Indy Ends Heavy Schedule With Home Draw - Indy Eleven V Tampa Bay Rowdies REVIEW (9/3/2016)

Omar Gordon scores the equalizer for Indy Eleven.

By: James Cormack

Indy Eleven finally returned to action at Carroll Stadium on Saturday night to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies after a bust away schedule. With only one point gained in their previous three games the home side needed a win to get back on track. Playing their third game in a week with players missing and tired legs it was never going to be an easy game.

With Greg Janicki and Marco Franco still unavailable for selection and Cory Miller suspended, Daniel Keller came in at center back alongside Falvey, allowing Palmer and Vukovic to continue in their normal full back positions. Neil Shaffer came into the squad as the only defender on the bench.

Duke Lacroix got a rare start allowing Dylan Mares to be rested to the bench. Ring, Paterson and Smart made up the rest of the midfield and Omar Gordon slotted in alongside Zayed up front, with Jon Busch in goal. Justin Braun returned to the bench for Indy alongside Cardona, Youla, Shaffer, Torrado, Mares and Ubiparipović.
  

That look when you are standing next to the legendary Lovel Palmer!

As mentioned in the preview, a win for Indy would have brought them back to second place in the combined standings and would erase some of the gap between themselves and Edmonton. Tampa are scrambling for points to keep up with the top four in combined standings and are struggling to stay away from the bottom in the fall championship run.

Indy Eleven played probably their best game in the last four, despite missing players and being weary from back to back games, they took the game to Tampa. It was important not to lose this game, to remain undefeated at home and look forward to a well earned break.

Unfortunately Indy Eleven once again went behind first. Tampa's PC drew a foul from Daniel Keller some thirty yards fromm the Indy goal in the center of the park. Joe Cole floated the free kick in towards Indy's right post, Falvey and the towering Antonijevic jumped for the ball but somehow wrestled each other out of contact and it fell to the boot of Justin Chavez to put the visitors in the lead in the 27th minute.

Lacroix gave a solid 90

As is often scripted Indy Eleven play some of their best football when behind and it only took around seven minutes for the boys in blue to make the score level again. A series of errors from the Tampa back line culminated in a deft flick from Zayed to Omar Gordon at close range, Omar showed great close control to retain the ball facing two defenders in the middle of the box and poked home from close range past Matt Pickens right.

Despite a goalless second half Indy Eleven at no time looked like the lesser team and continued to take the game to Tampa. In the 61st minute some great tenacity from Nicki Paterson saw him win back a lost ball deep on the left side which he floated into the head of Zayed, unfortunately Éamon's header went agonizingly wide.

As the clock wound down Indy continued to knock on Tampa's door with determination. Brad Ring lashed two shots in the remaining minutes but could not find the net. You could see it in the faces of the players just how much they wanted to win this game, and given the heavy schedule without rest you have to respect that, they never gave up.

There have been many games this season both home and away where Indy have drawn and it felt like two points dropped, but in this instance to me considering our circumstances it was a point won. Despite the scoreline it was a very good determined performance and no player can be faulted for lack of effort.
   

There were many positives to take from the game. With still two months to go in the season it was to our advantage to see Lacroix getting a start and Keller getting 90 minutes, these players need time and it's important to keep them sharp. Nicki Paterson came in from the beginning and put in a superb shift. Justin Braun returned and we saw glimpses of the attacking threat and presence he provides along side Zayed in attack.

Other results also fell in our favor, both New York Cosmos and FC Edmonton drew their games which allows us to keep in touch with the top, however Minnesota and Miami FC both won pulling the top five in the fall standings much closer together.

Current top five in the fall standings (NASL.COM)

Hopefully our boys get two days of much deserved rest and some light training this week, recovery is important and there should be no need for intensity over the coming week. We have another road game coming up in Fort Lauderdale this weekend before facing a rising and in form Miami FC at home in two weeks time. 

Both of these games we know we are capable of winning if we are sufficiently rested and play our best game. Neither game will be easy, no game will be easy from now until the end of the season, the stakes will always be higher for our opposing teams, Indy Eleven need to strike a balance between remaining competitive and also making sure we have a fit and healthy squad when the playoffs come around.

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Thanks to all who helped us raise a further $59.00 at the BYB Tailgate on Saturday for Playworks Indiana. 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.

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!