Challenging Braun and Zayed key for Indy Eleven in 2017

Braun lived up to his last name by providing support for Zayed

By Brian Cook
It goes without saying 2016 was an unbelievable year for Indy Eleven fans. No one truly foresaw Tim Hankinson's first season as head coach for Indy Eleven to be as success as it was. The club's first silverware and first championship game brought fans out from everywhere and the quality of the on-field action was at an all time high thanks to the strike partnership of Eamon Zayed and Justin Braun.

The successful pairing of Eamon Zayed and Justin Braun came from the shift in formations from the first three games. Zayed struggled to connect with the three attacking midfielders in the 4-2-3-1 that the club was playing and as a result Braun moved in next to Zayed and acted as a connecter for the midfield and attacking side.

As a result of the pairing Indy saw it's best season from forwards since their inception. Zayed finished with a club record 15 goals for Indy Eleven as well as 6 assists and Braun finished with 8 goals and 5 assists. Combining for one and two on the goal sheet these two led the change for Indy Eleven in 2016.

And while all of that in a nutshell feels good and looks even better when you look back on 2016 the later parts of the season saw Zayed and Braun look tired and straining for chances. With 2017 the goal for the forwards should be simple:

Consistency and being challenged

While both Braun and Zayed brought considerable power and the obvious goals to the table in 2016 we saw towards the middle to late parts of the season and even in the playoffs that frustration and tired legs set in. Both were things that are unavoidable from a player but from the building of a team can be addressed.

Even if it weren't the case, when both were healthy Braun and Zayed were the strongest forwards the club had in 2016. It never felt like you'd see Duke Lacroix or Souleymane Youla or anyone else get slotted in there because even on their bad days Eamon Zayed and Justin Braun were your strongest strike force. Which was both good and bad when it came to Braun's injury.

Zayed provided a new level of attack in 2016

Both are the only two returning forwards from 2016, and while they filled in with every line of production inside the penalty area, it felt as the season went on Zayed more than Braun got tired, frustrated, and forced a lot of his moves. Both players felt like they struggled the later things went on and often times were the reason for goals going wide.

Obviously to require constant goal scoring is unrealistic and unmanageable by any player. Even the Messi's of the world don't score everyday. That being said, the reason was the lack of tangible depth and rotation in that position. Zayed started all but one game and Braun, who was out for a short time with injury, would have probably done the same. And while Omar Gordon brought speed and Youla brought experience, it just felt like when Braun and Zayed weren't together it was a weaker attacking threat.

Hankinson seems to thrive on position contests. He wants players to know their spot isn't secure week-to-week and if people show up one week and aren't there mentally the next they won't make that starting lineup. Zayed and Braun were the best pair last season for the Eleven but it felt like their run later in the season was forced because they didn't really have much in the way of options outside of those two.

No crystal ball would be able to tell you who could do that. I'm sure Gordon, Lacroix, and Youla were brought in to fill that void but the goal for the rest of this roster building process and preseason for 2017 should be to find one person or even two who can challenge Braun and Zayed to both better their play as the season goes on and also to fill in if those periods of struggle set in. 

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.

Win Before You Forget How to - Indy Eleven V Tampa Bay Rowdies PREVIEW (9/3/2016)

Will Falvey and Vukovic play in the middle of the back line, or will Janicki return?

By: James Cormack

It's been a tough couple of weeks for Indy, playing three away games in 11 days against Carolina, Ottawa and New York, and gaining only 1 point in three along the way.

There is never really an easy time to play the Cosmos in New York, but this was possibly the worst timing for Indy considering time and travel and facing a Cosmos side in blistering form currently.

Indy started brightly but before long in the game the Cosmos had managed to make their mark, first with a goal through Ruben Bover on 8 minutes and then doubled their lead through an Arango penalty on 17 after a fould on Daniel Szetela by Nemanja Vukovic.

Indy managed to do enough to limit the score line for the rest of the first half. Things went from bad to worse in the 53' minute when Indy Eleven again conceded a penalty, this time Cory Miller fouling David Diosa, fortunately for Indy Arango missed the kick, but as a result of the foul Cory Miller was shown red and will be suspended for this Saturday's game.

Arango would later make up for his penalty miss by scoring again for New York in the 73rd minute with a bullet header inside the box, that would be the last goal of the game and Indy Eleven went down 3-0 on the night. It was a poor goal to give up by a very tired defense.


Arango also no adds pressure to the race for the Golden boot as his two goals helped him to creep up on Zayed and Ramirez, Juan Arango now has 11 goals, one behind Éamon Zayed and two behind Cristian Ramirez.

Tampa comes to Indianapolis...

With very little rest Indy will now face the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Carroll Stadium. Indy Eleven opened their 2016 NASL campaign in Tampa, the two teams were deadlocked in a 0-0 draw in the opening weekend.

Tampa are currently the worst form team in terms of road games, with five played and five straight defeats away to Carolina, Rayo OKC, Ottawa, New York and Minnesota United. Despite not yet having a road win in fall they did manage to put up 2 goals against the Cosmos in a 3-2 defeat which for a spell they led 2-0. They need to improve, and Indy need to get back to winning.

The Rowdies are not in a good situation as far as fall standings god, with only 11 pts so far they find themselves already 14 pts back from the leaders New York. The combined standings may be there bet for a play off position and they are currently in fifth place, six points back from Minnesota.

Despite having a full week of preparation for their trip to Indianapolis, Tampa's training schedule was disrupted by Hurricane Hermine enough to make Thursday an off day for the team. They will still be much more rested and this will be a tough game for Indy Eleven.

The importance of a win for both sides could put quite an edge on this game. Tampa run the risk of being bottom of the fall table should they lose and other results do not work in their favor. For Indy Eleven they run the risk of adding a home defeat or draw to an already poor run of games.

With FC Edmonton drawing in Ottawa on Friday night Indy can move back to second in the combined standings on goal difference and also close the gap to a point behind the Eddies in the fall standings.

Indy will have to deal with the attacking threat of Joe Cole, the English attacking midfielder has now scored 6 of his teams last 11 goals. Indy have looked sluggish in defense lately and with the potential of injury as well our back line is going to have to be tough in this game, and very much switched on.

Indy may have to juggle at the back...

Duke still not being played, does coach not like him?

Indy Eleven will be without Cory Miller through suspension. Greg Janicki who sat out the Cosmos game after playing through injury against Ottawa is recovering from plantar fasciitis and remains a question mark for Saturday. Marco Franco and Justin Braun were in training on Friday but it is still unknown if they are ready to start, it is likely they will be included.

If Greg Janicki is not available for selection it poses problems for Indy with Colin Falvey the only regular center back available. There are options if Franco can start we may see either Franco and Palmer in the full back positions with Vukovic and Falvey at center back or we could move Palmer in to right center alongside Falvey with Franco on the right and Vuko remaining at left back.

Otherwise Indy will have all other players available for selection. In the last two games against Ottawa and New York, the Eleven have only scored one goal from five shots on target in 180 minutes, four of which came in New York but could not produce a goal. Indy need to start finding the net again and it will be interesting to see if Braun is brought back in on Saturday or whether Hankinson tries a different combination up top.

In the game against New York some of the substitutions really made no sense, we need to be more logical with our team selection this week. I was correct in calling for Reinoso to be in the squad for NYC but both Lacroix and Reinoso should have got time. Omar Gordon has not shown enough evidence for me that should have got preference in coming on the field first.

The team is tired and some of these players that Hankinson has not been giving time to need to get on the field in this game and allow a few to get some rest at least from the start of the match.

Starting XI without Janicki: Busch, Franco, Palmer, Falvey, Vukovic, Smart, Paterson, Ring, Lacroix, Reinoso, Zayed.

Starting XI with Janicki: Busch, Franco, Falvey, Janicki, Vukovic, Smart, Paterson, Ring, Lacroix, Reinoso, Zayed.

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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.

On The Road Again Pt.2 - Recap/Preview - New York Cosmos V Indy Eleven (8/31/2016)

Should Duke be seeing more time on the field? Yes he should!

By: James Cormack

With a chance to make good on road points against Ottawa on Sunday, Indy Eleven struggled to gain one, and again came from behind to save themselves from defeat against the Fury as we did in Spring. It was the second of three consecutive road games and one that Indy really needed to capitalize on after losing all three in Carolina.

The starting lineup was mostly as expected but for one player, it was time to try something different and Indy started with Omar Gordon but not in a forward position alongside Zayed. From the outset Indy went with a 4-5-1 formation and brought Omar back on the left side, moving Dylan Mares into a more central position in front of Ring and Paterson and behind Éamon Zayed. Colin Falvey also started the game in place of Cory Miller.

Indy Eleven is a different team away from home, this much is obvious not just on the strength of the match on Sunday, we don't play with the same confidence and belief as we do at home. We fail to take the game to our opponents and we somehow lack a killer instinct or cohesion on the road.

Too many times we allowed Ottawa Fury a trouble free path towards our 18 yard box, we learned in both of the previous matches against Ottawa this year they are not a team that is just going to sit back and give you an easy time of it, in this particular match Indy Eleven did just that. I remember at one period in the first half wondering how Jamar Dixon could take the ball from one final third to the other without so much as even an attempt at closing him down. 

This was typical of the way we approached the game, we let them come at us with a view to playing counter attacking football and wear them out, but more often than not we resorted to playing long ball out of the back and gifting back possession, instead of playing out from the back on the ground, it was something akin to what we were used to in 2014 and 2015 and perhaps the first couple of games in 2016. Very poor football. Sorry if that offends anyone but that is what was on display, it was a level of play far beneath what this team is capable of.

The first half in Ottawa ended 0-0, we failed to capitalize on any of our chances, we also failed to create many, as a result and not surprisingly we went behind first in the second half. Not for the first time the defensive ability of our whole team was lacking in the attack which led to Ottawa's opening goal.

Nobody was really closing down the play in the middle of the park effectively, Ottawa were able to make a through pass from almost the half way line and the receiving player had two center backs around him and was still able to draw the foul, and it was a foul, we labored and as you have to do some times we took the player down. 




Cannot really blame Busch for the goal either, Ryan Williams 59th minute fizzing free kick took a wicked bounce, Busch came to gather but could not. Pay attention to when the ball went into the net, two Ottawa players were there to meet it, all of our team were behind them. it was the difference between players paying attention and reacting, and players who did not react soon enough. We had switched off in that instance, as we had many times throughout the game.

In typical fashion Indy Eleven dug it out and came back, it's a shame we had to be woken up by losing a goal, but that at times is what we do best. Less than five minutes later a free kick on the left side from Vukovic floated in front of goal met the back of Zayed's head, the ball spilled out and Brad Ring was there to pounce and blast the ball home for his first NASL goal of 2016.

Unsuccessful passes, crosses and set plays.

From that point the game pretty much went back to the same as the first half. Indy Eleven had only one shot on target in the entirety of the game, it did go in but still, one shot on target in 90+ minutes, and I believe we only had 5 shots total in the whole match. Our missed passes, crosses and set plays criss cross the stat map like a very tightly woven tapestry. 

Our performance as a team in the last two games is several levels beneath what we know we are capable of. We gave up a lead twice and lost in Carolina to a team who got demolished 6-1 by our next opponents the New York Cosmos.

We fell behind and rescued one point against a team in the bottom three in combined points who have only won 5 of their 21 games to date. (no offense Fury fans). I am not over expecting, and neither am I indulging in football snobbery, as an Indy Eleven supporter I know my place and don't feel entitled to win every game, we have the best team right now that we have ever had, but I have to admit we can do much better than this. One away win in 2016.

Our road form is poor and there is no signs of it improving, our performance away is also vastly different from how we play at home. There is no cast iron guarantee we will play in the Soccer Bowl at home if we reach the final, the team must prepare itself for playing in New York, Edmonton, Miami, Minnesota or elsewhere in the final, the best way to do that is cultivate a winning attitude away from home.

What do we expect to happen in New York...

As we know, up until Spring of 2016 both the Cosmos and Indy Eleven were two teams who could not beat each other, that was until Indy Eleven came back from a goal down to defeat the New York 2-1 before pushing on to win the Spring Championship. It seems a long time ago, we pulled off a miracle at the end of Spring and knocked them off the top of the table. The Cosmos have never beaten us, we should try to keep it that way.

New York are top of the table against thanks to a huge 6-1 win over Carolina Railhawks. The Cosmos have taken 16 points from a possible 18 in their six games at home in fall, they have won five and only drawn one game against Rayo OKC. Needless to say we are heading to one of the toughest venues to be at right now.

NYC have scored 18 goals in six home games in fall so far. Indy Eleven have conceded 9 in their 5 road games of fall. Indy only conceded 8 goals in Spring in 10 games home and away, let that sink in for a moment then tell me I have no reason to be concerned. We have only played 11 games in fall and already have conceded 15 goals, one short of double the amount we gave up in spring.

Had Indy Eleven managed to win 3 points in Ottawa, as I said in my match preview I would be quite happy to let the Cosmos game take care of itself, coming home with 3pts from 3 road games would not have disappointed me too much should we lose. As it is we have only 1, and if we want to have any chance of winning the fall season we need to stop New York from winning this game, a win would be fantastic, a point would be a great achievement.

If Indy Eleven traveled with only the players they will use for both games, then we don't have too many options to change the lineup to find a winning formula. We can't change the defense, but we can try different options to help us find goals, and find them first.

I am not against starting in the formation we did against Ottawa, but if it is up to me I am not starting Omar Gordon, I am starting Duke Lacroix. Also I am dipping into my own pocket to pay for Jair Reinoso's flight to New York if he is fit enough to even play two thirds of a game.

We need a different option in attack and players need to know if they are under performing then please sit down. Duke Lacroix, like Don Smart on the right, is an unselfish player, very difficult to take the ball from, he has pace and will most likely look to play in his team mates rather than run himself into a hole.

The quickest way to stop a team who just scored six is to score on them first and put them on the back foot, make them think. Indy can't afford to just go out and let the other team play and hope to soak it up as they did in Ottawa, we will get demolished very quickly. We need to take the game to New York, go for it you may as well, you can't play for a 0-0 draw against this team.

If Reinoso can be made available for this game then I would rest Mares at the start but with some time in second half and save him for the home game against Tampa. Likewise rotate Torrado for Paterson and start Duke Lacroix. Had we won against Ottawa I would have rested Falvey, we didn't so I would start him again.

I would however consider resting Janicki, who may possibly be carrying a knock and looked tired in the Ottawa game. Palmer played great defensively on Sunday, but we need to see him play the ball out of the back more instead of booting it up the field and back into the feet of our opponents.

Show us the Indy Eleven who find nothing to be impossible, who can rise to any challenge, I am missing that team. Stop at nothing, never give up. Don't rely on coming back late, grab the game by the throat from the start.

My Starting XI: Busch, Palmer, Falvey, Miller, Vukovic, Smart, Ring, Torrado, Lacroix, Reinoso, Zayed.

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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.

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

Sometimes things can get a little feisty!

By: James Cormack

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does one approach the next THREE games?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewing Indy's Preseason

Éamon Zayed

We care because we love this team and I have asked James and Caleb to put down some thoughts on Indy Eleven and their beloved team's current state. This will be free flowing and conversational so try not to be alarmed by the Shambolitry or the haphazard style of this post.

James Cormack will be posting in Red.
Caleb Ramp will be in Blue.
Aaron Gunyon will be green.

How is the team looking so far? 

[JC] Overall looking at all the players, I would say they look very rusty. We didn't start as early as some teams do and it is showing a bit. Each preseason game is a different lineup so not easy to gauge. From who I would expect to start a game I have seen enough to see the makings of decent side, but they look a bit further away from being ready than I expected.

On the whole I have only seen a couple of players on the roster who have not really played as well as I might have expected but I have not seen all the games. Most of them even when losing have not given me the impression they were giving up.

My biggest concern every year has been the defense, obviously losing Deroux is a problem. I think short term we can work around this, but I'd be happier if we would sign someone so we are picking the defense from 8 rather than 7 players.

[CR] Preseason means different things to different people.  Some see it solely as an opportunity for experimentation, and the necessary catalyst to build match fitness. Others feel—and rightfully so—that in a squad where every position is supposed to be hotly contested, the natural competition for playing time should lead to positive game results – especially when playing primarily lower-level sides.

Injuries have set us back significantly. Losing DeRoux is something we can overcome (Franco is looking increasingly comfortable on that side, and would be my current choice as starter given the current roster), but it puts us at a disadvantage relative to the rest of the league. This roster has undoubtedly improved from last season, but the relative improvement compared to the NASL as a whole is yet to be seen. Losing a talented and experienced defender—both in the NASL and with Coach Hankinson—who was expected to be a plug-and-play starter is not something that can be instantly recovered from.

So far in 2016, our overall quality fluctuates wildly when certain players are or aren’t present. While this can be encouraging for the regular season when our first team is seeing a full workload, it also leads me to believe that the squad isn’t as deep as we had originally thought. Dylan Mares was tremendous last season before his injury, but we haven’t seen the same player in 2016. We’ve also yet to see anything at all from newcomer Justin Braun.

[AG] I will be brutally honest when I say that I don't think this team is where they wanted to be at this time. They are not ready for the season to start due to several factors. The most important one being fitness and injuries which have held player development up in favor of healthier bodies. 

This team is not ready to go 90 minutes in a meaningful game and that is not going to be the case tomorrow either. The away game to Tampa will come far to quickly for this squad.

What are your impressions of Head Coach Tim Hankinson?

[JC] He has impressed me a lot in his openness to explain his intentions and ideas to people, he is not one to keep secrets about what he is doing or what he wants. I think although preseason results have not been great you can see a methodology in what he is doing, the time he is giving players and how he is deploying them.

He strikes me as someone who begins by sitting back and watching, allowing players to express themselves while he observes. Early preseason he is asking them to show him what they have. As things moves on and he changes lineups and minutes for different players then he is looking more closely and expects more and probably talks back more.

I get the impression he is not someone who is going to have his time wasted by players. In the past many of us as fans look at our team selections and subs and scratch our heads. With Tim Hankinson I don’t think we will see that, we won't see as much tinkering.

[CR] My favorite thing about Coach Hankinson is his honesty. It would be far too easy for him to bring out the tired “it’s only preseason” rhetoric, blame injuries, insist the only focus is fitness, and downplay any negatives. Instead, he’s repeatedly stated that this team should be putting in better performances and better results. He’s lamented the spells of non-existent possession, and has vowed we will do better. Listening to him for even a few moments will increase your Soccer IQ and give you an itch to lace up and run some drills.

I’ll admit I was among those underwhelmed when his signing was first announced. In a few short months—and even before a meaningful ball has been kicked—I’ve completely bought in. Regardless of how this season goes, we can say with certainty that inexperience or apathy on the part of our coaching staff will not be the cause. He won’t accept anything but the best from our players, teaching or admonishing as appropriate. He also won’t mince words with the public. All of this is refreshing change from what we’ve endured in previous seasons.

[AG] I really like talking to him. He is honest about his team and his expectations and he shows tremendous desire to communicate and to teach the game. I want to play for him, however I am not a professional and I don't know how he is getting along with the actual players. It is far too soon to tell that.

My one concern is that he is running things exactly how he has for the last 30 plus years. He is a great soccer mind and he knows it. How adaptable is he during the course of a game or during the wacky split season in the NASL?  

He does have a great head of hair though.

Has anyone impressed you?

Colin Falvey

[JC] Colin Falvey has been a rock at the back, he is a no nonsense defender and does not accept sloppiness. He is comfortable on the ball and also doesn’t panic, but if in doubt he is not going to waste any time in the getting that ball as far away from his goalkeeper when he has to. We really need that kind of player who can bring stability in the back.

Erick Norales was a good tough defender, it was tough to see him go but I think with Falvey we have found that same aggression and toughness but he adds a leadership element and is a great communicator. Combine him with Jon Busch at the back and I don't want to be that player that upsets them.

[CR] Duke is progressing into the player that we all hoped he would. He’s electric. A nightmare combination of speed, intelligence, and endless determination. He’s quick enough to force an errant pass when pressing defensively; smart enough to know when to take the shot himself and when to lay it off. He’s played a crucial role in the bulk of our chances and goals this year, this is a trend we should expect to continue into meaningful play.

It’s also important to note that a few of our key cogs in the midfield (namely Ubiparipovic and Paterson) haven’t seen many minutes due to injury concerns and rehabilitation. When they’ve been on the pitch, they've shown flashes of brilliance. Sinisa has tremendous vision and operates very well in tight spaces, pinging passes to dangerous areas or playing the triangles to maintain possession as appropriate. Nicki has already showcased his uncanny ability to switch play on a dime with pinpoint accuracy (almost regardless of distance), playing a winger into space and kick-starting the attack.

[AG] Éamon Zayed-But I knew he would.  He is a pro and a goalscorer.  He wants the ball and he wants to finish and he is upset by anything less.  Put him down as an automatic starter week in and week out.  

He looks fairly fit right now and he has already had a game where he went the full 90 and put away an equalizer with a diving header in the 85th minute.  Concerns about playing on turf and older knees may pop up in the future but the only question right now is where to deploy him most effectively.  

Hankinson has used him in a variety of attacking roles to see what he can tolerate and to see where he performs best.  For me, I want to see him as close to the goal as possible and I think Zayed would agree.

Pick your starting lineup right now!

[JC] Busch, Palmer, Falvey, Vukovic, Franco, Ring, Paterson, Stojkov, Ubiparipović, Lacroix, Zayed.

[CR] Busch, Palmer, Falvey, Vukovic, Franco, Paterson, Larrea, Stojkov, Ubiparipović, Lacroix, Zayed.

[AG] Busch, Palmer, Falvey, Vukovic, Franco, Ring, Paterson, Stojkov, Ubiparipović, Lacroix, Zayed.

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Coach Is Pissed: Indy Eleven Struggles Continue

Photo: Lucas Carter

By: Aaron Gunyon

People get worked up over preseason.  Should they?  The teams are preparing and training and in the case of Indy Eleven they are playing all in the hopes of being ready for the actual season.  These games and practices don't count in the standings and no points are awarded from the strength of schedule.  

The team doesn't look great, but its tough to expect greatness this early on.  There are more than a few rusty players and not everyone is on the same page yet.  The average age on this team is up and there are quite a few experienced guys out there so I assume transitions ought to come more easily.

However, Injuries are mounting and this team is already dealing with unexpected obstacles and roster questions.  Projected starting LB Steven Deroux has not made it to Indianapolis.  He has had surgery for injuries sustained in training while in Wisconsin with the Milwaukee Wave.  It will be months before he takes the field wearing checkers if he ever takes the field at all.  

Dino Williams is another player that we will probably not be seeing anytime soon.  The 25 year old striker was coming off of a great season in the Red Stripe Premier League but he has yet to suit up for the team.  He was wearing jeans and sneakers for last Saturday's 1-1 clash with FC Cincinnati and he was not to be found on the bench yesterday as the team took on Louisville City FC.  Coach Hankinson revealed in a post-game interview that Williams also had surgery to injuries that prevent him from playing in the near term.  

Williams was the worst kept secret in Indy Eleven history when a Jamaican Observer article linked him to the team a solid 2 months before the official announcement.  The news of his injuries becomes more troubling when you consider Williams has worked very recently with Hankinson at Montego Bay United and he was hand picked for this squad.  Williams also currently occupies one of the seven coveted international slots that each NASL team is awarded. 

There is another signing on the way.  A Colombian.  It's an attacking player and that will raise questions about how to play with 8 international spots meaning somethings gotta give.  

Other minor knocks for players are common in preseason as most fans will be aware and most of them aren't too concerning for the long term, but nagging injuries do prevent training at 100%.  Indy Eleven are dealing with that now.  There were players like Nicki Patterson and Sinisa Ubiparipovic who were held out last week and held to limited preventative minutes against Louisville.  I do see their fitness lagging as you would expect so other players will have to step up and play a more solid game.  Gorka Larrea was out and he is another player Indy would like to have available as soon as possible.  

This most recent game continues a long trend of the Indy Eleven under performing and underwhelming in the preseason.  Indy dropped Saturday's match to visiting Lou City  0-1 and are now winless in their last four attempts.  This marks the second time Indy has been blanked by a USL side since March began.  Indy conceded first in both of last weeks 1-1 draws and failed to generate much of an attack through long spells during the most recent contest.  

Indy is now 0-3 lifetime in what I am calling the Ohio River Derby.  Its a lopsided rivalry with our neighbors to the south as they were the team to bounce the boys out of the Open Cup last summer.  

So why do we care so much? 

Coach Hankinson cares... and so does the Indy Eleven front office.  Peter Wilt, Jeff Belskus and team owner Ersal Ozedemir were all at the game yesterday.  You play like you practice and preseason is practice for the regular season.

It was quiet after the game and it was the first time that I have seen Hankinson address the team behind closed locker room doors.  A team huddle was all that was required in the center of the pitch a few days ago, but Hankinson had more to say in private on Saturday.  There was a sense that tensions were high and that expectations were not being met.  Peter Wilt had poked his head into the locker room for a short time, but appeared to let Hankinson run the show and he waited to talk to and catch up with players from just outside the doors.

It's obvious the team isn't winning and this team is yet again struggling to put balls in the back of the net, but Coach Hankinson identified some other troubling issues and he discussed those in his post game Q & A with myself and a few others.  These issues seem to nag at him a bit more than the scoreline. 

"The inability to close down opponents on the ball and around the ball faster is a big issue.  We basically allow them to play."

Hankinson elaborated and then expressed concerns over another issue.  Players are taking too many touches.  

"We have a few guys that just enjoy watching themselves play and that means they are not playing for the team.  So I am very angry about that.  And that will change because I will squeeze it out of them."

Always that calm and measured demeanor that I have come to expect from this coach but you don't have to listen long to hear the disappointment in his voice.

"Obviously this was a more reserve oriented squad and it wasn't up to the task and there will be some roster changes.  I let these players know that if they are crying looking for playing time...this is about the guys that can get it done and leave the rest to rot on the bench."

As I soak all that honesty up and glance at my phone to make sure I got it all.  I realize that the coach just spoke continuously for two plus minutes about his frustrations with the team and he hadn't been asked a single question.  Hankinson is not a man who is afraid to speak his mind.  

It does not really take a lot to knock me off my interview game but Hankinson did it early when he spoke so bluntly and without provocation.  Uncharacteristically, I started to have a bit of sympathy for these professional athletes so my first question to Hankinson had him describe who had impressed him.  

The beginnings of his reply didn't shock me when he named players like Duke Lacroix who has stood out in almost every game this preseason.  But when he steered the answer back to disappointing play, and away from the safety of my softball question, I got a much better sense of how much work is let to do before April 2nd and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

"There were a lot of inefficient players as well that couldn't understand how to close guys down.  Couldn't cover passing angles that we have talked about tactically.  Not making the next pass...Those are the guys we have to asses more shrewdly and make some hard decisions at this point."  

This is not just preseason.  For some of these players, it might be the only season they get.  They have to perform week in and week out.  They have to attack together and defend together.  Hankinson said that was not happening  and that "Defensively we weren't good enough."

There are still some weeks left before the season kicks off but the clock is definitely ticking.  I have a feeling that its going to run out on this team and a few players before we see what Indy 3.0 can do.  I was given an indication that we would see a more first team selection for the game against Butler University on Wednesday and that we will see starters get closer to 90 minutes.  Some players will still have their time monitored closely to prevent further injury, but we should get a better sense as to where everyone shakes out. 

Where are the goals going to come from?  He thought about it and then replied.

"Not from that."

Is this team ready to face Tampa Bay on the 2nd?  The answer was the shortest of the afternoon.  

 "Not today."

Setting the foundations, squad building begins for Indy Eleven!

Duke Lacroix - Futures are important!

By: James Cormack

Swift in the wake of our new coach announcement, Indy Eleven wasted no time in clarifying their position on the retention or non retention from our Class of 2015. I am sure for many there are a few surprises, several disappointments and without doubt a few tears.

Trust me you are not alone in your grief, if there is one thing I have learned following the NASL for the last three years and having spent some study on the years previous, get used to it. Every club in the NASL with a couple of exceptions each year has to go through the same thing.

Before I talk about players individually and the merits of retaining them I'll break it down for those who have not read the announcement.

Players that are for sure retained for 2016:

Greg Janicki, Don Smart, Marco Franco, Dylan Mares, Wojciech Wojcik, Duke Lacroix, Dragan Stojkov and Cory Miller.

Players who have been declined for 2016:

Erick Norales, Victor Pineda, Kristian Nicht, Jon Dawson, Judson McKinney, Marvin Ceballos, Daniel Cuevas and Kleberson.

Loan expired players returned after 2015: 

Sergio Peña, Jaime Frias, Dane Richards, Brian Brown, Zach Steinberger and Charlie Rugg

Missing from the players mentioned above are Brad Ring, Kyle Hyland, Daniel Keller and Keith Cardona. Indy Eleven are still in contractual talks with these player so there is still a chance that these players may return to the squad for 2016. It is not clear however whether Hyland and Keller are being considered, they are just listed as contract expired, but also are not listed under declined players, so their fate is unclear at this moment.

Thoughts on the players retained so far........

Having talked to Hankinson's for a little while and listened to him, I can get understand somewhat what he looks for in a player and what he is going to expect from them. Some of the players already returned may surprise you as it did me, but I do now see a different perspective after hearing new coach's words.

Greg Janicki: I'll be the first to hold my hand up I was not overly impressed with his performance for Indy so far. I do know he has been a great player for years at San Anotonio and very highly rated, so how do you suddenly become bad.

Hankinson explained he likes combinations of players, pairings, players who play better when they are on the field together, that compliment each other. The feeling is Greg had years of that previous to Indy Eleven and then we he arrived here he lost it.

Janicki likes to be the back to step forward and make that first tackle in the box, there is no guarantee any player retained will be a starter but if he does his performance will improve if he is combined with the correct player. I think you'll see a different Greg Janicki in 2016.

Don Smart: Don upped his game in 2015 in the last half of the year in my opinion. We kind of got used to knowing he would either play for two thirds of the game or enter in the last third. After the game in Minnesota in early September Don proved he can be a 90 minute player for this team and continued to prove it for the remainder of fall.

Indy need to exploit the corners more and get passes in behind the defense and Don provides that. I'd like to see Don have a crack at goal more often, sometimes he holds back when he gets into good position around the box, put the boot behind it Don and have a crack at goal!

Marco Franco: Marco was a great pick up for the Eleven, he had a reasonably solid year and did everything that was expected of him. I felt however under our initial coaching structure and for the remainder of the year he didn't develop more, through no fault of his own.

Marco has a lot to offer and I don't think we have seen all of it yet. I think our new coaching setup will help develop him into a much more dangerous player. Marco can be a much better box to box defender, would like to see more forward penetration from him on the overlap and more assist play in the final third. Marco is a 'future' another good young player that can only continue to improve at this level.

Dylan Mares: My most improved player in 2015 by far, although I think he was always good, he showed an aggressiveness and determination this year to keep his starting place in the team. Dylan led by example and showed professionalism, after meniscus operation he did not get back in as soon as he would of liked, but when he did it was straight back to business as usual.

That attitude will be important because as the squad building continues, Dylan may find himself fighting for a starting place again. Regardless I think whether he starts a game or comes on as a sub, he will remain professional and give everything he has to be a game changer.

Wojciech Wojcik: Somewhat of a surprise but also not really. Tim Hankinson has said he expects all of his players to be able to defend, and he is also looking for 'warriors'. Woj fits into this category perfectly. Outside of scoring goals as you would want a striker to do, Woj gives something more, a good forward can keep his place in a team without scoring many goals at all because of the other work that they bring to the field.

Early on in 2015 I saw from Wojcik that he is more than willing to drop back as deep as our own 18 yard box to help the team defend an attack and try to turn that into our possession. He also has great strength and as an example of a large forward his knockdown for Sergio Pena's goal in San Antonio is a perfect example of the 'other' things Woj can bring to the field. Coach H talks about combinations of players, Woj will excel as a player if the right compliment can be found for him on the field.

Woj scored back to back goals in games against Cosmos and Carolina at the beginning of fall season before being subbed out for Greg Janicki in a difficult 4-2 defeat to Ottawa. He never really regained a starting spot and I feel this ruined him at a point where he was peaking, bad decision making. Woj can hit that peak again I am sure of it.

Duke Lacroix: As it states on the photo, Duke is a 'future', a young player already showing an abundance of talent who can only continue to improve, but still needs mentors who can develop him from college player to professional. Duke was probably one of our smartest pickups in 2015, he came into the play looking like he had been playing pro for a few seasons.

Lacroix did not once looked overawed or lacking in confidence at all in his first season as a pro player. He took his opportunity by the scruff of the neck and always looked exciting on the field. I honestly think we are fortunate enough to witness the beginning of a future star player that may ended up shining on a higher stage than NASL if he continues with the same confidence. Very important pickup for Indy, can't stress that enough. If we lose players like this, other teams would benefit in the long run.

Dragan Stojkov: Dragan impressed me a lot in 2015, again I don't think we utilized him as well as we could have and I hope moving forward our coaches will see the potential in him in several different positions. Dragan is a good utility player, he can be played on the wing, at center defensive midfield, attacking midfield and as he proved left or right back in defense.

The value of such a player who can adapt quickly to circumstances and cover different positions can't be under stated. Dragan also provides pace and aggressiveness, he never gives up on any ball and this also helps draw fouls from the opposition, he is very difficult to play against.

Another player who I think we could see much more from in a more organized coaching structure. I also believe visa issues are now fixed so this is good for both himself and the team. Dragan takes up the first international spot.

Cory Miller:  Cory was a surprise to me in 2014, I did not know much about him and thought at a time when we really need defensive cover why are we bringing players from USL. Cory proved right away to be an aggressive back who was also confident on the ball. After dropping from the starting lineup at the beginning of 2015 he showed the same consistency when he got back in the team.

Cory like others, may not be guaranteed a starting spot. Whether he starts or not he gives us great depth, one of the things we have lacked in the past is a strong bench and although we have had a large number of players we have not had strength in our 'depth'. Cory makes me feel less nervy just knowing we have him in the squad, we need four good center backs in our team. Cory has earned his place in this squad.

Thoughts on the rest of the announcement......

Obviously there is going to be some disappointment, as there will be at all clubs in the division. When I asked people on reddit recently if you could only pick eleven players to return who would they be, from my own list so far we have restored six.

I have lost three in Erick Norales, Marvin Ceballos and Victor Pineda and it's tough, but I am speaking as a supporter with my heart on my sleeve as well as an armchair coach who thinks he knows what's best. Tim and Tim will have their own plans and I trust them so I am not going to try and second guess their vision. I hope all three of these players land in a good spot and continue playing in the NASL or in any team suitable to their level of skill.

Erick Norales is a warrior, and we are looking for warriors. I have even heard him being described as a warrior by none other than Kristian Nicht. It's a huge loss both from a football perspective and from a 'family' point of view. Erick poured his heart and soul out on the field and I have no doubt everyone in Indianapolis will be eternally grateful for his efforts in this team. We can move on from this, but never forget!

From the "don't knows" I think the two most important for me are Brad Ring and Kyle Hyland which would bring back eight of my choices. Judging from the announcement it is hard to gauge if Kyle Hyland will be back or not, it is vague and not very clear but I hope there is some contact and I hope that works out.

Brad Ring is clearly one of our stand out players, his presence on the field is a pivotal part of the midfield, he brings strength, skill and experience and I am pretty sure he could fit into the starting lineup of any team in this league. If Brad does return he should be suitably rewarded with an increased deal, that's something both sides can thrash out. I hope those negotiations are successful because if Brad moves to another side in the NASL then we will just be giving them an advantage that we need.

I left Cardona out of my eleven, not because I don't rate him but because I chose only outfield players I felt were important to move on with. I would definitely bring Cardona back, he has proved his ability and would be an excellent return to this side. If Keith believes his future lies in Indianapolis I will for sure not complain at all.

Daniel Keller? I have honestly not seen enough playing time from him to warrant an overall opinion, from what I have seen so far I am not sure he is NASL level yet, that does not mean good coaching could not bring more out of him, but I didn't see any immediate impact when he joined. Daniel is still young and could be a valuable squad member but he will need to fight hard for game time.

As far as loan players are concerned, I think it's okay to start fresh and not really worry about it, in the long run I would rather have signed players committed to the club than loans. I actually only would entertain bring Zach Steinberger back if it was a loan and also Dane Richards. Dane's contract is up at Red Bulls but I think he would remain an MLS entity, not sure on that, but we would have to sign him and pay him. I am not sure we would be able to afford him and we may see him draft to another MLS club.

To sum up, I am quite happy with the news. There is quite a ways to go but I feel what he have retained is a good foundation to build around, whether they are starters or not, because we know with these player they can give us something even if they are coming off the bench.

Apparently money has been freed up and Hankinson is looking at tough, quality players to come in and make this team a formidable side. I expect to see seasoned players coming in not just from the NASL but also possibly from MLS. It's silly season and there will be a lot of rumors, from the chatter I have heard so far I think supporters of this team are going to be pleasantly surprised when it is all said and done!

Indy Eleven will also hold combined tryouts for both the first team and for Indy Eleven NPSL. The 2013 tryouts for Indy Eleven did not provide a lot of players for the inaugural squad, but they did discover Don Smart, hopefully our coaches can unearth another gem on December the 19th and 20th.

#WATCHTHISSPACE #INDYFOREVER