Regular Season Finale - Rayo OKC v Indy Eleven PREVIEW (10/30/2016)

Éamon Zayed and Juan Arango (left) could both use a hat trick this weekend.

By: James Cormack

Two particulars games this weekend mean a great deal for two of the teams involved. Three playoff spots have been confirmed, Indy Eleven will play FC Edmonton and New York Cosmos will play whichever team achieves the fourth place in the combined table. There are two teams remaining who can grab that spot, Rayo OKC who currently sit in the fourth place position in combined standings, and Minnesota United who trail them by three points.

The challenge for Rayo OKC and Minnesota is they will both face off against the top two teams in the league. Minnesota United will entertain the Cosmos at home in a game they must win and hope that Rayo OKC lose. Rayo will face Indy Eleven at home and require one point to clinch the final playoff spot.

But what do these games mean for New York and Indy Eleven if anything? The Cosmos can have a hand in deciding who they will play in the playoff semi final, as can Indy Eleven. Simply put if they don't want to play Minnesota United one week later they can work to make sure that MNU does not get three points.

Current combined standings, only Rayo OKC or Minnesota can clinch the fourth playoff spot. (nasl.com)

Indy Eleven's match in Oklahoma could be described as unimportant, unless of course you are Rayo OKC, but if you ask Éamon Zayed his opinion may be different. After scoring last weekend against Puerto Rico FC he has put himself within three goals of equalling Cristian Ramirez's current goal tally of 18. As we know Éamon did not get the nickname "Mr.Hat trick" for no reason.

Zayed is not the only player trying to catch Ramirez though, to add even more interest to this coming weekend, Juan Arango of the Cosmos also sits on 15 goals. If the Cosmos can lock out Ramirez and Arango scores a hat trick there is potential for a three way tie for the golden boot. I wonder what odds a bookmaker would give on that happening?

Of course Rayo OKC's Michel could also get in the mix by scoring four goals but we don't want to talk about that happening.

There is less pressure on Rayo OKC to actually win than there is for Minnesota, but they definitely will not want to lose. A draw would be enough to see them through to the semi final against New York. I am sure Indy Eleven would like to cap their regular season with a win, but I would rather see OKC play New York in the semi than Minnesota.

Without disrespect to the loons I think Rayo are a team that has found the key to beating the Cosmos and if they were to beat them in the semi final then Indy would for sure host the final. Rayo have drawn in New York, defeated the Cosmos 3-0 in Oklahoma then only lost once in NYC by a single goal to nil.

I think this will be a closely contested game and Indy are certainly not heading to Oklahoma to simply make up the numbers. It is certainly a game we can win but I have a feeling this game could well be a draw. Indy Eleven have faced Rayo OKC two times and have one each game away in spring and home in fall by two goals to one.

Siniša Ubiparipovič has done well to craft himself a starting spot late in the season.

The big question for Indy Eleven, or more specifically Tim Hankinson is who do we start. There are good reasons for going with your most favored starting XI as prep for a semi final against a potential playoff team.

It does however give one last opportunity to try any player who may be on the fringe of starting to see who is most likely to be your preferred subs or most likely to stand in if someone gets injured, Lacroix, Paterson, Franco, Torrado for instance.

The other concern for me is knowing that we have no real back up for central defense. Do we rest one of Janicki or Falvey and keep them on the bench? Last week Lovel Palmer went off with a head knock, the last thing we would want going into a playoff game is a lack of personnel on the back line, so it may be an option that Hankinson exercises.

Judging by the last five to six games I think the current most favored starting XI would be Busch, Palmer, Falvey, Janicki, Vukovic, Smart, Ring, Ubiparipović, Mares, Braun and Zayed. I think this is how we most likely will lineup on November 5th.

If it is Hankinson's intention to play his playoff lineup in the final game then this is how we may start. The overall fitness of Gerardo Torrado is not known. He did not appear in the roster again in the match against Puerto Rico FC, but should be available for some game minutes.

As we know our only real injury right now is Cory Miller who is out for the rest of the season. Palmer was removed from the field for fear of concussion in the last game but should be recovered enough to feature in the squad for Oklahoma.

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Éamon Zayed is an NASL Golden Ball nominee and has a chance to challenge for the NASL Golden Boot in the final match against Rayo OKC. All season long we have been raising money for Playworks Indiana childrens charity in conjunction with Éamon. We have pledges for every goal he scores, donations from tailgates and watch parties and other groups.

If you would like to help us with one final push consider donation to the #EamonZayedRule. You can read more about this initiative here, or if you are already convinced you can simply CLICK HERE TO DONATE. All donations go directly to Playworks Indiana and will help them to help kids have more fun at schools throughout the city.

Carroll Stadium, Home Of The Undefeated - Indy Eleven V Puerto Rico FC - REVIEW (10/22/2016)

Éamon Zayed knocks home Indy's second on the rebound after an initial penalty save by Spangenberg

By: James Cormack

After two years of struggling to find their way in the NASL, Indy Eleven successfully managed to achieve being undefeated at home for an entire NASL regular season. As well as that they have seen home wins against Louisville City FC and FC Pachuca the Liga MX champions. Indy Eleven are now undefeated in their last 19 home games in NASL stretching back to a 3-1 win over Minnesota United on October 17th 2015.

Despite already achieving a playoff match on Nov.5th after winning the Spring Championship, Indy Eleven are not letting off the gas with three consecutive wins including a first fall road win in Tampa last week and 9 goals.

Puerto Rico FC made their first ever visit to Indianapolis and were shown no sympathy. The two teams met in Puerto Rico's debut match on July 2nd in an aggressive encounter that ended 1-1 after Souleymane Youla rescued a point for Indy in added time.

The most important factor in this match for Indy Eleven was simply to not lose. After resting starters and making changes for the away game in Tampa the Eleven welcomed back several. Captain Colin Falvey returned at the back with Greg Janicki as did Vukovic and Lovel Palmer. Dylan Mares and Don Smart provided the width in midfield with Ring and Ubiparipović completing it behind Éamon Zayed and Justin Braun in attack. Jon Busch returned to goal.

It took a large part of the first half of the match for Indy Eleven to find the breakthrough against the visitors, and the match again proved to be a little over physical at times just like the last. The first half saw several delays including a serious concern after an over physical challenge on Jon Busch and then Lovel Palmer had to exit the match after a head knock. Puerto Rico's Oliver who made the challenge on Busch walked after a red card for another aggressive tackle in the 38th minute.

Siniša Ubiparipović provides the assist to Justin Braun to open the scoring

Shortly before Puerto Rico FC were reduced to 10 men Indy Eleven finally found the net to open the scoring. Nemanja Vukovic came close to putting Indy ahead on 27 from a dead ball but his free kick was saved and pushed onto the bar by Spangenberg. Vuko was involved in the build up to the initial goal.

Greg Janicki found Vukovic deep on the left with a pass from center, Nemanja applied great vision to thread a pass around the right back and into the 18 finding Ubiparipović who sent the ball in to the front of goal and Justin Braun mopped up with a tap in from 6 yards to put the home side ahead in the game.

It was all downhill for PRFC in the first half from this point. A goal down and a man down Puerto Rico would have been aiming to go in at the break without conceding any more, and it looked like they might achieve that until a late flurry from Indy Eleven.

In the 45th minute Don Smart was pulled down in the 18 by his shirt and drew a penalty which Zayed stepped up to take. To his credit and despite the final scoreline Trevor Spangenberg had several fine saves in the game, and he got down well to block Éamon's initial kick but the ball spilled back out and Zayed knocked home on the rebound to put Indy Eleven 2-0 in front right before the half time whistle.

As the whistle approached and the clock wound down, Dylan Mares seemed unsatisfied with the scoreline and added one of his own. With a 2-0 lead and a man advantage the match was pretty much won, Mares made sure it was dead and buried before Puerto Rico could even catch a breath.


Deep into first half added time Mares founded himself in an advanced position ahead of Justin Braun, Indy's No.20 picked up the ball in the middle of the park and found Dylan Mares just outside the D of Puerto Rico's 18 yard box. Some nifty footwork and a side step to lose the defender gave Dylan enough space to drive a shot low into the right side of Spangenberg's net.

The game was over but to their credit Puerto Rico did well to stop any further scoring in the game, with 10 men they held Indy to 0-0 in the second half. Still a convincing win for the home side and of course a win that made sure Indy Eleven would not be beaten at home in the 2016 NASL regular season. Considering our fortunes in the first two years of competitive play, there is no getting away from just how huge and achievement this is.

"Every club in the world talks about taking care of your home games first, you want the stadium, the atmosphere, the way the players feel when they walk on the field to feel like this is their fortress, they are here to defend it with everything they've got , and we hope that feeling will carry us through the semi finals and into the final."  Tim Hankinson, post match.

Indy Eleven move on to Oklahoma City to play their final regular season game next Saturday in a game that could decide who makes the final playoff spot for 2016. It's between Rayo OKC and Minnesota United who will host the leaders New York Cosmos. Rayo OKC currently have a three point lead over Minnesota.

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Éamon Zayed took his NASL goal tally to 15 after scoring against Puerto Rico and has also scored one in the US Open Cup against Louisville City FC. All season long we have been raising money for Playworks Indiana using the #EamonZayedRule. There is still time to help us raise more if you would like to make a donation per goal or any amount of donation CLICK HERE TO DONATE. If you have previously pledged an amount per goal for this year we will be sending out an email notification after the match against Rayo OKC. 

#EamonZayedRule - Playworks Day in Broad Ripple Park (8/27/2016)

This Saturday August 27th Playworks Indiana will host a fun day for people of all ages in Broad Ripple Park from 2pm - 4pm. We encourage all members of the Brickyard Battalion and all Indy Eleven supporters to come along and get to know Playworks and what they do for children in Indianapolis Schools.

If you were not aware Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation along with Indy Eleven's Éamon Zayed have been raising money for Playworks in a season long initiative to support what they do in our community. You can read more about #EamonZayedRule HERE.

The event on Saturday is free, please come along and have fun with us, bring your kids and enjoy. Donations are welcome if you would like to help us reach our target of $2000 we have set for Éamon's charity of choice. If you would like to learn more about what Playworks do for children in our Schools CLICK HERE.

If you cannot attend but would simply like to make a donation we have a secure donation page set up by Playworks Indy DONATE HERE.

You can also help by sharing this information with friends and fellow supporters and encourage people to come along and attend. We will also have "Playworks" present at the Indy Eleven Watch Party at Union Jack Pub in Broad Ripple on Sunday 28th for the 2pm game against Ottawa Fury.

If you work up a thirst and an appetite on Saturday, head on over to Union Jack pub afterwards for some great food and beer choices!

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Broad Ripple Park:  1550 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
(event at grass area in north of park, parking available at south entrance)

Five Goals for Five Years! - Indy Eleven V Jacksonville Armada (8/3/2016)

Éamon Zayed sends home his first of three goals against Armada.

By: James Cormack

The Brickyard Battalion celebrated their fifth anniversary since the initial conception of the supporters group by singing the national anthem from the West End, and the players gave the fans the perfect birthday gift by notching a goal in the game for each of those years.

Éamon Zayed scored his second hat-trick for Indy Eleven with three goals bringing his total goal tally for the club in competitive play to 12 goals, 11 of those scored in the NASL and now sits one goal behind Cristian Ramirez in the race for the golden boot.

It did not take long for Indy to further increase the managerial headache currently being suffered by Tony Meola. Just Braun ended his goal scoring drought by opening the scoring for Indy Eleven in the 13th minute with his first league goal since the 4-2 win over Minnesota United earlier in Spring. 

It took Indy Eleven on three more minutes to double their lead, Éamon Zayed gathered a perfectly weighted cross from Don Smart on Indy's right, controlled and drilled the ball home from about 16 yards out from goal. It was a well made goal, notable for the fact that Zayed actually started the move himself by robbing Jackonville's Jérôme on the half way line allowing Smart to pick up the ball.

Nemanja Vukovic nets his third goal of 2016.

Armada pulled one goal back through Alhassane Keita to give Jacksonville some hope in the 33rd minute, but those hopes faded fast as Nemanja Vukovic stepped up to score his third goal in an Indy Eleven shirt. An attack started by Don Smart on the right found the head of Zayed in the box who nodded down but Armada cleared but only to Nemanja some 25yrds out, Vukovic brought the ball down and drove a low curling shot into the right side of the Armada goal. Indy went into the break with a 3-1 lead.

Jacksonville can consider themselves a little fortunate that Indy did not break any records last night. The scoring in both halves could have been much higher. The second half saw two more goals from Indy and a consolation for Jacksonville unfortunately scored by returning captain Colin Falvey.

Zayed scored his second and third goals in the 58th and 65th minute. A ripping shot from Dylan Mares that cannoned off the post then deflected off of Justin Braun fell neatly to Zayed who poked home from close range to put Indy 4-1 up. Éamon has a knack of being in the right place at the right time, he also pounced on his third goal from close range after a ripping shot from Justin Braun was parried by Armada keeper Sean Lewis.

Indy finished up the game 5-2, a late own goal from Colin Falvey was small consolation for what was a very bad night for them. Indy don't let in too many goals and arguably the two we conceded were just unfortunate. Falvey did the right thing staying in front of the attacker in an attempt to clear the cross whipped in from Armada he just caught the ball late and it went in off his toe, outside of this Falvey was a rock at the back and as good as ever after returning from injury. Jacksonville's first goal had a little luck in it to, an attempt to press the attacker from Don Smart led to the ball deflecting off of him and into the path of Keita.

An unfortunate event late in the game saw the sending off of Greg Janicki and Alhassane Keita. Greg had been tracking Keita going towards our goal and had gained possession of the ball but Keita was pushing and pulling at Janicki's back and was promptly dumped out of the playing area by Janicki, he pretty much deserved it. Keita spent some time rolling around on the turf pretending his face was hurt for some reason, just blatant acting and a lack of professionalism. The end result was both players being red carded. The timing of the return of Colin Falvey is fortunate and we will likely see him partner Cory Miller on Saturday against Ottawa.



It was a great performance and one that we should see more often, we can play like this against any team, the fact that Jacksonville are struggling this year does not detract from how well we played.

Don Smart was a big difference maker, I have been calling for him to start for two weeks now. He gives so much to our game from the wing that we don't normally have, he had some kind of involvement in almost every attack of the game, whether making an early touch in a buildup or supplying the final pass in front of goal. Smart connected with 26 of 33 passes, had a 100% success rate on crosses and on tackles and duels. AND he got to play for 90 minutes.

Don proved against Edmonton and Miami that he can be more influential than most in a short space of time, it was fitting he was rewarded with a start and proved without doubt he can provide the same vision, intelligence and creativity across 90 minutes. His head is always up, he is always looking for the killer pass and if he has one weakness at times it might be unselfishness, there are always those one or two times you just want to see him crack a shot at goal when the opportunity presents itself.

Don Smart - Adds the quality of service Indy needs.

As well as the return of Colin Falvey who led the back line well, Jon Busch also returned and made several critical saves during the game to deny Jacksonville any further goals, not least his stop in the 2nd minute of the game to prevent Armada from opening the scoring. Jérôme unleashed a blistering shot from a free kick some 40 yards from goal which Busch parried out for a throw in. (see video below).

The overall team performance and work ethic was outstanding, our forward line was hungry and clinical, our creativity from the width was ample enough to create more than enough goal scoring chances, hopefully Indy can bring this momentum forward into the next two home games and secure another six points. The three goal deficit from this game was enough to lift Indy Eleven back into the number one spot in the fall standings.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

Éamon's 12 goals this year have now raised $402 from pledges alone. Well done Éamon! Also if you enjoy our #NASLMap catch up with @SoccerBits latest update of the standings across North America - CLICK HERE TO READ

#EamonZayedRule - Helping Children Have More Fun - Summer Update (8/2/16)

Éamon Zayed on track to be NASL's leading scorer in 2016

Earlier this year the crew at Bloody Shambles came up with the idea of giving back to our local community by way of a charitable endeavor. After an interview with Éamon Zayed before the season began we decided to encourage people to donate money for every goal that Zayed scores for Indy Eleven for the 2016 season.

The #EamonZayedRule was originally created by a foreign government to control and restrict Zayed's eligibility status for soccer clubs within that country. 

"The rule was initially brought out to wrongfully prevent me from playing the game I love and nobody , especially kids should ever be prevented from playing and enjoying themselves!" -Éamon Zayed

We are taking back the #EamonZayedRule and making Indiana a better place in the process by partnering with Playworks Indiana and donating. Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation Podcast have joined forces to try and raise $2000 for Playworks Indiana by the end of the 2016 season.

Éamon has scored twelve goals in competitive play at the time of writing (8/4/2016), eleven goals in the NASL and one goal in the US Open Cup. At the moment we have $33.50 in pledges per goal so Éamon has earned the cause about $402 so far.

Playworks - Bringing the Power of Play to local Schools.

We have been collecting donations online through our DONATION PAGE and also at BYB tailgates and watch parties at Chatham Tap in Fishers and Union Jack Pub in Broad Ripple. The total raised in donations so far is $544.

Permanent Relegation's Game of Kings II Euchre Tournament raised a staggering $912 for the cause putting our total for the moment outside of pledges at $1436! If all pledges are honored we will have raised $1858 to date!

How can you help... ?

If you see them feed them, $1 helps, 50c helps, bring your penny collection that's gathering dust!

• Watch out for donation buckets at BYB tailgates and watch parties at Union Jack Pub or Chatham Tap in Fishers
• Sign up and pledge an amount per Éamon Zayed goal for 2016 and pay at the end of the season (see form posted below)
• Make a donation online at our safe and secure custom Playworks fundraising page, all donations go directly to Playworks Indiana. CLICK HERE TO DONATE
• Encourage a collection of your own, in your workplace, in a social group or even at an Indy Eleven watch party of your own
• Spread The Word, share this cause on social media and use the hashtag #EamonZayedRule

If you would like to make a pledge per goal, use this form to sign up, we will send periodic emails with updates on Éamons goalscoring progress and our fundraising progress.

Turn Up The Heat - Indy Returns to Florida - Miami FC V Indy Eleven PREVIEW (6/4/2016)

Indy Heads South for Final Road Game of Spring 2016

By: James Cormack

This weekend for supporters of NASL teams around the country will likely be the most nerve wracking of the season so far. There is a lot on the line, six teams are still competing for the Spring Championship which brings with it an early berth in the post season playoffs.

As I have mentioned previously in our Spring Championship article, the game to watch this weekend for everyone will also be in Florida. The Cosmos travel to Fort Lauderdale with one task in mind, win against the Strikers and win Spring, and of course the Strikers have to win to stay in the race, a draw for them means failure but gives a lifeline to Indy Eleven, a loss for the Strikers means the Spring Championship will be awarded to New York for the second year running around 9pm on Saturday night.

Despite all the scenarios and different things that can happen it all boils down to one thing, Indy Eleven really need just win this game and forget what else is happening. The only way a draw will keep us in it is if the Cosmos lose, then we would have to hope that we can run riot on Carolina in the final game and score plenty of goals to make up the difference on the leaders. 

Setting New York aside Indy Eleven are the only team that can finish on 20pts by winning out. If we win in Miami and Cosmos lose or draw then our destiny is back in our own hands in the final game of the season on June 11th.

We still remain the only unbeaten side in the NASL and our midweek heroics in the US Open Cup have put us on a streak of nine games without a loss. Indy are continuing to prove despite a catalog of injuries and illnesses that they can dig things out, and once again on Wednesday night we showed that we simply will not give up on anything.

No game is ever going to be easy this year...

Make no mistake, with the split season format every game is important for every team. Despite being the first team eliminated from winning the Spring title, Miami FC have to set their sites on improving their points haul for the long term. 

They have won 4 points in their last two games. They have added Richie Ryan and Michael Lahoud since their last defeat, both have gone straight into the starting lineup. Last weekend they took their first NASL win and proved they can be spoilers by defeating FC Edmonton and ending their hopes of a Spring success. In the previous week they held Carolina to a 0-0 draw, so Miami have not conceded since strengthening their roster.

That win over Edmonton lifted them off the bottom of the table and above Jacksonville Armada, Miami have the potential to win out and end Spring on 12pts which is a good enough base to build on for combined season points.

Like most NASL teams Miami played in the US Open Cup on Wednesday night, making their debut. They fielded a strong starting lineup including former Indy Eleven players Blake Smith and Dane Richards, but they fell short and lost to Wilmington Hammerheads. Wilmington sit 11th of 14 teams in the same USL conference as Louisville City FC and in the two games they played against LCFC last year they lost 3-1 and 3-0.

It will be tough for any team coming off a midweek game, Miami have a little advantage with not having to travel and can rest up a little longer and do a little more training than Indy Eleven can. They will no doubt do everything they can to win this game in front of the home crowd.

How are things for Indy, will we have enough players... ?

Duke Lacroix looking to start again.

Indy Eleven's roster is being tested without doubt, in the midweek win over Louisville our bench was sparse, we had 16 players to choose from and one or two of those probably would not have been risked anyway. The question is will we have a full bench in Miami and will any players return this week.

Greg Janicki could make a return after his facial fracture, hopefully wearing a pretty evil face mask and Colin Falvey should be good to start after a midweek rest. Lovel Palmer will be out for a while but this gets us back closer to our starting back four.

We know Nicki Paterson will be available for league duty, he served a suspension in the Open Cup. Siniša Ubiparipović could also make a return but most probably as a bench player for this game.

As ever I will hazard a guess at the starting lineup being as strong as we can get it, Indy need to go for the result in this game and use the next week to get as many players as fresh as possible for the home finale!

Starting XI: Busch, Franco, Falvey (c), Janicki, Vukovic, Gordon, Paterson, Mares, Lacroix, Braun, Zayed

Bench from: Cardona, Larrea, Miller, Ubiparipović, Keller, Shaffer, Smart, Reinoso (all may travel one will not suit up)

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Schlabst Cup T-Shirt

Other news........

If you need more live action from your Boys in Blue don't forget that Indy Eleven NPSL plays back to back games this weekend and both are hugely important. Indy plays Friday at 7pm against Erie Commodores and 7pm on Saturday against AFC Cleveland. Entry is $5 per person without a season ticket. Season ticket scarves are still available to buy at the games. Both ties will be played at the Championship Field, Grand Park, Westfield.

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.

As Part of that cause and thanks to the Brickyard Battalion a special t-shirt has been issued to commemorate the US Open Cup tie between Chicago Fire and Indy Eleven on June 15th. The Schlabst Cup is a supporters trophy created in honor of Peter Wilt, and is awarded to the supporters of the winning team in any tie between Fire and Eleven. 

All proceeds from the sale of this shirt will go to the winning teams supporters charity of choice. The BYB has elected to donate the proceeds to the #EamonZayedRule initiative. If we don't win Chicago Fire Supporters, Section 8, will donate to The LampStrong Foundation, a charity for cancer patients founded by Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson. If we win we are helping people, if we lose we are still helping people! Follow the link below for more info and a better look at the t-shirt design. 

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER YOUR SCHLABST CUP T-SHIRT

Time to Exorcize Some Demons in Florida - FTL Strikers V Indy Eleven Preview (5/14/2016)

It was a long and difficult night for Indy in Ft. Lauderdale last time out.

By: James Cormack

The last time Indy Eleven traveled to Fort Lauderdale it was a night all supporters would love to forget. As it was we suffered the biggest defeat in our history and came very close to supplying the NASL with a record breaking game score.

Allowing seven goals against the Strikers in August of 2015 was painful, defeating them in the return game in October by 2-1 was small consolation for an already failed season in which that eight goal game typified the inconsistency and unpredictability of our 2015 team.

Much has changed for both teams. Indy Eleven are on an unbeaten run of five games, sit three points from the top, and have already proven they can win on the road. Up until last weekend the Strikers had taken only two points from four games, with draws against the bottom two side Miami FC and Jacksonville Armada.

Just as it looked like Fort Lauderdale were going to be everyone's whipping boys, they pulled off a surprise win in North Carolina against the league leading Railhawks. A result which was also very useful to Indy Eleven as they dropped two points at home to FC Edmonton.

Before the match against Rayo OKC I felt that Indy could get 7 to 9 points from their next three games, I still think this is possible. Despite an upturn in the fortunes for the Strikers they can still be beaten. Indy will be disappointed at not taking a win last weekend and will be looking to make amends.

"Our team is better than yours!"

"We dropped the baton tonight in not getting three points, but we're still undefeated. On to the next!" - Lovel Palmer

As Lovel Palmer is always reminding us and the rest of the teams in the league, our team is better than yours. Pretty sure he means it and the team bonded well in a short space of time, we are going to need that belief in the push for the Spring Championship.

A win in Florida would put Indy Eleven on 12 points, with four games remaining after that, two of them at home to teams above us with Minnesota and Carolina and two away to the bottom two sides of Jacksonville and Miami, you'd have to believe we can top this table after ten games.

The run in for the Spring Championship will also include a Wednesday night Open Cup game against either Detroit City FC or Louisville City FC, this match will fall in between two trips to Florida to face Jacksonville and Miami.

Although this is a much changed team it should be noted that to date Indy Eleven has only ever won one game in Florida in the NASL and that was against the Strikers. Three draws in Tampa, one win and two losses in Ft Lauderdale and a draw and a loss in Jacksonville (1-4-3). This is also a good time for another Indy Eleven 'first', if they don't lose this game it will be the longest undefeated streak within a single season.

It's tough to tell how we will start, but it is a road game and like we did in Oklahoma I think we need to pressure and strike as early as we can. Coach Hankinson mentioned the problems we have in the final third and our lack of goals, if we start the same will will it make any difference?

Indy will be without the services of Brad Ring for this game so we will see changes in the middle of the field. Gorka Larrea is unlikely to be fit enough to start a game so it is likely Dylan Mares will start, but will he start in the middle?

Call it a gut instinct but I think Dylan will start on the right of midfield with Paterson to the inside, Omar Gordon may be switched to the left and Ubiparipović moved inside. Other option would be starting Duke Lacroix on left, probably won't happen but I have a feeling Vukovic and Gordon may not work well together.

Outside of Busch in goal and our regular starting back four I think Zayed and Reinoso will start up front and Indy will look to take the game to Ft. Lauderdale early. On the bench I think we will see Cardona, Keller, Franco, Larrea, Braun, Wojcik and either Lacroix or Gordon.

We shall see? All we know is we want three. Indy Eleven can do this, and if they do it will be a huge three in terms of winning the Spring Championship! 

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Don't forget to help Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation raise 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!

Thanks to donations so far from Union Jack and Tailgates we stand at $186 on the target, this does not include season long pledges or the Blue Bucket donations from Chatham Tap yet.

Indy Eleven dominated the #NASLmap last week, keep tweeting about @IndyEleven #IndyEleven wherever you may be, protect our territories and win new ones! Watch out for a map update on Monday!

Indy Fall Short of Three Against FC Edmonton - Indy Eleven v FC Edmonton Review (05/07/16)

Greg Janicki celebrates the opening goal for Indy Eleven

By: James Cormack

Indy Eleven did not get the three points they were looking for, but remain undefeated in the NASL after five games. Results around the league including a draw for Minnesota in Ottawa and a surprise defeat for Carolina at home means the Boys in Blue can consider themselves somewhat fortunate.

There are now only three points between Indy Eleven and the top of the table. With a game in hand over Carolina Railhawks and New York Cosmos and home games remaining against Minnesota and the Railhawks, Indy still has a strong hand in the race for the Spring Championship.

Obviously, hoping for surprises and help from other games and teams is never something we want to rely on, Indy Eleven needs to find their killer instinct, we are lacking goals up front and so far have dropped four points at home against teams we should be able to beat. As the season wears on, there is going to come a point later in the year where dropping two at home will be much more damaging.

Indy took the lead in this match in the 22nd minute, a free kick floated in from the left by Nicki Paterson took a bounce in the area and Greg Janicki caught on to it and managed to back heel it into the net while Matt VanOekel could only look on. It was important for Indy Eleven to get the first goal and settle the game, but their lead would not last long.




In the 37th minute of the first half Sainey Nyassi lobbed in a ball to the pocket between Janicki and Falvey and Jake Keegan was on hand to nod the ball past Busch and tie the game. Poor marking and a failure to stay goal side of the attacker by Janicki allowed FC Edmonton to square things up.

A goalless second half meant that Indy Eleven would only take one point from the tie and the game ended 1-1. Their would be no late heroics this week, Indy failed to capitalize on too many chances during both halves in this game, our service and finishing definitely needs some work.

With fourteen shots in the game and only three on target and one converted, our attack definitely is not close to it's full potential at the moment. Coach Hankinson intimated in his post match interview that the team is still very much a work in progress.

"I think we have the ingredients, I think we have the tools to win a championship, but we are a long way from setting expectations for that" - Tim Hankinson

Hankinson also confirmed the most work needed is in the final third, we need to be more clinical and finishing needs to improved from our strikers. I have to agree, when we can get the productivity we need from from our attack we can let these odd goals in and not have to worry about them as much. We need to kill games and we had opportunities to do so in the first half of this game.

We're five games in and we are still undefeated, there will be surprises in our games as in all games as we saw this weekend, nobody would have called the demolition of Carolina in their own stadium by the team at the bottom of the league. Once Indy Eleven can get all of their players fully fit and on the same page they will be more able to control their own destiny. Having Lady Luck on your side also helps.

We may continue to see a few changes in the starting line up each week until we get this figured out. Next week we travel to Fort Lauderdale who will probably as high as we were after beating the Cosmos, no game will be easy but as far as Spring Championship aspirations go, points on the road are very important now.

Caleb Ramp's Take:

Saturday night was summarized in a single moment when Edmonton’s Matt VanOekel – one of the league’s better goalkeepers – went unpunished for a rare mental error. 

Only minutes after Greg Janicki opened the scoring from a Nicki Paterson free kick, Eamon Zayed pressured Edmonton centerback Pape Diakite into playing the ball back to his keeper for what should have been a routine clearance. VanOekel, with Zayed quickly closing, made an errant pass directly to Justin Braun at the top of the 18-yard box.

Justin was in on goal with an unmarked Zayed (being played onside by Diakite) on his left. No Edmonton defender was in position to make a play. At this moment, a 2-0 scoreline in the 24th minute should have been a foregone conclusion. A simple square ball to Eamon and the Irishman side-foots the ball into an empty net from inside 12 yards. Instead, Braun tried to beat the keeper himself, and failed – an indication of how the rest of the game would play out for Indy.

Saturday night was one of missed opportunities. Favorable results around the league would have allowed the Eleven to move within a point of the league leaders (and with a game in hand), but the knockout blow against a physical, resolute Edmonton squad simply wasn’t there. Chance after chance went unrealized, and the team failed their first test as favorites against a pragmatic and defensively-focused side.

There are positives, however: Omar Gordon continues to impress, as does Jair Reinoso. Despite the disappointment of dropping points at home, week six was still a net positive for the unbeaten Eleven: Results around the league moved them one point closer to the top of the table. 

The Eleven are undefeated but imperfect. Tim Hankinson is dissatisfied but undeterred. A title challenge is there to be had, but there's still plenty of work to be done.

A resurgent Fort Lauderdale awaits.

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Don't forget to help Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation raise 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!

The Indy Eleven NPSL season starts next Wednesday at Grand Park when the Boys In Blue.2 take on Cincinnati Dutch Lions in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Find out more here and how you can buy season tickets for the NPSL season which begins on May 14th.

Indy Eleven dominated the #NASLmap last week, keep tweeting about @IndyEleven #IndyEleven wherever you may be, protect our territories and win new ones! Watch out for a map update on Monday!

The Indy Eleven Wagon Train Heads West! - Rayo OKC v Indy Eleven Preview (4/30/16)

Soccer team land rush in Oklahoma!

By: James Cormack

The NASL turned a few heads, and a few more were scratched when they announced expansion into Oklahoma City with Rayo OKC.

In 2015 the USL's Energy OKC made their debut and did very well, and were one of the leagues leaders in attendance and season ticket holders.

In November of 2015 the league announced that Rayo OKC would be the next franchise in the league and would begin play in spring of 2016, giving the new club only around six months to build a team and a fan base.

There were many skeptics about this expansion and whether there was room for two clubs in Oklahoma City, myself included. Does this make Energy OKC the Sooners and Rayo the Boomers?

Rayo OKC signed former Scorpions coach Alen Marcina who has since then assembled a pretty impressive roster. The owners have sunk a lot of money into the team and local publicity so it remains to be seen which team will survive the soccer land rush in OKC. Hopefully for the sake of supporters both thrive.

Rayo have already had their bye week and so far in their first three games sit one point behind Indy Eleven. Last weekend Rayo won the class of 2016 battle, defeating Miami FC by three goals to two in Florida on their first road trip. They had previously drawn Edmonton at home 0-0 and lost 3-2 to league leaders Carolina Railhawks.

Indy Eleven have hit their bye week at a good time, when you can defeat the Cosmos and get a couple weeks off it's always a good time. The off weak gives Indy a chance to get all of their players back in shape.

All players are training and available for selection. It will be interesting to see how coach Hankinson picks the bench for this game, with Ubiparipović and Larrea fit enough to play, Reinoso returned and a match fit Omar Gordon in town.

After the success against the Cosmos it is probable that we will see the same starting lineup again. If Indy Eleven can play with the same aggression and determination as they did in their last game, a result here is very achievable.

Rayo OKC are thin on defenders and have conceded five goals in their last two games. Indy Eleven have conceded two goals for the season, one penalty and one goal in open play. Former Indy Eleven stopper Erick Norales has not been available for Rayo at all this season.

Futty Danso, Rauwshan McKenzie and Kosuke Kimura have been regulars in the back line with either Michel or Jarad Van Schaik at left back (both listed as midfielders but it's as clear as mud), #4 Juanan appears to be the only available back up. I would imagine Marcina will be addressing the issue of goals conceded, hopefully they won't find the answer to their leak before Saturday night.

Rayo's new turf surface may look similar to Indy's but it won't be entirely the same. The new turf surface was laid on top of an older turf surface so it probably will be a little softer and more forgiving and probably take some of the bounce out of the ball, passing on the surface should be of a similar pace to home... fast and furious!

A win for Indy is certainly there for the taking if we show patience, provide enough scoring opportunities and stay strong to the final minutes as we have done in all games so far. Coming away from Oklahoma City without being defeated is highly likely but Indy should not settle for a point in any game now. Each gained point helps in the grander scheme of things.

Good luck to the traveling support from the Brickyard Battalion and Slaughterhouse-19, the weather forecast for game day is very good, 73 sunny and clear with a chance of weak beer in the Stadium. Have fun and be loud!

Caleb Ramp's Thoughts:

Through the first three games, Indy's defense has lived up to even our heightened preseason expectations. Rayo OKC, however -- boasting tremendous attacking talent and a potential matchup nightmare -- will be the biggest test for the defense to date.

The Eleven looked their most vulnerable (and conceded their only open play goal) against the 4-3-3 of Ottawa Fury (a goal which remains the Canadian side's only of the season). Ottawa repeatedly found success behind the Indy fullbacks with early balls over the top and longer passes played into space.  Expect Marcina to instruct his men to exploit this weakness, and Rayo's forward trio -- Robbie Findley, Billy Forbes, and Richard Menjivar -- is as lethal in space as any in the league.

It will take excellent spatial discipline and coordination between the back four and defensive midfield for Hankinson's squad to keep a clean sheet on Saturday. The good news? They may not need to.

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For the whole of NASL 2016 Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation have teamed up along with Indy Eleven striker Éamon Zayed to raise money for Playworks Indiana. We will be donating money for every single goal Éamon scores this year, including the two he has already. Please join us and support this cause. For full details and how to either sign up and pledge or just make a one time donation - please read the following blog! Please share this for us and use the hashtag #EamonZayedRule

Help Bloody Shambles and Permanent Relegation raise money for Playworks Indiana with the #EamonZayedRule

The Bloody Shambles Soccer Show and Permanent Relegation Podcast have combined forces to raise money for Playworks Indiana over the course of the 2016 North American Soccer League season. We want you to help us!

We are going to donate a cash amount to Playworks Indiana for every goal that Indy Eleven Striker Éamon Zayed scores this year, we encourage you to join in the fun and do the same. You can pledge any amount you want from $1 or you can just choose to make a one time donation to this cause.

Together we want to raise $2000 for this cause, and if we hit that before the end of the season we will raise the bar!

Why donate to Playworks?

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children's physical and emotional health. They create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills.

Playworks partners with schools, districts and after school programs to provide a service or mix of services including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

Playworks Mission: To improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

Playworks vision: One day every child in America will get to play - every day.

Who is Éamon Zayed and why does he get his own rule?

Éamon Zayed is a very highly rated striker who is now playing for our local professional soccer club Indy Eleven. He has been around the world as a pro and everywhere he goes he scores goals.

The #EamonZayedRule was originally created by a foreign government to control and restrict Zayed's ability to 'play' and his eligibility status for soccer teams within that country.

Fear no Foe! - Indy Eleven V New York Cosmos Review (4/16/16)

"We are a close-knit team. We don't give up. We just wanted to win. We are sick and tired of draws." - Éamon Zayed

By: James Cormack

Last weekend after Indy managed to fight back and take a point in the game against Ottawa, when asked about the upcoming game against the Cosmos, Tim Hankinson said "You have to beat the best to be the best."

Indy Eleven did exactly that last night and once again pulled out a miraculous second half comeback to become the first team of these two to ever defeat the other after a run of six draws in as many games since Indy first kicked a ball in 2014.

Many of us wondered how Hankinson would line up his team this week after two games without a win and Siniša Ubiparipović unavailable for selection. Would Mares be a straight swap? Would Braun get a more central role? Would we stick with the same formation?

Coach may have surprised everyone including Cosmos coach Savarese by playing a flat 4-4-2 and pairing Justin Braun in front with Zayed, pulling Paterson and Ring up into the center and starting Dylan Mares in the wide right position.

Not a lot of surprises in the Cosmos lineup other than a slight re-jig of formation and starting goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer being out on compassionate leave for the birth of a child. Kyle Zobeck deputized in goal.

The change in approach from Indy Eleven worked well. We were more aggressive and direct, we pressed we hustled and we gave our opposition less time on the ball than we have in any other game so far. We made it harder for them to come out of their own half.

The first half was goalless and either side only really had one shot on target, but the biggest thing I noted while re-watching the game we had more crosses from wide right and left in the first half than we did in the entire Ottawa game last week, add four corners to that and you have a good indication of how the change this week was being effective.

It was the second half that would cause the most excitement. Indy Eleven supporter's hearts were broken first. New York's Sebastián Guenzatti was taken down by Greg Janicki in front of goal in an attempt to clear, Niko Kranjcar slotted home for his first Cosmos goal.

Indy Eleven never gave up at any moment in the half, they continued to press the Cosmos and in the 89th minute it would be Janicki involved in the thick of things at the other end of the field, who drew Indy a penalty after he was pushed inside the box during a corner kick.

Éamon Zayed stepped up and scored his first Indy Eleven goal from the spot. I am sure at this point, after the wild celebrations had subsided, many were thinking the same as me, her comes another Indy V Cosmos draw.

Our team had other ideas and in the last minute of stoppage time a flick from the edge of the area to Dylan Mares led to a shot which was spilled by Kyle Zobeck and Zayed was there again to score his second goal of the season and send the Brickyard Battalion into orbit, and they probably are still trying to come back down to earth?

"I've been coaching at a pretty high level for 36 years now. This was the best night of my soccer life, beating the Cosmos in front of these fans! It was fantastic." - Tim Hankinson.

On review of not just this game, but the three we have played so far in NASL, the most important thoughts I come away with are

• We have a coach that is studious and knowledgeable, he is not afraid to change things for any particular game 'or' during any particular game to not only make sure we don't lose but also to achieve a win.
• We have a group of players who are never going to give up at any point in any game, something I also noticed during preseason even in matches with bad results. They believe in each other and what they are trying to do and is becoming more evident.
• We defeated a team who just won the Soccer Bowl and have started the 2016 campaign with two straight wins and without conceding a goal. This is huge, and a huge lift for everyone. Cosmos went undefeated last spring, they can't this year.

"People tell us the Cosmos are the best team in the League. But I believe we are equal to them....I think we can win the spring season, I think we can go unbeaten in the first ten games....that's the aim." - Éamon Zayed

The team and the supporters can bask in their glory for a couple of weeks. Indy have their bye week next weekend and return to action against Rayo OKC on the 30th of April, our next chance to cheer them on at Carroll Stadium will be against FC Edmonton on May 7th.

Keep an eye on the big tie next weekend as the two teams directly above us in the table, Minnesota United and New York Cosmos play off against each other. Hopefully it's a draw!

"I try to keep defenders guessing. Move around
a lot...Obviously playing up top is the position
I've played most in my career. I'm kind of a
little more comfortable there." - Justin Braun

Caleb Ramp's Key Points:

Justin Braun: I’ve been one of Justin Braun’s bigger critics through preseason and the first two games. He impressed me on Saturday. Hankinson’s switch to the 4-4-2 revealed a player with much more confidence, a player much more comfortable in his role, and a player with an endless motor who will contribute all over the pitch. Braun beat the Cosmos back line on several occasions, including a disallowed goal, and a 92nd minute header from a quick counter attack which sailed just wide. His hold-up play throughout the match was tremendous, and Zayed’s ultimate game-winning rebound tap-in would not have been possible without an absolutely superb flick which played Dylan Mares in on goal. He and Zayed can be a deadly pairing in the future.

Resilience: A buzzword we used after the Ottawa game, but it’s worth repeating here. In a span of less than thirty seconds, Indy went from having a go-ahead goal disallowed on a debatable offside call, to conceding a penalty at the other end. A goal ahead to a goal behind in a blink of an eye. Frustration only grew when a second controversial offside call stopped Braun in his tracks, after what appeared to be a beautifully-timed pass from Zayed played him through the Cosmos back line.

Most teams collapse in that scenario, especially against a team of the Cosmos’ quality. If we’re honest, few of us would have blamed them if they had.

Instead, this squad once again showcased the experience and quality which was so highly touted heading into 2016. They were the better side from the opening whistle, and they didn’t allow a few moments of adversity to change that. They maintained pressure until it was the Cosmos—the reigning NASL champions—who cracked.

Cohesion: This team plays for the badge. They play for the fans. They play for each other. Holding up Jair Reinoso’s jersey after the equalizing goal—Jair having missed this game due to health concerns within his family—was an extremely classy move. Before the season started, Hankinson discussed the importance of instilling a warrior culture: an environment where the players all act as a single family unit and always have each other’s backs. It appears as if Tim is well on his way to accomplishing that here in Indy.

Leadership among the players is also an important part of building and maintaining this type philosophy in the locker room. Hankinson on captain Colin Falvey’s pregame talk to the team: “[Falvey] stood there and really got into the guys, and let them know that the Cosmos may have a great history, but it’s just another team. Don’t be in awe, and let’s just get after them and stay after them, and just outwork them and outplay them in every part of the game. It was very inspiring.”

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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@bloodyshambles.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.