Indy Eleven are beginning to Spring into the Fall Season

Indy Eleven are prepared to take the Fall Season.

By Brian Cook

It seemed like the beginning of the season for Indy Eleven was a bad day wrapped up in a reboot of Groundhog's Day. No matter hard they tried they kept reliving the same play over and over again it just seemed to never change week to week. Part of that stemmed from how bad injuries were for Indy Eleven but no matter the case it seemed like Indy Eleven were in for a rough season.

And then, suddenly, everything clicked. The last five games of the Spring Season were the personification of Bill Murray's quote in Groundhog's day. Today is tomorrow, and Indy Eleven got healthy, got hungry, and determined to make good on the expectations put on them since the start of the season. Here are a few things that have changed over time during the Spring.

Team Chemistry:

The concept of team chemistry having a tangible difference on and off the field is a subject debated on blogs, groups, and generally throughout sports. No matter the sport the question "does it really matter?" revolves around the idea that the longer the same set of players play together the better they will play. For Indy Eleven early on in the Spring it clearly was a sticking point. A point where the injury bug that had it's teeth deep into the muscle of the team came to affect how players would play. 

A back three while risky has proven to be effective for Indy Eleven

You can have the best players on the field night in and night but the overwhelming need for cohesiveness and fluidity offensively is a concept that can often make or break victories in sports. Indy Eleven was no exception as they wrapped up the Spring Season winning four of their last five games with a starting eleven that was widely seen as their strongest eleven. 

While not a huge play the small detail of not taking the free kick ahead of the cross in the box by Vuko was clearly something that was worked on and planned and the boys eventually would earn a penalty kick which was eventually scored by Don Smart.

Knowing where players are has helped Indy Eleven build on a slow start to 2017

While Hankinson put his best foot forward and pushed Indy Eleven into the best position he could at the start of the season it was pretty clear that injuries were hurting the quality of player to see the field and damaging team chemistry as players were occasionally in positions and roles that weren't natural to them. 

Moves like Daniel Keller dancing around the backline or Lovel Palmer playing central midfield worked but it was easy to see this wasn't natural nor was it something that should occur past players who were out returning from injury.

Defensive upswing:

A glaring issue that faced Indy Eleven this season was where the defense would sit. While returning was club captain Colin Falvey, Nemanja Vukovich and Marco Franco there was still unanswered questions as to who would replace the roles left by the retiring Greg Janicki as well as the strength of the reliable Cory Miller. 

Both were key in different areas in 2016 and it seemed early on in 2017 with the tactical adjustments that Tim Hankinson instituted inside of the 4-4-2 he molded in 2016 it looked as if the club would struggle defensively and rely on the boots of Braun and Zayed for support.

And Indy Eleven didn't really give fans much in the way of disagreement early on. Players like Kwame Watson-Siriboe were just as close to mark someone as he was to be a bull on roller skates in a china shop. The defense lacked cohesiveness and the same awareness it garnered from the success earned a year ago. 

Marking seems to be a skill waiting to emerge

Indy Eleven were challenged. It was clear that 2016 did them no favors and that the North American Soccer League was prepared to be even more challenging in 2017. But as time has gone on and season has progressed we have seen that Indy Eleven are truly learning from theirs mistakes. 

This is mainly due to finally having the healthiest and strongest eleven this team can put on the field actually on the field. It almost feels like the last five games of the season were, in reality, the start of the season instead of the end of the Spring season.

Jon Busch: A Fine Wine:

Soccer/Football is one of the few professional sports where age can really be only a number. To a certain degree of course, but players like Alessandro Totti from Roma who just ended a career with the same club and retired at the age of 40. 

Enter Jon Busch. Both as a leader and a player Jon Busch has helped carry Indy Eleven since joining the club in 2016 and for all intense and purpose is the reason that the club hasn't dwindled down the table any farther. 

Busch, 40, is more than likely retiring baring some sort of change, his role with Indy Eleven has been with the club helping train goalkeepers and could send up sticking around after his playing career is over to help grow the likes of Keith Cardona and Christian Lomeli. Regardless of what next season holds it's clear that the success for Indy Eleven rests on the shoulders and gloves of Jon Busch.

Jon Busch's performances during the 2017 Spring Season has helped hold the club together

Busch's consistency, leadership, and awareness with stop the ball has led Indy Eleven to be in a position that early on seemed unreachable.

Where will they Fall?:

It shouldn't come as a shock but the NASL season break couldn't have come at a better time for Indy Eleven. While going on a break isn't helpful for consistency the injuries and subsequently draining aspect of the season has taken it's toll team. It took a majority of the Spring for the Boys in Blue to find their form and now that they have found it they can use this break to get healthy, get smarter, and get consistent with that form. 

Where will Indy Eleven finish the season at? It's hard to say. With the NASL it's sometimes a turn of the key on whether or not you have good or bad form. Indy has all the tools as well as the understanding of how to achieve success this season. It's really up to them what they want to do with it. For now, let's enjoy the season break and hope we get to see the quality of play the last five games gave us as we venture into the Fall season

From Hat Tricks to Champagne! - Indy Eleven 4 v Carolina Railhawks 1 REVIEW (6/11/16)

Justin Braun scored a crucial goal on the stroke of half time.

By: James Cormack

As you no doubt already know, Indy Eleven went into their last game of Spring against the Carolina Railhawks knowing if they could score four goals and win by a margin of three, we would be in the driving seat to win the Spring Championship. We needed to win 4-0 or 4-1 to do that, and we did it, in miraculous fashion the game ended 4-1.

It was never going to be easy, the temperature in the air was 95 degrees at the start of the game, the surface temperature on the field was probably 110+. Indy Eleven were going to go for it from the start, in extreme heat that can presents its own dangers. As I said in our preview, I was going to be content with just getting three points at home. What happened on Saturday was incredible.

Indy started with a similar line up to their previous game in Miami and came out of the traps fast. The first goal came in the 15th minute when Éamon Zayed slotted home a diving header from a Vukovic cross in front of defense to set the stadium rocking.

My biggest concern was that Indy Eleven would go too hard too fast during the hottest temps in the game and wear themselves out. When Carolina equalized in the 29th minute through Nazmi Albadawi it was a concern. After 30 minutes in the game the heat was taking it's toll, almost every player on the field was using their shirt to wipe their face, it was intense and energy sapping. Indy did not let up.

Zayed's hat trick takes his tally to six in NASL, league leading scorer.

Had Carolina taken advantage and scored another we probably would not have seen the same post game celebrations, had we gone in at half time at 1-1 it also may have ended up a different game. The most crucial goal in the game came right before half time. Another great pass in from Vukovic was tapped in at close range by Justin Braun to set Indy in front again right before the whistle.

It's an old cliché but there is much truth in the fact that it helps to send your opposition in at half time with their heads down and bring your own team in for the break with their heads up. Indy Eleven had 15 minutes to breathe, take on water and discuss tactics for the second half knowing they were in the lead and within touching distance of getting the job done. 

We knew we needed to score 4 and at least only let in 1, the next 45 minutes were all about winning 2-0. The second half was all about the tactical brilliance of Tim Hankinson, and of course a lot of team effort. Indy scored their third goal after 65 minutes again from Éamon Zayed with an assist from Omar Gordon. Hankinson threw everything on the line at this point and switched to a back three taking off captain Colin Falvey from central defense and replacing him with Siniša Ubiparipović in midfield to push for the fourth goal. The air was cooling and Indy Eleven cranked up the pace with renewed energy.

Éamon Zayed celebrates with captain Colin Falvey after Indy's fourth goal.

It worked according to plan and with five minutes of regulation time remaining Éamon "Mr Hat-Trick" Zayed scored his third and Indy Eleven could feel the Spring Championship within their grasp, it was a surreal moment and a nerve wracking end to the game. Hankinson wasted no time in bringing on Brad Ring to give a more defensive shape for the final minutes of the game.

Indy Eleven pulled off the miraculous, many of the players have been vocal throughout the year telling people they will get it done when it needs to be done and they did not fail us. Indy Eleven remain undefeated and won the Spring Championship, and it has to be said against the odds at times, we have had numerous problems with injury which began in preseason, we've slipped and stumbled a little along the way but still are undefeated.

We made sure on Saturday night that we are the benchmark for every other team in the league, if you want to win the Soccer Bowl, you'll have to come through Indy first, and it will be far from easy with the roster being strengthened in time for the fall.

Of course, at the final whistle it was cause for celebration for everyone and Saturday evening rolled into Sunday morning for many supporters who continued celebrating into the small hours. There was still the small matter of a game between FC Edmonton and Ft Lauderdale to be played on Sunday. The Strikers could have spoiled the party but it was highly unlikely, having to win by 6 goals on the road in Canada.

Many supporters met at Union Jack's pub in Broad Ripple on Sunday afternoon to watch the game and finally revel in the legitimacy of the Spring title with some champion champagne after FC Edmonton defeated Ft. Lauderdale 2-1 to round off Spring. It was a special moment and chance to celebrate and receive thanks from team owner Ersal Ozdemir, and of course getting drenched in champagne was a lot of fun.



As a supporter it was an overwhelming weekend. When you look back at where we have come from, these are moments we only dreamed of before. It was rewarding to see Peter Wilt who built everything we have now in tears on the field. Ersal Ozdemir with his willingness to back this project to the hilt bounced around with the fans. The staff deserve this as much as everyone and it was a joy to see all of them taste the fruits of all their hard work in the last few years. Alongside and around them the fellow friends and supporters just soaking it all up, it was a crazy magic night, the best so far.

Peter Wilt shares tears with staff, players and supporters after the final whistle!

In the first two years Indy had to learn to crawl then learn to walk. Now we are running and teams will be trying to stop us. Indy Eleven has come of age and yet we still have not even reached our full potential. 

It must have been bewildering for international players like Gerardo Torrado and Souleymane Youla to witness this having just arrived in Indianapolis. The best is yet to come and the team can look forward to an Open Cup meeting with Chicago Fire on Wednesday and a friendly tie with Liga MX champions Pachuca on June 26th before getting back to NASL business against Puerto Rico on July 2nd.

Prepare yourself for many more nights of celebration in the coming months! It's going to be a great year. It is already a great year!

Caleb Ramp’s Take:

Eamon Zayed after beating the New York Cosmos on 4/16/16: “I think we can win the spring season. I think we can go unbeaten in the first ten games.”

Fast forward almost two months later. It’s been nearly thirty minutes after the final whistle sounded at Michael A Carroll Stadium. Thirty minutes after the Brickyard Battalion poured onto the field to revel in the greatest moment in Indianapolis soccer history. Thirty minutes after the first hugs were shared, tears shed, and beers chugged (looking at you, Brad Ring).

The request for the last of the fans to leave the pitch plays over the PA system in the background. The celebration – which for many would go into the early hours of Sunday morning – would slowly relocate.

The Prophet Zayed is giving his post-game interviews with a trio of bricks at his feet. A shirtless Nemanja Vukovic sprints into view, wrapping up the Irishman while belting out a chant of “Big Z! Big Z!”

That’s why I love this sport. That’s why I love this club.

We’ve said for weeks that this squad was different. That this squad was special. Since early April we were given repeated rhetoric from players and coaches—however cliché—that this team was a family. That everything was clicking.

Time and again the group proved their resilience on the field, defying odds and earning results. Time and again they proved a willingness to fight for each other, the fans, and the badge. On the night they would overcome an incredibly improbable goal differential to win the 2016 NASL Spring Season? Of course they would celebrate together.

Éamon Zayed celebrates with Coach Tim Hankinson

It would be easy to write thousands of words detailing the greatness of every individual performance and every tactical decision which led to the 4-1 victory – The Miracle at the Mike. From the opening whistle, every man on the pitch in a blue shirt and shorts was dominant. In the words of our hat trick hero, “There were eleven Man of the Matches out there.”

Eamon is right once again. The combination play was as good as we’ve seen all season. Skills were successfully pulled off with a frequency and consistency fitting a team with limitless confidence and everything to play for.

Nemanja Vukovic, whose own post-game comments would be crashed by a teammate high on the moment (Don Smart), said it best: “This city, this club, everything around the team is amazing.”

Amazing. Undefeated. Trophy winners.

And we’re only ten games in.

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

Three In a Row Here We Go! - NASL IND v FCE Preview (5/7/0216)

Mares in action against FC Edmonton

By: James Cormack

Indy Eleven return to the Mike on Saturday as the only remaining undefeated team in the NASL. As pointed out to me by Patrick Cummings, we are actually one of only three teams in North America to have not lost a game along with LA Galaxy II and Vancouver II in the USL.

FC Edmonton come to town on the back of two wins with a surprise result on the road in Jacksonville on Wednesday. After an opening day draw at Rayo OKC and a win over Ottawa Fury, Edmonton have tallied 7 points and move to within a point of Indy Eleven in the table.

Both teams come into the game on the back of two straight wins. Indy Eleven will look to build on their points tally, but no game in the NASL is ever a certainty, however you would have to believe the home side start as favorites.

The last time FC Edmonton came to Indianapolis in September of 2015, Indy lost 2-0 and the defeat pretty much killed off any remaining belief that the team could reach the playoffs last season. Indy Eleven failed to find any consistency during the fall season, this loss at home was a typical example.

The first meeting of the two teams last year did give Indy Eleven their biggest ever league victory up to that point when FC Edmonton fell to a 3-0 demolishing by the Boys in Blue. Duke Lacroix and Dylan Mares both scored in that game. 

Despite losing one of their best players in Lance Laing in the off season, the Eddies have done a pretty good job of retaining much of their squad from 2015. Colin Miller is no slouch as a coach, and has proved in the past he can produce results without big names! 

For Edmonton though this will be their second game in four days, it is also their second of three in a week as they will face off with Ottawa Fury in the Voyageurs Cup on the 11th of May.

In the Wednesday win over Jacksonville Armada in Florida the Eddies only had four substitutes on the bench. Midfielder Sainey Nyassi did not feature, despite an assist and 85 minutes of game time in the previous match against Ottawa.

We have heard Nyassi had to take care of immigration paperwork or green card matters and should be back in the team. Edmonton have numerous injury concerns this year but Dustin Corea and possibly Tomi Ameobi may return for the trip to Indianapolis.

Duke Lacroix was the last player to score against FC Edmonton

Like last week in Oklahoma, Indy should have mostly all players available for selection. Dylan Mares recovered from illness. Brad Ring who came off in last weeks game is in full training.

We have several players we know are not 90 minute fit but some like Reinoso, Ubiparipović and Larrea saw more time last week and may see more again on Saturday. Barring any last minute illness we are in pretty good shape.

Indy Eleven has only once before won three consecutive NASL league matches. After the historic first home win against Minnesota United in fall of 2014 they went on to defeat San Antonio Scorpions and Ottawa Fury, this feat has not since been repeated.

In all the two teams have met 6 times in two years, FC Edmonton have a one win advantage having defeated Indy three times, Indy have won once at home and once in Canada and there has only been one draw between these two teams. (2-1-3)

I see no reason why Indy Eleven can't take all three points, FC Edmonton cannot be underestimated but I feel the quality and depth in our roster is better. Our team are playing for each other and enjoying it, and they are at home.

Weather: Future forecast showing a small chance of adverse weather during the game, but the forecast changes daily, maybe pack a poncho for a rain delay just in case. Temps during the tailgate can reach low 80's, during the match will range from low 70's to low 60's by the end.

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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 this week, keep tweeting about @IndyEleven #IndyEleven wherever you may be, protect our territories and win new ones!