NASL 2016 Spring Championship Final Sprint! - Teams Close In On Playoff Spot!

Who will be next to stumble and drop out of the race?

By: James Cormack

For some teams only three games remain and for some four. We are nearing the eleventh hour (sorry had to go there) and each round between now and June 11/12 will likely see some teams slowly lose sight of the Spring title and others tighten their grip around it.

For one successful team winning the Spring Championship trophy means an automatic playoff spot and home field advantage, effectively allowing that team room to breath and work on their team without fear of non-qualification.

Outside of the speculative opinion below, it should be noted that every one of these teams will play a US Open Cup tie amongst their final games on June 1st. There may be injuries incurred, tired legs or even just squad rotation to rest players. Cup games can also bring extra time and penalties further increasing the physical pressure on squads. Some teams may rest players for the Open Cup, some may not.

The 2016 Spring Championship race is extremely close. There are only nine points between 1st and 10th place, it's about to get very intense, hearts will be broken every weekend for the next four weeks. Let's take a look at the teams from bottom to top.

Current NASL 2016 League Table

11. Miami F.C. - [eliminated] It's been a rough start for Alessandro Nesta and Miami, sparse crowds, very few points. They have shown a willingness to spend and bought Richie Ryan from Jacksonville for $750,000 last week, they may come good in the fall, but for now they are the first team mathematically eliminated from the Spring Championship. However, this does not mean they can't influence the ultimate outcome. Miami FC are the bye team this coming weekend.

MIA Remaining games - FC Edmonton (H) Indy Eleven (H) Minnesota Utd (A)

10. Jacksonville Armada - The new boys of 2015 not giving a good showing in their second season. Their only win this season has come against the hapless Miami FC. After gaining one other point against the Strikers they are now on three straight defeats. JAX still have four games remaining, but even if they win I don't think 16pts will be good enough to win spring, their current form definitely isn't!

JAX Remaining games - Ottawa Fury (A) Indy Eleven (H) Carolina (A) Tampa Bay (H)

9. Ottawa Fury - Ottawa could be a big spoiler in this race, but I doubt they have any chance to win Spring. Although they won't play any of the current top five teams they could put a dent in Tampa or Rayo OKC's chances of staying in the race for Spring. A draw in their next game against JAX could potentially kill both teams chances, a loss definitely will.

OTT Remaining Games - Jacksonville (H) Strikers (H) Tampa Bay (A) Rayo OKC (H)

8. Fort Lauderdale Strikers - For a while the Strikers looked to be making sure nobody else takes that bottom spot from them, a surprise win over Carolina Railhawks and a point at home against Indy Eleven has lifted them into 8th. Three of their final four games are away from home, their only remaining Florida fixture being against New York Cosmos. Safe to say they won't be in the reckoning, but they could cause problems at the top for New York and Edmonton.

FTL Remaining Games - Rayo OKC (A) Ottawa Fury (A) Cosmos (H) FC Edmonton (A)

7. Rayo OKC - Rayo have been the surprise package from the two new teams this year, two wins and two draws have them on 8 points after six games, with a game in hand over some teams they still have to be considered. A win over the Strikers next round would put them on 11, but they have a tough run in with the Cosmos and Minnesota in their final three. Still a dark horse, and definitely a team that could be a spoiler for NYC and MNU.

OKC Remaining Games - Strikers (H) Cosmos (A) Minnesota (H) Ottawa Fury (A)

6. Tampa Bay Rowdies - Tampa are at the top of an underperforming Florida pile. No team in the sunshine state appears to have got a handle on things yet. Despite a formidable roster and adding Joe Cole in a big news signing, Tampa continue to stutter after dropping two points at home to Rayo. Tampa though I think could be the the biggest upsetter in this race, they need better performances and they need points and their next two games are away to the Cosmos and Minnesota! With their final home games against Ottawa and JAX, their chances hinge on pegging back those above them, which of course could benefit themselves and others.

TBR Remaining Games - Cosmos (A) Minnesota (A) Ottawa (H) Jacksonville (A)

5. Indy Eleven - Still the only undefeated team in the NASL, but have dropped 8 pts in 4 of their 6 games, 4 of those points at home. Indy is still a work in progress but they have proven they can rise in the big games as they did by defeating New York Cosmos. Next game for Indy at home to Minnesota is pivotal for both teams. Indy really needs to win. If Minnesota wins you'd have to think that they go on and win overall if they reach 16 pts with a game in hand over others.

IND Remaining Games - Minnesota (H) Jacksonville (A) Miami FC (A) Carolina (H)

4. FC Edmonton - I am not sure why I am ever surprised by FC Edmonton, always tough and good for a positive run in at least one part of the season. A win over the Cosmos at the weekend has put them in amongst the front runners. They only have three games remaining, but they have the potential to win out on all three of them which would leave them on 20pts, which is the total New York won with in 2015.

FCE Remaining Games - Carolina Railhawks (H) Miami FC (A) Strikers (A)

3. New York Cosmos - Changed days from 2015 when the Cosmos went undefeated throughout Spring and won the first playoff spot. Three defeats now from Minnesota, Indy Eleven and Edmonton leave Cosmos on 12 pts, meaning of course they are the only team in the league to have not drawn any of their games. They have three games left, I wouldn't say they were easy, but two at home and finishing away at Ft Lauderdale, they also have the potential to win all three and finish on 21pts.

NYC Remaining Games - Tampa (H) Rayo OKC (H) Strikers (A)

2. Carolina Railhawks - After a storming start in the first round defeating Minnesota, the Railhawks won four straight games to sit atop the table. After a loss in New York they have not won since, losing at home to the Strikers and taking one point against Miami FC. The run in for them is tough, finishing up in Indianapolis, can't write them off but I wouldn't make them favorites either.

CAR Remaining Games - FC Edmonton (A) Jacksonville (H) Indy Eleven (A)

1. Minnesota United - Minnesota are definitely the in form team and probably now the favorites. After an opening game defeat they have won four and drawn one achieving top spot in the table after week seven. Their final four games are far from easy, but they should be able to get 6 to 9 points if their current run of form continues.

MNU Remaining Games - Indy Eleven (A) Tampa (H) Rayo OKC (A) Miami FC (H)

Week 8 Fixtures - May 21st to May22nd 2016 (EST)

• Indy Eleven v Minnesota United 5/21 7.30pm
• Rayo OKC v Ft Lauderdale Strikers 5/21 8.00pm
• Ottawa Fury v Jacksonville Armada 5/22 2.00pm
• FC Edmonton v Carolina Railhawks 5/22 4.00pm 
• NY Cosmos v Tampa Bay Rowdies 5/22 6.00pm

The most interesting scenario that could happen this weekend would be Indy Eleven to win, Rayo OKC to win, Edmonton and Carolina to draw and Tampa Bay to win (see table below). This would put Carolina back on top of the table but it would create a situation where there is only three points separating the top seven teams! I am not going to lie, I would actually like that, and definitely would not bet against it.

Just one possible outcome after this weeks matches - Holy Smokes!

Siniša Ubiparipović: Indy Eleven's Number 10

Siniša Ubiparipović in preseason vs IU Men's Soccer Photo: Lucas Carter

By: Aaron Gunyon

It has been a busy offseason for the Indy Eleven.  Wholesale changes have taken place all across the organization and many were needed for a team that has underachieved on the pitch since joining NASL competition in the spring of 2014.  

A new team president Jeff Belskus joined the club in January when Peter Wilt announced his intentions to join an NASL group in Chicago.  A new head coach Tim Hankinson came on-board in early December and bumped interim head coach Tim Regan back to an assistant role.  With Hankinson's arrival came the departure of many familiar players and many fan favorites who aren't likely to wear checkers for Indy anytime soon.  

The team's roster was toppled over like a Jenga game.  The players were examined, evaluated and placed back on the squad block by block.  This is a careful process and one that Head Coach Hankinson will take full responsibility for.  Indy has, by their own accounts, underestimated the level of competition in this league since the beginning and some roster choices have failed to pay dividends through two seasons. 

Gone are the rookies making their first professional appearances.  Gone is the reliance on local talent or diamonds in the rough.  Gone are the days when too many eggs are placed in one basket and gone are the days when any of that was acceptable.  

The same excuses cannot be used year in and year out and this is the year that Indy Eleven will be expected to come fully prepared.  The team has made great strides this offseason that begin with the coach and end with the players on the field.  This is the best and most complete roster the team has assembled to date.  

In my first meeting with Tim Hankinson, he described a type of player that he was looking for.  He said he was looking for a conductor on the field, he used the word maestro and it's no coincidence that Siniša Ubiparipović was announced less than 2 weeks after that conversation.  Truthfully though, Hankinson wasn't really describing the player that he was looking for.  He was describing the player he already had and he was more specific to the midfielder's qualities in the teams official press release.  

“A team’s attack is only successful if it’s based on the ability to break down a defense and create chances for strikers. Those are exactly the skills Siniša brings with him to club,” -Tim Hankinson  

Siniša Ubiparipović was Indy's first new block in this stack-em-up offseason game and he was the first puzzle piece for Hankinson's new era team.  He was billed as being the #10 by the team and the 32 year old who comes to Indy by way of Ottawa Fury FC is that middle piece the rest of the game balances on.  It's one of the things that Indy has been lacking in it's two previous seasons and it was addressed early.  It is worth noting that Ubiparipović was the 10th announced player on this new squad. 

Photo: Lucas Carter

Training camp is in full swing for this team and Indy Eleven will make every moment count as the clock keeps ticking toward April 2nd and the begining of the 2016 season.  Indy will face Tampa Bay to open the campaign but Ubiparipović has been here before so he is very calm and professional when he speaks about preseason.  

"The game in Indiana...It was a good little run around, but I don't think it was ideal.  Now we are down here in Arizona trying to take care of some business and trying to progress a little bit."

The team didn't look very strong during it's scrimmage with IU Men's soccer and everyone was aware of that elephant in the room.  Still Ubiparipović took a seasoned point of view as he explained a bit about his experiences in preseasons past.  He acknowledged that Indy "did not look amazing", but he elaborated on how important fitness is and where the value comes from in a small sided match like that.

Ubiparipović himself was coming back from a self described "knee knock" so perfect form wasn't his goal.  Preseason seems to be about more than measurable results, which is tough for anyone covering sports because we need measurables and quantifiable data to make outlandishly unfounded predictions.  We can't know that what's going on inside of an athlete's head or if they are improving...unless we ask.  

I think it's good that this team and these players maintain focus on improving.  It's a sign that Hankinson is pushing and setting goals.  The team is the most important thing here and Ubiparipović mentions additional goals a few more times during our conversation.  

"We want to make playoffs and we want to go far in the playoffs. I feel like if I set a goal for myself to be the best in every game that I can, I feel like I am giving myself a good chance."  

Ubiparipović comes to Indianapolis on the heels a great 2015 season and postseason run where he notched 5 goals and 8 assists for a team that simply forgot how to lose.  I told Ubi that Coach Hankinson said he was looking for a maestro and Ubiparipović laughed nervously and excitedly.

"I know one player they call 'Maestro' and that's Messi!" he said not wanting to take full responsibility for that comparison.  He did not seem to entertain the possibility that was even an option.  

I was told that Colin Falvey and Nicki Patterson did not carpool or share a UHaul down from Ottawa and that 3 former Fury members was sufficient to beating Ottawa in the Spring Season. Siniša Ubiparipović said he will do everything in his power to attain victories over Indy's more fortunate expansion twin.  

I asked him what it's like to be the #10.

"It means a lot. Growing up we were always told that the #10 always like the famous shirt on any team on any club...It's one of those things that everybody likes to wear, but the number doesn't play the game."

Lastly, I said "Super-cala-fragalistic".

He said, "Longest last name ever."

The interview can be found below in its entirety.  

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Experience, Versatility, and Muscle! Indy Eleven is ready to roll!

Would you pick a fight with this team?

By: James Cormack

Around 24 hours from now, Indy Eleven will kick off their first pre season scrimmage against Indiana University. The team roster currently sits at 23 after the announcement of striker Dino Williams.

The average age of the 'new look' roster is 27, which is no bad thing in my opinion. Coach Hankinson has added experience in this roster along with skill and a very physical presence.

I have now lost count of the amount of former captains or champions in this team, it is mind boggling when you look through the list of players we now have and see the depth in the squad and versatility in many of the players.

This is the most prepared Indy has been for the beginning of a campaign. We have more players together and signed at this time of year than in any other and we will play more preseason games than we did in 2014 or 2015.

Can we be forgiven for being more than a little excited? It's easy to get carried away, but on paper the roster looks very good indeed. Tim Hankinson and Tim Regan will be the key to making the pieces fit together, if that goes well I don't think any team is going to look forward to playing us this year!

Why does depth and versatility matter... ?

There are numerous players within the squad now who can play comfortably in several different positions around the field. In 2015 despite having the aim to add better depth to the squad, we didn't achieve that, especially in the defensive third and in attack.

In the 2016 roster we already have 8 defenders with ample cover for full back and center back positions. The versatility in this area is having a back like Lovel Palmer who can play at left and right back and central defensive midfield.

Nemanja Vukovic can play at center back and left back, along with Stephen Deroux this gives us two left footed options. Combine that with Shaffer who can play on both sides, Marco Franco at right full back and four centers this gives us a lot more comfort in defense than we have had before.

Dino brings the roster to 23.

In midfield we have five players who can play comfortable in a defensive midfield position. Brad Ring, Dragan Stojkov, Nicki Paterson, Gorka Larrea and Daniel Keller. Stojkov's natural position through most of his career has been CDM but he also is utilized on the right wing and at times at right back.

Going forward in attacking midfield we have Ubiparipovic, Mares, Smart, and again Dragan Stojkov. Add to that the crossover from listed forwards Justin Braun, Duke Lacroix and Dino Williams who has played in from left at Montego Bay, we have ample amount of options without being top heavy in midfield players as we were in 2015.

Considering we are likely to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation we have three strikers of similar stature who can play that target man/holding forward type role in Éamon Zayed, Wojciech Wojcik and Justin Braun. Lacroix and Williams could also be used in a support forward or central attacking midfield position if required.

In 2016 Indy Eleven will play 32 league games, add to that the potential of more than one or two USOC games and a possible post season, Indy will need every inch of the depth in this roster.

The competition for starting positions is much higher than ever before, retained players and new personnel will have raise their game, this without doubt will raise the competitiveness of the team to a new high.

The versatility within this roster gives us many options for starting lineups and formations, as well as a better ability to change tactics during a game. A perfect example would be a scenario where Lovel Palmer starts at right back and one of our defensive midfielders takes a knock, we have the option to swap like for like or we can bring on a right back and move Lovel to defensive midfield.

There are numerous different options such as that available to us, as well as being a benefit to us in-game, it can also be an advantage when it comes to picking our bench. Several times Indy tried to rest players during back to back games within a week last year and it cost us badly because our depth wasn't really as deep as we had hoped. This year I think we have already solved that problem and it will pay off as we get further into the year.

Teams will not enjoy playing against us......

I remember when Indy started out in 2014, some of the teams we came up against were physically stacked. Edmonton I remember in particular, it seemed like no player on the team was under 6ft.

Of course mere physical presence does not win you games necessarily, but it does help in this league. At times in the past we have not dealt well with more physical teams. Looking at how we line up now, I would say we could well be one of if not the most physical team in the league.

Where stature and physique can matter most in this league is in defense and in attack. The average height of all eight of our defenders is a little over 6'2" and the average of our listed forwards is just over 6'1".

The roster looks aggressive and experienced, many of the players in the team have battled for a trophy or a championship of some sort and I am sure at times have had to use brute force and skill to get there. Any team that comes onto the field looking for a physical encounter with this team will regret that decision pretty quickly.

"I want our opponents to walk away feeling like they were in the fight of their lives." ... Tim Hankson

Get ready, get hyped, get pumped! ....

Indy Eleven will begin preseason competition against Indiana University tomorrow in Bloomington. The format will be simple 9v9 indoor scrimmage and will give the coaches a chance to look at combinations of players and how they work together.

Shortly after the boys will head out to camp in Arizona where they will face Ottawa Fury FC (NASL), Arizona United (USL) and Orange County Blues (USL).

After returning to Indy the team will play a further five games against FC Cincinnati (USL), St Louis FC (USL), Louisville City FC (USL), Butler (NCAA), and University of Louisville (NCAA). Check Indy Eleven's preseason schedule for location and ticket info for open to the public games (St Louis, Butler, and U of Lou).

We are only about a month and a half away from our first NASL home game, don't be left out in the cold without a ticket for the opener, single ticket sales start this coming Monday click here for more details. You can also still sign up for 2016 season tickets here!

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

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