The Curious Case of Gerardo Torrado

Soccer can only be understood backward. It must be lived forward.

By: Brandon Cockrum

The signing of Gerardo Torrado was announced by the Indy Eleven on June 8 at a crowded press conference in a Hollywood hotel, far from the Eleven’s headquarters in downtown Indianapolis. A large contingent of Hispanic and Latino media from across North America reported from the event, introducing the second division, Indiana-based club to entirely new audiences and markets. It was a coup for the Eleven, securing the signature of a player that had been rumored to be signing with MLS’ Los Angeles Galaxy, in more ways than one. Not only were they getting a three-time World Cup veteran from the Mexican national team and former Cruz Azul captain and legend who instantly increased the club’s profile, they were also signing one of North America’s best defensive midfielders over the past decade.

NASL Commisioner Bill Peterson, Torrado and Eleven President Jeff Belskus in Los Angeles.

Back home in Indiana, the Eleven were preparing to put the finishing touches on what would become an undefeated and championship NASL Spring Season. Their match three days later would see the team operating in peak mode, scoring the required four goals and winning the match by a three-goal margin to take the title. The 37-year old Torrado even made his first appearance at Carroll Stadium for the match, looking quite amused by the scene unfolding in front of him - the Eleven's massive victory and a few thousand fans rushing the field at the final whistle in raucous celebration. With a spring championship and playoff berth in hand and a world-class midfielder added to the roster, the future was burning bright for the Circle City club.

The club’s momentum continued over the league’s summer break. A road trip to Chicago saw the team come up just short of MLS’ Fire in the US Open Cup. A narrow victory was won over Liga MX champions Pachuca in a friendly at Carrol Stadium. The strong performances transitioned into the fall season, with a draw and two victories in the fall’s first three matches. Over the club’s first 13 league matches in 2016 they posted six wins, seven draws and, most noteworthy, zero losses. 

The Saturday began so well, with beautiful skies and perfect temperatures both in Indianapolis and in Minneapolis, where the Eleven hoped to secure at least one point and a league-record fourteenth match without defeat. With two goals in the first six minutes it became apparent that Minnesota United FC, a club that Indy had on more than one occasion played foil to, had no intentions of rolling over and allowing Indy to establish a new league unbeaten record.

Torrado

While he was able to play in the friendly versus Pachuca, Torrado’s league debut for the Eleven had been delayed by paperwork and Visa issues, causing him to miss the first three fall matches. Trailing Minnesota by two goals at halftime offered a no risk, high reward opportunity for Torrado's first league action. And, while Torrado was not able to save the Eleven from suffering their first defeat, he did display ability that was a cut above many of the other players on the field. For 45 minutes, “el Borrego” ("The Sheep," as Torrado is affectionately known in Mexico due to his curly hair, now shorn) dazzled viewers with his keen vision and deft passing ability, in addition to his well known defensive abilities. Deployed further up the pitch than he traditionally has played, Torrado offered a glimmer of hope due to the many chances he created for the Eleven on an otherwise disappointing evening.

After the match it seemed clear that Torrado was ready to start with the first team, but the question was, where to play him? "The Sheep” had made his name as a defensive midfielder, but if his performance in Minnesota was an indicator, his world-class technical skill, vision and tactical acumen might allow him to be an offensive maestro for the Eleven.

Through the Eleven’s first 14 league games, Brad Ring and Nicki Paterson had been utilized as the primary starting central midfielders. The pair complemented each other well: Ring focused on winning the ball and keeping possession while Paterson played slightly more advanced and took more chances with his distribution. Ring, the local college boy done good; Paterson, the UK mercenary with a decade of professional experience in American leagues. Ring the fan favorite; Paterson, a favorite of the team’s European players. It was a winning combination, or at least one that refused to lose. With Torrado now in the fold, and by all appearances ready to make quite an impact, one of these two would be relegated to a support role.

Fast forward ten matches and the question of where and how Torrado would be utilized by coach Tim Hankinson has been answered - Tornado replaced the plucky Paterson in the center of the team. New questions have arisen, however, most commonly, What the hell has happened to the Eleven?

After going undefeated in thirteen of their first fourteen league matches, the Eleven have now gone just over a month without winning a match, posting two draws and three losses, outscored 10 to 5 across the five most recent matches. To be fair, four of those five matches were on the road, but Indy’s dominance in prior matches against those same teams saw them rack up four wins and three draws, outscoring the opponents 11 to 3. The club’s performance prior to and after the inclusion of Torrado mirrors this recent trend:

So, it sounds like you’re saying that Paterson is a more effective player than Torrado? Well, I thought that may be the case (at least in 2016), so I took a look at their individual statistics. Torrado is a more accurate passer in the opponents half of the pitch and wins a few more tackles. Paterson attempts more crosses and is more accurate with them and he has more assists.  If anything, Torrado appears to be the more effective player.

The central midfield is the engine room of the team, heavily involved offensively and defensively, and often in possession of the ball as defense transitions into offense, possibly the most important facet of the game. The difference, and possibly what has thrown off Indy’s mojo, comes down to the two central midfielders playing style and relationships with teammates.

Torrado has spent his career as a defensive-oriented central midfielder and is a VERY similar player to Brad Ring. The coaching staff might encourage him to get forward and to be the offensive creator that this team desperately needs, but Torrado has years of habit to break. Being a midfield maestro is just not in his nature. He may be able to do it eventually, but, as the Mexican saying goes, you can’t teach an old borrego new tricks.

Paterson, on the other hand, served as a nice compliment to Ring’s defensive and possession-passing tendencies. The Scotsman was comfortable taking the chances that a creator must take: playing a through ball to a streaking winger or switching the point of attack with a long ball across the field. He’s not a traditional number 10 maestro, but Paterson was able to get the job done and the Eleven hold the spring championship shield to prove it.

There’s also the issue of team chemistry. Paterson has a few years experience playing with center back Colin Falvey and quickly connected with Irish striker Eamon Zayed. The communication and brothers-in-arms bond formed a UK-strong spine up the center of the field. As a high-profile, mid-season arrival, Torrado missed the long, hard days of pre-season training with the team, where so much of the team's chemistry and personality is established. It also wouldn’t be the first time that a team was thrown off kilter when a respected teammate was moved to the bench in favor of a new signing.

In effort to right the ship, I would insert Paterson back into the lineup to see if that reinvigorates the club’s performance. There is actually a very small sample that backs up this theory: Paterson and Ring started together in Indy’s 5-2 shellacking of Jacksonville Armada. The Eleven were up 4-1 before Torrado replaced Paterson at about the 60th minute.

Paterson

Second, I would pair Paterson with Torrado in a match to see how that duo works together. (Sorry, Ring fans!) Third, it seems worthwhile to explore playing a 4-3-3 with Paterson (or Dylan Mares) playing more advanced and Ring and Torrado as holding midfielders that provide cover for fullbacks that move into attacking positions. Let’s see how the team functions in a match with the best players in their preferred positions.

It would be unrealistic to expect the Eleven to lose only once in every fourteen matches. The club had a very favorable spring schedule, playing the league’s top teams at home and the bottom-of-the-table clubs on the road. A let down was surely coming, but no one was expecting to be let down this harshly. Playing surfaces, travel fatigue, injuries and suspensions, and even uniform choices have been suggested as causes for the team’s struggles over the last few weeks. I’m not saying that Gerardo Torrado is the reason the club has been lackluster, but I do think the club needs to reexamine Torrado's role on the team and work to find the most effective central midfield combination, if they want to reach the heights that seemed within their grasp at the conclusion of the spring season. 

Start Smart and Stay Clever - Indy Eleven V Ottawa Fury PREVIEW (8/6/2016)

Former 'Fury' Nicki Paterson gets second chance to defeat former club.

By: James Cormack

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since Indy Eleven's first home league game of 2016. And a lot of focus was put on that game, Indy Eleven signed three players from Ottawa Fury in the off season, Colin Falvey, Siniša Ubiparipovicć and Nicki Paterson. It was a game they wanted to win, it was a game some said we would win and it ended in a 1-1 draw.

Indy Eleven's home opener was much anticipated, a lot of changes had been made and to most our team did not look ready at the time of their first round game against Tampa Bay Rowdies, but like we have seen countless times this year Indy dug it out and came away unscathed from a potential Soccer Bowl favorite.

Hankinson's team was in it's infancy as far as competitive play was concerned and much had been made about the "fire sale" at Ottawa Fury, most of their Soccer Bowl final team of 2015 were gone and a new coach Paul Dalglish had taken over. Most people looked forward to opening the season at Carroll Season with a bang, but the game itself ended up somewhat anticlimactic.

Things have changed for both teams, more so for Indy but Ottawa Fury have also ran into a purple patch. The much talked about 4-2-3-1 formation was not working for Hankinson and Indy needed change. After draws against Tampa and Ottawa the Eleven had the unenviable task of entertaining 2015 champions the New York Cosmos, a team who started their season by defeating Ottawa Fury 3-0.

Coach Tim Hankinson proved during the match against Ottawa he could change plans in game and grind out a result, having gone a goal down he changed the formation twice during the game to a 4-4-2 and then to a back three allowing Vukovic to advance his position and score the equalizing goal.

The following week Indy Eleven moved to a 4-4-2 formation in an effort to find a better solution and it worked, despite going behind to the Cosmos once again through a penalty, we came from behind to defeat the New York Cosmos and claim first blood in a match up that had produced only draws until that point.

From this point both teams proceeded in different directions, Ottawa mostly struggled to stay off the bottom of the table during Spring and as we know Indy Eleven went on to remain undefeated and win the Spring Championship. That was then, this is now, Indy are still the team to beat but Ottawa Fury are on the back of three straight 2-0 victories. Should we be worried.... of course not, but we also cannot afford to be complacent.

So what about Ottawa Fury, what's changed...?

The Fury have won their last three games, and without wishing to lessen the glory of that, one was against the forever slipping backwards Jacksonville Armada and the other two were at home against Carolina and Tampa Bay, two teams scratching their heads over indifferent results and inconsistency. All three wins have been 2-0 victories, the Fury are still leaking players since the beginning of the season, but something appears to be going right.

In all three of those wins Ottawa have used a 3-5-2 formation with a back three of Malan Roberts, Rafael Alves and Lance Rozeboom. Eddie Edward and Maxim Tissot have played the wide midfield roles, with the exception of Edward not starting the last game but coming on in the second half. No doubt they will be expected to be box to box and support their defense as well as whoever is assigned the defensive role in central midfield, most likely Oliviera or De Guzman or both. Add to that Peiser, one of the best goalkeepers in the league is now behind a defense he can trust as opposed to their edgy situation the last time we met.

Of course talk of formations is completely boring and when you play with personnel like Eddie Edward who can adapt from defense to midfield or vice versa at the drop of a hat then so can the formation. I highly doubt Indy Eleven will be concentrating on it too much. What we can gather from Ottawa and their last three games is we cannot approach them lightly, both teams are used to playing on a similar surface and Ottawa will settle quickly, I highly doubt we will see us scoring 4 or 5 goals in this game, don't expect it.

Despite losing players like De Jong and Steele during the season, Ottawa have found a comfort zone and a recent consistency with the players they have, they have found something that works and they know a win or even a draw against Indy can help bring about a fall surge similar to the one they had in 2015.

Service, Service, Service.....

Cool as you like, Don Smart will set it on a dime for you!

As intimated by Éamon Zayed post match on Wednesday we don;t always score 4 or 5 goals in a game because our service is not always as good as it should be. For Indy Eleven to win this game they have to exploit the corners. In the last two games, despite losing one to Miami, Don Smart has been pivotal in providing the forwards with what they need. For me Don Smart is a given as a starter and if he plays the same way as he has done in recent weeks we will have plenty of goal scoring opportunities.

Don Smart and Éamon Zayed have been connecting well, Zayed likes to peel to the left and Don Smart provides mostly from the right. Service from the left will be important as well, who will provide that is a good question. It likely will be Mares again, it could be Gordon or Lacroix if fit or we may try something like Ubiparopović as we did earlier in the season. The reason we can be more adaptable on the left side regardless of who plays is of course because of the overlapping gazelle known as Nemanja Vukovic, our left wing can afford to be less mobile and cut inside allowing Vukovic to move up and share in providing service from the wing.

The other obvious thing that will change this week is something I am interested to see, with the unfortunate suspension of Greg Janicki we'll see Colin Falvey and Cory Miller play at central defense. Cory is up to speed and confident, thanks to the absence of the aforementioned Falvey he has plenty of game time under his belt, so I have no real concerns about our back line going into this match. Miller and Janicki are similar style players and also play better with a leader along side them, my instinct tells me that Falvey will get the best out of Miller and I honestly feel Indy will not concede a goal in this game.

The performance of the back line and our defensive midfield whether Brad Ring or Torrado will be key to allowing our wings, forwards and other midfielder (most likely Paterson) to quick counter and expose Ottawa in the corners. It will be a tough shift for the back line and if they can turn that defense into attack quickly it may be a very difficult night for the Fury.

Rather than try and predict a line up this week I will predict an outcome. Indy will win this game without conceding a goal but it may take time for us to gain the upper hand in the game, we will have to wear Ottawa down, we may not even see the first goal until the second half of the game but I feel we will end up at 2-0 with goals from Zayed and possibly Ring or Paterson.

The main thing is, regardless of the score line, that we win. As I mentioned earlier this year each opponent in this league is a three game series, some we play twice at home, some twice away. If Indy can gain the upper hand as far as points goes in all of their battles then you can pretty much be sure of finishing top of everything before post season.

We don't need to assume anything of Ottawa Fury this time around, and we don't need to underestimate them, we just need to play to our strengths, use the corners, improve our service to the forwards and we will win!

Cheeky Captain Colin is back and smiling, the timing could not be more perfect with Janicki suspended.

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As ever we are continuing to raise money for Playworks Indiana along with Permanent Relegation and the goal scoring exploits of Éamon Zayed. So far we have been pledged $33.50 for every goal Éamon scores in 2016, so far he has notched 12 across the NASL and Open Cup for a total of $402. Thanks to generous donations at tailgates and watch parties we raised a further $554. Permanent Relegation's Game of Kings tournament also raised a whopping $912 bring us to a total of $1868 so far, but we have not met our target yet and we want to smash it, if you would like to help us with this great cause CLICK HERE for more information on how you can donate!!! Please share our effort and use the hashtag #EamonZayedRule on social media.

Down the Armada! - Indy Eleven v Jacksonville Armada PREVIEW (8/3/2016)

Easy Target? Someone get Tony Meola a Lifejacket!

By: Brandon Cockrum (@Brew_Wallace)

This is a very short, direct preview this week: Indy Eleven should fight like dogs to get a positive result at home against Jacksonville Armada FC. Not only is the club looking to rebound from a loss in Miami, but they are extremely difficult to take points from at Carroll Stadium and the Armada have yet to win a match away from home in their one-and-a-half years of existence, 25 games to be exact. To make matters worse, the coastal club has not scored since July 9, shut out in four straight matches, and are in such a downward spiral that whispers have already started regarding the lifespan of rookie head coach Tony Meola. Anything less than three points earned in convincing fashion on Wednesday evening should be considered a letdown against the league’s poorest performing club.

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-30- 

Fin. 

The end.

(Still here? Okay, since the Bloody Shambles blog pays me by the word, generously I might add, I can write more for you; I do need some spending money to buy myself a fancy new shirt from the Eleven’s updated merch store.)

The Boys In Blue have sailed a totally different course this season than the Armada. With a spot in the playoffs guaranteed, the Circle City club is now trying to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs and prepare themselves for a championship run. They've built a monster defense, capable of shutting down the strongest opposition the league provides. On offense, they’ve mostly got the job done, but while they’ve flashed the ability to break out for three or four goals if the stars align, they have also struggled for significant stretches to score goals.

Let’s look at the numbers: Across 16 league games, the Eleven have scored 22 goals, an average of 1.38 goals per match. That’s the third best strike rate in the league. Not too bad. (Only New York Cosmos at 1.71 and Minnesota United at 1.87 are superior.) However, half of Indy's goals (11) were scored in just three matches (vs MNU, vs CAR, vs FTL). Remove those three outbursts from the equation and Indy is averaging just 0.85 goals per game in 13 matches. Not too good.

Indy’s four most recent games reflect this paradigm. After erupting for three goals in the first 27 minutes against a listless (and soggy) Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Indy struggled to put the ball across the goal line in the three matches that followed. In a 2-0 loss to Minnesota United FC, Indy controlled the match for nearly all of the final 60 minutes, but were unable to nick a goal. Defender Greg Janicki slipped a set-piece header past the Edmonton FC goalkeeper early in the next match but the Boys In Blue were stonewalled for the final 75 minutes of a 1-0 victory. 

Aim for the net thing JB! You can do it!

Finally, despite controlling the game from nearly start to finish against Miami FC, the Eleven were shut out for 89 minutes of play before Eamon Zayed connected with a cross to put one goal on the board in a 2-1 defeat. In each of these three matches Indy had plenty of possession, plenty of shots, plenty of crosses, and more than enough opportunities to put a crooked number on the scoreboard, but were unable to do so.

As Indy moves into the second half of the season, I’m hoping to see the club build upon the great foundation they’ve established thus far. To realize their ultimate aspiration of hoisting the NASL Soccer Bowl in November, the team cannot sit on laurels earned in the Spring. Although we’re all proud of their achievements, the mission has not been accomplished. With three games at home in the next eleven days, the Eleven have a great opportunity to begin addressing their few weaknesses in the friendly confines of Carrol Stadium and set themselves up for a strong playoff campaign.

Three things I’m looking for in the second half of the season:

1) Maintain focus, intensity and cohesion on defense. It’s a long grind, April to November, and complacency can easily creep in. Defensive leaders Jon Busch and Colin Falvey probably won’t let those around them slip up much, but clubs that win the spring season are notorious for fizzing out by the playoffs. Indy's defense has been key to their success and it must remain strong.

2) Get more shots on goal. This past Saturday night, Zayed and Omar Gordon put four of their combines six shots on frame. The rest of the Eleven? Only one of 14 shots were on target. This has been a season-long issue. When it comes to shots on goal, quantity does not always trump quantity, as evidenced by the result in Miami. A bit more restraint on attempts from outside the box and improved focus and composure in front of the net should increase the goal tally.

3) Develop creative playmaking and new attacking strategies. Indy has relied on a lot of direct football, flying up the wide channels with their speed and powering down the middle with bruising forwards on the counter attack to create chances. Opponents seem to be aware of this and seem to be coming content to focus on shielding their goal, allowing Indy to take shots from distance and dump in unsuccessful cross after cross while looking for opportunities to counter attack. If the opponents are able to score an early goal, it makes a bunkering game plan even more appealing. 

As mentioned earlier, the Eleven have encountered stretches where Plan A is simply not resulting in goals. Indy needs to develop a Plan B, which might consist of unlocking goals from sustained possession and creative playmaking in the final third. If I’m Tim Hankinson, over the next two to three months I’m focused on finding out who among Gerardo Torrado, Dylan Mares, Nicki Paterson, and Siniša Ubiparipović can drive the offense when handed the keys to the car.

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As always Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation are supporting Playworks Indiana children's charity with our #EamonZayedRule initiative. We are donating money for every goal Éamon Zayed scores this year and you can choose to play along or just make a one off donation to help us reach our target of $2000. Click Here for More Information.


Also if you enjoy our #NASLMap catch up with @SoccerBits latest update of the standings across North America - CLICK HERE TO READ

Indy Eleven is a BIG GAME Team - Indy Eleven V Minnesota Utd (4-2) REVIEW (5/21/16)

Éamon Zayed congratulates Braun for his work on the first of Indy Eleven's four goals.

By: James Cormack

It is a great day when you get to looking back on a game, and everything you asked for in the preview for the match comes true. Indy Eleven badly needed to start scoring goals and they did. Players you wanted to see more from stepped up and performed. The importance of this game and winning it could not have been emphasized enough, and we won it in style.

It was never going to be an easy game, it should be noted up until Saturday Minnesota had only conceded four goals in all six of their NASL games this year. Add to that the last time Minnesota conceded four goals in a league match was in November of 2013 and they still won 6-4 against Tampa Bay Rowdies. The last time the Loons let in 4 goals and lost a game was in June of 2012 in a 5-1 defeat to Carolina Railhawks.

At the end, Indy Eleven won 4-2 in thrilling fashion. There were some scary moments but the team showed once again how quickly they can come together and overcome any hurdle. After ending the first half 1-0 thanks to great work from Justin Braun to leave Éamon Zayed with a tap in from close range, the second half provided a five goal thriller. 

Credit also should be given to Nemanja Vukovic on the first goal for a tremendous run from back where he was almost knocked to the ground but recovered his balance and sent in the pass to set Braun in with the assist pass to set up the opening goal.




Omar Gordon had a big night, something I had stressed was needed in the preview of this game. He delivered and added a goal to a great performance. I am sure Sammy N'Djock does not want to look back on either of the first two goals. After a slip from Zayed in the box and a failure to gather by N'Djock, Omar Gordon was in the right place at the right time to sweep the ball in from a very tight angle.

Two goals ahead and cruising, as a supporter you have to feel great at that moment, something very special was about to happen. Over the next twenty minutes though Indy would find themselves staring down the barrel of potential disaster after Minnesota scored twice to level the game.

The Loons first goal, it has to be said was one of the best seen this season. Stefano Pinho rifled a volley in from the right side about 22 yards out, it was unstoppable and arguably the best goal of the game. Indy were a man down at the time, nobody to really blame, just one of those amazing goals you have to just suck in and get on with it.



The goal that tied the game also was very well taken, a high lofted corner from Minnesota was difficult to deal with and saw a great volley finish from Damion Lowe. It was a tough blow but again not going to fault anyone and I would rather lose goals of great caliber than give up ones that should just not go in.

As we have seen before this Indy Eleven team never gives up in any game, and despite a lapse came back to put themselves in front again. Unfortunately before taking the lead Greg Janicki suffered a head knock and had to be removed from play. Vukovic again had a hand in Indy's third goal, a blistering free kick fomr the left back saw Sammy N'Djock pull off a great save but his inability to hold on to the ball saw Justin Braun pounce from close range and feather the ball between the feet of N'Djock and the post from a very tight angle.

Indy continued with the lead through the regulation 90 minutes and the referee added 8 minutes to the game to give the supporters more reason to bite their nails as they waited impatiently to celebrate. They did not have to wait the full eight though. Dylan Mares was fouled on the edge of the Minnesota 18 by Justin Davis who saw red for a second bookable offense. The foul was inches outside the box and gave Indy an excellent chance to wind down the clock with a minute remaining.

Nicki Paterson who came on as a sub in the 67th minute for Gorka Larrea, stepped up to take the kick from our left of the 18 yard box and stunned Minnesota by providing a pinpoint finish into the far side of the net. It was such a beautiful free kick I think he should now be called "Sir Nicki of Paterson"! Sammy N'Djock at full stretch had no chance and it killed the game. Indy Eleven had scored four goals for the first time ever in an NASL league match!

To be fair Indy could have scored more in this game, multiple chances in front of goal were missed but when you score four it doesn't matter. Scoring has been an issue, we stepped up and proved we are capable. Every player stepped up on Saturday in what was a huge team effort.

It cannot be stressed enough the importance of this win, taking three points from Minnesota who have a pretty reasonable run in was vitally important. Edmonton and Cosmos both took wins today creating an intense log jam at the top of the table. Indy Eleven can now move on and concentrate on their final three games with a confidence lift and are still the only undefeated side in the league.

Current Top 5 in NASL Standings as of Sunday 22nd May

Let's not forget to give kudos to Coach Tim Hankinson, most weeks we have not been able to field all the players we want to, some games have been more difficult than they should be, but he has found what is needed in the big games and brought wins over New York Cosmos and Minnesota United. 
He has made Indy a team to be reckoned with, Indy Eleven is a force in the league now and fear nothing, other teams can keep guessing. We have shown our best even without being able to field players like Brad Ring, Siniša Ubiparipovic and Jair Reinoso.
It's a great time to be an Indy Eleven supporter, we have been through a lot in two years and now our team is rewarding us, heads are turning and people are talking! The best part is there is so much more to look forward to.

Don't forget, next opportunity to watch your Boys In Blue at home will be on June 1st in the US Open Cup at Carroll Stadium against Louisville City FC. Indy Eleven will be looking to squash the memory of our exit to the same team last year and book a place in the next round to face Chicago Fire. Tickets are not part of the regular Season package, let's pack the house for this game and lift our team into the next round! GET TICKETS HERE!
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Éamon Zayed scored his third goal of the season on Saturday. 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!

Watch out for #NASLmap update coming this Monday!

It's a 2014 Clash Reunion! Indy Eleven V Ottawa Fury Preview (04/09/2016)

Several ex-Fury players looking for a win!

By: James Cormack

The “Class of 2014” as the two teams are often collectively known as, are preparing for a clash reunion this Saturday night as Ottawa Fury come to Indianapolis for Indy Eleven’s home opener of the 2016 NASL season.

Since their inception both teams have led quite different paths. In 2014 both teams struggled somewhat, not surprising for any ‘new’ team. Indy and Ottawa finished on the same combined points with 27.

In 2015 Indy was the team that got off to a more positive start in spring, but it would be Ottawa whose progress chart went through the roof as the year progressed.

Ottawa went on to a place in the Soccer Bowl final which they lost to New York Cosmos. Indy Eleven finished ninth in the combined standings as they had done the previous year. Both teams have drastically changed in 2016. 

Indy have overhauled their coaching setup and their roster including taking three players, Colin Falvey, Sinisa Ubiparipović, and Nicki Paterson from the Ottawa side. When Indy kicked off against Tampa last weekend, only one starter on the field, Brad Ring, played in the opening game of 2014.

Ottawa Fury have had one of the biggest roster overhauls in the league. Marc Dos Santos the coach of 2015 has moved on and Paul Dalglish has taken over. In Fury's opening game last weekend, not a single player from their inaugural NASL match was in the lineup or on the bench. The only remaining player from their start in 2014 is Carl Haworth and he was not listed in the game roster.

Although Indy Eleven don’t have any real recognized rivalries in the NASL, I think Ottawa comes pretty close to one. Combine the fact we started in the league together with them having defeated us five times from six and Indy now having signed three of their Soccer Bowl team from 2015, there is a pretty good edge to this matchup!

Of all the teams Indy Eleven has played in the NASL, it may surprise some to know that Ottawa has scored more goals against us than any other team so far. A total of 16 goals against (and 8 for Indy) in all six previous encounters. Ten of those goals have been scored in Indianapolis. Surely there is some payback required here!

Ottawa Fury defeated Indy Eleven in all three matches played in the 2015 NASL season! These two sides have never been involved in a drawn game!

How the teams may line up…..

Honestly I am not expecting a lot of change in the Indy Eleven side if any at all. Jair Reinoso is starting to look like a very strong option in attack, whether he has enough time yet and whether Coach Hankinson will want to displace anyone for him is another matter.

I still think Nemanja Vukovic looks more comfortable at center back than he does out left, but all in all the Indy defense did very well in the previous game. I don’t think there will be any tinkering, if there is it will most likely either be in the wide midfield or possibly some rotation in the back line, 'if' Tim Hankinson has a mind to. I don't think so. We’ll see.

The 18 man roster for the match will likely remain the same, as of this moment there is no new information about injuries or illnesses, Indy returned from Florida unscathed.

Ottawa only managed to field 5 substitutes for their opening 3-0 defeat to New York, one goalkeeper and four outfield players, none of which were defenders. Ottawa started the match the only three recognized defenders and used midfielder Lance Rozeboom as a makeshift center.

I cannot find out any information about former Tampa back Rich Balchan, he did not travel, unknown whether he will be available for the game, or fit to start. English defender Onua Obasi is contracted to finish playing with MASL team Baltimore Blast and will not be available until April 16th. Defender Kyle Venter is out through injury for up to 8-10 months.

Unless Balchan returns Ottawa may be reduced to playing three recognized defenders again. Striker Carl Haworth, the only player left from 2014 is also injured. Ottawa played a 4-3-3 against the Cosmos and from back to front their left and right players played pretty wide. it is likely we will see a similar lineup against Indy, the only changes may come in formation or midfield personnel if any.

Ottawa Fury have added to their midfield this week with the signing of Uruguayan Bryan Olivera, so they have a possibility of having a deeper bench on Saturday.

This match is a cast iron opportunity for Indy to take three points, based on my viewing of both teams opening games, I do not see Ottawa scoring in this game, their best chance would be from a cross, corner or set piece or wild shot from distance. If Indy Eleven can score one goal we will win, not a big ask.

Caleb Ramp's take on the game.......

Reflecting on the importance of every match in a 10-game season is a redundant, played out, cliche narrative. Yet with this team -- in this spot -- I don't think we can overstate how critical it is for Indy Eleven to secure a victory on Saturday.

Having successfully executed the defensive gameplan in Tampa required to earn a point, week two offers nothing but opportunity: Opportunity for Colin Falvey, Nicki Paterson, and Siniša Ubiparipović to exact revenge on their former team. Opportunity for the fans to witness a squad of experienced players who feed off the energy from the stands, and can turn that energy into results. Opportunity for Tim Hankinson to prove that he's truly brought the club into a new era.

Now is the time to kick start the 2016 campaign. Now is the time for this squad to distance themselves from the frustration and futility which has plagued the club since its inaugural season. Defeating the Fury (a team, on paper, Indy should be able to handle with relative ease) not only puts the Eleven in a position for a possible Spring title push, but services as quantifiable evidence that 2016 will be different -- an invaluable confidence boost for players, fans, and ownership.

I anticipate a near-identical lineup to last week (only potential change from Hankinson might be Reinoso starting over Lacroix, depending on the former's fitness), but mentally we'll be approaching this game much differently. We'll be looking to get on the front foot right out of the gate and maximize meaningful possession. We should see the fullbacks push forward early and often, and their average position ultimately sit at or even beyond the halfway line.

Finally, Ottawa showed a susceptibility to the quick counter in their opener against the Cosmos, while Indy leads the league in interceptions. Expect a lot of reversals of play, with early balls played into space as Indy looks to get on the break and take advantage of this weakness.

2014 Indy Eleven would lose this game outright. 2015 Indy Eleven would establish a first half lead but concede an 80th minute equalizer. 2016 Indy Eleven? It's time for these players on this squad to write their own narrative.

Hopefully they write something worth reading.

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For the 2016 NASL Season we have teamed up with Éamon Zayed and Playworks Indiana to raise money for children's charity. For every goal that Éamon scores this year in all competitions we will be donating a cash amount to Playworks. We encourage you to help with this initiative even if just a dollar per goal.

Please CLICK HERE for more details,if you would like to take part and pledge an amount per goal, please send an email to info@blooyshambles.net with your $ amount per goal and name, we will inform you closer to the end of the season how you can make your donation. For more information on Playworks you can visit their website here. Please share details of this using hashtag #EamonZayedRule.