On The Road Again Pt.1 - Ottawa Fury V Indy Eleven (8/28/2016)

Sometimes things can get a little feisty!

By: James Cormack

Indy Eleven play their second of a three road game series in Ottawa on Sunday. Last week in North Carolina we had a chance to improve upon a deteriorating away record, we took the lead twice and lost it twice and let in three goals for the first time in a competitive match in 2016.

Over the next week Indy Eleven will play two back to back games on the road, first against the Fury and next Wednesday against a New York Cosmos team battling for the fall championship, the Cosmos now have four wins and a draw at home in the second half of the season.

I would never dismiss the fact that Indy are having their best year ever, we have already qualified for the playoffs and I guess one could feel results right now are not that important. Coach Hankinson and the team don't think that way though, and have been public and vocal about wanting to continue improving and win the fall championship to give us home advantage should we make the Soccer Bowl.

The fall season is a 22 game stretch, it is far different from the spring, and I highly doubt that a team can win it without gaining some wins on the road, or at least a points accumulation from draws, I mean it's not impossible if you win all your home games, but I I honestly don't think we can win fall unless we improve our away record. Which for fall alone is poor.

After four away games in fall Indy Eleven have the second worst record in the league with one point gained in Puerto Rico and three straight defeats at Minnesota, Miami and Carolina. Only Tampa Bay have a worse record by virtue of Indy having one more goal scored in their favor.

Focusing on Ottawa briefly, since a 1-0 defeat to Indy Eleven at the beginning of the month, they suffered another further two defeats and a scoreless draw at home last weekend to Miami. They have scored 2 goals in their last four games. This doesn't mean they can be taken lightly, Miami are a hot team right now and they failed to score a single goal on their trip north.

How does one approach the next THREE games?

We are focusing on road games, but it should be pointed out after we play Ottawa on Sunday we have a quick turnaround and I will assume we travel straight to New York to play them on Wednesday, we then have to come home and face Tampa Bay Rowdies on the following Saturday.

Given that Ottawa are in a slump and probably the lesser of the next three teams we face, and considering the Rowdies have the worst road record in the fall season, if I am Coach I am concentrating my efforts on the matches in Ottawa and at home to Tampa Bay. Points are premium right now and you have to focus on where you can get the most.

Given the fact there is very little time to train or rest between playing Ottawa and New York, coming off a weeks rest I would be looking at going all out for the win in Canada and letting the match in New York take care of itself. If we decide to make too many changes and rest players for Ottawa, we risk losing both of the next two games.

The game in Carolina has gone, we blew it, but we have the potential to take at least six points from the next three games if we play our cards smart. Ottawa also come off the back of a midweek game and have less time to rest and prepare for this game. We go for the win on Sunday, rotate players in New York and take do what we can allowing some rest for starters to face Tampa in the following game.

So how do we lineup for this game, and the next?

Again this is only my opinion, but if I am coach there are a few positions and a few considerations I am looking at, we have some players returning needing game time, and all of our players are capable winners, and we also can afford to experiment a little and still win.

Justin Braun and Marco Franco will continue to be missing, probably for both of these road games, but could be an added bonus when we come to play Tampa. The biggest question for me surrounds Colin Falvey, I correctly called that he would not play in Carolina, but the next two games are a a little more tricky to call.

My decision, and I have changed my mind on this would be to play him against Ottawa if we need to and not risk him in a potentially much tougher game in New York and avoid the risk of further aggravating a hamstring before facing Tampa at home.

The question is I suppose.. do we need to risk Colin at all when we can afford to let recover more before returning home? If he does take part in a game I feel it will be on Sunday, otherwise he will be a "there if needed" player on the bench.

The only other areas I would tinker with in the match against Ottawa would be in the front pairing and possibly in midfield. To date our best option has been Zayed and Braun, and although at time it has been fruitful I think we need to try other options. Youla has pedigree but I don't think the pairing with Zayed has shown enough to prove it is something the will provide an edge come playoff time.

I would like to see either Duke Lacroix or Jair Reinoso given a role as support forward to Éamon. Jair has not played since coming on in the 2-1 defeat to Miami last month, if he is fit and ready to play then I would include him in this road double header.

I have alway wanted to see how Duke would play from the middle of the park as a second forward, he is quick, very difficult to take the ball from and has great distribution and I think it would at least be worthwhile to see how he could play alongside Zayed.

As for the midfield, I might be tempted to rest Torrado and start Paterson with Ring, otherwise I would not tinker too much. In our last three wins Mares and Smart have started left and right on two of them, Mares missed on through no fault of his own, that was the game against Ottawa and as we know he entered the game in the second half and provided the assist for Don Smart's late winner. So for me Mares and Smart need to start.

My Starting XI: Busch, Vukovic, Janicki, Falvey, Palmer, Mares, Ring, Paterson, Smart, Lacroix (or Reinoso), Zayed.

Traveling Bench: Cardona, Miller, Torrado, Gordon, Youla, Keller (or Ubiparipović), Reinoso (or Lacroix)

Obvious omission from the previous game is Ubiparipović, a player who I respect and has great creative skill, but if we are not going to use him within the system we are playing then I would spare him for the Tampa game and allow for us to have Miller who can play center or right and Keller who can fill in at left and right back on the bench.

I would also have no problem with taking Ubi and omitting Keller. I would like to see Indy Eleven try something of a 4-4-1-1 formation and allow for Lacroix/Reinoso to be the support forward or attacking midfielder role, and Siniša can readily fit into that role if required later in a game.

We need someone in the pocket, the area in front of the the 18 yard box who can be creative, set up the target man or spread the ball to the corners and also be on hand to mop up and score goals off the rebound, I think Lacroix/Reinoso/Ubi are all capable of filling that role. We do have the option to use a different roster for the NYC game should we wish players to fly out for just that game, but I suspect the squad we see in Ottawa will be the same squad we see in New York.

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As ever we are still raising money for Playworks Indiana, if you would like to come out and have some fun and meet the Playworks staff and learn more about what they do then join us tomorrow (Sat Aug. 27th) from 2pm to 4pm. It will be a relaxing time of fun for all ages, run around, play some games, kick a ball and maybe score a goal. The event will take place at Broad Ripple Park READ ABOUT IT HERE!

If you can't make it but would like to help us reach our season long goal of $2000 for Playworks Indiana you can find out more about this project involving Éamon Zayed and Permanent Relegation by CLICKING HERE there is a link on this page to our secure donation page, every dollar helps.

Unbeaten but imperfect: Indy Eleven salvage a point in Jacksonville (5/28/16)

Justin Braun (seen here in preseason action) is putting early struggles behind him and quickly finding his stride.

By: Caleb Ramp

Let's start by making something very clear: this was not a good result for the Indy Eleven. This wasn't a moral victory. Not a point to be celebrated.

This was a salvaged result. This was the aversion of complete disaster, but a major setback nonetheless: Like a merchant ship sailing off-course into hostile water, fending off an attack from pirates, only to beach itself in the process on an island a thousand miles from the intended destination. There's no doubt it could have been worse, but shouldn't it have been better than it was?

Admittedly, it almost feels foolish to be disappointed with a team so racked with injuries managing to remain undefeated after falling behind on the road. This is especially true when you consider the team's previous two seasons. Had you told any Eleven supporter two months ago that they'd be sitting in second place at this point in the season, you'd get nothing but ecstatic reactions.

Yet despite how impressive "undefeated through eight" sounds superficially, Indy didn't leave Jacksonville without a loss: The Eleven no longer control their own destiny in the Spring title race, but are now at the sole mercy of the Cosmos. If New York fails to drop points in Fort Lauderdale next week, Indy ceases to have any mathematical chance of securing their playoff spot ten games in.

All of this isn't to say there weren't outstanding individual performances (Jon Busch and Justin Braun were among the brightest in this regard), or even that the team shouldn't be proud of overcoming adversity yet again and refusing to collapse under the pressure -- something which could never be said of previous iterations of this team. 

However, Jacksonville is a side which had lost their last four, hadn't scored in a month, traded away arguably their best player for cash (which has yet to be reinvested in on-field talent), was missing multiple starters due to international duty, had to make a goalkeeping substitution in the 57th minute, and hadn't kept a clean sheet in seven games.

This is a sport (and moreover a league) where anything can happen -- but for a team so close to winning so much so early, dropping two crucial points against an opponent of that pedigree is painful.

Assorted Thoughts and Opinions:

• There’s no question the back four looked like a group missing 50% of their starters. Neither Marco Franco nor Cory Miller had a terrible game individually (although Miller was far from perfect), but the group was clearly uncomfortable together. Disorganization led to multiple chances for the Armada, and the fluid connection between the back line and midfield we’ve seen in previous games was non-existent. 
  
  There were also several silly fouls conceded in dangerous areas, including one which led to a Sandoval free kick hitting the woodwork. Franco, to his credit, made a tremendous stop in the final minutes in front of an empty net, effectively saving the game for the Eleven:




• Wide play – a struggle in the first few games of the season – is still steadily improving. While obviously not as successful as last week against Minnesota, there were numerous chances created from balls played into the box from wider positions.
  
  24 total crosses was a season high for the Eleven. Some of these went completely unrealized (such as the low cross in the 89th minute from Duke LaCroix which likely would have earned Indy the victory had anyone been in position for a simple tap-in). Others forced Evers or Gallardo into action -- Don Smart’s incredible ball from 25+ yards out directly to Eamon Zayed’s forehead being one such moment:
  
  
  Moreover, Indy’s lone goal on the evening was the result of Jair Reinoso beating his man down the right before crossing the ball to a leaping Justin Braun. The in-form Indy front man powered it past Gallardo for his second goal in as many games.

Quest for the Cup: 

The Eleven now momentarily shift their focus to the US Open Cup and a showdown with USL league-leaders Louisville City FC on Wednesday. Louisville City is unbeaten in their last nine (6W, 3D), and will be anything but an easy out.

It’s no secret that Indy wants make a deep Cup run while simultaneously exacting revenge on the side that knocked them out of the competition in extra time a season ago. Injuries might ultimately force Tim Hankinson to play a relatively similar lineup (with perhaps 2-3 adjustments, primarily in the midfield and forward pairing) to the one we saw in Jacksonville. Time will tell.

The game kicks off at 7:30 PM at The Mike. Tickets are not included in your season ticket package, but are available online for purchase. 

Be sure you’re there to support your Boys in Blue.

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Don't forget: Bloody Shambles along with Permanent Relegation are raising money for Playworks Indiana children's charity with Éamon Zayed. Pledge an amount for every goal he scores this season or make a one time donation and help us towards our $2000 season goal. Find out more here! Our direct donation link now shows our target and running donations, help us reach it!

Indy Strikes Twice Again for Back to Back Wins - Rayo OKC (1) v Indy Eleven (2) Review (4/30/16)

Vukovic grabbed the winner!

By: James Cormack

I think I am ready to concede to the fact that I just don't know what Tim Hankinson is going to do next. I am okay with that as long as Indy Eleven keeps racking up points and winning games!

Jair Reinoso and new signing Omar Gordon both made their first starts for the Boys in Blue while Justin Braun and Duke Lacroix warmed the bench. Ubiparipović returned to the side in an unfamiliar role while Dylan Mares was left at home due to illness.

Jair Reinoso repaid his Hankinson's faith by slamming home a beautiful volley to open the scoring for Indy. It stunned Rayo more than it did those watching on BeIN Sports because not even the camera crew could keep up with the play.

One minute we're watching a replay from the other end of the field the next we see the ball in Rayo's net and everyone watching back home in Union Jack Pub thought we were looking at an offside call.

The replay revealed a beautiful over the top pass from Ubiparipović and a stunning strike from the Colombian forward to put Indy in front. Siniša appeared to be a yard short of pace for most of his time on the field, but his contribution was not lacking. Reinoso's goal was worthy of a World Cup final, the ball only took one bounce inside the Rayo area before it was lashed into the net.

Ubi's pass and Jair Reinoso's wonder strike! 1-0

Indy Eleven never seemed entirely settled or comfortable in this game. This definitely became more evident after an unfortunate and early exit from the field by midfielder Brad Ring. Gorka Larrea was on the bench but possibly not fit enough for the 70 minutes required.

With only 18 minutes played in the match Duke Lacroix was brought in. Ubiparipović dropped into a more central role in the absence of Ring. It was untimely, with Indy just starting to find their way in a changed lineup, they had to step back and start again.

As Indy continued to try and regroup Rayo struck and tied the game up and blessed the game with another very fine goal. Rayo OKC's Michel was both the victim and punisher as he was brought down around 30 yards from the Indy goal. His resulting free kicked fizzed low and took a spinning bounce right before Jon Busch and found the net.

For Indy Eleven it was all about getting to half time now without losing another goal. It was very difficult to discern Indy's shape at times and you felt we needed a half time talk  to settle things down and formulate a plan for the second 45.

The second half pressed on and for the first 20 to 25 minutes it did so at break neck speed, it was only a matter of time before one or both of the teams would tire and it appeared as if Rayo OKC would be the first to run out of steam. After 70 minutes the game started to slow noticeably.

Justin Braun had replaced Reinoso in the 56th minute, Jair noticeably gasping for air when he left the field. Maybe not quite 90 minute fit yet but it matters not if you score goals. Ubiparipović also bowed out in the 75th minute, he had been struggling for most of the game and did well to make it this far. He was replaced by the returning Gorka Larrea to add some late steel to the defensive midfield.

Then Indy struck again. The timing was perfect, Rayo's flame was burning out and with 76 minutes on the clock Nemanja struck the killer blow and notched his second goal of spring. Vukovic won a free kick on the left side. Nicki Paterson floated the kick into Rayo's far post and it was knocked back down by the head of a defender into the path of Nemanja and he calmly slotted the ball home.

Nemanja's clincher brings home three

Indy had other chances, Éamon Zayed missed a good chance with only the keeper to beat and even Rayo tried to score on in their own net for us, but their defender missed at close range. The game was won and Indy Eleven never really had to come out of second gear to do it. In the end I am sure many could not wait for that final whistle, we held out, we worked hard and we took home three!

We got our first look at Omar Gordon. He was pacy an aggressive and definitely enthusiastic. Even though most of his time on the ball found him dribbling himself into a hole, he was eager to impress and confident. He has time on his side and now he has a glimpse of playing in the NASL and coach will let him know what is expected. he has the potential to be much more dangerous.

Indy Eleven's defense must be commended again. In four games so far the back line has only allowed one goal from open play. Despite a few scares during the game we reduced Rayo OKC to one free kick goal and of course one of our own defenders supplied the match winning goal.

Wins can be pretty, wins can be ugly, some games can send you to sleep. When there is three points at the end of it and your team remains undefeated, none of that matters. Indy Eleven players are working hard for each other, even if the performance is not always dazzling they are all about the team effort and it shows. It's an exciting time to support this team and god knows we deserve it!

Look forward to a home game next week against FC Edmonton, be sure you have a ticket because this team is turning heads and it most likely will be a sell out, don't be left watching from the roof of the parking garage

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Even though Éamon Zayed did not score, you can still get on board with Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation to raise money for children's charity Playworks Indiana. CLICK HERE to find out how you can donate, play along and have fun. You can use the provided form to pledge any $ amount per goal for the whole year, make a donation any time Éamon scores, or just make a one time donation directly to Playworks and help us reach our goal of $2000 for 2016. This is a season long effort and we need your help. You can also donate at the BYB Tailgate, look for the red bucket at our tent in Lot B every home game! Spread the word about this cause on social media and use the hashtag #EamonZayedRule