturday night at IUPUI Carroll Stadium. Farr now has five of the squad’s six shutouts during the 2021 campaign and has posted a solid 1.26 goals against average across his 19 starts this season.

Farr became the fifth member of the Boys in Blue to secure a spot on the Championship’s weekly best XI in 2021, joining Nicky Law (Week 17), Neveal Hackshaw (Week 10), Gordon Wild (Week 6), and Jordan Hamilton (Week 5). The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

Indy Eleven will finish out its home campaign at Carroll Stadium this Saturday, Oct. 23, with the club’s annual Fan Appreciation Night contest against FC Tulsa, presented by your Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours, while fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com (in Spanish), and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, also presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

 

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 26

 

GK – Jordan Farr, Indy Eleven: Jordan Farr recorded a five-save shutout and a -1.90 Expected Goals Differential to keep Indy in the game against Louisville City FC before a late goal earned the hosts a 1-0 victory and the season series in the LIPAFC against their biggest rivals at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.

D – Josh Drack, LA Galaxy II: Josh Drack recorded three assists across a pair of contests, including two assists in Los Dos’ 5-0 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Sunday evening, and over the week completed 63 of 81 passes and made five interceptions and 11 recoveries.

D – Mark Segbers, Memphis 901 FC: Mark Segbers recorded the game-winning goal for 901 FC as it took a 2-1 victory against Louisville City FC on Wednesday night, and across two games recorded seven interceptions and 11 recoveries while completing 45 of 65 passes.

D – Ashkanov Appolon, Hartford Athletic: The Haitian veteran was impressive as Hartford swept a pair of victories against Loudoun United FC, recording one assist in the side’s 3-2 win on Wednesday night as he won 13 of 16 duels, made 15 recoveries and completed 33 of 45 passes across both games.

M – Aodhan Quinn, Phoenix Rising FC: Aodhan Quinn became only the 21st player to record three assists in one game in Phoenix’s 6-3 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday afternoon and moved into a tie for the league-lead on 11 assists for the campaign while finishing the contest with 12 key passes overall.

M – Nick Ross, El Paso Locomotive FC: Nick Ross recorded a pair of assists and four key passes overall in El Paso’s 4-2 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday night and ended the contest having won 7 of 7 duels and made 13 recoveries while completing 38 of 51 passes.

M – Alejandro Guido, San Diego Loyal SC: The San Diego native continued to shine for SD Loyal in a 1-1 draw against New Mexico United on Sunday afternoon as he notched one assist and five key passes while winning 15 of 19 duels and completing 29 of 36 passes in an impressive all-around performance.

M – Leo Torres, Real Monarchs SLC: The 17-year-old recorded not only his first professional goal but bagged a pair of outstanding finishes as the Monarchs took a 4-3 victory against Austin Bold FC on Saturday afternoon.

F – Cal Jennings, Las Vegas Lights FC: Cal Jennings recorded a hat trick in a losing cause for Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon at Cashman Field, scoring all three of Lights FC’s goals in a 6-3 defeat to Phoenix Rising FC while recording five shots and one key pass overall.

F – Dane Kelly, Charlotte Independence: The Jamaican forward scored twice as the Independence clinched their playoff berth and moved into second place in the Atlantic Division with a 5-1 win against the Charleston Battery while recording five shots and completing 15 of 20 passes overall on Saturday night.

F – Jorge Hernandez, LA Galaxy II: The 20-year-old playmaker recorded a goal and assist, had three shots and four key passes and completed 20 of 24 passes as Los Dos moved closer to clinching a third consecutive trip to the playoffs with 5-0 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Bench: Patrick Rakovsky (OC), Jonathan Dean (BHM), Lamar Batista (OKC), Cameron Dunbar (LA), Conor McGlynn (HFD), Santi Moar (PHX), Preston Judd (LA)

INDIANAPOLIS – After recently purchasing a franchise in the USL W League – the USL’s pre-professional women’s league launching in 2022 – Indy Eleven today announced the club will host a two-day open tryout for talented players seeking places on its women’s senior team’s inaugural season roster. The tryouts will take place at the Grand Park Sports Complex, the Official Training Center of Indy Eleven, in the campus’ Events Center on December 28-29, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET each day.

Online registration for the Eleven’s W League December open tryout is now open. Registrants with questions are invited to contact Josh Kremers, Indy Eleven Director, Youth Development, at joshk@https://www.indyeleven.com or 463-212-4251 (office).

Indy Eleven is looking forward to additional announcements surrounding the W League side in the coming months, to include details surrounding the entry’s name, logo, and branding; home venue and training locations; staffing model and more. These updates will include the announcement of a coaching staff that will be in place in time to conduct and monitor the two-day tryout, which is expected to bring in talented collegiate and potential professionals looking to take the field during the W League’s inaugural season beginning next May.

The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The USL W League is committed to helping girls and women achieve their dreams by providing over 750 new opportunities for women to play, coach, and work in soccer. Further, with teams located across the country, thousands of women’s soccer fans will have new and greater access to the sport they love. Ultimately, the USL W League will provide a platform that allows for greater exposure both on and off the field resulting in a stronger game led by strong women. To learn more about the new league debuting on the field in 2022, visit uslwleague.com.

For updates on Indy Eleven’s USL W League women’s senior team, USL Championship men’s senior team, and USL Academy outfits, visit https://www.indyeleven.com and the club’s Twitter, Facebook & Instagram homes.

INDIANAPOLIS – After recently purchasing a franchise in the USL W League – the USL’s pre-professional women’s league launching in 2022 – Indy Eleven today announced the club will host a two-day open tryout for talented players seeking places on its women’s senior team’s inaugural season roster. The tryouts will take place at the Grand Park Sports Complex, the Official Training Center of Indy Eleven, in the campus’ Events Center on December 28-29, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET each day.

Online registration for the Eleven’s W League December open tryout is now open. Registrants with questions are invited to contact Josh Kremers, Indy Eleven Director, Youth Development, at joshk@https://www.indyeleven.com or 463-212-4251 (office).

Indy Eleven is looking forward to additional announcements surrounding the W League side in the coming months, to include details surrounding the entry’s name, logo, and branding; home venue and training locations; staffing model and more. These updates will include the announcement of a coaching staff that will be in place in time to conduct and monitor the two-day tryout, which is expected to bring in talented collegiate and potential professionals looking to take the field during the W League’s inaugural season beginning next May.

The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The USL W League is committed to helping girls and women achieve their dreams by providing over 750 new opportunities for women to play, coach, and work in soccer. Further, with teams located across the country, thousands of women’s soccer fans will have new and greater access to the sport they love. Ultimately, the USL W League will provide a platform that allows for greater exposure both on and off the field resulting in a stronger game led by strong women. To learn more about the new league debuting on the field in 2022, visit uslwleague.com.

For updates on Indy Eleven’s USL W League women’s senior team, USL Championship men’s senior team, and USL Academy outfits, visit https://www.indyeleven.com and the club’s Twitter, Facebook & Instagram homes.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven used an 85th minute goal by forward Manuel Arteaga – the Venezuelan talisman’s tenth of the season – to post a 1-0 win over Louisville City FC Saturday evening at IUPUI Carroll Stadium. Goalkeeper Jordan Farr’s five key saves combined with an energetic defensive effort all over the pitch gave the fourth-year goalkeeper his fifth clean sheet of the campaign and the squad its sixth shutout overall.

“It was an even game and both goalkeepers made some good saves – and especially Jordan Farr, I thought he had a great night and made some important stops in the second half," said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. "I’m proud of all of our players. They worked so hard for each other and for the club all night and deserved that bit of luck for the goal."

The win temporarily kept Indy’s slim postseason chances alive; however, FC Tulsa’s 1-1 draw at San Antonio FC means the Oklahoma side must drop Wednesday’s result against Atlanta United 2 before heading to the Circle City on Saturday. The Boys in Blue still have two games remaining in regular season play, hosting FC Tulsa next Saturday evening before closing on the road at Memphis 901 FC on October 30. The victory did allow Indy Eleven to capture the season series over its archrival for the first time in four tries dating back to its inaugural USL Championship campaign in 2018 courtesy of a 2W-1L-1D record in LIPAFC action in 2021.

LouCity were first to threaten goal in the sixth minute through a pair of chances, but Antoine Hoppenot’s 15-yard curler smacked off the right post, and Farr pounced on Cameron Lancaster’s headed rebound to follow. In the 15th minute, Louisville midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo looked to bend one in himself off a free kick just outside the area, but the visiting captain pushed his effort just wide of the right post.

Indy followed with its own set piece opportunities, starting in the 18th minute when defender Tobi Adewole crashed the six to meet Emmanuel Ledesma’s outswinging corner, but his chance also fell just wide right. Another dead ball service by Ledesma in the 27th minute was nodded backwards towards goal by Arteaga, but a bang-bang offside call marked the chance dead. On the stroke of the half hour Indy midfielder Kevin Partida stripped the ball in midfield and quickly played Nick Moon towards goal, but the right winger’s near-angle chance was stopped by LouCity goalkeeper Chris Hubbard, despite a slight spill on the collection.

Louisville was again aggressive in attack straight out of the locker room, but Farr was up to the task, thwarting a pair of close-range chances by Jorge Gonzalez within the opening three minutes of the stanza. The Oregon native came up big twice more, first saving Brian Ownby’s blast from distance in the 56th minute on a short hop and a minute later looking big on a corner kick nodded home on the doorstep.

The match turned ragged for most of the next half hour, with fouls and offside infractions ruling over quality chances. However, things finally sprung to life – and turned in favor of the hosts – in the 85th minute when Nicky Law had ample time to pump in a cross from the left side of the penalty. LouCity’s Jonathan Gomez whiffed on the clearance, leaving it in the path of Arteaga to finish first-time with a low shot inside the right post that finally moved the scoreboard.

Indy Eleven will end its home campaign at Carroll Stadium next Saturday, Oct. 23, with the club’s annual Fan Appreciation Night contest against FC Tulsa, presented by your Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours, while fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com (in Spanish), and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, also presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  1 : 0  Louisville City FC

Saturday, October 16, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN

 

Indy Eleven: 9W-14L-7D, 34 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Louisville City FC: 16W-7L-7D, 55 pts.; 2nd place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Manuel Arteaga (unassisted) 85’

Discipline Summary

LOU – Paolo DelPiccolo (yellow card) 43’

LOU – Jonathan Gomez (yellow card) 78’

LOU – Niall McCabe (yellow card) 82’

IND – Rece Buckmaster (yellow card) 90+2’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):Jordan Farr; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole, Rece Buckmaster; Nick Moon (Peter-Lee Vassell 73’), Gershon Koffie, Kevin Partida (Jeremiah Gutjahr 79’), Nicky Law; Manuel Arteaga, Emmanuel Ledesma (Ayoze 72’)

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Liam Doyle, Karl Ouimette, Aboubacar Sissoko

 

Louisville City FC line-up (3-4-3): Chris Hubbard; Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch, Pat McMahon; Jorge Gonzalez (Niall McCabe 70’), Paolo DelPiccolo (Akil Watts 82’), Jonathan Gomez, Napo Matsoso (Oscar Jimenez 88’); Cameron Lancaster (Kyle Grieg 70’), Brian Ownby, Antoine Hoppenot (Jimmy McLaughlin 81’)

LOU substitutions: Parker Siegfried, Joshua Wynder

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven used an 85th minute goal by forward Manuel Arteaga – the Venezuelan talisman’s tenth of the season – to post a 1-0 win over Louisville City FC Saturday evening at IUPUI Carroll Stadium. Goalkeeper Jordan Farr’s five key saves combined with an energetic defensive effort all over the pitch gave the fourth-year goalkeeper his fifth clean sheet of the campaign and the squad its sixth shutout overall.

“It was an even game and both goalkeepers made some good saves – and especially Jordan Farr, I thought he had a great night and made some important stops in the second half,” said Indy Eleven Interim Head Coach Max Rogers. “I’m proud of all of our players. They worked so hard for each other and for the club all night and deserved that bit of luck for the goal.”

The win temporarily kept Indy’s slim postseason chances alive; however, FC Tulsa’s 1-1 draw at San Antonio FC means the Oklahoma side must drop Wednesday’s result against Atlanta United 2 before heading to the Circle City on Saturday. The Boys in Blue still have two games remaining in regular season play, hosting FC Tulsa next Saturday evening before closing on the road at Memphis 901 FC on October 30. The victory did allow Indy Eleven to capture the season series over its archrival for the first time in four tries dating back to its inaugural USL Championship campaign in 2018 courtesy of a 2W-1L-1D record in LIPAFC action in 2021.

LouCity were first to threaten goal in the sixth minute through a pair of chances, but Antoine Hoppenot’s 15-yard curler smacked off the right post, and Farr pounced on Cameron Lancaster’s headed rebound to follow. In the 15th minute, Louisville midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo looked to bend one in himself off a free kick just outside the area, but the visiting captain pushed his effort just wide of the right post.

Indy followed with its own set piece opportunities, starting in the 18th minute when defender Tobi Adewole crashed the six to meet Emmanuel Ledesma’s outswinging corner, but his chance also fell just wide right. Another dead ball service by Ledesma in the 27th minute was nodded backwards towards goal by Arteaga, but a bang-bang offside call marked the chance dead. On the stroke of the half hour Indy midfielder Kevin Partida stripped the ball in midfield and quickly played Nick Moon towards goal, but the right winger’s near-angle chance was stopped by LouCity goalkeeper Chris Hubbard, despite a slight spill on the collection.

Louisville was again aggressive in attack straight out of the locker room, but Farr was up to the task, thwarting a pair of close-range chances by Jorge Gonzalez within the opening three minutes of the stanza. The Oregon native came up big twice more, first saving Brian Ownby’s blast from distance in the 56th minute on a short hop and a minute later looking big on a corner kick nodded home on the doorstep.

The match turned ragged for most of the next half hour, with fouls and offside infractions ruling over quality chances. However, things finally sprung to life – and turned in favor of the hosts – in the 85th minute when Nicky Law had ample time to pump in a cross from the left side of the penalty. LouCity’s Jonathan Gomez whiffed on the clearance, leaving it in the path of Arteaga to finish first-time with a low shot inside the right post that finally moved the scoreboard.

Indy Eleven will end its home campaign at Carroll Stadium next Saturday, Oct. 23, with the club’s annual Fan Appreciation Night contest against FC Tulsa, presented by your Central Indiana Honda Dealers. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours, while fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can follow the action live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com (in Spanish), and the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, also presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  1 : 0  Louisville City FC

Saturday, October 16, 2021

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN

 

Indy Eleven: 9W-14L-7D, 34 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Louisville City FC: 16W-7L-7D, 55 pts.; 2nd place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Manuel Arteaga (unassisted) 85’

Discipline Summary

LOU – Paolo DelPiccolo (yellow card) 43’

LOU – Jonathan Gomez (yellow card) 78’

LOU – Niall McCabe (yellow card) 82’

IND – Rece Buckmaster (yellow card) 90+2’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2):Jordan Farr; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole, Rece Buckmaster; Nick Moon (Peter-Lee Vassell 73’), Gershon Koffie, Kevin Partida (Jeremiah Gutjahr 79’), Nicky Law; Manuel Arteaga, Emmanuel Ledesma (Ayoze 72’)

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Liam Doyle, Karl Ouimette, Aboubacar Sissoko

 

Louisville City FC line-up (3-4-3): Chris Hubbard; Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch, Pat McMahon; Jorge Gonzalez (Niall McCabe 70’), Paolo DelPiccolo (Akil Watts 82’), Jonathan Gomez, Napo Matsoso (Oscar Jimenez 88’); Cameron Lancaster (Kyle Grieg 70’), Brian Ownby, Antoine Hoppenot (Jimmy McLaughlin 81’)

LOU substitutions: Parker Siegfried, Joshua Wynder

#INDvLOU Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City FC

Saturday, October 16, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #INDvLOU MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-14L-7D (-13 GD), 31 pts.; 7th in Central Division

Louisville City FC: 16W-6L-7D (+22 GD), 55 pts.; 2nd in Central Division

Yes, there are deep playoff implications for both Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest combatants surrounding their affair Saturday night at “The Mike”, but we’ll get to that later. Judging from the passion of players and fans alike in their three previous meetings this season, the motivation to capture this year’s LIPAFC series crown will be more than enough stakes for the evening – with the Boys in Blue perhaps having a little more “oomph” in order to play spoiler against their archrival.

Another impetus for Indiana’s Team is to simply end the season on a positive note, playoff situation regardless. Louisville’s 2-0 win at Carroll Stadium on Sept. 18 marked the start of the Eleven’s current six-game winless streak (0W-4L-2D), and the Boys in Blue would love nothing more than to get their groove back starting with a rivalry triumph that could springboard to a solid finish.

Help on that front could come with the possible returns of key contributors from injury, as defenders Neveal Hackshaw and A.J. Cochran and midfielder Rece Buckmaster all returned to full training earlier in the week, potentially giving Interim Head Coach Max Rogers more options to dampen the Eastern Conference’s highest-scoring attack (57 goals). On the offensive side of the ball for Indy, early returns from Emmanuel Ledesma’s much-anticipated debut last Sunday in Birmingham were positive, as the Argentine playmaker earned the “hockey assist” on the squad’s 41st minute equalizer in an eventual 1-3 defeat. The chemistry between he, fellow “Manu” Manuel Arteaga, and whomever else Rogers deploys on the squad’s top line will be one of the more intriguing developments down the stretch for a goal-hungry squad that has failed to score multiple times in nine consecutive contests.

On the opposite side, Louisville enters the LIPAFC rubber match stinging from a 1-2 defeat at Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday night, a result that snapped LouCity’s seven-game unbeaten run (four wins, three draws) and allowed a red-hot Birmingham Legion FC side to claim the Central Division’s top spot by a mere point.

That match came in the middle of a three-game week, but the Indy faithful shouldn’t expect to see a sluggish squad come Saturday as newly-minted full-time Head Coach Danny Cruz managed the minutes of one of the deepest rosters in the Championship to allow for plenty of fresh legs on the weekend. While that may or may not include the league’s third leading scorer, Cameron Lancaster (17 goals), who went the full 90 in both contests, we can expect to see a heavy dose of the Championship’s assist-leader, Brian Ownby (10 assists, 4 goals), starlet winger Jonathan Gomez, and perennial thorn-in-the-side of the Boys in Blue, Antoine Hoppenot (3 goals, 4 assists).

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

When it comes to possible postseason inclusion, “The Math” has finally caught up to Indiana’s Team, which knows it must win Saturday – and over the following two weekends – in order to keep its slim USL Championship Playoff hopes alive.

Alas, here’s all that needs to happen for the Boys in Blue to make a mind-bendingly complicated run to the postseason come to fruition:

• Indy wins its final three games (would earn maximum of 40 points)
• [UPDATED Oct. 16th] Tulsa (currently on 39 pts.) loses all five of its final games OR draws once and loses four of their final five matches – including to Indy Eleven by at least two goals on Oct. 23 
  • Tulsa would end on 39 points OR 40 pts.
  • If Indy wins by 2+ goals on Oct. 23 and TUL lands on 40 points, Indy owns second tiebreaker (goal differential in head-to-head matchups)
  • If Indy wins by only one goal on Oct. 23 and TUL lands on 40 pts, TUL owns fourth tiebreaker – regular season wins vs. in-division opponents – over IND (would be 10 vs. 11)
• OKC Energy (currently on 36 pts.) loses their next two matches AND defeats TUL in season finale
  • OKC would end on 39 points
  • OKC owns second tiebreaker – goal differential in head-to-head meetings (5 to 4) – over IND
• Atlanta United 2 (currently on 34 pts.) ties or loses to its next match to Memphis AND defeats Tulsa in its season finale
  • ATL could end on 37 or 38 points
  • ATL owns first tiebreaker – head-to-head regular season record – over IND

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. LOUISVILLE CITY FC

All official competitions: 3W-8L-5D (16 GF/28 GA)

All competitions at home: 2W-5L-1D (6 GF/14 GA)

USL Championship regular season: 2W-5L-5D (12 GF/18 GA)

USLC regular season at home: 1W-3L-1D (3 GF/8 GA)

Indy Eleven could put a nice little feather in its 2021 cap by taking the season series against Louisville outright for the first time with a win on Saturday. Indiana’s Team turned the LIPAFC series on its head back on May 22 with a 2-1 comeback win at Lynn Family Stadium, which snapped Indy’s 10-game winless streak in the rivalry and gave Indiana’s Team its first win in the series since their first USL Championship regular season affair on May 5, 2018. The second meeting also came on the wrong side of the river on June 26 and was no less entertaining, starting with Cammy Smith (9’) and Neveal Hackshaw (20’) equalizing within the first 20 minutes and followed by Manuel Arteaga’s go-ahead goal just prior to halftime. However, Corben Bone’s 78th minute strike helped Louisville share the spoils from a 3-3 draw. The first meeting at Carroll Stadium on September 18 was all LouCity, which used goals by Hoppenot (41’) and Lancaster (69’) on either side of the half to notch a 2-0 victory.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: DF/MF JARED TIMMER 

Timmer’s versatility has been amplified in recent weeks as Indy continues to recover from an injury bug that has kept several defensive players from the team sheet. The Butler University alumnus’ athleticism paid huge dividends through the busiest stretch of the season, and he enters the final slate of games as one of only three Boys in Blue to have played more than 2,000 minutes. Onlookers have seen the 24-year-old primarily in the midfield, but he has since cemented his role as a center back while defender A.J. Cochran recovered from an injury sustained in August.

Despite falling 3-1 at Birmingham Legion FC last Sunday, Timmer had a standout defensive performance, leading his teammates in clearances (4), interceptions (3) and passes/successful passes (51-41). The tandem effort between Timmer and new in blue Tobi Adewole saw the pair nearly paint the heatmap in Indy’s defending half entirely green. The efforts between the two could’ve seen end the night at least with a draw, had it not been for a dipping shot from distance by Legion FC’s Eli Crognale that put the hosts up late in the game. Continued stout defending around the 18-yard box and shutting down Louisville’s crossing plays into the area, such as forward Cameron Lancaster’s stoppage time game-winner against Sporting Kansas City II on October 9, will be a top priority from Timmer and company.

 

LOU PLAYER TO WATCH: MF OSCAR JIMENEZ

After spending majority of the year sidelined by injury, Jimenez’s reintroduction to the lineup has added a late-season depth boost for Louisville. Though the fifth-year boy in purple has been readjusting to consistent minutes since returning on August 22 in LouCity’s away draw at OKC Energy FC, he has finally started to pick up where he left off in the first two months of the 2021 campaign after registering a goal, two assists and eight chances created in his last three appearances. The remaining three games for the Kentuckian side provide an optimal chance for Jimenez to continue building match fitness before entering the postseason.

Jimenez is as versatile as it gets – he can play forward, he can distribute passes, he can play box-to-box, he can create chances, and has been instrumental in a Louisville attack that has tallied eight goals in the last three outings, including his assist on Paolo DelPiccolo’s game-winner against New Mexico United on October 3 and his 88th-minute equalizer in City’s 4-3 win against Sporting KC II. In the last three matches, Jimenez has been seen marshaling both flanks (starting along the left twice and right once), taking the bulk of his touches along the touch line on either side of the pitch. Though he hasn’t put up the highest passing stats in that time (73.8% average passing accuracy), his possession along the edge of the field has been successful in pulling opposing players out of position, opening channels for his fellow midfielders to play forward, especially in Louisville’s defending half. Shutting down passing lanes through the center of the pitch will be key for the Indy Eleven midfield come Saturday evening.

#INDvLOU Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City FC

Saturday, October 16, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #INDvLOU MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com
 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-14L-7D (-13 GD), 31 pts.; 7th in Central Division

Louisville City FC: 16W-6L-7D (+22 GD), 55 pts.; 2nd in Central Division

Yes, there are deep playoff implications for both Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest combatants surrounding their affair Saturday night at “The Mike”, but we’ll get to that later. Judging from the passion of players and fans alike in their three previous meetings this season, the motivation to capture this year’s LIPAFC series crown will be more than enough stakes for the evening – with the Boys in Blue perhaps having a little more “oomph” in order to play spoiler against their archrival.

Another impetus for Indiana’s Team is to simply end the season on a positive note, playoff situation regardless. Louisville’s 2-0 win at Carroll Stadium on Sept. 18 marked the start of the Eleven’s current six-game winless streak (0W-4L-2D), and the Boys in Blue would love nothing more than to get their groove back starting with a rivalry triumph that could springboard to a solid finish.

Help on that front could come with the possible returns of key contributors from injury, as defenders Neveal Hackshaw and A.J. Cochran and midfielder Rece Buckmaster all returned to full training earlier in the week, potentially giving Interim Head Coach Max Rogers more options to dampen the Eastern Conference’s highest-scoring attack (57 goals). On the offensive side of the ball for Indy, early returns from Emmanuel Ledesma’s much-anticipated debut last Sunday in Birmingham were positive, as the Argentine playmaker earned the “hockey assist” on the squad’s 41st minute equalizer in an eventual 1-3 defeat. The chemistry between he, fellow “Manu” Manuel Arteaga, and whomever else Rogers deploys on the squad’s top line will be one of the more intriguing developments down the stretch for a goal-hungry squad that has failed to score multiple times in nine consecutive contests.

On the opposite side, Louisville enters the LIPAFC rubber match stinging from a 1-2 defeat at Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday night, a result that snapped LouCity’s seven-game unbeaten run (four wins, three draws) and allowed a red-hot Birmingham Legion FC side to claim the Central Division’s top spot by a mere point.

That match came in the middle of a three-game week, but the Indy faithful shouldn’t expect to see a sluggish squad come Saturday as newly-minted full-time Head Coach Danny Cruz managed the minutes of one of the deepest rosters in the Championship to allow for plenty of fresh legs on the weekend. While that may or may not include the league’s third leading scorer, Cameron Lancaster (17 goals), who went the full 90 in both contests, we can expect to see a heavy dose of the Championship’s assist-leader, Brian Ownby (10 assists, 4 goals), starlet winger Jonathan Gomez, and perennial thorn-in-the-side of the Boys in Blue, Antoine Hoppenot (3 goals, 4 assists).

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway

When it comes to possible postseason inclusion, “The Math” has finally caught up to Indiana’s Team, which knows it must win Saturday – and over the following two weekends – in order to keep its slim USL Championship Playoff hopes alive.

Alas, here’s all that needs to happen for the Boys in Blue to make a mind-bendingly complicated run to the postseason come to fruition:

• Indy wins its final three games (would earn maximum of 40 points)
• [UPDATED Oct. 16th] Tulsa (currently on 39 pts.) loses all five of its final games OR draws once and loses four of their final five matches – including to Indy Eleven by at least two goals on Oct. 23 
  • Tulsa would end on 39 points OR 40 pts.
  • If Indy wins by 2+ goals on Oct. 23 and TUL lands on 40 points, Indy owns second tiebreaker (goal differential in head-to-head matchups)
  • If Indy wins by only one goal on Oct. 23 and TUL lands on 40 pts, TUL owns fourth tiebreaker – regular season wins vs. in-division opponents – over IND (would be 10 vs. 11)
• OKC Energy (currently on 36 pts.) loses their next two matches AND defeats TUL in season finale
  • OKC would end on 39 points
  • OKC owns second tiebreaker – goal differential in head-to-head meetings (5 to 4) – over IND
• Atlanta United 2 (currently on 34 pts.) ties or loses to its next match to Memphis AND defeats Tulsa in its season finale
  • ATL could end on 37 or 38 points
  • ATL owns first tiebreaker – head-to-head regular season record – over IND

 

SERIES HISTORY VS. LOUISVILLE CITY FC

All official competitions: 3W-8L-5D (16 GF/28 GA)

All competitions at home: 2W-5L-1D (6 GF/14 GA)

USL Championship regular season: 2W-5L-5D (12 GF/18 GA)

USLC regular season at home: 1W-3L-1D (3 GF/8 GA)

Indy Eleven could put a nice little feather in its 2021 cap by taking the season series against Louisville outright for the first time with a win on Saturday. Indiana’s Team turned the LIPAFC series on its head back on May 22 with a 2-1 comeback win at Lynn Family Stadium, which snapped Indy’s 10-game winless streak in the rivalry and gave Indiana’s Team its first win in the series since their first USL Championship regular season affair on May 5, 2018. The second meeting also came on the wrong side of the river on June 26 and was no less entertaining, starting with Cammy Smith (9’) and Neveal Hackshaw (20’) equalizing within the first 20 minutes and followed by Manuel Arteaga’s go-ahead goal just prior to halftime. However, Corben Bone’s 78th minute strike helped Louisville share the spoils from a 3-3 draw. The first meeting at Carroll Stadium on September 18 was all LouCity, which used goals by Hoppenot (41’) and Lancaster (69’) on either side of the half to notch a 2-0 victory.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: DF/MF JARED TIMMER 

Timmer’s versatility has been amplified in recent weeks as Indy continues to recover from an injury bug that has kept several defensive players from the team sheet. The Butler University alumnus’ athleticism paid huge dividends through the busiest stretch of the season, and he enters the final slate of games as one of only three Boys in Blue to have played more than 2,000 minutes. Onlookers have seen the 24-year-old primarily in the midfield, but he has since cemented his role as a center back while defender A.J. Cochran recovered from an injury sustained in August.

Despite falling 3-1 at Birmingham Legion FC last Sunday, Timmer had a standout defensive performance, leading his teammates in clearances (4), interceptions (3) and passes/successful passes (51-41). The tandem effort between Timmer and new in blue Tobi Adewole saw the pair nearly paint the heatmap in Indy’s defending half entirely green. The efforts between the two could’ve seen end the night at least with a draw, had it not been for a dipping shot from distance by Legion FC’s Eli Crognale that put the hosts up late in the game. Continued stout defending around the 18-yard box and shutting down Louisville’s crossing plays into the area, such as forward Cameron Lancaster’s stoppage time game-winner against Sporting Kansas City II on October 9, will be a top priority from Timmer and company.

 

LOU PLAYER TO WATCH: MF OSCAR JIMENEZ

After spending majority of the year sidelined by injury, Jimenez’s reintroduction to the lineup has added a late-season depth boost for Louisville. Though the fifth-year boy in purple has been readjusting to consistent minutes since returning on August 22 in LouCity’s away draw at OKC Energy FC, he has finally started to pick up where he left off in the first two months of the 2021 campaign after registering a goal, two assists and eight chances created in his last three appearances. The remaining three games for the Kentuckian side provide an optimal chance for Jimenez to continue building match fitness before entering the postseason.

Jimenez is as versatile as it gets – he can play forward, he can distribute passes, he can play box-to-box, he can create chances, and has been instrumental in a Louisville attack that has tallied eight goals in the last three outings, including his assist on Paolo DelPiccolo’s game-winner against New Mexico United on October 3 and his 88th-minute equalizer in City’s 4-3 win against Sporting KC II. In the last three matches, Jimenez has been seen marshaling both flanks (starting along the left twice and right once), taking the bulk of his touches along the touch line on either side of the pitch. Though he hasn’t put up the highest passing stats in that time (73.8% average passing accuracy), his possession along the edge of the field has been successful in pulling opposing players out of position, opening channels for his fellow midfielders to play forward, especially in Louisville’s defending half. Shutting down passing lanes through the center of the pitch will be key for the Indy Eleven midfield come Saturday evening.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – Indy Eleven continued to battle for a crucial full three points in a pivotal match for playoff positioning at Birmingham Legion FC, but a trio of goals from the hosts thwarted the Boys in Blue Sunday evening. Midfielder Nicky Law netted his third goal of the season with a first half equalizer but wasn’t enough to overcome second half tallies from Legion FC’s Eli Crognale and Jake Rufe.

Sunday’s loss means that the margin to clinch a playoff berth continues to get thinner for Indy Eleven. Indy remains level on points with Atlanta United 2 at 31, with the Georgian side holding the tiebreaker after claiming the head-to-head record last Saturday at Carroll Stadium. With only 40 possible points available for the rest of the season, Indy will be closely watching the results of those ahead of them in the stands – FC Tulsa (39 pts.), Memphis 901 FC (38 pts.), OKC Energy FC (35 pts.) and Atlanta (31 pts.).

Heavy pressure from Legion FC paid dividends almost immediately as the home side registered three shots on frame in the opening five minutes of the match, two of which forced Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr into diving saves. However, Birmingham forward Neco Brett opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a dipping shot inside Indy’s 18 that flew across the face of the goal and into the upper-right corner out of Farr’s diving reach, the opportunity provided by midfielder Ryan James’ flick through the top of the box.

The Three Sparks continued the offensive as Prosper Kasim struck from inside Indy’s penalty area in the 11th minute, but the attempt ended wide of the left post after pressure from Eleven defenders Tobi Adewole and Jared Timmer forced the striker to mishit. Brett put Indy’s back line on notice once again 11 minutes later with a one-time hit off Anderson Asiedu’s squared pass into the 18, but a deflection off Timmer’s ankle sent the ball wide left of the goal with Birmingham being shown the offside flag on the play.

The Boys in Blue had their first look at goal in the 24th minute after earning a free kick from nearly 30 yards out. In his debut with Indiana’s Team, midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma lobbed the dead ball towards the far-left post, but windy conditions carried the ball just out of reach and over the byline for a Birmingham goal kick.

Neither side had another chance at goal until Eleven midfielder Nicky Law leveled the game in the 42nd minute. A long ball from midfielder Gershon Koffie found Ledesma along the right flank for another quick pass to Nick Moon inside Legion FC’s 18-yard box. Moon started to dribble out before turning to drive a low pass to Law at the top of the six, the Englishman chipping the ball over Birmingham ‘keeper Matt VanOekel for his third goal of the season. Despite Legion FC outshooting Indy 10-3 in the first 45 minutes, both teams entered the locker rooms on even ground.

Both sides cautiously restarted the game with Indy getting the first bit of action after the break in the 57th minute when Ledesma’s in-swinging cross from the corner found froward Manuel Arteaga in front of Birmingham’s goal as Venezuelan’s nodded effort fell just wide of the right post. Indiana’s Team put VanOekel to the test again two minutes later as Arteaga’s pass from the right flank bent around two Legion FC defenders and to the feet of Law for a one-time shot from close range, the goaltender doing well to palm the attempt back up the field.

Another 10 minutes passed before Legion FC its next look at goal via another dipping shot from 20 yards out by substitute Zach Herivaux, but Farr came up big with a jumping block to push the ball over the crossbar. Shots from distance continued to pay off big for Birmingham, as Crognale capitalized on a giveaway shortly after entering the match from 30 yards out of Indy’s goal, taking one touch to settle before dipping the ball into the back of the net in the 74th minute.

Indy and Birmingham traded back-to-back chances in the 77th minute with both goalkeepers being forced into diving saves. Legion FC found another look in the 84th minute by way of Mikey Lopez with a low shot inside Indy’s penalty area, but Farr came to the rescue once again after deflecting the ball upwards and collecting before Birmingham could react.

However, Legion FC claimed the final goal of the evening four minutes into second half stoppage time. All 11 of Indy’s players crowded Birmingham’s box to prepare for a corner kick in the dying seconds of the match, but a turnover from the cross led to Rufe getting a chance at goal from 55-yards out and finding the wide-open net before the final whistle.

The Boys in Blue will return home on Saturday, October 16, to take on archrival Louisville City FC for the final time in regular season play. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on “Real Men Wear Pink Night” presented by Community Health Network Foundation can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Birmingham Legion FC  3 : 1  Indy Eleven

Sunday, October 10, 2021

BBVA Field – Birmingham, Ala.

Indy Eleven: 8W-14L-7D, 31 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Birmingham Legion FC: 16W-7L-5D, 53 pts.; 1st place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

BHM – Neco Brett (Ryan James) 8’

IND – Nicky Law (Nick Moon) 42’

BHM – Eli Crognale (unassisted) 74’

BHM – Jake Rufe (unassisted) 90+4’

 

Discipline Summary

BHM – Phanuel Kavita (Yellow card) 45’

BHM – Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Yellow card) 54’

BHM – Jake Rufe (Yellow card) 90+4’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2): Jordan Farr; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole, Nick Moon; Kevin Partida (Jeremiah Gutjahr 81’), Gershon Koffie (Aboubacar Sissoko 81’), Nicky Law, Ayoze Garcia (captain) (Peter-Lee Vassell 67’); Emmanuel Ledesma (Gordon Wild 67’), Manuel Arteaga

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Liam Doyle, Jeremiah Gutjahr, Karl Ouimette

 

Birmingham Legion FC line-up (4-3-3): Matt VanOekel; Ryan James (Ben Ofeimu 89’), Phanuel Kavita, Alex Crognale, Jonny Dean; Mikey Lopez, Anderson Asiedu, Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Zach Herivaux 61’), Bruno Lapa (Eli Crognale 71), Prosper Kasim (Jaden Servania 61’), Neco Brett (Jake Rufe 89’)

BHM substitutions: Trevor Spangenberg (GK), Daigo Kobayashi

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – Indy Eleven continued to battle for a crucial full three points in a pivotal match for playoff positioning at Birmingham Legion FC, but a trio of goals from the hosts thwarted the Boys in Blue Sunday evening. Midfielder Nicky Law netted his third goal of the season with a first half equalizer but wasn’t enough to overcome second half tallies from Legion FC’s Eli Crognale and Jake Rufe.

Sunday’s loss means that the margin to clinch a playoff berth continues to get thinner for Indy Eleven. Indy remains level on points with Atlanta United 2 at 31, with the Georgian side holding the tiebreaker after claiming the head-to-head record last Saturday at Carroll Stadium. With only 40 possible points available for the rest of the season, Indy will be closely watching the results of those ahead of them in the stands – FC Tulsa (39 pts.), Memphis 901 FC (38 pts.), OKC Energy FC (35 pts.) and Atlanta (31 pts.).

Heavy pressure from Legion FC paid dividends almost immediately as the home side registered three shots on frame in the opening five minutes of the match, two of which forced Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr into diving saves. However, Birmingham forward Neco Brett opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a dipping shot inside Indy’s 18 that flew across the face of the goal and into the upper-right corner out of Farr’s diving reach, the opportunity provided by midfielder Ryan James’ flick through the top of the box.

The Three Sparks continued the offensive as Prosper Kasim struck from inside Indy’s penalty area in the 11th minute, but the attempt ended wide of the left post after pressure from Eleven defenders Tobi Adewole and Jared Timmer forced the striker to mishit. Brett put Indy’s back line on notice once again 11 minutes later with a one-time hit off Anderson Asiedu’s squared pass into the 18, but a deflection off Timmer’s ankle sent the ball wide left of the goal with Birmingham being shown the offside flag on the play.

The Boys in Blue had their first look at goal in the 24th minute after earning a free kick from nearly 30 yards out. In his debut with Indiana’s Team, midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma lobbed the dead ball towards the far-left post, but windy conditions carried the ball just out of reach and over the byline for a Birmingham goal kick.

Neither side had another chance at goal until Eleven midfielder Nicky Law leveled the game in the 42nd minute. A long ball from midfielder Gershon Koffie found Ledesma along the right flank for another quick pass to Nick Moon inside Legion FC’s 18-yard box. Moon started to dribble out before turning to drive a low pass to Law at the top of the six, the Englishman chipping the ball over Birmingham ‘keeper Matt VanOekel for his third goal of the season. Despite Legion FC outshooting Indy 10-3 in the first 45 minutes, both teams entered the locker rooms on even ground.

Both sides cautiously restarted the game with Indy getting the first bit of action after the break in the 57th minute when Ledesma’s in-swinging cross from the corner found froward Manuel Arteaga in front of Birmingham’s goal as Venezuelan’s nodded effort fell just wide of the right post. Indiana’s Team put VanOekel to the test again two minutes later as Arteaga’s pass from the right flank bent around two Legion FC defenders and to the feet of Law for a one-time shot from close range, the goaltender doing well to palm the attempt back up the field.

Another 10 minutes passed before Legion FC its next look at goal via another dipping shot from 20 yards out by substitute Zach Herivaux, but Farr came up big with a jumping block to push the ball over the crossbar. Shots from distance continued to pay off big for Birmingham, as Crognale capitalized on a giveaway shortly after entering the match from 30 yards out of Indy’s goal, taking one touch to settle before dipping the ball into the back of the net in the 74th minute.

Indy and Birmingham traded back-to-back chances in the 77th minute with both goalkeepers being forced into diving saves. Legion FC found another look in the 84th minute by way of Mikey Lopez with a low shot inside Indy’s penalty area, but Farr came to the rescue once again after deflecting the ball upwards and collecting before Birmingham could react.

However, Legion FC claimed the final goal of the evening four minutes into second half stoppage time. All 11 of Indy’s players crowded Birmingham’s box to prepare for a corner kick in the dying seconds of the match, but a turnover from the cross led to Rufe getting a chance at goal from 55-yards out and finding the wide-open net before the final whistle.

The Boys in Blue will return home on Saturday, October 16, to take on archrival Louisville City FC for the final time in regular season play. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on “Real Men Wear Pink Night” presented by Community Health Network Foundation can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Birmingham Legion FC  3 : 1  Indy Eleven

Sunday, October 10, 2021

BBVA Field – Birmingham, Ala.

Indy Eleven: 8W-14L-7D, 31 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Birmingham Legion FC: 16W-7L-5D, 53 pts.; 1st place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

BHM – Neco Brett (Ryan James) 8’

IND – Nicky Law (Nick Moon) 42’

BHM – Eli Crognale (unassisted) 74’

BHM – Jake Rufe (unassisted) 90+4’

 

Discipline Summary

BHM – Phanuel Kavita (Yellow card) 45’

BHM – Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Yellow card) 54’

BHM – Jake Rufe (Yellow card) 90+4’

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2): Jordan Farr; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole, Nick Moon; Kevin Partida (Jeremiah Gutjahr 81’), Gershon Koffie (Aboubacar Sissoko 81’), Nicky Law, Ayoze Garcia (captain) (Peter-Lee Vassell 67’); Emmanuel Ledesma (Gordon Wild 67’), Manuel Arteaga

IND substitutions: Bobby Edwards (GK), Liam Doyle, Jeremiah Gutjahr, Karl Ouimette

 

Birmingham Legion FC line-up (4-3-3): Matt VanOekel; Ryan James (Ben Ofeimu 89’), Phanuel Kavita, Alex Crognale, Jonny Dean; Mikey Lopez, Anderson Asiedu, Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Zach Herivaux 61’), Bruno Lapa (Eli Crognale 71), Prosper Kasim (Jaden Servania 61’), Neco Brett (Jake Rufe 89’)

BHM substitutions: Trevor Spangenberg (GK), Daigo Kobayashi

#BHMvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at Birmingham Legion FC

Sunday, October 10, 2021 – 5:00 P.M. ET  

BBVA Compass Field – Birmingham, Ala.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #BHMvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-7D (-11 GD), 31 pts.; 7th in Central Division

Birmingham Legion FC: 15W-7L-5D (+11 GD), 50 pts.; 2nd in Central Division

This Sunday’s regular season series finale between Indy Eleven and Birmingham Legion FC comes loaded with playoff implications for both sides. The Boys in Blue currently sit in seventh place (31 points) in the Central Division table, seven points removed from the fourth and final playoff spot held by Memphis 901 FC. On the flip side, Legion FC currently sits in second having been the first club in the division to punch its ticket to the post season, currently sitting two points away from first-place Louisville City FC for the Central’s top seed with five games remaining for both teams.

With just four regular season contests remaining for Indiana’s Team, getting back into the win column is a “must” in order to keep the chance for a postseason berth within reach. With 43 maximum points available on the season, Indy will also have to hope for favorable results from teams ahead on the table:

4th – Memphis 901 FC – 26 games played: 38 pts. (56 pts. available)

5th – OKC Energy FC – 28 games played: 35 pts. (47 pts. available)

6th – Atlanta United 2 – 29 games played: 31 pts. (40 pts. available)

7th – Indy Eleven – 28 games played: 31 pts. (43 pts. available)

A loss on Sunday to Legion FC and wins from third-place FC Tulsa and Memphis 901 FC against their Mountain Division opponents would see Indiana’s Team out of the playoff race.

Indy came close to closing the gap in its last two outings at OKC Energy FC (September 29) and against Atlanta United 2 (October 2) after opening the scoring both matches via connections from Ayoze to Manuel Arteaga. Despite leading into the final minutes of both matches, the Boys in Blue fell victim to late-game concessions in both fixtures, ultimately resulting in draws at the final whistles. It was a similar story for Indy last time out against Legion FC on July 24 as the scoreline sat at 1-1 before a goal a minute into stoppage time by Jonathan Dean saw the visitors claim at three points at the death at Carroll Stadium.

With Indy’s five-game, 15-day gauntlet, the team’s most crowded stretch of 2021, now in the rearview mirror, the players will enter Sunday’s contest with a full week’s rest for the first time since the start of September. With the addition of former USL Championship MVP Emmanuel Ledesma as well as the recent performances of new in blue midfielder Kevin Partida and defender Tobi Adewole, the opportunity to recover could provide more depth for Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ team sheet heading into Sunday and beyond.

Since July 24, Birmingham has been one of the toughest sides to conquer after putting up an 8W-3L-4D ledger (GF: 28/GA: 19), having tallied at least one goal in its last 15 contests. The Three Sparks have shown signs of fortifying the hull at BBVA Field as well, having not dropped points at home since August 22 following a 2-1 loss to FC Tulsa. Now on a three-game winning streak and undefeated in its last five matches, Legion FC will look to keep the streak alive in front of a home crowd against an Indy Eleven side that claimed the first W at BVAA Field in the 2021 season opener.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway:

FC Tulsa (3rd place, 39 pts., 26 GP)

vs. El Paso Locomotive FC (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

Memphis 901 FC (4th place, 38 pts., 26 GP)

at San Antonio FC (Sunday, 8:30 p.m.)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

OKC Energy (5th place, 35 points, 28 games played)

at Austin Bold FC (Sunday, 9:00 p.m.)

Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 31 pts., 29 GP)

at Sporting Kansas City II (Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.)

Indy Eleven (7th place, 31 pts., 28 GP)

at Birmingham Legion FC (Sunday, 5:00 p.m.)
 

SERIES HISTORY VS. BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC

Overall Record (All USLC regular season): 2W-3L-0D (5GF/4GA)

Home Record: 1W-2L-0D (4GF/3GA)

Away Record: 1W-1L-0D (1 GF/1 GA)

Indy Eleven currently trail in all-time series heading into the weekend after falling 2-1 to Legion FC on July 24. The first two of their four 2021 contests saw each collect 1-0 wins on the road, beginning with an Indy triumph in both teams’ season openers back on May 1, Manuel Arteaga opening his Eleven scoring account to lift Indiana’s Team to victory. Birmingham returned the favor at Carroll Stadium earlier this month on July 3, an in-form Neco Brett doing all the damage necessary for the visitors. The Three Sparks tallied another win 21 days later at Carroll Stadium, Prosper Kasim’s opening strike was neutralized by an Phanuel Kavita own before Johnathan Dean found the game-winner a minute into second half stoppage time.

It was a different story when the clubs introduced themselves in Birmingham’s inaugural 2019 campaign, with Indy Eleven registering a dominant 3-0 win in the sides’ first meeting at Lucas Oil Stadium in late June, followed by Legion FC claiming a 1-0 result in Alabama in September.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF EMMANUEL LEDESMA

Since signing with the Boys in Blue on September 22 and completing the paperwork process to enter the States, Ledesma arrived in the Circle City last weekend and is eligible for selection this Sunday at Birmingham Legion. The 33-year-old could potentially see his first USL Championship minutes since 2018 after scoring 16 goals and a then league record 16 assists en route to being name the league’s Most Valuable Player that season in his first year with FC Cincinnati. After making the jump to Major League Soccer in 2019 with FCC, Ledesma spent the last two years with Finnish First Division side SJK (Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho) before returning to the Midwest.

With 61 career goals and 50 assists in 277 appearances, the Argentinean could be just the spark Indy Eleven is looking for in the final third. Ledesma has demonstrated time and time again his ability to score from anywhere around the opposition’s 18-yard box, and his vision to pick out teammates in quality goal scoring positions will only strengthen Indy’s playmaking potential alongside forward Gordon Wild (43 chances created) and midfielder Nicky Law (41). Birmingham defenders will need to be on high alert should Ledesma take to the pitch Sunday evening.

 

BHM PLAYER TO WATCH: DF ALEX CROGNALE 

Speaking of defenders, Crognale has been a force to be reckoned with in Legion FC’s back line through the 2021 campaign. In 21 appearances – 19 of which in the starting lineup – Crognale has tallied a team-high 93 clearances and is third among his teammates in interceptions with 34. In addition to his antics in the back line, the 27-year-old has found ways to score decisive goals for the Three Sparks, including the game-winning goal in last Friday’s 1-0 win at Sporting Kansas City II that earned him a spot on the Week 24 USLC Team of the Week.

A peek at Crognale’s heatmaps from recent fixtures shows that he tends to sit in his team’s half just behind the center circle. The former Boys in Blue defender often holds his position and quickly tracks back deep into the 18 should opponents find a way into goal scoring opportunities along the flanks. Indy’s attacking corps will be tasked with finding creative solutions around a Crognale-led back line while also making sure the defender stays clear of any clear looks at goal.

#BHMvIND Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven at Birmingham Legion FC

Sunday, October 10, 2021 – 5:00 P.M. ET  

BBVA Compass Field – Birmingham, Ala.

 

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: N/A

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): N/A

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #BHMvIND MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

Official Indy Eleven Watch Party: Union Jack Pub

 

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-7D (-11 GD), 31 pts.; 7th in Central Division

Birmingham Legion FC: 15W-7L-5D (+11 GD), 50 pts.; 2nd in Central Division

This Sunday’s regular season series finale between Indy Eleven and Birmingham Legion FC comes loaded with playoff implications for both sides. The Boys in Blue currently sit in seventh place (31 points) in the Central Division table, seven points removed from the fourth and final playoff spot held by Memphis 901 FC. On the flip side, Legion FC currently sits in second having been the first club in the division to punch its ticket to the post season, currently sitting two points away from first-place Louisville City FC for the Central’s top seed with five games remaining for both teams.

With just four regular season contests remaining for Indiana’s Team, getting back into the win column is a “must” in order to keep the chance for a postseason berth within reach. With 43 maximum points available on the season, Indy will also have to hope for favorable results from teams ahead on the table:

4th – Memphis 901 FC – 26 games played: 38 pts. (56 pts. available)

5th – OKC Energy FC – 28 games played: 35 pts. (47 pts. available)

6th – Atlanta United 2 – 29 games played: 31 pts. (40 pts. available)

7th – Indy Eleven – 28 games played: 31 pts. (43 pts. available)

A loss on Sunday to Legion FC and wins from third-place FC Tulsa and Memphis 901 FC against their Mountain Division opponents would see Indiana’s Team out of the playoff race.

Indy came close to closing the gap in its last two outings at OKC Energy FC (September 29) and against Atlanta United 2 (October 2) after opening the scoring both matches via connections from Ayoze to Manuel Arteaga. Despite leading into the final minutes of both matches, the Boys in Blue fell victim to late-game concessions in both fixtures, ultimately resulting in draws at the final whistles. It was a similar story for Indy last time out against Legion FC on July 24 as the scoreline sat at 1-1 before a goal a minute into stoppage time by Jonathan Dean saw the visitors claim at three points at the death at Carroll Stadium.

With Indy’s five-game, 15-day gauntlet, the team’s most crowded stretch of 2021, now in the rearview mirror, the players will enter Sunday’s contest with a full week’s rest for the first time since the start of September. With the addition of former USL Championship MVP Emmanuel Ledesma as well as the recent performances of new in blue midfielder Kevin Partida and defender Tobi Adewole, the opportunity to recover could provide more depth for Interim Head Coach Max Rogers’ team sheet heading into Sunday and beyond.

Since July 24, Birmingham has been one of the toughest sides to conquer after putting up an 8W-3L-4D ledger (GF: 28/GA: 19), having tallied at least one goal in its last 15 contests. The Three Sparks have shown signs of fortifying the hull at BBVA Field as well, having not dropped points at home since August 22 following a 2-1 loss to FC Tulsa. Now on a three-game winning streak and undefeated in its last five matches, Legion FC will look to keep the streak alive in front of a home crowd against an Indy Eleven side that claimed the first W at BVAA Field in the 2021 season opener.

 

SCOREBOARD WATCH CENTRAL (DIVISION)

Click here to see the USL Championship standings

Visit USLChampionship.com’s Scores page to track games once they are underway:

FC Tulsa (3rd place, 39 pts., 26 GP)

vs. El Paso Locomotive FC (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)

Memphis 901 FC (4th place, 38 pts., 26 GP)

at San Antonio FC (Sunday, 8:30 p.m.)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

OKC Energy (5th place, 35 points, 28 games played)

at Austin Bold FC (Sunday, 9:00 p.m.)

Atlanta United 2 (6th place, 31 pts., 29 GP)

at Sporting Kansas City II (Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.)

Indy Eleven (7th place, 31 pts., 28 GP)

at Birmingham Legion FC (Sunday, 5:00 p.m.)
 

SERIES HISTORY VS. BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC

Overall Record (All USLC regular season): 2W-3L-0D (5GF/4GA)

Home Record: 1W-2L-0D (4GF/3GA)

Away Record: 1W-1L-0D (1 GF/1 GA)

Indy Eleven currently trail in all-time series heading into the weekend after falling 2-1 to Legion FC on July 24. The first two of their four 2021 contests saw each collect 1-0 wins on the road, beginning with an Indy triumph in both teams’ season openers back on May 1, Manuel Arteaga opening his Eleven scoring account to lift Indiana’s Team to victory. Birmingham returned the favor at Carroll Stadium earlier this month on July 3, an in-form Neco Brett doing all the damage necessary for the visitors. The Three Sparks tallied another win 21 days later at Carroll Stadium, Prosper Kasim’s opening strike was neutralized by an Phanuel Kavita own before Johnathan Dean found the game-winner a minute into second half stoppage time.

It was a different story when the clubs introduced themselves in Birmingham’s inaugural 2019 campaign, with Indy Eleven registering a dominant 3-0 win in the sides’ first meeting at Lucas Oil Stadium in late June, followed by Legion FC claiming a 1-0 result in Alabama in September.

 

IND PLAYER TO WATCH: MF EMMANUEL LEDESMA

Since signing with the Boys in Blue on September 22 and completing the paperwork process to enter the States, Ledesma arrived in the Circle City last weekend and is eligible for selection this Sunday at Birmingham Legion. The 33-year-old could potentially see his first USL Championship minutes since 2018 after scoring 16 goals and a then league record 16 assists en route to being name the league’s Most Valuable Player that season in his first year with FC Cincinnati. After making the jump to Major League Soccer in 2019 with FCC, Ledesma spent the last two years with Finnish First Division side SJK (Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho) before returning to the Midwest.

With 61 career goals and 50 assists in 277 appearances, the Argentinean could be just the spark Indy Eleven is looking for in the final third. Ledesma has demonstrated time and time again his ability to score from anywhere around the opposition’s 18-yard box, and his vision to pick out teammates in quality goal scoring positions will only strengthen Indy’s playmaking potential alongside forward Gordon Wild (43 chances created) and midfielder Nicky Law (41). Birmingham defenders will need to be on high alert should Ledesma take to the pitch Sunday evening.

 

BHM PLAYER TO WATCH: DF ALEX CROGNALE 

Speaking of defenders, Crognale has been a force to be reckoned with in Legion FC’s back line through the 2021 campaign. In 21 appearances – 19 of which in the starting lineup – Crognale has tallied a team-high 93 clearances and is third among his teammates in interceptions with 34. In addition to his antics in the back line, the 27-year-old has found ways to score decisive goals for the Three Sparks, including the game-winning goal in last Friday’s 1-0 win at Sporting Kansas City II that earned him a spot on the Week 24 USLC Team of the Week.

A peek at Crognale’s heatmaps from recent fixtures shows that he tends to sit in his team’s half just behind the center circle. The former Boys in Blue defender often holds his position and quickly tracks back deep into the 18 should opponents find a way into goal scoring opportunities along the flanks. Indy’s attacking corps will be tasked with finding creative solutions around a Crognale-led back line while also making sure the defender stays clear of any clear looks at goal.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven looked primed to gain the full three points in a pivotal match for playoff positioning against Atlanta United 2, but a last-minute goal by the visitors forced a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw at IUPUI Carroll Stadium. Forward Manuel Arteaga improved his scoring lead for the Boys in Blue with his ninth goal of the season early in the second half, but Aiden McFadden again played the villain for Atlanta, knocking home a loose ball on United 2’s final attacking thrust in stoppage time.

The result kept Indy and Atlanta even in the Central Division standings, with both now sitting on 31 points. While Atlanta holds the tiebreaker between the two sides courtesy of taking the head-to-head record, Indy Eleven holds a game in hand with four games remaining to the Georgians’ three. Both teams currently sit four points behind both OKC Energy FC (5 games remaining) and Memphis 901 FC (7 games remaining), with the former set to host San Antonio FC on Sunday in one of Week 24’s final contests.

The first half unfolded carefully at “The Mike”, both sides looking hesitant to make a crucial error under rainy conditions. It did eventually kick into gear, a header by United 2 defender Noah Cobb in the 26th minute forcing the game’s first save out of Eleven ‘keeper Bobby Edwards. Three minutes later it was Indy taking the attacking initiative, as Arteaga snapped off a low shot from the top of the arc that he tried to skip past Rocco Rios Novo, but the Atlanta netminder went low to smother and gather.

Atlanta striker Amadou Diop danced through multiple Indy defenders to get inside the area in the 37th minute, but late sliding pressure from defender Patrick Seagrist on a 15-yard effort allowed Edwards to gather easily in the end. Matias Benitez and Diop closed the half with dangerous looks that missed the frame, sending the visitors into the break with an 8-2 advantage in shots and 71%-29% lead in possession, but nothing to show for it in the still scoreless affair.

In the 53rd minute, Indy used the same combination to move the scoreboard first as it did on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. A pinpoint cross from the left flank by Indy captain Ayoze found Arteaga at the six, and the Venezuelan marksman rose to nod low and inside the left post to put the Boys in Blue in front 1-0.

Atlanta went sniping for the equalizer immediately, efforts by Connor Stanley, Matias Benitez and Amadou Diop all missing the target from around the top of the area with five minutes of the hour mark. As the game opened up Indy would get some looks at well, Seagrist’s near post effort off a break into the left side of the area that hit the side netting in the 73rd minute marking the most dangerous threat for the home side.

Diop kept his foot on the gas for Atlanta, rising to snap off a header that missed just wide in the 77th minute, and two minutes later stealing a ball at midfield and nearly forcing a 1-v-1 against Edwards if not for Indy defender Jared Timmer’s remarkable recovery run to thwart the chance. The 80th minute saw Stanley whistle a chance just over the crossbar, and four minutes later Diop slid into the six looking to redirect Darwin Matheus’s probing cross from the left, but interference from Edwards help knock the ball out for an Indy goal kick.

Indy seemed as if it had full points in hand as three minutes of stoppage turned into five, but Atlanta’s last gasp effort paid dividends. Edwards looked to have a header in traffic at the six by Diop corralled on his line, but the wet ball slipped from his grasp, allowing McFadden to sweep the loose ball into the roof of the net, breaking the hearts of the Eleven faithful.  

Indy Eleven continues its playoff push next Sunday, October 10, with an away affair against current Central Division leader Birmingham Legion FC. Fans can watch the 5:00 p.m. ET contest at BBVA Field live via streaming video on ESPN + and follow online through the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

The Boys in Blue will then return home on Saturday, October 16, when archrival Louisville City FC crosses the Ohio River for the second and final time in 2021. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on “Real Men Wear Pink Night” presented by Community Health Network Foundation can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com and follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  1 : 1  Atlanta United 2

Saturday, October 2, 2021

IUPUI Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-7D, 31 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 7W-12L-10D, 31 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Ayoze) 53’

ATL – Aiden McFadden (unassisted) 90+5’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Ayoze (yellow card) 15’

IND – Gordon Wild (yellow card) 25’

IND – Gershon Koffie (yellow card) 50’

ATL – Mathias Benitez (yellow card) 67’

ATL – Robbie Mertz (yellow card) 85’

IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 90+4’

ATL – Abdoulaye Diop (yellow card) post-game

IND – Jordan Farr (yellow card) post-game

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2): Bobby Edwards; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole, Jeremiah Gutjahr; Ayoze (captain), Gershon Koffie, Aboubacar Sissoko (Kevin Partida 45’), Allan Torres (Nicky Law 45’); Manuel Arteaga (Karl Ouimette 90+2’), Gordon Wild (Peter-Lee Vassell 82’)

IND substitutions: Jordan Farr (GK), Liam Doyle, Aidan Liu

 

Atlanta United 2 line-up (4-3-3): Rocco Rios Novo; Bradley Kamdem Fewo (captain), Noah Cobb (Phillip Goodrum 64’), Josh Bauer, Aiden McFadden; Abdoulaye Diop (Alexander Garuba 90’), Matias Benitez, Andre Fortune (Robbie Mertz 45’); David Mejia (Darwin Matheus 58’), Amadou Diop, Connor Stanley

ATL substitutions: Mathieu Brick, Vicente Reyes, Brendan Lambe

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven looked primed to gain the full three points in a pivotal match for playoff positioning against Atlanta United 2, but a last-minute goal by the visitors forced a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw at IUPUI Carroll Stadium. Forward Manuel Arteaga improved his scoring lead for the Boys in Blue with his ninth goal of the season early in the second half, but Aiden McFadden again played the villain for Atlanta, knocking home a loose ball on United 2’s final attacking thrust in stoppage time.

The result kept Indy and Atlanta even in the Central Division standings, with both now sitting on 31 points. While Atlanta holds the tiebreaker between the two sides courtesy of taking the head-to-head record, Indy Eleven holds a game in hand with four games remaining to the Georgians’ three. Both teams currently sit four points behind both OKC Energy FC (5 games remaining) and Memphis 901 FC (7 games remaining), with the former set to host San Antonio FC on Sunday in one of Week 24’s final contests.

The first half unfolded carefully at “The Mike”, both sides looking hesitant to make a crucial error under rainy conditions. It did eventually kick into gear, a header by United 2 defender Noah Cobb in the 26th minute forcing the game’s first save out of Eleven ‘keeper Bobby Edwards. Three minutes later it was Indy taking the attacking initiative, as Arteaga snapped off a low shot from the top of the arc that he tried to skip past Rocco Rios Novo, but the Atlanta netminder went low to smother and gather.

Atlanta striker Amadou Diop danced through multiple Indy defenders to get inside the area in the 37th minute, but late sliding pressure from defender Patrick Seagrist on a 15-yard effort allowed Edwards to gather easily in the end. Matias Benitez and Diop closed the half with dangerous looks that missed the frame, sending the visitors into the break with an 8-2 advantage in shots and 71%-29% lead in possession, but nothing to show for it in the still scoreless affair.

In the 53rd minute, Indy used the same combination to move the scoreboard first as it did on Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. A pinpoint cross from the left flank by Indy captain Ayoze found Arteaga at the six, and the Venezuelan marksman rose to nod low and inside the left post to put the Boys in Blue in front 1-0.

Atlanta went sniping for the equalizer immediately, efforts by Connor Stanley, Matias Benitez and Amadou Diop all missing the target from around the top of the area with five minutes of the hour mark. As the game opened up Indy would get some looks at well, Seagrist’s near post effort off a break into the left side of the area that hit the side netting in the 73rd minute marking the most dangerous threat for the home side.

Diop kept his foot on the gas for Atlanta, rising to snap off a header that missed just wide in the 77th minute, and two minutes later stealing a ball at midfield and nearly forcing a 1-v-1 against Edwards if not for Indy defender Jared Timmer’s remarkable recovery run to thwart the chance. The 80th minute saw Stanley whistle a chance just over the crossbar, and four minutes later Diop slid into the six looking to redirect Darwin Matheus’s probing cross from the left, but interference from Edwards help knock the ball out for an Indy goal kick.

Indy seemed as if it had full points in hand as three minutes of stoppage turned into five, but Atlanta’s last gasp effort paid dividends. Edwards looked to have a header in traffic at the six by Diop corralled on his line, but the wet ball slipped from his grasp, allowing McFadden to sweep the loose ball into the roof of the net, breaking the hearts of the Eleven faithful.  

Indy Eleven continues its playoff push next Sunday, October 10, with an away affair against current Central Division leader Birmingham Legion FC. Fans can watch the 5:00 p.m. ET contest at BBVA Field live via streaming video on ESPN + and follow online through the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

The Boys in Blue will then return home on Saturday, October 16, when archrival Louisville City FC crosses the Ohio River for the second and final time in 2021. Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on “Real Men Wear Pink Night” presented by Community Health Network Foundation can be secured by visiting https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours. Fans who can’t make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com and follow @IndyElevenLive on Twitter.

 

USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  1 : 1  Atlanta United 2

Saturday, October 2, 2021

IUPUI Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

Indy Eleven: 8W-13L-7D, 31 pts.; 7th place in Central Division

Atlanta United 2: 7W-12L-10D, 31 pts.; 6th place in Central Division

 

Scoring Summary

IND – Manuel Arteaga (Ayoze) 53’

ATL – Aiden McFadden (unassisted) 90+5’

 

Discipline Summary

IND – Ayoze (yellow card) 15’

IND – Gordon Wild (yellow card) 25’

IND – Gershon Koffie (yellow card) 50’

ATL – Mathias Benitez (yellow card) 67’

ATL – Robbie Mertz (yellow card) 85’

IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 90+4’

ATL – Abdoulaye Diop (yellow card) post-game

IND – Jordan Farr (yellow card) post-game

 

Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2): Bobby Edwards; Patrick Seagrist, Jared Timmer, Tobi Adewole, Jeremiah Gutjahr; Ayoze (captain), Gershon Koffie, Aboubacar Sissoko (Kevin Partida 45’), Allan Torres (Nicky Law 45’); Manuel Arteaga (Karl Ouimette 90+2’), Gordon Wild (Peter-Lee Vassell 82’)

IND substitutions: Jordan Farr (GK), Liam Doyle, Aidan Liu

 

Atlanta United 2 line-up (4-3-3): Rocco Rios Novo; Bradley Kamdem Fewo (captain), Noah Cobb (Phillip Goodrum 64’), Josh Bauer, Aiden McFadden; Abdoulaye Diop (Alexander Garuba 90’), Matias Benitez, Andre Fortune (Robbie Mertz 45’); David Mejia (Darwin Matheus 58’), Amadou Diop, Connor Stanley

ATL substitutions: Mathieu Brick, Vicente Reyes, Brendan Lambe

Indy Eleven honrará a Campeones de la Comunidad 2021 en la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union

Trío de ganadores serán reconocidos en el campo del estadio Carroll durante la ceremonia de medio tiempo

INDIANAPOLIS (viernes 1 de octubre de 2021)– Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union se enorgullecen de anunciar a los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año, la exhibición anual del club que destaca a los ciudadanos que marcan la diferencia en las comunidades latinas e hispanas de Indiana.

El trío de homenajeados de este año, Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings y Maria Baca Vilchez, se celebrará durante una ceremonia de medio tiempo en el juego anual de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado en el estadio Michael A. Carroll de IUPUI, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union.

"Indy Eleven quisiera agradecer a Catalina, Stephen y Maria por sus esfuerzos para hacer de Indiana un mejor lugar para vivir, trabajar y jugar para la prosperidad de la comunidad latina de nuestro estado", dijo el presidente y director ejecutivo de Indy Eleven, Greg Stremlaw. "Esperamos celebrar sus logros y compartir sus historias con nuestros fans el sábado por la noche".

Catalina Zaldana es una contadora de pequeñas empresas, especialista en nóminas y preparadora de impuestos que lanzó su propio negocio, Bilingual Consulting LLC, a la edad de 24 años. Catalina recibió múltiples nominaciones de sus compañeros de la comunidad por su voluntad de asesorar y educar a los empresarios locales, con el enfoque en servir a las mujeres latinas.

Como cofundadora intelectual de la comunidad de empresarios latinos en Indiana, la Sra. Zaldana también ofrece talleres financieros y de impuestos gratuitos a los miembros de la comunidad hispana que buscan lograr el sueño de establecer su propio negocio aquí en Indiana.

Stephen Hastings es el fundador y vicepresidente de Midwest Landscaping. Stephen ha tejido los valores fundamentales de diversidad e inclusión en su negocio desde su fundación en 2016, y desde entonces ha creado oportunidades de desarrollo para los empleados dentro de la estructura de la empresa.

Al garantizar que el enfoque de Midwest Landscaping en las estadías familiares que estén a la vanguardia, Hastings ha desempeñado un papel fundamental para ayudar a la empresa a hacer crecer no solo su negocio, sino también su influencia y alcance como empleador y contribuyente confiable dentro de la comunidad latina del área.

Maria Baca Vilchez se esfuerza por crear oportunidades equitativas y traer los recursos necesarios a las comunidades a las que sirve a través de su papel como Gerente de Éxito de la Fuerza Laboral para Project Azul, donde apoya y coloca a los candidatos en trabajos que cambian la vida y que brindan salarios más altos y un camino hacia una carrera.

María también está involucrada con la organización Trusted Mentors como mentora y fue una homenajeada del programa 100 Heroes de United Way of Central Indiana. A través de su tiempo y esfuerzo como ayudante de la comunidad y líder, María ha aprendido que su propósito en la vida es ayudar a los necesitados y compartir sus historias.

Únase a Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union para celebrar los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año asegurando algunas de las entradas limitadas que quedan para el concurso de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado contra Atlanta United 2. Asientos para las 7:00 p.m. kickoff están disponibles en https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets y llamando al 317-685-1100. Los fanáticos que no puedan asistir a “The Mike” pueden ver en vivo en MyINDY-TV 23 y ESPN +, escuchar en Exitos Radio 94.3 FM y exitos943.com, y seguir en línea a través de @IndyElevenLive Twitter, presentado por los concesionarios Honda de Central Indiana.

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

 

Acerca de Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Desde su lanzamiento el 16 de enero de 2013, la misión de Indy Eleven – "Ganar campeonatos con y para la comunidad" – se ha mantenido fiel a su objetivo de formar un equipo que represente con orgullo al estado de Indiana dentro y fuera del campo. La temporada 2021 marca el octavo año de juego de Indy Eleven en general y la cuarta temporada en el United Soccer League Championship, una liga de fútbol profesional de 31 equipos con sede en los Estados Unidos. En el otoño de 2021, el club también anunció su primera incursión en el fútbol femenino al anunciar un participante en la USL W League antes de su temporada inaugural de 2022. En enero de 2017, Indy Eleven presentó una oferta para una franquicia de expansión en Major League Soccer (MLS), la Primera División de fútbol profesional en los Estados Unidos y Canadá reconocida por U.S. Soccer.

Indy Eleven honrará a Campeones de la Comunidad 2021 en la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union

Trío de ganadores serán reconocidos en el campo del estadio Carroll durante la ceremonia de medio tiempo

INDIANAPOLIS (viernes 1 de octubre de 2021)– Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union se enorgullecen de anunciar a los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año, la exhibición anual del club que destaca a los ciudadanos que marcan la diferencia en las comunidades latinas e hispanas de Indiana.

El trío de homenajeados de este año, Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings y Maria Baca Vilchez, se celebrará durante una ceremonia de medio tiempo en el juego anual de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado en el estadio Michael A. Carroll de IUPUI, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union.

“Indy Eleven quisiera agradecer a Catalina, Stephen y Maria por sus esfuerzos para hacer de Indiana un mejor lugar para vivir, trabajar y jugar para la prosperidad de la comunidad latina de nuestro estado”, dijo el presidente y director ejecutivo de Indy Eleven, Greg Stremlaw. “Esperamos celebrar sus logros y compartir sus historias con nuestros fans el sábado por la noche”.

Catalina Zaldana es una contadora de pequeñas empresas, especialista en nóminas y preparadora de impuestos que lanzó su propio negocio, Bilingual Consulting LLC, a la edad de 24 años. Catalina recibió múltiples nominaciones de sus compañeros de la comunidad por su voluntad de asesorar y educar a los empresarios locales, con el enfoque en servir a las mujeres latinas.

Como cofundadora intelectual de la comunidad de empresarios latinos en Indiana, la Sra. Zaldana también ofrece talleres financieros y de impuestos gratuitos a los miembros de la comunidad hispana que buscan lograr el sueño de establecer su propio negocio aquí en Indiana.

Stephen Hastings es el fundador y vicepresidente de Midwest Landscaping. Stephen ha tejido los valores fundamentales de diversidad e inclusión en su negocio desde su fundación en 2016, y desde entonces ha creado oportunidades de desarrollo para los empleados dentro de la estructura de la empresa.

Al garantizar que el enfoque de Midwest Landscaping en las estadías familiares que estén a la vanguardia, Hastings ha desempeñado un papel fundamental para ayudar a la empresa a hacer crecer no solo su negocio, sino también su influencia y alcance como empleador y contribuyente confiable dentro de la comunidad latina del área.

Maria Baca Vilchez se esfuerza por crear oportunidades equitativas y traer los recursos necesarios a las comunidades a las que sirve a través de su papel como Gerente de Éxito de la Fuerza Laboral para Project Azul, donde apoya y coloca a los candidatos en trabajos que cambian la vida y que brindan salarios más altos y un camino hacia una carrera.

María también está involucrada con la organización Trusted Mentors como mentora y fue una homenajeada del programa 100 Heroes de United Way of Central Indiana. A través de su tiempo y esfuerzo como ayudante de la comunidad y líder, María ha aprendido que su propósito en la vida es ayudar a los necesitados y compartir sus historias.

Únase a Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union para celebrar los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año asegurando algunas de las entradas limitadas que quedan para el concurso de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado contra Atlanta United 2. Asientos para las 7:00 p.m. kickoff están disponibles en https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets y llamando al 317-685-1100. Los fanáticos que no puedan asistir a “The Mike” pueden ver en vivo en MyINDY-TV 23 y ESPN +, escuchar en Exitos Radio 94.3 FM y exitos943.com, y seguir en línea a través de @IndyElevenLive Twitter, presentado por los concesionarios Honda de Central Indiana.

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

 

Acerca de Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Desde su lanzamiento el 16 de enero de 2013, la misión de Indy Eleven – “Ganar campeonatos con y para la comunidad” – se ha mantenido fiel a su objetivo de formar un equipo que represente con orgullo al estado de Indiana dentro y fuera del campo. La temporada 2021 marca el octavo año de juego de Indy Eleven en general y la cuarta temporada en el United Soccer League Championship, una liga de fútbol profesional de 31 equipos con sede en los Estados Unidos. En el otoño de 2021, el club también anunció su primera incursión en el fútbol femenino al anunciar un participante en la USL W League antes de su temporada inaugural de 2022. En enero de 2017, Indy Eleven presentó una oferta para una franquicia de expansión en Major League Soccer (MLS), la Primera División de fútbol profesional en los Estados Unidos y Canadá reconocida por U.S. Soccer.

Indy Eleven to Honor 2021 Campeones de la Comunidad at Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night, Presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union

Trio of Recipients to Be Recognized on Carroll Stadium Field during Halftime Ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, October 1, 2021) – Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union are proud to announce this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad, the club’s annual showcase highlighting citizens making a difference in Indiana’s Latino and Hispanic communities.

This year’s trio of honorees – Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings, and Maria Baca Vilchez – will be celebrated during a halftime ceremony at Saturday’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night game at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium, presented by Morales Group and Financial Center First Credit Union.

“Indy Eleven would like to thank Catalina, Stephen, and Maria for their efforts to make Indiana a better place to live, work, and play for our state’s thriving Latino community,” said Indy Eleven President & CEO Greg Stremlaw. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories with our fans on Saturday night.”

Catalina Zaldana is a small business accountant, payroll specialist and tax preparer who launched her own business, Bilingual Consulting LLC, at the age of 24. Catalina received multiple nominations from her community peers for her willingness to advise and educate local entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on serving Latinx women.

As the Intellectual Co-Founder of the Latino Entrepreneur Community in Indiana, Ms. Zaldana also provides free tax and financial workshops to members of the Hispanic community looking to achieve the dream of establishing their own business right here in Indiana.

Stephen Hastings is the Founder and Vice President of Midwest Landscaping. Stephen has woven the core values of diversity and inclusion into his business since its founding in 2016, and created development opportunities for employees within the company’s structure ever since.

By ensuring Midwest Landscaping’s focus on family stays at the forefront, Hastings has played a pivotal role in helping the company grow not just its business, but also its influence and scope as a reliable employer and contributor within the area’s Latino community.

Maria Baca Vilchez strives to create equitable opportunities and bring needed resources to the communities she serves through her role as the Workforce Success Manager for Project Azul, where she supports and places candidates into life-changing jobs that provide higher wages and a pathway to a career.

Maria is also involved with the Trusted Mentors organization as a mentor and was an honoree of the United Way of Central Indiana's 100 Heroes program. Through her time and effort as a community servant and leader, Maria has learned that her purpose in life is to help those in need and share their stories.

Join Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union in celebrating this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad by securing some of the limited tickets remaining for Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night contest against Atlanta United 2. Seats for the 7:00 p.m. kickoff are available at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets and by calling 317-685-1100. Fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

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

 

About Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Since its launch on January 16, 2013, Indy Eleven’s mission – “To win championships with and for the community” – has stayed true to its aim of fielding a team that represents the State of Indiana proudly on and off the field. The 2021 season marks Indy Eleven’s eighth year of play overall and fourth season in the United Soccer League Championship, a 31-team professional soccer league based across the United States. In Fall 2021, the club also announced its first foray into women’s soccer by announcing an entrant into the USL W League ahead of its inaugural 2022 season. In January 2017, Indy Eleven submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), the First Division of pro soccer in the United States and Canada as recognized by U.S. Soccer.

Indy Eleven to Honor 2021 Campeones de la Comunidad at Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night, Presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union

Trio of Recipients to Be Recognized on Carroll Stadium Field during Halftime Ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, October 1, 2021) – Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union are proud to announce this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad, the club’s annual showcase highlighting citizens making a difference in Indiana’s Latino and Hispanic communities.

This year’s trio of honorees – Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings, and Maria Baca Vilchez – will be celebrated during a halftime ceremony at Saturday’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night game at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium, presented by Morales Group and Financial Center First Credit Union.

“Indy Eleven would like to thank Catalina, Stephen, and Maria for their efforts to make Indiana a better place to live, work, and play for our state’s thriving Latino community,” said Indy Eleven President & CEO Greg Stremlaw. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories with our fans on Saturday night.”

Catalina Zaldana is a small business accountant, payroll specialist and tax preparer who launched her own business, Bilingual Consulting LLC, at the age of 24. Catalina received multiple nominations from her community peers for her willingness to advise and educate local entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on serving Latinx women.

As the Intellectual Co-Founder of the Latino Entrepreneur Community in Indiana, Ms. Zaldana also provides free tax and financial workshops to members of the Hispanic community looking to achieve the dream of establishing their own business right here in Indiana.

Stephen Hastings is the Founder and Vice President of Midwest Landscaping. Stephen has woven the core values of diversity and inclusion into his business since its founding in 2016, and created development opportunities for employees within the company’s structure ever since.

By ensuring Midwest Landscaping’s focus on family stays at the forefront, Hastings has played a pivotal role in helping the company grow not just its business, but also its influence and scope as a reliable employer and contributor within the area’s Latino community.

Maria Baca Vilchez strives to create equitable opportunities and bring needed resources to the communities she serves through her role as the Workforce Success Manager for Project Azul, where she supports and places candidates into life-changing jobs that provide higher wages and a pathway to a career.

Maria is also involved with the Trusted Mentors organization as a mentor and was an honoree of the United Way of Central Indiana’s 100 Heroes program. Through her time and effort as a community servant and leader, Maria has learned that her purpose in life is to help those in need and share their stories.

Join Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union in celebrating this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad by securing some of the limited tickets remaining for Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night contest against Atlanta United 2. Seats for the 7:00 p.m. kickoff are available at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets and by calling 317-685-1100. Fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

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

 

About Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Since its launch on January 16, 2013, Indy Eleven’s mission – “To win championships with and for the community” – has stayed true to its aim of fielding a team that represents the State of Indiana proudly on and off the field. The 2021 season marks Indy Eleven’s eighth year of play overall and fourth season in the United Soccer League Championship, a 31-team professional soccer league based across the United States. In Fall 2021, the club also announced its first foray into women’s soccer by announcing an entrant into the USL W League ahead of its inaugural 2022 season. In January 2017, Indy Eleven submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), the First Division of pro soccer in the United States and Canada as recognized by U.S. Soccer.

Indy Eleven honrará a Campeones de la Comunidad 2021 en la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union

Trío de ganadores serán reconocidos en el campo del estadio Carroll durante la ceremonia de medio tiempo

INDIANAPOLIS (viernes 1 de octubre de 2021)– Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union se enorgullecen de anunciar a los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año, la exhibición anual del club que destaca a los ciudadanos que marcan la diferencia en las comunidades latinas e hispanas de Indiana.

El trío de homenajeados de este año, Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings y Maria Baca Vilchez, se celebrará durante una ceremonia de medio tiempo en el juego anual de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado en el estadio Michael A. Carroll de IUPUI, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union.

"Indy Eleven quisiera agradecer a Catalina, Stephen y Maria por sus esfuerzos para hacer de Indiana un mejor lugar para vivir, trabajar y jugar para la prosperidad de la comunidad latina de nuestro estado", dijo el presidente y director ejecutivo de Indy Eleven, Greg Stremlaw. "Esperamos celebrar sus logros y compartir sus historias con nuestros fans el sábado por la noche".

Catalina Zaldana es una contadora de pequeñas empresas, especialista en nóminas y preparadora de impuestos que lanzó su propio negocio, Bilingual Consulting LLC, a la edad de 24 años. Catalina recibió múltiples nominaciones de sus compañeros de la comunidad por su voluntad de asesorar y educar a los empresarios locales, con el enfoque en servir a las mujeres latinas.

Como cofundadora intelectual de la comunidad de empresarios latinos en Indiana, la Sra. Zaldana también ofrece talleres financieros y de impuestos gratuitos a los miembros de la comunidad hispana que buscan lograr el sueño de establecer su propio negocio aquí en Indiana.

Stephen Hastings es el fundador y vicepresidente de Midwest Landscaping. Stephen ha tejido los valores fundamentales de diversidad e inclusión en su negocio desde su fundación en 2016, y desde entonces ha creado oportunidades de desarrollo para los empleados dentro de la estructura de la empresa.

Al garantizar que el enfoque de Midwest Landscaping en las estadías familiares que estén a la vanguardia, Hastings ha desempeñado un papel fundamental para ayudar a la empresa a hacer crecer no solo su negocio, sino también su influencia y alcance como empleador y contribuyente confiable dentro de la comunidad latina del área.

Maria Baca Vilchez se esfuerza por crear oportunidades equitativas y traer los recursos necesarios a las comunidades a las que sirve a través de su papel como Gerente de Éxito de la Fuerza Laboral para Project Azul, donde apoya y coloca a los candidatos en trabajos que cambian la vida y que brindan salarios más altos y un camino hacia una carrera.

María también está involucrada con la organización Trusted Mentors como mentora y fue una homenajeada del programa 100 Heroes de United Way of Central Indiana. A través de su tiempo y esfuerzo como ayudante de la comunidad y líder, María ha aprendido que su propósito en la vida es ayudar a los necesitados y compartir sus historias.

Únase a Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union para celebrar los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año asegurando algunas de las entradas limitadas que quedan para el concurso de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado contra Atlanta United 2. Asientos para las 7:00 p.m. kickoff están disponibles en https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets y llamando al 317-685-1100. Los fanáticos que no puedan asistir a “The Mike” pueden ver en vivo en MyINDY-TV 23 y ESPN +, escuchar en Exitos Radio 94.3 FM y exitos943.com, y seguir en línea a través de @IndyElevenLive Twitter, presentado por los concesionarios Honda de Central Indiana.

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

 

Acerca de Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Desde su lanzamiento el 16 de enero de 2013, la misión de Indy Eleven – "Ganar campeonatos con y para la comunidad" – se ha mantenido fiel a su objetivo de formar un equipo que represente con orgullo al estado de Indiana dentro y fuera del campo. La temporada 2021 marca el octavo año de juego de Indy Eleven en general y la cuarta temporada en el United Soccer League Championship, una liga de fútbol profesional de 31 equipos con sede en los Estados Unidos. En el otoño de 2021, el club también anunció su primera incursión en el fútbol femenino al anunciar un participante en la USL W League antes de su temporada inaugural de 2022. En enero de 2017, Indy Eleven presentó una oferta para una franquicia de expansión en Major League Soccer (MLS), la Primera División de fútbol profesional en los Estados Unidos y Canadá reconocida por U.S. Soccer.

Indy Eleven honrará a Campeones de la Comunidad 2021 en la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union

Trío de ganadores serán reconocidos en el campo del estadio Carroll durante la ceremonia de medio tiempo

INDIANAPOLIS (viernes 1 de octubre de 2021)– Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union se enorgullecen de anunciar a los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año, la exhibición anual del club que destaca a los ciudadanos que marcan la diferencia en las comunidades latinas e hispanas de Indiana.

El trío de homenajeados de este año, Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings y Maria Baca Vilchez, se celebrará durante una ceremonia de medio tiempo en el juego anual de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado en el estadio Michael A. Carroll de IUPUI, presentado por Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union.

“Indy Eleven quisiera agradecer a Catalina, Stephen y Maria por sus esfuerzos para hacer de Indiana un mejor lugar para vivir, trabajar y jugar para la prosperidad de la comunidad latina de nuestro estado”, dijo el presidente y director ejecutivo de Indy Eleven, Greg Stremlaw. “Esperamos celebrar sus logros y compartir sus historias con nuestros fans el sábado por la noche”.

Catalina Zaldana es una contadora de pequeñas empresas, especialista en nóminas y preparadora de impuestos que lanzó su propio negocio, Bilingual Consulting LLC, a la edad de 24 años. Catalina recibió múltiples nominaciones de sus compañeros de la comunidad por su voluntad de asesorar y educar a los empresarios locales, con el enfoque en servir a las mujeres latinas.

Como cofundadora intelectual de la comunidad de empresarios latinos en Indiana, la Sra. Zaldana también ofrece talleres financieros y de impuestos gratuitos a los miembros de la comunidad hispana que buscan lograr el sueño de establecer su propio negocio aquí en Indiana.

Stephen Hastings es el fundador y vicepresidente de Midwest Landscaping. Stephen ha tejido los valores fundamentales de diversidad e inclusión en su negocio desde su fundación en 2016, y desde entonces ha creado oportunidades de desarrollo para los empleados dentro de la estructura de la empresa.

Al garantizar que el enfoque de Midwest Landscaping en las estadías familiares que estén a la vanguardia, Hastings ha desempeñado un papel fundamental para ayudar a la empresa a hacer crecer no solo su negocio, sino también su influencia y alcance como empleador y contribuyente confiable dentro de la comunidad latina del área.

Maria Baca Vilchez se esfuerza por crear oportunidades equitativas y traer los recursos necesarios a las comunidades a las que sirve a través de su papel como Gerente de Éxito de la Fuerza Laboral para Project Azul, donde apoya y coloca a los candidatos en trabajos que cambian la vida y que brindan salarios más altos y un camino hacia una carrera.

María también está involucrada con la organización Trusted Mentors como mentora y fue una homenajeada del programa 100 Heroes de United Way of Central Indiana. A través de su tiempo y esfuerzo como ayudante de la comunidad y líder, María ha aprendido que su propósito en la vida es ayudar a los necesitados y compartir sus historias.

Únase a Indy Eleven, Morales Group y Financial Center First Credit Union para celebrar los Campeones de la Comunidad de este año asegurando algunas de las entradas limitadas que quedan para el concurso de la Noche de la Herencia Hispana del sábado contra Atlanta United 2. Asientos para las 7:00 p.m. kickoff están disponibles en https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets y llamando al 317-685-1100. Los fanáticos que no puedan asistir a “The Mike” pueden ver en vivo en MyINDY-TV 23 y ESPN +, escuchar en Exitos Radio 94.3 FM y exitos943.com, y seguir en línea a través de @IndyElevenLive Twitter, presentado por los concesionarios Honda de Central Indiana.

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

 

Acerca de Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Desde su lanzamiento el 16 de enero de 2013, la misión de Indy Eleven – “Ganar campeonatos con y para la comunidad” – se ha mantenido fiel a su objetivo de formar un equipo que represente con orgullo al estado de Indiana dentro y fuera del campo. La temporada 2021 marca el octavo año de juego de Indy Eleven en general y la cuarta temporada en el United Soccer League Championship, una liga de fútbol profesional de 31 equipos con sede en los Estados Unidos. En el otoño de 2021, el club también anunció su primera incursión en el fútbol femenino al anunciar un participante en la USL W League antes de su temporada inaugural de 2022. En enero de 2017, Indy Eleven presentó una oferta para una franquicia de expansión en Major League Soccer (MLS), la Primera División de fútbol profesional en los Estados Unidos y Canadá reconocida por U.S. Soccer.

Indy Eleven to Honor 2021 Campeones de la Comunidad at Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night, Presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union

Trio of Recipients to Be Recognized on Carroll Stadium Field during Halftime Ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, October 1, 2021) – Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union are proud to announce this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad, the club’s annual showcase highlighting citizens making a difference in Indiana’s Latino and Hispanic communities.

This year’s trio of honorees – Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings, and Maria Baca Vilchez – will be celebrated during a halftime ceremony at Saturday’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night game at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium, presented by Morales Group and Financial Center First Credit Union.

“Indy Eleven would like to thank Catalina, Stephen, and Maria for their efforts to make Indiana a better place to live, work, and play for our state’s thriving Latino community,” said Indy Eleven President & CEO Greg Stremlaw. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories with our fans on Saturday night.”

Catalina Zaldana is a small business accountant, payroll specialist and tax preparer who launched her own business, Bilingual Consulting LLC, at the age of 24. Catalina received multiple nominations from her community peers for her willingness to advise and educate local entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on serving Latinx women.

As the Intellectual Co-Founder of the Latino Entrepreneur Community in Indiana, Ms. Zaldana also provides free tax and financial workshops to members of the Hispanic community looking to achieve the dream of establishing their own business right here in Indiana.

Stephen Hastings is the Founder and Vice President of Midwest Landscaping. Stephen has woven the core values of diversity and inclusion into his business since its founding in 2016, and created development opportunities for employees within the company’s structure ever since.

By ensuring Midwest Landscaping’s focus on family stays at the forefront, Hastings has played a pivotal role in helping the company grow not just its business, but also its influence and scope as a reliable employer and contributor within the area’s Latino community.

Maria Baca Vilchez strives to create equitable opportunities and bring needed resources to the communities she serves through her role as the Workforce Success Manager for Project Azul, where she supports and places candidates into life-changing jobs that provide higher wages and a pathway to a career.

Maria is also involved with the Trusted Mentors organization as a mentor and was an honoree of the United Way of Central Indiana's 100 Heroes program. Through her time and effort as a community servant and leader, Maria has learned that her purpose in life is to help those in need and share their stories.

Join Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union in celebrating this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad by securing some of the limited tickets remaining for Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night contest against Atlanta United 2. Seats for the 7:00 p.m. kickoff are available at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets and by calling 317-685-1100. Fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

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

 

About Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Since its launch on January 16, 2013, Indy Eleven’s mission – “To win championships with and for the community” – has stayed true to its aim of fielding a team that represents the State of Indiana proudly on and off the field. The 2021 season marks Indy Eleven’s eighth year of play overall and fourth season in the United Soccer League Championship, a 31-team professional soccer league based across the United States. In Fall 2021, the club also announced its first foray into women’s soccer by announcing an entrant into the USL W League ahead of its inaugural 2022 season. In January 2017, Indy Eleven submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), the First Division of pro soccer in the United States and Canada as recognized by U.S. Soccer.

Indy Eleven to Honor 2021 Campeones de la Comunidad at Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night, Presented by Morales Group & Financial Center First Credit Union

Trio of Recipients to Be Recognized on Carroll Stadium Field during Halftime Ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, October 1, 2021) – Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union are proud to announce this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad, the club’s annual showcase highlighting citizens making a difference in Indiana’s Latino and Hispanic communities.

This year’s trio of honorees – Catalina Zaldana, Stephen Hastings, and Maria Baca Vilchez – will be celebrated during a halftime ceremony at Saturday’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night game at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium, presented by Morales Group and Financial Center First Credit Union.

“Indy Eleven would like to thank Catalina, Stephen, and Maria for their efforts to make Indiana a better place to live, work, and play for our state’s thriving Latino community,” said Indy Eleven President & CEO Greg Stremlaw. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories with our fans on Saturday night.”

Catalina Zaldana is a small business accountant, payroll specialist and tax preparer who launched her own business, Bilingual Consulting LLC, at the age of 24. Catalina received multiple nominations from her community peers for her willingness to advise and educate local entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on serving Latinx women.

As the Intellectual Co-Founder of the Latino Entrepreneur Community in Indiana, Ms. Zaldana also provides free tax and financial workshops to members of the Hispanic community looking to achieve the dream of establishing their own business right here in Indiana.

Stephen Hastings is the Founder and Vice President of Midwest Landscaping. Stephen has woven the core values of diversity and inclusion into his business since its founding in 2016, and created development opportunities for employees within the company’s structure ever since.

By ensuring Midwest Landscaping’s focus on family stays at the forefront, Hastings has played a pivotal role in helping the company grow not just its business, but also its influence and scope as a reliable employer and contributor within the area’s Latino community.

Maria Baca Vilchez strives to create equitable opportunities and bring needed resources to the communities she serves through her role as the Workforce Success Manager for Project Azul, where she supports and places candidates into life-changing jobs that provide higher wages and a pathway to a career.

Maria is also involved with the Trusted Mentors organization as a mentor and was an honoree of the United Way of Central Indiana’s 100 Heroes program. Through her time and effort as a community servant and leader, Maria has learned that her purpose in life is to help those in need and share their stories.

Join Indy Eleven, Morales Group, and Financial Center First Credit Union in celebrating this year’s Campeones de la Comunidad by securing some of the limited tickets remaining for Saturday’s Hispanic Heritage Night contest against Atlanta United 2. Seats for the 7:00 p.m. kickoff are available at https://www.indyeleven.com/tickets and by calling 317-685-1100. Fans who cannot make it to “The Mike” can watch live on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+, listen on Exitos Radio 94.3 FM & exitos943.com, and follow online via the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

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

 

About Indy Eleven Professional Soccer

Since its launch on January 16, 2013, Indy Eleven’s mission – “To win championships with and for the community” – has stayed true to its aim of fielding a team that represents the State of Indiana proudly on and off the field. The 2021 season marks Indy Eleven’s eighth year of play overall and fourth season in the United Soccer League Championship, a 31-team professional soccer league based across the United States. In Fall 2021, the club also announced its first foray into women’s soccer by announcing an entrant into the USL W League ahead of its inaugural 2022 season. In January 2017, Indy Eleven submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), the First Division of pro soccer in the United States and Canada as recognized by U.S. Soccer.