News

#INDvOKC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. OKC Energy FC

Wednesday, June 2, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium | Indianapolis, Ind.

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #INDvOKC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS  

Indy Eleven: 3W-1L-0D, 9 pts. (+2 GD), 2nd in Central Division  

OKC Energy FC: 0W-3L-3D, 3 pts. (-4 GD), 6th in Central Division  

Winners of two in a row and three of its first four contests, Indy Eleven will enter its lone Wednesday home contest of the 2021 season against OKC Energy FC trying to sustain its hot start to the USL Championship campaign. On paper, the match-up against a winless OKC side looks favorable for Indy to do just that, however, with both teams entering on short rest the supposed script could be torn up should both managers look to turn over their sides during a congested period on both club’s calendars.

For Indiana’s Team, Wednesday’s affair will be the second match of a 5-game, 14-day slate that kicked off about as successfully as could be imagined on Saturday night via a 2-1 comeback win at Louisville City FC. In that palette-cleansing rivalry result for the Boys in Blue, forward Jordan Hamilton struck twice from the penalty spot in the second half, including the game-winner in the 88th minute that snapped a 10-game winless streak in the legendary LIPAFC series.

Perhaps more importantly, that result helped to further forge the identity of a new-look Eleven side that is still very much learning how to play together, with Head Coach Martin Rennie praising his group’s resolve, determination, and focus after the match. With the Boys in Blue returning home, look for Rennie’s charges to carry out a similar plan on Wednesday night as they did in their previous contest at “The Mike”, a thorough 2-0 victory over Sporting KC II on May 22 that saw a pressing 3-4-3 formation impose its will on both sides of the ball.

On the other side, OKC Energy FC will be playing its third game in eight days, the first two seeing the Oklahoma outfit dueling to a scoreless draw against Memphis 901 FC at home on Saturday after falling 0-1 at Birmingham Legion FC last Wednesday. When coupled with a 1-1 draw at Sporting KC II earlier in May, Energy FC has shown the ability to make things tight on the road, so it will be contingent upon Indiana’s Team to try and unlock what has been a fairly stingy OKC defensive unit that has allowed one goal or fewer four of its six times out. It’s the Energy FC attack that has been less consistent, midfielder Villyan Bijev doing the heaviest of the lifting so far after playing a hand in three of their foul goals to date (two assists, one goal).

Series History vs. OKC Energy FC:

First meeting

While Indy Eleven is no stranger to Sooner State squads having squared off against Rayo OKC during the 2016 NASL season (2W-1L-0D, all 2-1 scorelines, for the record), this will mark the first match-up between the two clubs born in 2013 and currently in their respective eighth seasons of play.

The most famed link between the two sides was defender and IUPUI-product Kyle Hyland, who suited up for Indy Eleven’s first two seasons in 2014-15 before landing with Energy FC for the 2016-20 campaigns.

INDY PLAYER TO WATCH: MF GERSHON KOFFIE

These three-game weeks make this space a little more of a crap shoot when it comes to knowing who will be in the XI each time out, but our guess is that the veteran midfielder will be in the mix – and mixing things up, per usual.

You’re not going to see a lot of the “sexier” stat numbers – goals and assists – in Koffie’s columns; it’s not that he’s incapable of a final unlocking pass or a savvy finish, it’s just that’s not necessarily what his deep-sitting midfielder role is all about. So, you have to look a little deeper at what he provides – and Saturday night that was playing smart passes in order to keep some possession and a willingness to do the dirty work – drawing fouls (3), winning duels (5 of 7), and winning clearances when needed (3).

The #6 role is not glitz and glamour, so if you haven’t noticed the solid contributions of Koffie to this point, that’s okay. Against a team like OKC that may pack things in a little more when playing away, you may just get to see Koffie shine a little brighter with more chances to see the ball.

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: DF MITCH OSMOND

There will be one familiar face on the away bench Wednesday in Osmond, who logged more than 1,800 minutes in 24 appearances (20 starts) across the 2019-20 campaigns for the Boys in Blue. While the affable Aussie was a dependable spot starter for Rennie sides the last two years, he has found himself a fixture in his new home, serving as one of four players to log all 540 minutes in Energy FC’s six games to date.

As expected, Osmond is at or near the top in every meaningful defensive statistical category for OKC, including 25 clearances that rank the 6’3” center back third across the Championship. However, Indy better not sleep on ol’ Mitch when he’s in the final third, as he already has a goal to his name and placed three of his four shots on target – with both of those numbers placing third on the OKC squad.

#INDvOKC Gameday Preview  

Indy Eleven vs. OKC Energy FC

Wednesday, June 2, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. ET  

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium | Indianapolis, Ind.

Follow Live  

Local/National TV: MyINDY-TV 23

Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)  

Radio (Spanish): Exitos Radio 94.3 FM / exitos943.com

In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers   

Live stats: #INDvOKC MatchCenter on USLChampionship.com

2021 USL CHAMPIONSHIP REGULAR SEASON RECORDS  

Indy Eleven: 3W-1L-0D, 9 pts. (+2 GD), 2nd in Central Division  

OKC Energy FC: 0W-3L-3D, 3 pts. (-4 GD), 6th in Central Division  

Winners of two in a row and three of its first four contests, Indy Eleven will enter its lone Wednesday home contest of the 2021 season against OKC Energy FC trying to sustain its hot start to the USL Championship campaign. On paper, the match-up against a winless OKC side looks favorable for Indy to do just that, however, with both teams entering on short rest the supposed script could be torn up should both managers look to turn over their sides during a congested period on both club’s calendars.

For Indiana’s Team, Wednesday’s affair will be the second match of a 5-game, 14-day slate that kicked off about as successfully as could be imagined on Saturday night via a 2-1 comeback win at Louisville City FC. In that palette-cleansing rivalry result for the Boys in Blue, forward Jordan Hamilton struck twice from the penalty spot in the second half, including the game-winner in the 88th minute that snapped a 10-game winless streak in the legendary LIPAFC series.

Perhaps more importantly, that result helped to further forge the identity of a new-look Eleven side that is still very much learning how to play together, with Head Coach Martin Rennie praising his group’s resolve, determination, and focus after the match. With the Boys in Blue returning home, look for Rennie’s charges to carry out a similar plan on Wednesday night as they did in their previous contest at “The Mike”, a thorough 2-0 victory over Sporting KC II on May 22 that saw a pressing 3-4-3 formation impose its will on both sides of the ball.

On the other side, OKC Energy FC will be playing its third game in eight days, the first two seeing the Oklahoma outfit dueling to a scoreless draw against Memphis 901 FC at home on Saturday after falling 0-1 at Birmingham Legion FC last Wednesday. When coupled with a 1-1 draw at Sporting KC II earlier in May, Energy FC has shown the ability to make things tight on the road, so it will be contingent upon Indiana’s Team to try and unlock what has been a fairly stingy OKC defensive unit that has allowed one goal or fewer four of its six times out. It’s the Energy FC attack that has been less consistent, midfielder Villyan Bijev doing the heaviest of the lifting so far after playing a hand in three of their foul goals to date (two assists, one goal).

Series History vs. OKC Energy FC:

First meeting

While Indy Eleven is no stranger to Sooner State squads having squared off against Rayo OKC during the 2016 NASL season (2W-1L-0D, all 2-1 scorelines, for the record), this will mark the first match-up between the two clubs born in 2013 and currently in their respective eighth seasons of play.

The most famed link between the two sides was defender and IUPUI-product Kyle Hyland, who suited up for Indy Eleven’s first two seasons in 2014-15 before landing with Energy FC for the 2016-20 campaigns.

INDY PLAYER TO WATCH: MF GERSHON KOFFIE

These three-game weeks make this space a little more of a crap shoot when it comes to knowing who will be in the XI each time out, but our guess is that the veteran midfielder will be in the mix – and mixing things up, per usual.

You’re not going to see a lot of the “sexier” stat numbers – goals and assists – in Koffie’s columns; it’s not that he’s incapable of a final unlocking pass or a savvy finish, it’s just that’s not necessarily what his deep-sitting midfielder role is all about. So, you have to look a little deeper at what he provides – and Saturday night that was playing smart passes in order to keep some possession and a willingness to do the dirty work – drawing fouls (3), winning duels (5 of 7), and winning clearances when needed (3).

The #6 role is not glitz and glamour, so if you haven’t noticed the solid contributions of Koffie to this point, that’s okay. Against a team like OKC that may pack things in a little more when playing away, you may just get to see Koffie shine a little brighter with more chances to see the ball.

OKC PLAYER TO WATCH: DF MITCH OSMOND

There will be one familiar face on the away bench Wednesday in Osmond, who logged more than 1,800 minutes in 24 appearances (20 starts) across the 2019-20 campaigns for the Boys in Blue. While the affable Aussie was a dependable spot starter for Rennie sides the last two years, he has found himself a fixture in his new home, serving as one of four players to log all 540 minutes in Energy FC’s six games to date.

As expected, Osmond is at or near the top in every meaningful defensive statistical category for OKC, including 25 clearances that rank the 6’3” center back third across the Championship. However, Indy better not sleep on ol’ Mitch when he’s in the final third, as he already has a goal to his name and placed three of his four shots on target – with both of those numbers placing third on the OKC squad.

USL Championship Recap:
Louisville City FC  1 : 2  Indy Eleven

Forward Jordan Hamilton’s Pair of Second Half Penalties Bring Indy Back, Snap 10-game Winless Streak in LIPAFC Rivalry

USL Championship Recap:
Louisville City FC  1 : 2  Indy Eleven

Forward Jordan Hamilton’s Pair of Second Half Penalties Bring Indy Back, Snap 10-game Winless Streak in LIPAFC Rivalry

LOUISVILLE (Saturday, May 29, 2021) – Indy Eleven used a pair of penalty kick conversations by forward Jordan Hamilton in the second half to notch a 2-1 comeback victory over Louisville City FC in a riveting chapter of the Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest rivalry. The triumph in front of 10,731 fans at Lynn Family Stadium snapped Indy Eleven’s (3W-1L-0D, 9 pts.) 10-game winless streak against its archrival dating back to their first USL Championship meeting in 2018 and put Indiana’s Team atop the Central Division table alongside FC Tulsa after four games.

The goals were Hamilton’s second and third of the early 2021 season, with all three tallies coming in Indy’s last two contests. His PK finishes marked the only two shots on goal for an opportunistic Eleven side that proved difficult to break down and found its best attacking form in the second 45 minutes.

“The players just showed so much character and determination and belief, and that’s really important to see,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “Without that you can’t be successful, but with that you can do a lot, so seeing that belief and that character really made me happy.”

Indy Eleven did a superb job of soaking up Louisville’s possession advantage early on, with only City FC forward Cameron Lancaster’s first time shot from 20 yards in the eighth minute giving Indy goalkeeper Jordan Farr even the feintest of trouble. Lancaster was also at the center of the game’s next moment in the 11th minute, his tackle from behind on Eleven midfielder Patrick Seagrist earning the Englishman the game’s first caution. Two minutes later Lancaster nearly got on the end of a lengthy ball up Route 1, but he instead met the firm and fair shoulder of Farr, who read the ball accurately at the top of his area and drew the better of their collision.

At the half hour it was Indy flexing its best attack of the first half thus far, midfielder Nick Moon gaining half a yard on his man in the right side of the area before crossing for Seagrist, only to see the ball float just over his back post run. Lancaster was at it again in the 35th minute, turning and firing from the edge of the area but seeing his shot rise over the bar, followed shortly by Niall McCabe doing the same from 10 yards farther. A minute later it was Seagrist crossing back post from the left side of the LCFC area, and while Hamilton’s sliding redirection inside the six hit the outside of the netting, the bang-bang chance was deemed offside regardless.

Indy Eleven nearly got into the halftime break unscathed, but Lancaster inserted himself into the action again in the 45th minute to help the home side to its opener. McCabe’s cross towards the six looked like it might be cleared out, but Lancaster stepped across to get a touch that laid the ball off for midfielder Corben Bone, whose laser from 10 yards beat Farr at his left post to put LouCIty FC up 1-0 heading into the half.

Despite officially being outshot 10-0 in the opening stanza and down a goal, Rennie saw plenty of resolve in his charges coming out of the break.

“The players put that goal behind them and just came out and really stayed focused on what they had to do,” explained the Indy sideline boss. “They increased their energy, increased their tempo, and really finished the game strong – and looked good doing it.”

Controversy came in the 57th minute when Indy midfielder Gershon Koffie tried to get around Paolo DelPicclo just inside the area, the Ghanaian going down after what appeared to be a quick two-handed shove by the Louisville captain. In the end, neither Koffie nor DelPiccolo got the point to the spot or yellow for simulation from referee Elijio Arreguin that they wanted – but six minutes later he would indeed reward a penalty kick to the visitors.

Indy earned the chance through a nice tackle by midfielder Nicky Law in his final third and fast distribution by Peter-Lee Vassell on the counter that found Hamilton in space. The Canadian carried into the left side of the area and rode the sliding challenge of defender Sean Totsch to win the PK, which he slotted left after sending LCFC ‘keeper Chris Hubbard the wrong way to even the LIPAFC donnybrook at 1-1.

The Boys in Blue managed the rest of the match expertly, allowing only half chances and shots from distance until extra time – just before which they took the lead again through Hamilton from the spot. Substitute forward Manuel Arteaga’s press in the center circle forced a miscue by former Eleven midfielder Tyler Gibson, allowing the Venezuelan striker to strip defender Alexis Souahy and race in unimpeded on Hubbard, whose sliding challenge at the top of his area was fortunate to draw only a yellow card along with the penalty concession. Hamilton got the better of the 12-yard duel with Hubbard for a second time, his shuffle step again forcing Hubbard to react early. The finish into space, this time to the right, allowed Hamilton and Indy to grab the lead just before the match entered five minutes of stoppage time.

The final 90 seconds saw some nervy moments, McCabe dragging a shot from 20 yards just wide left and DelPiccolo’s onrushing effort from the same distance soaring over the Indy goal. Shortly after the latter attempt, the final whistle signaled a breakthrough win for a new-look Indy squad, one that may have very well set a new tone in one of the USL Championship’s most high-profile derbies.

“It’s a new team, it’s a new group of players. We made quite a lot of adjustments so that we could win games like this. It’s nice to do that, and obviously we have to keep doing that,” expressed Rennie. “It’s 2021, it’s a new season. In life, if you focus too much on the past you miss the present moment and the future opportunities, so I’m not too much focused on what’s happened in the past.”

Tonight’s match was the first of five games in an 18-day stretch for Indy Eleven that continues with back-to-back home games this Wednesday, June 2, against OKC Energy FC (live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com) and Saturday, June 5, versus Memphis 901 FC (WISH-TV, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com).  Tickets for both 7:00 p.m. kickoffs at Carroll Stadium are now available and can be purchased at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours.

LOUISVILLE (Saturday, May 29, 2021) – Indy Eleven used a pair of penalty kick conversations by forward Jordan Hamilton in the second half to notch a 2-1 comeback victory over Louisville City FC in a riveting chapter of the Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest rivalry. The triumph in front of 10,731 fans at Lynn Family Stadium snapped Indy Eleven’s (3W-1L-0D, 9 pts.) 10-game winless streak against its archrival dating back to their first USL Championship meeting in 2018 and put Indiana’s Team atop the Central Division table alongside FC Tulsa after four games.

The goals were Hamilton’s second and third of the early 2021 season, with all three tallies coming in Indy’s last two contests. His PK finishes marked the only two shots on goal for an opportunistic Eleven side that proved difficult to break down and found its best attacking form in the second 45 minutes.

“The players just showed so much character and determination and belief, and that’s really important to see,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “Without that you can’t be successful, but with that you can do a lot, so seeing that belief and that character really made me happy.”

Indy Eleven did a superb job of soaking up Louisville’s possession advantage early on, with only City FC forward Cameron Lancaster’s first time shot from 20 yards in the eighth minute giving Indy goalkeeper Jordan Farr even the feintest of trouble. Lancaster was also at the center of the game’s next moment in the 11th minute, his tackle from behind on Eleven midfielder Patrick Seagrist earning the Englishman the game’s first caution. Two minutes later Lancaster nearly got on the end of a lengthy ball up Route 1, but he instead met the firm and fair shoulder of Farr, who read the ball accurately at the top of his area and drew the better of their collision.

At the half hour it was Indy flexing its best attack of the first half thus far, midfielder Nick Moon gaining half a yard on his man in the right side of the area before crossing for Seagrist, only to see the ball float just over his back post run. Lancaster was at it again in the 35th minute, turning and firing from the edge of the area but seeing his shot rise over the bar, followed shortly by Niall McCabe doing the same from 10 yards farther. A minute later it was Seagrist crossing back post from the left side of the LCFC area, and while Hamilton’s sliding redirection inside the six hit the outside of the netting, the bang-bang chance was deemed offside regardless.

Indy Eleven nearly got into the halftime break unscathed, but Lancaster inserted himself into the action again in the 45th minute to help the home side to its opener. McCabe’s cross towards the six looked like it might be cleared out, but Lancaster stepped across to get a touch that laid the ball off for midfielder Corben Bone, whose laser from 10 yards beat Farr at his left post to put LouCIty FC up 1-0 heading into the half.

Despite officially being outshot 10-0 in the opening stanza and down a goal, Rennie saw plenty of resolve in his charges coming out of the break.

“The players put that goal behind them and just came out and really stayed focused on what they had to do,” explained the Indy sideline boss. “They increased their energy, increased their tempo, and really finished the game strong – and looked good doing it.”

Controversy came in the 57th minute when Indy midfielder Gershon Koffie tried to get around Paolo DelPicclo just inside the area, the Ghanaian going down after what appeared to be a quick two-handed shove by the Louisville captain. In the end, neither Koffie nor DelPiccolo got the point to the spot or yellow for simulation from referee Elijio Arreguin that they wanted – but six minutes later he would indeed reward a penalty kick to the visitors.

Indy earned the chance through a nice tackle by midfielder Nicky Law in his final third and fast distribution by Peter-Lee Vassell on the counter that found Hamilton in space. The Canadian carried into the left side of the area and rode the sliding challenge of defender Sean Totsch to win the PK, which he slotted left after sending LCFC ‘keeper Chris Hubbard the wrong way to even the LIPAFC donnybrook at 1-1.

The Boys in Blue managed the rest of the match expertly, allowing only half chances and shots from distance until extra time – just before which they took the lead again through Hamilton from the spot. Substitute forward Manuel Arteaga’s press in the center circle forced a miscue by former Eleven midfielder Tyler Gibson, allowing the Venezuelan striker to strip defender Alexis Souahy and race in unimpeded on Hubbard, whose sliding challenge at the top of his area was fortunate to draw only a yellow card along with the penalty concession. Hamilton got the better of the 12-yard duel with Hubbard for a second time, his shuffle step again forcing Hubbard to react early. The finish into space, this time to the right, allowed Hamilton and Indy to grab the lead just before the match entered five minutes of stoppage time.

The final 90 seconds saw some nervy moments, McCabe dragging a shot from 20 yards just wide left and DelPiccolo’s onrushing effort from the same distance soaring over the Indy goal. Shortly after the latter attempt, the final whistle signaled a breakthrough win for a new-look Indy squad, one that may have very well set a new tone in one of the USL Championship’s most high-profile derbies.

“It’s a new team, it’s a new group of players. We made quite a lot of adjustments so that we could win games like this. It’s nice to do that, and obviously we have to keep doing that,” expressed Rennie. “It’s 2021, it’s a new season. In life, if you focus too much on the past you miss the present moment and the future opportunities, so I’m not too much focused on what’s happened in the past.”

Tonight’s match was the first of five games in an 18-day stretch for Indy Eleven that continues with back-to-back home games this Wednesday, June 2, against OKC Energy FC (live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com) and Saturday, June 5, versus Memphis 901 FC (WISH-TV, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com).  Tickets for both 7:00 p.m. kickoffs at Carroll Stadium are now available and can be purchased at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or by calling 371-685-1100 during regular business hours.

2021 USL Championship Regular Season
Louisville City FC  1 : 2  Indy Eleven

Saturday, May 29, 2021 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, Ken.
Attendance: 10,731

Scoring Summary:
LOU – Corben Bone (Cameron Lancaster) 45’
IND – Jordan Hamilton (penalty kick) 63’
IND – Jordan Hamilton (penalty kick) 89’

Disciplinary Summary:
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (yellow card) 11’
LOU – Paolo DelPiccolo (yellow card) 71’
IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 77’
LOU – Chris Hubbard (yellow card) 88’

Indy Eleven lineup (3-4-3, L–>R): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (captain), A.J. Cochran, Jared Timmer; Patrick Seagrist, Nicky Law, Gershon Koffie, Nick Moon; Peter-Lee Vassell (Manuel Arteaga 67’), Jordan Hamilton (Cammy Smith 90+1’), Gordon Wild (Aboubacar Sissoko 78’)

IND substitutes: Bobby Edwards, Karl Ouimette, Nedeljko Malic, Jeremiah Gutjahr

Louisville City FC line-up: (4-2-3-1, L–>R): Chris Hubbard; Akil Watts, Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch, Pat McMahon; Tyler Gibson, Corben Bone (George Davis IV 74’); Niall McCabe, Paolo DelPiccolo (captain), Antoine Hoppenot (Napo Matsoso 64’); Cameron Lancaster (Kyle Grieg 64’)

LOU subs: Parker Siegfried, Wes Charpie, Carlos Moguel, Jimmy McLaughlin

2021 USL Championship Regular Season
Louisville City FC  1 : 2  Indy Eleven

Saturday, May 29, 2021 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, Ken.
Attendance: 10,731

Scoring Summary:
LOU – Corben Bone (Cameron Lancaster) 45’
IND – Jordan Hamilton (penalty kick) 63’
IND – Jordan Hamilton (penalty kick) 89’

Disciplinary Summary:
LOU – Cameron Lancaster (yellow card) 11’
LOU – Paolo DelPiccolo (yellow card) 71’
IND – Patrick Seagrist (yellow card) 77’
LOU – Chris Hubbard (yellow card) 88’

Indy Eleven lineup (3-4-3, L–>R): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw (captain), A.J. Cochran, Jared Timmer; Patrick Seagrist, Nicky Law, Gershon Koffie, Nick Moon; Peter-Lee Vassell (Manuel Arteaga 67’), Jordan Hamilton (Cammy Smith 90+1’), Gordon Wild (Aboubacar Sissoko 78’)

IND substitutes: Bobby Edwards, Karl Ouimette, Nedeljko Malic, Jeremiah Gutjahr

Louisville City FC line-up: (4-2-3-1, L–>R): Chris Hubbard; Akil Watts, Alexis Souahy, Sean Totsch, Pat McMahon; Tyler Gibson, Corben Bone (George Davis IV 74’); Niall McCabe, Paolo DelPiccolo (captain), Antoine Hoppenot (Napo Matsoso 64’); Cameron Lancaster (Kyle Grieg 64’)

LOU subs: Parker Siegfried, Wes Charpie, Carlos Moguel, Jimmy McLaughlin

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven today announced the pair of youth rosters that will represent Indiana’s Team in the upcoming 2021 USL Academy Cup, presented by Puma. The four-day tournament will take place at the Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex in Tampa, Fla., this Memorial Day weekend from May 28-31.

The cup competition will see academy teams from clubs in all three senior divisions of the USL represented, with clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two as well as representation from MLS clubs all competing against one another to represent a growing footprint that reaches 22 states across the country. These events will be designed to better identify and accelerate the development of elite youth players with the potential to reach the professional ranks.

“Our participation in the USL Academy Cup, as well as the USL Academy League beginning next month, marks a major step forward in how we’ll evaluate the next generation of talent for our first team,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We wish these young men the best of luck in Florida and have no doubt they will represent our badge with pride and integrity throughout the tournament.”

The USL Academy Cup features some of the country’s most elite youth players from the U-13 and U-17 age groups and will build on the success of the first two regional events held prior to the pandemic. Among the 74 teams competing in the tournament, Indy Eleven will be represented in both the tournament’s Under-13 and Under-17 age brackets.

“Our players and coaches are excited to set the standard as the first teams to represent Indy Eleven at the youth level and ready to gauge themselves against quality competition from across the USL landscape,” said Josh Kremers, Indy Eleven Director, Youth Development, who will serve as an assistant coach for both Academy Cup squads. “Indy Eleven thanks the coaches, players, and families for the time and effort they have put into preparing for this opportunity on behalf of the club.”

As announced last October, Indy Eleven is partnering with the acclaimed Indiana Fire Academy (IFA) program in cultivating the rosters that will represent Indiana’s Team in USL Academy competitions in 2021.

“Indiana Fire Academy is extremely honored to represent Indiana and our community this week in the USL Cup. Our players are excited to put on the Indy Eleven crest and uniforms,” said Jimmy Carson, IFA Staff Coach and Indy Eleven U-13 Team Head Coach. “We are scheduled to play some very talented clubs and hope to follow in the footsteps of the first team and find success.”

The Indy Eleven Under-13 Team will participate in one of two “Elite” brackets in their age group. The U-13s will contest a trio of 8:00 a.m. ET kickoffs beginning Friday, May 28, against teams representing fellow Championship side Charlotte Independence (North Carolina) and League Two outfits NC Fusion (North Carolina) and FC Golden State Force (California).

Similarly, the Indy Eleven U-17 Team has also been placed in one of their age group’s two “Elite” divisions. The U-17s will begin play Friday at 8:00 a.m. ET against League One representative North Carolina FC before noon ET kickoffs the following two days against Weston FC (Florida) and NC Fusion.

Indy Eleven fans are encouraged to follow the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers, for updates on gamedays, and all the @IndyEleven social media channels for additional snapshots from the tournament experience across Memorial Day weekend. For more information on the 2021 USL Academy Cup, presented by Puma, visit the tournament’s online home at USL-academy.com/academy-cup.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven today announced the pair of youth rosters that will represent Indiana’s Team in the upcoming 2021 USL Academy Cup, presented by Puma. The four-day tournament will take place at the Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex in Tampa, Fla., this Memorial Day weekend from May 28-31.

The cup competition will see academy teams from clubs in all three senior divisions of the USL represented, with clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two as well as representation from MLS clubs all competing against one another to represent a growing footprint that reaches 22 states across the country. These events will be designed to better identify and accelerate the development of elite youth players with the potential to reach the professional ranks.

“Our participation in the USL Academy Cup, as well as the USL Academy League beginning next month, marks a major step forward in how we’ll evaluate the next generation of talent for our first team,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We wish these young men the best of luck in Florida and have no doubt they will represent our badge with pride and integrity throughout the tournament.”

The USL Academy Cup features some of the country’s most elite youth players from the U-13 and U-17 age groups and will build on the success of the first two regional events held prior to the pandemic. Among the 74 teams competing in the tournament, Indy Eleven will be represented in both the tournament’s Under-13 and Under-17 age brackets.

“Our players and coaches are excited to set the standard as the first teams to represent Indy Eleven at the youth level and ready to gauge themselves against quality competition from across the USL landscape,” said Josh Kremers, Indy Eleven Director, Youth Development, who will serve as an assistant coach for both Academy Cup squads. “Indy Eleven thanks the coaches, players, and families for the time and effort they have put into preparing for this opportunity on behalf of the club.”

As announced last October, Indy Eleven is partnering with the acclaimed Indiana Fire Academy (IFA) program in cultivating the rosters that will represent Indiana’s Team in USL Academy competitions in 2021.

“Indiana Fire Academy is extremely honored to represent Indiana and our community this week in the USL Cup. Our players are excited to put on the Indy Eleven crest and uniforms,” said Jimmy Carson, IFA Staff Coach and Indy Eleven U-13 Team Head Coach. “We are scheduled to play some very talented clubs and hope to follow in the footsteps of the first team and find success.”

The Indy Eleven Under-13 Team will participate in one of two “Elite” brackets in their age group. The U-13s will contest a trio of 8:00 a.m. ET kickoffs beginning Friday, May 28, against teams representing fellow Championship side Charlotte Independence (North Carolina) and League Two outfits NC Fusion (North Carolina) and FC Golden State Force (California).

Similarly, the Indy Eleven U-17 Team has also been placed in one of their age group’s two “Elite” divisions. The U-17s will begin play Friday at 8:00 a.m. ET against League One representative North Carolina FC before noon ET kickoffs the following two days against Weston FC (Florida) and NC Fusion.

Indy Eleven fans are encouraged to follow the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers, for updates on gamedays, and all the @IndyEleven social media channels for additional snapshots from the tournament experience across Memorial Day weekend. For more information on the 2021 USL Academy Cup, presented by Puma, visit the tournament’s online home at USL-academy.com/academy-cup.

INDIANAPOLIS – In addition to helping Indy Eleven to its first home win of the 2021 season – Saturday’s 2-0 shutout of Sporting Kansas City II – the club is proud to announce that forward Gordon Wild has been voted to the USL Championship Team of the Week in Week 5.

Wild earned his first TOTW nod as a member of Indiana’s Team following an impressive debut in Indy’s starting XI over the weekend. The 25-year-old striker was a constant threat in SKC’s defending third, having tested the opposing ‘keeper on set pieces with two on-target chances throughout his 77 minutes on the pitch. Wild displayed his playmaking abilities as well, having created six chances during his shift, two of which assisted striking partners Jordan Hamilton and Manuel Arteaga on their goals in the 53rd and 65th minutes, respectively.

The Leonberg, Germany, native joined Indy Eleven in February after he proved his attacking prowess for clubs across both the USL Championship and Major League Soccer across his first three professional campaigns. For more details on the career of the ex-Maryland Terrapin standout, click here to visit his bio page on https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven.

Indy Eleven will renew one of the USL Championship’s most heated rivalries this Saturday, May 29, when Indiana’s Team will cross the Ohio River to take on Louisville City FC. The first of four LIPAFC (Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest) showdowns in 2021 is set to kickoff from Lynn Family Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the action live via streaming video on ESPN+ and follow live updates from the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

After that rivalry showdown, Indy Eleven will return home for back-to-back home games on Wednesday, June 2, against OKC Energy FC (live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com) and Saturday, June 5, versus Memphis 901 FC (WISH-TV, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com). Tickets for both 7:00 p.m. kickoffs at Carroll Stadium are now available and can be purchased at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 5

GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Brandon Miller recorded a four-save shutout in Charlotte’s 1-0 victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC to become only the third player in Championship history to reach 40 regular-season shutouts for his career.

D – Ryan Flood, Phoenix Rising FC: Ryan Flood won 10 of 12 duels and made three interceptions defensively and also completed 5 of 6 dribbles and 37 of 46 passes to help Phoenix to a emphatic victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

D – Sam Hamilton, New Mexico United: Sam Hamilton went 10 of 10 in duels, won 7 of 9 tackles and made 12 recoveries defensively while also completing 32 of 42 passes in United’s 3-1 road victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

D – Mathieu Deplagne, San Antonio FC: Mathieu Deplagne made four interceptions and eight recoveries and provided the assist on what proved SAFC’s winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC.

M – Aiden McFadden, Atlanta United 2: Aiden McFadden recorded four goals across two games as Atlanta defeated FC Tulsa and earned a late draw with Memphis 901 FC to move second in the Central Division.

M – Roald Mitchell, New York Red Bulls II: Roald Mitchell shone in his first professional start, recording one goal and drawing a penalty kick while also recording six shots overall and winning 11 of 14 duels in New York’s 2-2 draw with the Charleston Battery on Sunday.

M – Kadeem Dacres, Memphis 901 FC: Kadeem Dacres had a stellar display against Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, recording one goal and one assist and completing 3 of 4 dribbles in 901 FC’s 2-2 draw.

M – Chris Wehan, Orange County SC: Orange, Calif. native Chris Wehan had a memorable outing in his home debut for OCSC, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC while also recording three key passes and eight recoveries.

F – Rufat Dadashov, Phoenix Rising FC: Rufat Dadashov scored twice, hit the woodwork twice and had eight shots overall as Phoenix set records for the most shots (41) and shots on goal (20) in a regular-season game against Las Vegas.

F – Gordon Wild, Indy Eleven: Gordon Wild recorded assists on both of Indy’s goals and had six key passes while completing 12 of 15 passes overall and winning eight duels in his side’s 2-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City II.

F – Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising FC: Solomon Asante recorded one goal and one assist, had seven key passes and seven shots and completed 29 of 34 passes overall as Phoenix ran out to a 5-1 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Bench: Alex Tambakis (NM), Pat McMahon (LOU), Connor Stanley (ATL), Danny Flores (OAK), Brandt Bronico (CLT), Cal Jennings (LV), Luis Solignac (ELP)
 

INDIANAPOLIS – In addition to helping Indy Eleven to its first home win of the 2021 season – Saturday’s 2-0 shutout of Sporting Kansas City II – the club is proud to announce that forward Gordon Wild has been voted to the USL Championship Team of the Week in Week 5.

Wild earned his first TOTW nod as a member of Indiana’s Team following an impressive debut in Indy’s starting XI over the weekend. The 25-year-old striker was a constant threat in SKC’s defending third, having tested the opposing ‘keeper on set pieces with two on-target chances throughout his 77 minutes on the pitch. Wild displayed his playmaking abilities as well, having created six chances during his shift, two of which assisted striking partners Jordan Hamilton and Manuel Arteaga on their goals in the 53rd and 65th minutes, respectively.

The Leonberg, Germany, native joined Indy Eleven in February after he proved his attacking prowess for clubs across both the USL Championship and Major League Soccer across his first three professional campaigns. For more details on the career of the ex-Maryland Terrapin standout, click here to visit his bio page on https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven.

Indy Eleven will renew one of the USL Championship’s most heated rivalries this Saturday, May 29, when Indiana’s Team will cross the Ohio River to take on Louisville City FC. The first of four LIPAFC (Louisville-Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest) showdowns in 2021 is set to kickoff from Lynn Family Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the action live via streaming video on ESPN+ and follow live updates from the @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed, presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.

After that rivalry showdown, Indy Eleven will return home for back-to-back home games on Wednesday, June 2, against OKC Energy FC (live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com) and Saturday, June 5, versus Memphis 901 FC (WISH-TV, ESPN+ and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com). Tickets for both 7:00 p.m. kickoffs at Carroll Stadium are now available and can be purchased at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 5

GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Brandon Miller recorded a four-save shutout in Charlotte’s 1-0 victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC to become only the third player in Championship history to reach 40 regular-season shutouts for his career.

D – Ryan Flood, Phoenix Rising FC: Ryan Flood won 10 of 12 duels and made three interceptions defensively and also completed 5 of 6 dribbles and 37 of 46 passes to help Phoenix to a emphatic victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

D – Sam Hamilton, New Mexico United: Sam Hamilton went 10 of 10 in duels, won 7 of 9 tackles and made 12 recoveries defensively while also completing 32 of 42 passes in United’s 3-1 road victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

D – Mathieu Deplagne, San Antonio FC: Mathieu Deplagne made four interceptions and eight recoveries and provided the assist on what proved SAFC’s winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC.

M – Aiden McFadden, Atlanta United 2: Aiden McFadden recorded four goals across two games as Atlanta defeated FC Tulsa and earned a late draw with Memphis 901 FC to move second in the Central Division.

M – Roald Mitchell, New York Red Bulls II: Roald Mitchell shone in his first professional start, recording one goal and drawing a penalty kick while also recording six shots overall and winning 11 of 14 duels in New York’s 2-2 draw with the Charleston Battery on Sunday.

M – Kadeem Dacres, Memphis 901 FC: Kadeem Dacres had a stellar display against Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, recording one goal and one assist and completing 3 of 4 dribbles in 901 FC’s 2-2 draw.

M – Chris Wehan, Orange County SC: Orange, Calif. native Chris Wehan had a memorable outing in his home debut for OCSC, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC while also recording three key passes and eight recoveries.

F – Rufat Dadashov, Phoenix Rising FC: Rufat Dadashov scored twice, hit the woodwork twice and had eight shots overall as Phoenix set records for the most shots (41) and shots on goal (20) in a regular-season game against Las Vegas.

F – Gordon Wild, Indy Eleven: Gordon Wild recorded assists on both of Indy’s goals and had six key passes while completing 12 of 15 passes overall and winning eight duels in his side’s 2-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City II.

F – Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising FC: Solomon Asante recorded one goal and one assist, had seven key passes and seven shots and completed 29 of 34 passes overall as Phoenix ran out to a 5-1 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Bench: Alex Tambakis (NM), Pat McMahon (LOU), Connor Stanley (ATL), Danny Flores (OAK), Brandt Bronico (CLT), Cal Jennings (LV), Luis Solignac (ELP)
 

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven and Continental Broadcast Group are proud to introduce the Indianapolis market’s first locally-produced, Spanish language over-the-air radio show dedicated to the beautiful game, A Nivel de Cancha (On the Field).

The new 30-minute program will air on the Spanish language home of Indy Eleven radio broadcasts, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM and Exitos943.com, every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. ET, beginning tomorrow, Saturday, May 22. The show will be hosted by popular La Pantera 1590 AM on-air personality Alfonso “Poncho” Romero and current Indiana Fire Academy coach and former UIndy soccer standout Diego Lemus.

“Exitos Radio has been at the forefront of Indy Eleven’s efforts to connect with the Hispanic community in Central Indiana since day one, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership with the introduction of A Nivel de Cancha,” said Larry Linde, Indy Eleven Sr. Director of Partnerships and Broadcasting.

“We're very proud of our eight-year track record hosting the exclusive Spanish broadcast of Indy Eleven games. We see this new show (A Nivel de Cancha) as a continuation of that on-air asset, as well as a new venture in delivering updated sports content to the Spanish-speaking fans of Indiana,” said Bart Johnson, Market Manager for Continental Broadcast Group. “Futbol is a central and integral part of Hispanic culture.  As the market leader in delivering Spanish language sports programming to central Indiana, Continental Broadcast Group is thrilled to partner with Indy Eleven on this new weekly soccer show. Poncho and Diego are HUGE fans of the game. That passion for the sport will be present in every broadcast of A Nivel de Cancha, airing at 10:00 a.m. every Saturday, on Exitos 94.3 FM.” 

Each week, Romero & Lemus will guide listeners through the latest local, national, and international soccer topics, with a main focus on Indy Eleven, the Mexican Men’s National Team, Liga MX, and Major League Soccer. Soccer fans can tune in live Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., as well as listen to archived episodes on most popular podcast platforms within hours of the show’s original airing.

The 2021 USL Championship season also marks Exitos Radio’s eighth as the official Spanish language broadcast home of Indy Eleven, airing every home contest from IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium live on 94.3 FM and exitos943.com. That broadcast schedule continues Saturday night with Indy Eleven’s Central Division showdown at “The Mike” against Sporting Kansas City II at 7:00 p.m. ET, a limited amount of tickets for which remain available at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven and Continental Broadcast Group are proud to introduce the Indianapolis market’s first locally-produced, Spanish language over-the-air radio show dedicated to the beautiful game, A Nivel de Cancha (On the Field).

The new 30-minute program will air on the Spanish language home of Indy Eleven radio broadcasts, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM and Exitos943.com, every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. ET, beginning tomorrow, Saturday, May 22. The show will be hosted by popular La Pantera 1590 AM on-air personality Alfonso “Poncho” Romero and current Indiana Fire Academy coach and former UIndy soccer standout Diego Lemus.

“Exitos Radio has been at the forefront of Indy Eleven’s efforts to connect with the Hispanic community in Central Indiana since day one, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership with the introduction of A Nivel de Cancha,” said Larry Linde, Indy Eleven Sr. Director of Partnerships and Broadcasting.

“We’re very proud of our eight-year track record hosting the exclusive Spanish broadcast of Indy Eleven games. We see this new show (A Nivel de Cancha) as a continuation of that on-air asset, as well as a new venture in delivering updated sports content to the Spanish-speaking fans of Indiana,” said Bart Johnson, Market Manager for Continental Broadcast Group. “Futbol is a central and integral part of Hispanic culture.  As the market leader in delivering Spanish language sports programming to central Indiana, Continental Broadcast Group is thrilled to partner with Indy Eleven on this new weekly soccer show. Poncho and Diego are HUGE fans of the game. That passion for the sport will be present in every broadcast of A Nivel de Cancha, airing at 10:00 a.m. every Saturday, on Exitos 94.3 FM.” 

Each week, Romero & Lemus will guide listeners through the latest local, national, and international soccer topics, with a main focus on Indy Eleven, the Mexican Men’s National Team, Liga MX, and Major League Soccer. Soccer fans can tune in live Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., as well as listen to archived episodes on most popular podcast platforms within hours of the show’s original airing.

The 2021 USL Championship season also marks Exitos Radio’s eighth as the official Spanish language broadcast home of Indy Eleven, airing every home contest from IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium live on 94.3 FM and exitos943.com. That broadcast schedule continues Saturday night with Indy Eleven’s Central Division showdown at “The Mike” against Sporting Kansas City II at 7:00 p.m. ET, a limited amount of tickets for which remain available at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven y Continental Broadcast Group se enorgullecen en presentar el primer programa de radio al aire en español producido localmente en el mercado de Indianápolis dedicado al hermoso juego del futbol, A Nivel de Cancha.

El nuevo programa de 30 minutos se transmitirá en el hogar en español de las transmisiones de radio de Indy Eleven, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM y Exitos943.com, todos los sábados a las 10:00 am ET, comenzando mañana sábado 22 de mayo. por el popular personaje de La Pantera 1590 AM Alfonso “Poncho” Romero y el actual entrenador de la Indiana Fire Academy y ex jugador destacado de fútbol de UIndy, Diego Lemus.

"Exitos 94.3FM Radio ha estado a la vanguardia de los esfuerzos de Indy Eleven para conectarse con la comunidad hispana en el centro de Indiana desde el primer día, y estamos encantados de ampliar nuestra asociación con la presentación de A Nivel de Cancha", dijo Larry Linde, director de Indy Eleven Director de Asociaciones y Radiodifusión.

“Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestra trayectoria de ocho años como anfitriones de la transmisión exclusiva en español de los juegos de Indy Eleven. Vemos este nuevo programa (A Nivel de Cancha) como un elemento mas aparte de las transmiciones de los partidos en vivo que complementara el apoyo hacia Indy Eleven, así como una nueva  forma  de difundir contenido deportivo actualizado a los fanáticos de habla hispana de Indiana ”, dijo Bart Johnson, gerente de mercado de Continental Broadcast Group. “El fútbol es una parte central e integral de la cultura hispana. Como líder del mercado en la entrega de programación deportiva en español al centro de Indiana, Continental Broadcast Group está encantado de asociarse con Indy Eleven en este nuevo programa de fútbol semanal. Poncho y Diego son ENORMES fanáticos del juego. Esa pasión por el deporte estará presente en cada transmisión de A Nivel de Cancha, que se transmite a las 10:00 a.m. todos los sábados, en Exitos 94.3 FM.”

Cada semana, Romero & Lemus guiará a los oyentes a través de los últimos temas de fútbol local, nacional e internacional, con un enfoque principal en Indy Eleven, la Selección Nacional Masculina de México, Liga MX y Major League Soccer. Los fanáticos del fútbol pueden sintonizar en vivo los sábados a las 10:00 a.m., así como escuchar episodios archivados en las plataformas de podcast más populares pocas horas después de la emisión original del programa.

La temporada del Campeonato de la USL 2021 también marca la octava temporada de Exitos 94.3FM Radio como el hogar oficial de transmisión en español de Indy Eleven, transmitiendo todos los partidos en casa desde el estadio IUPUI Michael A. Carroll en vivo en 94.3 FM y exitos943.com. Ese horario de transmisión continúa el sábado por la noche con el enfrentamiento de la División Central de Indy Eleven en "The Mike" contra Sporting Kansas City II a las 7:00 p.m. ET, una cantidad limitada de boletos para los cuales permanecen disponibles en https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven y Continental Broadcast Group se enorgullecen en presentar el primer programa de radio al aire en español producido localmente en el mercado de Indianápolis dedicado al hermoso juego del futbol, A Nivel de Cancha.

El nuevo programa de 30 minutos se transmitirá en el hogar en español de las transmisiones de radio de Indy Eleven, Exitos Radio 94.3 FM y Exitos943.com, todos los sábados a las 10:00 am ET, comenzando mañana sábado 22 de mayo. por el popular personaje de La Pantera 1590 AM Alfonso “Poncho” Romero y el actual entrenador de la Indiana Fire Academy y ex jugador destacado de fútbol de UIndy, Diego Lemus.

“Exitos 94.3FM Radio ha estado a la vanguardia de los esfuerzos de Indy Eleven para conectarse con la comunidad hispana en el centro de Indiana desde el primer día, y estamos encantados de ampliar nuestra asociación con la presentación de A Nivel de Cancha”, dijo Larry Linde, director de Indy Eleven Director de Asociaciones y Radiodifusión.

“Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestra trayectoria de ocho años como anfitriones de la transmisión exclusiva en español de los juegos de Indy Eleven. Vemos este nuevo programa (A Nivel de Cancha) como un elemento mas aparte de las transmiciones de los partidos en vivo que complementara el apoyo hacia Indy Eleven, así como una nueva  forma  de difundir contenido deportivo actualizado a los fanáticos de habla hispana de Indiana ”, dijo Bart Johnson, gerente de mercado de Continental Broadcast Group. “El fútbol es una parte central e integral de la cultura hispana. Como líder del mercado en la entrega de programación deportiva en español al centro de Indiana, Continental Broadcast Group está encantado de asociarse con Indy Eleven en este nuevo programa de fútbol semanal. Poncho y Diego son ENORMES fanáticos del juego. Esa pasión por el deporte estará presente en cada transmisión de A Nivel de Cancha, que se transmite a las 10:00 a.m. todos los sábados, en Exitos 94.3 FM.”

Cada semana, Romero & Lemus guiará a los oyentes a través de los últimos temas de fútbol local, nacional e internacional, con un enfoque principal en Indy Eleven, la Selección Nacional Masculina de México, Liga MX y Major League Soccer. Los fanáticos del fútbol pueden sintonizar en vivo los sábados a las 10:00 a.m., así como escuchar episodios archivados en las plataformas de podcast más populares pocas horas después de la emisión original del programa.

La temporada del Campeonato de la USL 2021 también marca la octava temporada de Exitos 94.3FM Radio como el hogar oficial de transmisión en español de Indy Eleven, transmitiendo todos los partidos en casa desde el estadio IUPUI Michael A. Carroll en vivo en 94.3 FM y exitos943.com. Ese horario de transmisión continúa el sábado por la noche con el enfrentamiento de la División Central de Indy Eleven en “The Mike” contra Sporting Kansas City II a las 7:00 p.m. ET, una cantidad limitada de boletos para los cuales permanecen disponibles en https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets.

For the last 25 years, Sockers FC has been among the top youth development academies in the country. Players such as USMNT captain and Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley, Orlando City SC winger Chris Mueller, former Vancouver Whitecaps and USMNT defender Jay DeMerit and many others – domestic and abroad – have ties to the Chicagoland organization.  

Since Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie took charge in 2018, the club has seen success in landing Sockers FC standouts such as forward Josh Penn, who recently transferred to David Beckham’s Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF, and defender Matthew Senanou, who is now with the Boys in Blue for a second season under a USL Academy contract. Developing talent continues to be a focus of Coach Rennie’s after inking a loan agreement to bring Sockers FC alumni Aiden Liu to Indiana’s Team for 2021.

For the last decade, the Chicago native Liu has honed his skills on the pitch with Sockers FC –  his dedication to the team and his teammates initially piquing Rennie’s interest.

“He’s a competitive player. He works hard and puts in a good effort every day,” Rennie said. “He has confidence and a desire to succeed, and those are really important qualities for a player.”

The 20-year-old grew up with a love for soccer and basketball, but his passion for soccer is what has led him to early success. After his final season with Sockers FC in 2018, Liu was offered the chance to continue his journey abroad, much like many SFC alumni before him. Through a partnership between Sockers FC and HB Køge, Liu joined the Danish Superliga side’s U-19 roster before going on spend two seasons with Vejle Boldklub, with an intermittent loan to FC Sydvest last fall.

As a freshly turned 18-year-old on his trip abroad, Liu spent the first three months of his time in Denmark with his mom in tow to help him adjust to the culture and life in a new country. Once she returned stateside, it was up to Liu to handle the next two years on his own.

“You need some people there to help you, but eventually you have to be able to fend for yourself,” Liu said. “You can’t take things personally and once you get that it gets a lot easier.”

The competitive nature of soccer does not end after 90 minutes on the pitch. Every day, Liu had to compete with his teammates in training for a spot on the game day roster and, more importantly, a spot in the starting lineup. Outside of 21 combined appearances for HB Køge’s and Vejle BK’s U-19 squads, Liu has yet to make his Superliga first-team debut, but that does not mean the budding defender has earned a wealth of experience in that time.

“Professional soccer in Europe is a very tough environment that would normally make people grow up fast. Those kinds of experiences will help him in the future and give him a lot of good learning moments,” Rennie said.

It was not long after the COVID-19 pandemic hit that Liu was able to put that experience to use. Needing a space to train while he was home for the offseason, Liu found himself spending his days at Westfield-based Grand Park Sports Campus, the Official Training Facility of Indy Eleven.

Liu spent his days training alone due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting his ability to link up with others – that is, until Rennie invited him into the Eleven’s preseason training camp while the fourth-year coach waited for the bulk of his players to arrive.

While the Sockers FC-Indy Eleven connection may be a recent development, it’s been a relationship Rennie has been building for a number of years with coaches Dave Richardson and Bret Hall. Having met Liu during past scrimmages during his Sockers days, Rennie knew the value that training with professionals can have for players in Liu’s circumstance.

An impressive showing of skill and versatility ultimately led to keeping Liu in the Midwest on loan for the year, spending time developing with veterans and rising stars alike while remaining close to friends and family. In the end, it ended up being a win-win for both player and club: Liu was able to find a way to continue his budding career closer to home, and Indy Eleven gained a powerhouse of a center-back for the 2021 season.

For the last 25 years, Sockers FC has been among the top youth development academies in the country. Players such as USMNT captain and Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley, Orlando City SC winger Chris Mueller, former Vancouver Whitecaps and USMNT defender Jay DeMerit and many others – domestic and abroad – have ties to the Chicagoland organization.  

Since Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie took charge in 2018, the club has seen success in landing Sockers FC standouts such as forward Josh Penn, who recently transferred to David Beckham’s Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF, and defender Matthew Senanou, who is now with the Boys in Blue for a second season under a USL Academy contract. Developing talent continues to be a focus of Coach Rennie’s after inking a loan agreement to bring Sockers FC alumni Aiden Liu to Indiana’s Team for 2021.

For the last decade, the Chicago native Liu has honed his skills on the pitch with Sockers FC –  his dedication to the team and his teammates initially piquing Rennie’s interest.

“He’s a competitive player. He works hard and puts in a good effort every day,” Rennie said. “He has confidence and a desire to succeed, and those are really important qualities for a player.”

The 20-year-old grew up with a love for soccer and basketball, but his passion for soccer is what has led him to early success. After his final season with Sockers FC in 2018, Liu was offered the chance to continue his journey abroad, much like many SFC alumni before him. Through a partnership between Sockers FC and HB Køge, Liu joined the Danish Superliga side’s U-19 roster before going on spend two seasons with Vejle Boldklub, with an intermittent loan to FC Sydvest last fall.

As a freshly turned 18-year-old on his trip abroad, Liu spent the first three months of his time in Denmark with his mom in tow to help him adjust to the culture and life in a new country. Once she returned stateside, it was up to Liu to handle the next two years on his own.

“You need some people there to help you, but eventually you have to be able to fend for yourself,” Liu said. “You can’t take things personally and once you get that it gets a lot easier.”

The competitive nature of soccer does not end after 90 minutes on the pitch. Every day, Liu had to compete with his teammates in training for a spot on the game day roster and, more importantly, a spot in the starting lineup. Outside of 21 combined appearances for HB Køge’s and Vejle BK’s U-19 squads, Liu has yet to make his Superliga first-team debut, but that does not mean the budding defender has earned a wealth of experience in that time.

“Professional soccer in Europe is a very tough environment that would normally make people grow up fast. Those kinds of experiences will help him in the future and give him a lot of good learning moments,” Rennie said.

It was not long after the COVID-19 pandemic hit that Liu was able to put that experience to use. Needing a space to train while he was home for the offseason, Liu found himself spending his days at Westfield-based Grand Park Sports Campus, the Official Training Facility of Indy Eleven.

Liu spent his days training alone due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting his ability to link up with others – that is, until Rennie invited him into the Eleven’s preseason training camp while the fourth-year coach waited for the bulk of his players to arrive.

While the Sockers FC-Indy Eleven connection may be a recent development, it’s been a relationship Rennie has been building for a number of years with coaches Dave Richardson and Bret Hall. Having met Liu during past scrimmages during his Sockers days, Rennie knew the value that training with professionals can have for players in Liu’s circumstance.

An impressive showing of skill and versatility ultimately led to keeping Liu in the Midwest on loan for the year, spending time developing with veterans and rising stars alike while remaining close to friends and family. In the end, it ended up being a win-win for both player and club: Liu was able to find a way to continue his budding career closer to home, and Indy Eleven gained a powerhouse of a center-back for the 2021 season.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven saw a promising start turn to disappointment in its return to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium, as a pair of second half goals by FC Tulsa midfielder Joaquin Rivas led to a 0-2 defeat in its 2021 home opener.

“Our preseason was very good and our first away game last weekend was very good and we had a really good week of training, the guys were very focused and on top of things, so coming into tonight I was expecting a good performance and a good result, but we didn’t get it,” explained Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We have to learn lessons from the mistakes that we made. We have two weeks of training until we play again to do that. There wasn’t too much in the game tonight, but obviously we are expecting to win at home and that’s something that we’ve got to get going pretty quickly.” 

A pair of set pieces for both teams were left wanting in the first ten minutes, and the first dangerous look of the match fell to the Eleven and another one near the quarter hour when Nicky Law’s cleared corner kick made it only as far to the edge of the area. That’s where midfielder Aboubacar Sissoko latched onto it, only to drag his solid effort wide of the left post.

In the 22nd minute it was Indy forward Manuel Arteaga being gifted a turnover by FC Tulsa at just about the same spot, and with the same result on the shot. The Indy pressure continued in the 25th minute, when Sissoko was again on top of a cleared header, his redirect towards goal finding the head of defender Neveal Hackshaw, who couldn’t steer it on frame from the edge of the six-yard box.

The 35th minute saw Nick Moon spring into action for Indy, as the winger found a sliver of space in the right side of the area to fire off a short-angle blast that beat Tulsa ‘keeper Sean Lewis but slammed off the base of the near post. The half expired with Indy holding a 5-1 advantage in shots, but none of those chances tested either netminder in the scoreless first 45.

The second half sprung to life in the 53rd minute, when Moon’s cross to the back post found a streaking Patrick Seagrist, who tried to flash a header across the box only to have Lewis bat it out of harm’s way. On the other end a through ball deep into the Indy area nearly found a pair of Tulsa runners, but Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr was quick to rush off his line and slide in to thwart the chance.

Tulsa knicked the opener against the run of play in the 62nd minute when captain Bradley Bourgeois’ cross from the right flank found the head of Joaquin Rivas near the spot. The Tulsa midfielder’s header snuck just past a diving Farr and inside the left post to move the scoreboard for the visitors first.

“Up until that point I thought the game was going decent against a team that has started the season well and is obviously a good team. And then I think the response to the goal was not quite as good as I would have liked,” said Rennie. “I think we were a little frantic in our play and giving the ball away a bit much and not putting them under enough pressure.” 

Rennie inserted Ayoze and Gordon Wild with 20 minutes left in an attempt to spark the Eleven attack, with Wild first asserting himself in the 75th minute with a lengthy run up the middle of the field that ended with a deflected shot that bounced to Lewis.

Kembo Kibato tried to double the advantage for Tulsa from distance in the 79th minute, but Farr was on the spot to grab the chance on this line. However, a minute later Tulsa was set up for their second via a point to the spot, called when Indy defender A.J. Cochran was deemed to have taken down Jerome Kiesewetter inside the area. It was Rivas stepping up and roofing the penalty kick to secure his second brace in three games to start the season and give Tulsa a 2-0 lead.

Indy earned a PK of their own in the 88th minute when a floated cross in the area hit the outstretched hand of Modou Jadama. However, Ayoze’s attempt from the spot banged the crossbar and bounced out of danger to take the wind out of Indy’s comeback sails.

Indy Eleven will enjoy an early bye week before returning to action at Carroll Stadium on Saturday, May 22, when the Boys in Blue will play host to Sporting Kansas City II. Ticket information for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff will be updated as soon as possible, but Indy Eleven Season Ticket Members are confirmed to have access to “The Mike” for the match. For those who cannot make it “Back Home Again,” fans can follow along live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com (Spanish audio broadcast).

2021 USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  0 : 2  FC Tulsa

Saturday, May 8, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. ET

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

Scoring Summary:

TUL – Joaquin Rivas (Bradley Bourgeois) 62’

Disciplinary Summary:

IND – Gershon Koffie (yellow card) 53’

TUL – Jorge Corrales (yellow card) 58’

TUL – Rodrigo da Costa (yellow card) 64’

TUL – Modou Jadama (yellow card) 90+5’

Indy Eleven lineup (3-5-2, L–>R): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette (captain); Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 70’), Gershon Koffie (Jeremiah Gutjahr 86’), Aboubacar Sissoko (Gordon Wild 70’), Nicky Law, Nick Moon (Rece Buckmaster 86’); Cammy Smith (Jordan Hamilton 63’), Manuel Arteaga

Indy substitutes: Bobby Edwards, Jared Timmer

FC Tulsa: (5-3-2, L–>R): Sean Lewis; Matthew Sheldon, Bradley Bourgeois (captain), Jorge Corrales, Modou Jadama, Kevin Garcia; Joaquin Rivas (Marlon 87’), Kembo Kibato (Ciaran Winters 90+2), Raphael Ayagwa; Dario Suarez (Jerome Kiesewetter 69’), Rodrigo da Costa

Tulsa substitutes: Lucas Coutinho, Austin Wormell, Solomon Kwambe, Michael Cunningham

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven saw a promising start turn to disappointment in its return to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium, as a pair of second half goals by FC Tulsa midfielder Joaquin Rivas led to a 0-2 defeat in its 2021 home opener.

“Our preseason was very good and our first away game last weekend was very good and we had a really good week of training, the guys were very focused and on top of things, so coming into tonight I was expecting a good performance and a good result, but we didn’t get it,” explained Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We have to learn lessons from the mistakes that we made. We have two weeks of training until we play again to do that. There wasn’t too much in the game tonight, but obviously we are expecting to win at home and that’s something that we’ve got to get going pretty quickly.” 

A pair of set pieces for both teams were left wanting in the first ten minutes, and the first dangerous look of the match fell to the Eleven and another one near the quarter hour when Nicky Law’s cleared corner kick made it only as far to the edge of the area. That’s where midfielder Aboubacar Sissoko latched onto it, only to drag his solid effort wide of the left post.

In the 22nd minute it was Indy forward Manuel Arteaga being gifted a turnover by FC Tulsa at just about the same spot, and with the same result on the shot. The Indy pressure continued in the 25th minute, when Sissoko was again on top of a cleared header, his redirect towards goal finding the head of defender Neveal Hackshaw, who couldn’t steer it on frame from the edge of the six-yard box.

The 35th minute saw Nick Moon spring into action for Indy, as the winger found a sliver of space in the right side of the area to fire off a short-angle blast that beat Tulsa ‘keeper Sean Lewis but slammed off the base of the near post. The half expired with Indy holding a 5-1 advantage in shots, but none of those chances tested either netminder in the scoreless first 45.

The second half sprung to life in the 53rd minute, when Moon’s cross to the back post found a streaking Patrick Seagrist, who tried to flash a header across the box only to have Lewis bat it out of harm’s way. On the other end a through ball deep into the Indy area nearly found a pair of Tulsa runners, but Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr was quick to rush off his line and slide in to thwart the chance.

Tulsa knicked the opener against the run of play in the 62nd minute when captain Bradley Bourgeois’ cross from the right flank found the head of Joaquin Rivas near the spot. The Tulsa midfielder’s header snuck just past a diving Farr and inside the left post to move the scoreboard for the visitors first.

“Up until that point I thought the game was going decent against a team that has started the season well and is obviously a good team. And then I think the response to the goal was not quite as good as I would have liked,” said Rennie. “I think we were a little frantic in our play and giving the ball away a bit much and not putting them under enough pressure.” 

Rennie inserted Ayoze and Gordon Wild with 20 minutes left in an attempt to spark the Eleven attack, with Wild first asserting himself in the 75th minute with a lengthy run up the middle of the field that ended with a deflected shot that bounced to Lewis.

Kembo Kibato tried to double the advantage for Tulsa from distance in the 79th minute, but Farr was on the spot to grab the chance on this line. However, a minute later Tulsa was set up for their second via a point to the spot, called when Indy defender A.J. Cochran was deemed to have taken down Jerome Kiesewetter inside the area. It was Rivas stepping up and roofing the penalty kick to secure his second brace in three games to start the season and give Tulsa a 2-0 lead.

Indy earned a PK of their own in the 88th minute when a floated cross in the area hit the outstretched hand of Modou Jadama. However, Ayoze’s attempt from the spot banged the crossbar and bounced out of danger to take the wind out of Indy’s comeback sails.

Indy Eleven will enjoy an early bye week before returning to action at Carroll Stadium on Saturday, May 22, when the Boys in Blue will play host to Sporting Kansas City II. Ticket information for the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff will be updated as soon as possible, but Indy Eleven Season Ticket Members are confirmed to have access to “The Mike” for the match. For those who cannot make it “Back Home Again,” fans can follow along live on MyINDY-TV 23, ESPN+, and Exitos Radio 94.3 FM/exitos943.com (Spanish audio broadcast).

2021 USL Championship Regular Season

Indy Eleven  0 : 2  FC Tulsa

Saturday, May 8, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. ET

IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.

Scoring Summary:

TUL – Joaquin Rivas (Bradley Bourgeois) 62’

Disciplinary Summary:

IND – Gershon Koffie (yellow card) 53’

TUL – Jorge Corrales (yellow card) 58’

TUL – Rodrigo da Costa (yellow card) 64’

TUL – Modou Jadama (yellow card) 90+5’

Indy Eleven lineup (3-5-2, L–>R): Jordan Farr; Neveal Hackshaw, A.J. Cochran, Karl Ouimette (captain); Patrick Seagrist (Ayoze 70’), Gershon Koffie (Jeremiah Gutjahr 86’), Aboubacar Sissoko (Gordon Wild 70’), Nicky Law, Nick Moon (Rece Buckmaster 86’); Cammy Smith (Jordan Hamilton 63’), Manuel Arteaga

Indy substitutes: Bobby Edwards, Jared Timmer

FC Tulsa: (5-3-2, L–>R): Sean Lewis; Matthew Sheldon, Bradley Bourgeois (captain), Jorge Corrales, Modou Jadama, Kevin Garcia; Joaquin Rivas (Marlon 87’), Kembo Kibato (Ciaran Winters 90+2), Raphael Ayagwa; Dario Suarez (Jerome Kiesewetter 69’), Rodrigo da Costa

Tulsa substitutes: Lucas Coutinho, Austin Wormell, Solomon Kwambe, Michael Cunningham