News

Indy Eleven is proud to announce a new Corporate Partnership with the dual-branded Hyatt Place Hyatt House hotel in downtown Indianapolis, which will serve as the “Official Host Hotel of Indy Eleven.”

“We are excited to partner with the world-class Hyatt brand and be able to offer teams in our League superior accommodations in a premium location of our great city,” explained Greg Stremlaw, President & Chief Executive Officer for Indy Eleven. “We have firsthand knowledge about the staff at Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown, and they are incredible hosts who will serve as proud ambassadors for Indy Eleven and Indianapolis.”

Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown opened in April 2019 as the first dual-branded Hyatt hotel in the state of Indiana. Located just steps away from the Indy Eleven front office in the city’s Wholesale District at the corner of South Pennsylvania Street and East Georgia Street, the hotel faces the main entrance of Bankers Life Fieldhouse and is just a few blocks away from Lucas Oil Stadium.

“The Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown is honored to be selected as the Official Host Hotel of the Indy Eleven and we look forward to a wonderful partnership in the years to come,” said Melissa Weseli, Director of Sales & Marketing for the hotel. “Our staff is excited for the opportunity to share our Hoosier hospitality with both the Indy Eleven organization and fans, not only on game day, but all year long!  We are delighted to be associated with Indy Eleven’s talented team and staff.”

To celebrate the new partnership, Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown is offering 2020 & 2021 Indy Eleven Season Ticket Members an exclusive 20% discount on rooms through December 31, 2021. Additionally, there will be numerous special accommodation and ticket packages in conjunction with Indy Eleven home games offered during the season.

The 15-story dual-branded hotel offers a unique layout with a large, single lobby serving both the 186-room Hyatt Place hotel and 130-room Hyatt House hotel. Amenities include over 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities featuring Peloton bikes, valet parking, and their second-floor indoor/outdoor lobby bar that overlooks Pennsylvania Street. Guests can also enjoy a diverse and delicious set of dining options on-site that include Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar, Sauce on the Side, and The Gallery Pastry Bar.

Throughout the USL Championship season, the hotel’s lobby bar, Pivot Bar and Balcony, will serve as the location for select Indy Eleven networking events in addition to being a “home base” for Indy Eleven fans by showing both home and away games on its numerous television screens throughout the spacious bar and outdoor balcony.

Through the new partnership, Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown will be featured in numerous promotional avenues including, but not limited to: on-field and in-stadium signage, commercial inventory on local television and national/international streaming video broadcasts, advertisements in the club’s official Victory gameday program, placements on the team’s official website, and more.

For more information on the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Downtown Indianapolis location or to make your reservation today, visit hyattplaceindianapolisdowntown.com or hyatthouseindianapolisdowntown.com. Indy Eleven Season Ticket Members should look in the email inbox connected to their account to receive the Special Offer Code that will provide the 20% discount for their stays.

Indy Eleven is proud to announce a new Corporate Partnership with the dual-branded Hyatt Place Hyatt House hotel in downtown Indianapolis, which will serve as the “Official Host Hotel of Indy Eleven.”

“We are excited to partner with the world-class Hyatt brand and be able to offer teams in our League superior accommodations in a premium location of our great city,” explained Greg Stremlaw, President & Chief Executive Officer for Indy Eleven. “We have firsthand knowledge about the staff at Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown, and they are incredible hosts who will serve as proud ambassadors for Indy Eleven and Indianapolis.”

Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown opened in April 2019 as the first dual-branded Hyatt hotel in the state of Indiana. Located just steps away from the Indy Eleven front office in the city’s Wholesale District at the corner of South Pennsylvania Street and East Georgia Street, the hotel faces the main entrance of Bankers Life Fieldhouse and is just a few blocks away from Lucas Oil Stadium.

“The Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown is honored to be selected as the Official Host Hotel of the Indy Eleven and we look forward to a wonderful partnership in the years to come,” said Melissa Weseli, Director of Sales & Marketing for the hotel. “Our staff is excited for the opportunity to share our Hoosier hospitality with both the Indy Eleven organization and fans, not only on game day, but all year long!  We are delighted to be associated with Indy Eleven’s talented team and staff.”

To celebrate the new partnership, Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown is offering 2020 & 2021 Indy Eleven Season Ticket Members an exclusive 20% discount on rooms through December 31, 2021. Additionally, there will be numerous special accommodation and ticket packages in conjunction with Indy Eleven home games offered during the season.

The 15-story dual-branded hotel offers a unique layout with a large, single lobby serving both the 186-room Hyatt Place hotel and 130-room Hyatt House hotel. Amenities include over 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities featuring Peloton bikes, valet parking, and their second-floor indoor/outdoor lobby bar that overlooks Pennsylvania Street. Guests can also enjoy a diverse and delicious set of dining options on-site that include Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar, Sauce on the Side, and The Gallery Pastry Bar.

Throughout the USL Championship season, the hotel’s lobby bar, Pivot Bar and Balcony, will serve as the location for select Indy Eleven networking events in addition to being a “home base” for Indy Eleven fans by showing both home and away games on its numerous television screens throughout the spacious bar and outdoor balcony.

Through the new partnership, Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown will be featured in numerous promotional avenues including, but not limited to: on-field and in-stadium signage, commercial inventory on local television and national/international streaming video broadcasts, advertisements in the club’s official Victory gameday program, placements on the team’s official website, and more.

For more information on the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Downtown Indianapolis location or to make your reservation today, visit hyattplaceindianapolisdowntown.com or hyatthouseindianapolisdowntown.com. Indy Eleven Season Ticket Members should look in the email inbox connected to their account to receive the Special Offer Code that will provide the 20% discount for their stays.

Indy Eleven and New York City Football Club (NYCFC) have agreed to a short-term loan deal that will see goalkeeper Evan Newton join the Major League Soccer club in time for the resumption of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League later this month.

NYCFC is set to take on Mexican Liga MX side Tigres UANL in the second leg of their Quarterfinal Round series on Tuesday, December 15. Kickoff at Exploria Stadium in Orlando – which will exclusively host the final rounds of the North American club championship tournament from Dec. 15-22 – is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (live coverage available via FOX Sports, TUDN and the official Concacaf app).

Just this past Monday, Indy Eleven confirmed it would have the services of the 32-year-old Newton for a third straight season in 2021. During the last two USL Championship campaigns with Indiana’s Team, the league’s 2018 Golden Glove winner has compiled a record of 21W-15L-6D, a 1.03 goals against average, and 12 shutouts across his 42 appearances (all starts). Newton will enter the 2021 season as the Championship’s career leader in both shutouts (50) and saves (478).

Fans can hear Newton’s thoughts on the short term stay with NYCFC this Saturday morning, when the veteran netminder will join host Greg Rakestraw on this weekend’s edition of Soccer Saturday, airing live on 107.5/93.5 The Fan at 9:00 a.m. and available afterwards via podcast on most popular platforms.

NYCFC will enter the second leg of the aggregate goals series down 0-1 following a defeat at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., back on March 11. The tournament was postponed indefinitely the following week due to the growing coronavirus pandemic.

This marks the second time in Indy Eleven’s history an MLS squad has called upon the Boys in Blue for goalkeeper help during Concacaf Champions League play. The Eleven’s first-ever player signing, German goalkeeper Kristian Nicht, served on behalf of Montreal Impact during the Canadian club’s surprising run to the tournament Finals in early 2015. After serving as a back-up during the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds, Nicht was thrust into the starting line-up for the second leg of the Finals against Mexican powerhouse Club America, contested in front of more than 61,000 spectators at Montreal’s famed Olympic Stadium.

Want to watch Newton and the rest of Indy Eleven in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

Indy Eleven and New York City Football Club (NYCFC) have agreed to a short-term loan deal that will see goalkeeper Evan Newton join the Major League Soccer club in time for the resumption of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League later this month.

NYCFC is set to take on Mexican Liga MX side Tigres UANL in the second leg of their Quarterfinal Round series on Tuesday, December 15. Kickoff at Exploria Stadium in Orlando – which will exclusively host the final rounds of the North American club championship tournament from Dec. 15-22 – is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (live coverage available via FOX Sports, TUDN and the official Concacaf app).

Just this past Monday, Indy Eleven confirmed it would have the services of the 32-year-old Newton for a third straight season in 2021. During the last two USL Championship campaigns with Indiana’s Team, the league’s 2018 Golden Glove winner has compiled a record of 21W-15L-6D, a 1.03 goals against average, and 12 shutouts across his 42 appearances (all starts). Newton will enter the 2021 season as the Championship’s career leader in both shutouts (50) and saves (478).

Fans can hear Newton’s thoughts on the short term stay with NYCFC this Saturday morning, when the veteran netminder will join host Greg Rakestraw on this weekend’s edition of Soccer Saturday, airing live on 107.5/93.5 The Fan at 9:00 a.m. and available afterwards via podcast on most popular platforms.

NYCFC will enter the second leg of the aggregate goals series down 0-1 following a defeat at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J., back on March 11. The tournament was postponed indefinitely the following week due to the growing coronavirus pandemic.

This marks the second time in Indy Eleven’s history an MLS squad has called upon the Boys in Blue for goalkeeper help during Concacaf Champions League play. The Eleven’s first-ever player signing, German goalkeeper Kristian Nicht, served on behalf of Montreal Impact during the Canadian club’s surprising run to the tournament Finals in early 2015. After serving as a back-up during the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds, Nicht was thrust into the starting line-up for the second leg of the Finals against Mexican powerhouse Club America, contested in front of more than 61,000 spectators at Montreal’s famed Olympic Stadium.

Want to watch Newton and the rest of Indy Eleven in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

Indy Eleven started to address its offensive attack with the club’s first new signing of the offseason in forward Cal Jennings. Terms of the contract that brings last season’s leading scorer from Memphis 901 FC and one of college soccer’s most prolific goal scorers in recent years to Indiana’s Team will not be disclosed.

“I'm extremely excited to get started with Indy Eleven. From the professionalism of the club to the quality of the people I've met so far within the organization I'm sure this will be a great fit,” said Jennings. “I'm looking forward to interacting with the fans and serving this club and my teammates to the best of my ability.”

Fans can hear more from the new Eleven striker when Jennings joins host Greg Rakestraw on this weekend’s edition of Soccer Saturday, airing live on 107.5/93.5 The Fan Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Jennings is now the tenth player solidified on the Indy Eleven roster ahead of the 2021 season, joining nine carryovers from last year’s squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Farr, Evan Newton

Defenders: Neveal Hackshaw

Midfielders: Ayoze (Garcia), Mitch Guitar, Carl Haworth

Forwards: Cal Jennings, Nick Moon, Tyler Pasher, Josh Penn

Discussions with additional players from last season’s squad are ongoing, as are new player acquisitions. The club will make more roster transactions official in the coming weeks and into early 2021.

The 23-year-old Jennings notched nine goals and one assist across his 14 appearances (five starts) during his rookie season with Memphis 901 FC in 2020. The center forward earned a move into the starting XI late in the season and more than proved his worth once there, scoring eight times in Memphis’ final four games. Three of those four matches saw the Atlanta native notch multiple goals, including a season-ending hat trick against post-season bound Birmingham Legion FC in their Oct. 3 season finale that earned him the league’s Player of the Week honor for Week 15.

“We are excited to bring Cal Jennings to Indy Eleven. He is a natural goal scorer with a fantastic goal scoring record,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “Finding dynamic attacking players has been a key focus of our offseason recruitment plans, so we are very pleased to bring one of the most exciting young players in the USL to our club.” 

Jennings enjoyed a standout collegiate career at the University of Central Florida from 2016-19, compiling 46 goals and 16 assists across 64 appearances. Jennings’ 20 goals as a junior in 2018 were the second most in the NCAA and an American Athletic Conference (AAC) single-season record, which he followed by scoring a national co-leading 18 goals in his senior season in 2019.  ­­His impressive offensive output helped him earn the AAC Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2019 and All-AAC First-Team and United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American nods and a spot as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist in both 2018 and 2019. Jennings was drafted in the first round (17th overall) of January’s 2020 MLS SuperDraft before beginning his professional career by signing with Memphis 901 FC in July.

To keep track of Indy Eleven’s roster as its fourth campaign in the USL Championship approaches, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/2021-roster.

Want to watch Cal and the rest of the Boys in Blue in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

Indy Eleven started to address its offensive attack with the club’s first new signing of the offseason in forward Cal Jennings. Terms of the contract that brings last season’s leading scorer from Memphis 901 FC and one of college soccer’s most prolific goal scorers in recent years to Indiana’s Team will not be disclosed.

“I’m extremely excited to get started with Indy Eleven. From the professionalism of the club to the quality of the people I’ve met so far within the organization I’m sure this will be a great fit,” said Jennings. “I’m looking forward to interacting with the fans and serving this club and my teammates to the best of my ability.”

Fans can hear more from the new Eleven striker when Jennings joins host Greg Rakestraw on this weekend’s edition of Soccer Saturday, airing live on 107.5/93.5 The Fan Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Jennings is now the tenth player solidified on the Indy Eleven roster ahead of the 2021 season, joining nine carryovers from last year’s squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Farr, Evan Newton

Defenders: Neveal Hackshaw

Midfielders: Ayoze (Garcia), Mitch Guitar, Carl Haworth

Forwards: Cal Jennings, Nick Moon, Tyler Pasher, Josh Penn

Discussions with additional players from last season’s squad are ongoing, as are new player acquisitions. The club will make more roster transactions official in the coming weeks and into early 2021.

The 23-year-old Jennings notched nine goals and one assist across his 14 appearances (five starts) during his rookie season with Memphis 901 FC in 2020. The center forward earned a move into the starting XI late in the season and more than proved his worth once there, scoring eight times in Memphis’ final four games. Three of those four matches saw the Atlanta native notch multiple goals, including a season-ending hat trick against post-season bound Birmingham Legion FC in their Oct. 3 season finale that earned him the league’s Player of the Week honor for Week 15.

“We are excited to bring Cal Jennings to Indy Eleven. He is a natural goal scorer with a fantastic goal scoring record,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “Finding dynamic attacking players has been a key focus of our offseason recruitment plans, so we are very pleased to bring one of the most exciting young players in the USL to our club.” 

Jennings enjoyed a standout collegiate career at the University of Central Florida from 2016-19, compiling 46 goals and 16 assists across 64 appearances. Jennings’ 20 goals as a junior in 2018 were the second most in the NCAA and an American Athletic Conference (AAC) single-season record, which he followed by scoring a national co-leading 18 goals in his senior season in 2019.  ­­His impressive offensive output helped him earn the AAC Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2019 and All-AAC First-Team and United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American nods and a spot as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist in both 2018 and 2019. Jennings was drafted in the first round (17th overall) of January’s 2020 MLS SuperDraft before beginning his professional career by signing with Memphis 901 FC in July.

To keep track of Indy Eleven’s roster as its fourth campaign in the USL Championship approaches, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/2021-roster.

Want to watch Cal and the rest of the Boys in Blue in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

Indy Eleven continued to bring back key contributors ahead of its 2021 USL Championship Season with today’s announcement that goalkeeper Evan Newton, forward Nick Moon, and midfielder Mitch Guitar will be on the roster for the squad’s eighth campaign.

Combined with last week’s initial announcement of six 2021 roster returnees, Indy Eleven now has nine players confirmed to return to Indiana’s Team next season:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Farr, Evan Newton

Defenders:  Neveal Hackshaw

Midfielders: Ayoze (Garcia), Mitch Guitar, Carl Haworth

Forwards: Nick Moon, Tyler Pasher, Josh Penn

Contract discussions with additional players from last season’s squad are ongoing, as are new player acquisitions. The club will make more roster transactions official in the coming weeks and into early 2021.

"The return of the most successful goalkeeper in USL Championship history in Evan Newton provides another solid veteran presence for us to lean on in 2021,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We also look forward to fostering the development of young players like Nick Moon and Mitch Guitar, and look forward to seeing their contributions grow next year.”

For more on these returning players, and to keep track of Indy Eleven’s roster as its fourth campaign in the USL Championship approaches, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/2021-roster.

Want to watch Indy Eleven in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

Indy Eleven continued to bring back key contributors ahead of its 2021 USL Championship Season with today’s announcement that goalkeeper Evan Newton, forward Nick Moon, and midfielder Mitch Guitar will be on the roster for the squad’s eighth campaign.

Combined with last week’s initial announcement of six 2021 roster returnees, Indy Eleven now has nine players confirmed to return to Indiana’s Team next season:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Farr, Evan Newton

Defenders:  Neveal Hackshaw

Midfielders: Ayoze (Garcia), Mitch Guitar, Carl Haworth

Forwards: Nick Moon, Tyler Pasher, Josh Penn

Contract discussions with additional players from last season’s squad are ongoing, as are new player acquisitions. The club will make more roster transactions official in the coming weeks and into early 2021.

“The return of the most successful goalkeeper in USL Championship history in Evan Newton provides another solid veteran presence for us to lean on in 2021,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We also look forward to fostering the development of young players like Nick Moon and Mitch Guitar, and look forward to seeing their contributions grow next year.”

For more on these returning players, and to keep track of Indy Eleven’s roster as its fourth campaign in the USL Championship approaches, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/2021-roster.

Want to watch Indy Eleven in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

Indy Eleven made its first roster moves ahead of the 2021 season official with today’s confirmation of six players set to return to Indiana’s Team: goalkeeper Jordan Farr; defenders Ayoze (Garcia), Neveal Hackshaw, and Carl Haworth; and forwards Tyler Pasher and Josh Penn.

Contract discussions with additional players from last season’s squad are ongoing, as are new player acquisitions. The club will make more roster transactions official in the coming weeks and into early 2021. 

Indy Eleven also has confirmed that its core coaching unit – consisting of Head Coach Martin Rennie and Assistant Coaches Juan Guerra, Phil Presser, and Andy Swift – will return to the sidelines in 2021.  

"After our comprehensive reviews and extensive coach and player meetings, we are genuinely excited to start bringing back many talented players to this organization,” said Indy Eleven President and CEO Greg Stremlaw. “This core group is dedicated and eager to deliver the results that can take Indy Eleven to the top of the USL Championship in 2021.” 

Want to watch Indy Eleven in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

Indy Eleven made its first roster moves ahead of the 2021 season official with today’s confirmation of six players set to return to Indiana’s Team: goalkeeper Jordan Farr; defenders Ayoze (Garcia), Neveal Hackshaw, and Carl Haworth; and forwards Tyler Pasher and Josh Penn.

Contract discussions with additional players from last season’s squad are ongoing, as are new player acquisitions. The club will make more roster transactions official in the coming weeks and into early 2021. 

Indy Eleven also has confirmed that its core coaching unit – consisting of Head Coach Martin Rennie and Assistant Coaches Juan Guerra, Phil Presser, and Andy Swift – will return to the sidelines in 2021.  

“After our comprehensive reviews and extensive coach and player meetings, we are genuinely excited to start bringing back many talented players to this organization,” said Indy Eleven President and CEO Greg Stremlaw. “This core group is dedicated and eager to deliver the results that can take Indy Eleven to the top of the USL Championship in 2021.” 

Want to watch Indy Eleven in action in 2021? Limited edition Holiday Gift Packs featuring ticket vouchers and $25 deposits for 2021 Season Ticket Memberships are now available! Learn more and secure seats for next season by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/indyeleven/tickets or calling 317-685-1100.

With the holiday season upon us, the entire Indy Eleven organization sends a heartfelt “thank you” to our incredible fans and dedicated partners. Your unwavering support and inspiration in the face of unprecedented adversity helped guide our players, coaches, and staff in successfully navigating the most challenging year of our club’s growing history.

Indy Eleven’s overarching campaign for this past season was “Victory is Ours” – a mantra emphasizing that success both on and off the field is a result of our collective effort and passion. We hope you take as much pride as those inside the organization do in achieving the following list of victories, which could not have been accomplished without you:

• Indy Eleven was the first professional team in the State of Indiana to play games after the onset of the pandemic and was one of only seven teams in the 35-club USL Championship to allow some form of fans in the stands. That was only possible thanks to diligent work behind the scenes with various local, state, and national health authorities that resulted in a best-in-class Health and Safety Plan for games at Lucas Oil Stadium.
• A plan is only as good as its execution, and thanks to our staff, volunteers from Community Health Network, and our fan base, together we were able to successfully host ten home games safely and responsibly. This most important of feat happened because we, as families do, collectively placed each other’s health and safety above all else.
• Fans that did not feel comfortable attending games still made their presence felt, as was reflected in our strong ratings on WISH-TV and ESPN+ and record engagement for corporate partners across our social media networks.
• The diligence of our players, coaches, and team staff resulted in ZERO practice days and games lost during the entire season of intensive testing protocols. Those individuals in our “testing bubble” should be applauded once more for their diligence and willingness to make the necessary sacrifices that ensured our season could be executed to its fullest extent.
• While our season ended short of expectations on the field, there were still ample moments of quality that showed our team’s talent and potential, including All-USL Second Team performances by defender Neveal Hackshaw and forward Tyler Pasher.
• When social justice issues rose to the forefront, we took time to listen to our community and supported our players’ and the USL’s efforts to stand “United Against Racism”. We made a formal commitment to action, which included creating a broad-based Diversity & Inclusion Committee called O.N.E. Team. This group will continue to focus heavily on a comprehensive action plan, especially ensuring equity is at the heart of the entire organization and our community partnerships.
• Your generosity resulted in thousands of dollars in contributions supporting multiple deserving causes including the Community Health Network Foundation, Fairbanks Treatment & Recovery Center as well as many others.

We hope these victories accomplished together in 2020 have sparked some moments of joy and opportunities to come together in such turbulent times. The coming days and weeks will result in plenty of news that will shape our course in 2021, and we cannot wait to start sharing these updates with you. Stay safe and thank you for being #IndyForever.

Warmest regards,

Greg Stremlaw

President & CEO

With the holiday season upon us, the entire Indy Eleven organization sends a heartfelt “thank you” to our incredible fans and dedicated partners. Your unwavering support and inspiration in the face of unprecedented adversity helped guide our players, coaches, and staff in successfully navigating the most challenging year of our club’s growing history.

Indy Eleven’s overarching campaign for this past season was “Victory is Ours” – a mantra emphasizing that success both on and off the field is a result of our collective effort and passion. We hope you take as much pride as those inside the organization do in achieving the following list of victories, which could not have been accomplished without you:

• Indy Eleven was the first professional team in the State of Indiana to play games after the onset of the pandemic and was one of only seven teams in the 35-club USL Championship to allow some form of fans in the stands. That was only possible thanks to diligent work behind the scenes with various local, state, and national health authorities that resulted in a best-in-class Health and Safety Plan for games at Lucas Oil Stadium.
• A plan is only as good as its execution, and thanks to our staff, volunteers from Community Health Network, and our fan base, together we were able to successfully host ten home games safely and responsibly. This most important of feat happened because we, as families do, collectively placed each other’s health and safety above all else.
• Fans that did not feel comfortable attending games still made their presence felt, as was reflected in our strong ratings on WISH-TV and ESPN+ and record engagement for corporate partners across our social media networks.
• The diligence of our players, coaches, and team staff resulted in ZERO practice days and games lost during the entire season of intensive testing protocols. Those individuals in our “testing bubble” should be applauded once more for their diligence and willingness to make the necessary sacrifices that ensured our season could be executed to its fullest extent.
• While our season ended short of expectations on the field, there were still ample moments of quality that showed our team’s talent and potential, including All-USL Second Team performances by defender Neveal Hackshaw and forward Tyler Pasher.
• When social justice issues rose to the forefront, we took time to listen to our community and supported our players’ and the USL’s efforts to stand “United Against Racism”. We made a formal commitment to action, which included creating a broad-based Diversity & Inclusion Committee called O.N.E. Team. This group will continue to focus heavily on a comprehensive action plan, especially ensuring equity is at the heart of the entire organization and our community partnerships.
• Your generosity resulted in thousands of dollars in contributions supporting multiple deserving causes including the Community Health Network Foundation, Fairbanks Treatment & Recovery Center as well as many others.

We hope these victories accomplished together in 2020 have sparked some moments of joy and opportunities to come together in such turbulent times. The coming days and weeks will result in plenty of news that will shape our course in 2021, and we cannot wait to start sharing these updates with you. Stay safe and thank you for being #IndyForever.

Warmest regards,

Greg Stremlaw

President & CEO

The United Soccer League honored standout performers from the regular season on Wednesday with the announcement of the 2020 USL Championship All-League Teams, which included Indy Eleven defender Neveal Hackshaw and forward Tyler Pasher being named to the All-League Second Team.

“Congratulations to Tyler and Neveal for being recognized in the Championship’s All-League Second Team,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “Both players did well this challenging season and deserve the accolades that come their way.”

Hackshaw ranked third in the league in passes completed with 791 and led all outfield players in total recoveries (151). In addition to leading the team in blocks (10) and interceptions (24), the Trinidad and Tobago international found flashes of brilliance in the attacking third, notching two goals on six shots and creating seven chances for his teammates.  This marks the second consecutive All-League Team selection for the 25-year-old Hackshaw after he garnered a spot on the First Team – and a Defender of the Year nomination – for his standout performance in 2019.

Pasher earned his All-League debut after another stellar performance in the attacking half of the pitch. The 26-year-old started the season on the front foot, tallying six goals in six games in one of the fastest starts in USL Championship history, a feat that earned him the league’s Player of the Month award in July. The Canadian winger-turned-striker finished the regular season tied for seventh on the Championship’s Golden Boot chart with 10 goals, bringing his Indy career total to 24 and placing him just two behind Eleven all-time leading scorer Eamon Zayed. Pasher also finished the year with two assists, led the team in chances created (30), and ranked third across the league in shots (50).

The 2020 USL Championship All-League Team was voted on by club management and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL market.

With 2020 now in the book, Indy Eleven continues to prepare for the upcoming 2021 USL Championship season. Deposits for new 2021 Season Ticket Members are now available at www.indyeleven.com/2021-season-tickets or by calling 317-685-1100.

 

2020 USL Championship All-League Second Team

GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Miller earned the second All-League selection of his career after a stellar campaign that helped the Independence return to the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time since 2017. Miller led the league with 61 saves and recorded five shutouts with a save percentage of 73.5 percent.

D – Leland Archer, Charleston Battery: Archer’s third season with the Battery saw the Trinidad & Tobago center back produce a breakout campaign as he recorded 50 clearances and 95 recoveries while posting a passing accuracy rate of 80.1 percent in the middle of a strong Battery back line that helped the side earn its 13th consecutive postseason berth overall.

D – Alex Crognale, Birmingham Legion FC: One of Birmingham’s key offseason arrivals, Crognale was stellar in the center of the club’s defense as he finished tied for fourth in the league with 73 clearances and also made 73 recoveries while completing the fifth-most passes in the league (757) at an accuracy rate of 85.8 percent.

D – Neveal Hackshaw, Indy Eleven: The Trinidad & Tobago international earned his second consecutive selection to the All-League Team after another strong year for Indy. Hackshaw ranked third in the league in passes completed with 791, led all outfield players with 151 recoveries and made 24 interceptions for the Boys in Blue.

D – Jordan Scarlett, Tampa Bay Rowdies: One part of the Rowdies’ defensive makeover during the offseason, Scarlett was ever-present for Tampa Bay as he made 63 clearances and 34 interceptions defensively while notching a goal and assist in attack. Scarlett also recorded four Big Chances Created as his timing in the penalty area added another weapon for the Rowdies on set pieces.

M – Christiano Francois, Reno 1868 FC: The Haiti international continued to be one of the most electrifying wingers in the league as he recorded six goals and seven assists to help Reno record the best record in the regular season. Francois notched 33 chances created and completed 31 dribbles, consistently putting opposing defenses on the back foot.

M – Kevin Partida, Reno 1868 FC: In his third season with Reno – including a stint on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes in 2019 – Partida served as the pivot in the center of midfield that helped Reno succeed. The Nevada native sported a passing accuracy rate of 82.1 percent on 51.4 passes per 90 minutes and won 61.9 percent of his duels to help 1868 FC to the best record in the Championship.

M – Chris Wehan, New Mexico United: Earning his second All-League selection of his career, Wehan was one of the key figures in New Mexico’s return to the Championship Playoffs for a second consecutive season. The attacking midfielder recorded six goals and four assists while recording 21 chances created, but came up with three game-winning goals for his side as it reached the postseason despite playing its full schedule on the road.

F – Rufat Dadashov, Phoenix Rising FC: The Azerbaijani international made a big impact in his first game for Rising FC with a hat trick and continued to find the net consistently to lead the squad to the top of Group B. Dadashov recorded 11 goals and four assists in the regular season, but was also notable in his link-up play that saw him register 21 key passes and a passing accuracy rate of 72.4 percent overall.

F – Dane Kelly, Charlotte Independence: The Championship’s all-time leading scorer produced a return to form in his first season with the Independence, scoring 11 goals to lead Charlotte back to the postseason for the first time in three seasons. Kelly also notched a pair of assists as he earned the fourth All-League selection of his career.

F – Tyler Pasher, Indy Eleven: In his second season as an out-and-out striker, the Canadian standout got out to one of the fastest starts in the Championship’s history with six goals in Indy’s first six games and finished the regular season with 10 goals and two assists while notching a passing accuracy rate of 83.5 percent to earn his first All-League selection.

The United Soccer League honored standout performers from the regular season on Wednesday with the announcement of the 2020 USL Championship All-League Teams, which included Indy Eleven defender Neveal Hackshaw and forward Tyler Pasher being named to the All-League Second Team.

“Congratulations to Tyler and Neveal for being recognized in the Championship’s All-League Second Team,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “Both players did well this challenging season and deserve the accolades that come their way.”

Hackshaw ranked third in the league in passes completed with 791 and led all outfield players in total recoveries (151). In addition to leading the team in blocks (10) and interceptions (24), the Trinidad and Tobago international found flashes of brilliance in the attacking third, notching two goals on six shots and creating seven chances for his teammates.  This marks the second consecutive All-League Team selection for the 25-year-old Hackshaw after he garnered a spot on the First Team – and a Defender of the Year nomination – for his standout performance in 2019.

Pasher earned his All-League debut after another stellar performance in the attacking half of the pitch. The 26-year-old started the season on the front foot, tallying six goals in six games in one of the fastest starts in USL Championship history, a feat that earned him the league’s Player of the Month award in July. The Canadian winger-turned-striker finished the regular season tied for seventh on the Championship’s Golden Boot chart with 10 goals, bringing his Indy career total to 24 and placing him just two behind Eleven all-time leading scorer Eamon Zayed. Pasher also finished the year with two assists, led the team in chances created (30), and ranked third across the league in shots (50).

The 2020 USL Championship All-League Team was voted on by club management and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL market.

With 2020 now in the book, Indy Eleven continues to prepare for the upcoming 2021 USL Championship season. Deposits for new 2021 Season Ticket Members are now available at www.indyeleven.com/2021-season-tickets or by calling 317-685-1100.

 

2020 USL Championship All-League Second Team

GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Miller earned the second All-League selection of his career after a stellar campaign that helped the Independence return to the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time since 2017. Miller led the league with 61 saves and recorded five shutouts with a save percentage of 73.5 percent.

D – Leland Archer, Charleston Battery: Archer’s third season with the Battery saw the Trinidad & Tobago center back produce a breakout campaign as he recorded 50 clearances and 95 recoveries while posting a passing accuracy rate of 80.1 percent in the middle of a strong Battery back line that helped the side earn its 13th consecutive postseason berth overall.

D – Alex Crognale, Birmingham Legion FC: One of Birmingham’s key offseason arrivals, Crognale was stellar in the center of the club’s defense as he finished tied for fourth in the league with 73 clearances and also made 73 recoveries while completing the fifth-most passes in the league (757) at an accuracy rate of 85.8 percent.

D – Neveal Hackshaw, Indy Eleven: The Trinidad & Tobago international earned his second consecutive selection to the All-League Team after another strong year for Indy. Hackshaw ranked third in the league in passes completed with 791, led all outfield players with 151 recoveries and made 24 interceptions for the Boys in Blue.

D – Jordan Scarlett, Tampa Bay Rowdies: One part of the Rowdies’ defensive makeover during the offseason, Scarlett was ever-present for Tampa Bay as he made 63 clearances and 34 interceptions defensively while notching a goal and assist in attack. Scarlett also recorded four Big Chances Created as his timing in the penalty area added another weapon for the Rowdies on set pieces.

M – Christiano Francois, Reno 1868 FC: The Haiti international continued to be one of the most electrifying wingers in the league as he recorded six goals and seven assists to help Reno record the best record in the regular season. Francois notched 33 chances created and completed 31 dribbles, consistently putting opposing defenses on the back foot.

M – Kevin Partida, Reno 1868 FC: In his third season with Reno – including a stint on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes in 2019 – Partida served as the pivot in the center of midfield that helped Reno succeed. The Nevada native sported a passing accuracy rate of 82.1 percent on 51.4 passes per 90 minutes and won 61.9 percent of his duels to help 1868 FC to the best record in the Championship.

M – Chris Wehan, New Mexico United: Earning his second All-League selection of his career, Wehan was one of the key figures in New Mexico’s return to the Championship Playoffs for a second consecutive season. The attacking midfielder recorded six goals and four assists while recording 21 chances created, but came up with three game-winning goals for his side as it reached the postseason despite playing its full schedule on the road.

F – Rufat Dadashov, Phoenix Rising FC: The Azerbaijani international made a big impact in his first game for Rising FC with a hat trick and continued to find the net consistently to lead the squad to the top of Group B. Dadashov recorded 11 goals and four assists in the regular season, but was also notable in his link-up play that saw him register 21 key passes and a passing accuracy rate of 72.4 percent overall.

F – Dane Kelly, Charlotte Independence: The Championship’s all-time leading scorer produced a return to form in his first season with the Independence, scoring 11 goals to lead Charlotte back to the postseason for the first time in three seasons. Kelly also notched a pair of assists as he earned the fourth All-League selection of his career.

F – Tyler Pasher, Indy Eleven: In his second season as an out-and-out striker, the Canadian standout got out to one of the fastest starts in the Championship’s history with six goals in Indy’s first six games and finished the regular season with 10 goals and two assists while notching a passing accuracy rate of 83.5 percent to earn his first All-League selection.

Indy Eleven took an important step in the growth of its player development model with today’s announcement that Indiana’s Team will field squads in the 2021 USL Academy League and USL Academy Cup competitions.

Established in 2019, the USL Academy program provides an elite youth platform to offer United Soccer League member clubs in the Championship, League One, and League Two. The setup comprises three key components – the Academy Cup, the Academy League, and USL Academy contracts – that allow clubs to develop a more clearly defined path for top youth prospects in their area to reach the professional level and sign directly with their senior team. The first USL Academy Cup events in 2019 and early 2020 set the stage for the USL Academy League, with the inaugural season planned for 2021.

“Indy Eleven is excited to represent our state and its tremendous soccer talent in the USL Academy, a player development model that works for all players, families, and member clubs involved,” said Greg Stremlaw, Indy Eleven President & CEO. “Similar to first team, we have every expectation that our USL Academy teams will represent Indiana’s Team proudly while showcasing their talents on the regional and national stages beginning next year.”

Indy Eleven will partner with the acclaimed Indiana Fire Academy (IFA) program in establishing squads that will represent Indiana’s Team in the regional USL Academy League (eligible for U-15 through U-19 players) and the national USL Academy Cup (U-13 and U-17 Teams).

Of the nine players to sign USL Academy Contracts with the Indy Eleven first team since the start of 2019, seven have been products of the IFA program, solidifying the program based out of Indy Eleven’s shared home of Westfield’s Grand Park as one of the Midwest’s top clubs when it comes to player development. Players signing USL Academy contracts gain experience in the professional environment, training full-time with Indy Eleven and are available for selection on matchday, all while maintaining college eligibility.

“Indiana Fire Academy is thrilled to have this opportunity and grateful to the Indy Eleven organization for the honor of representing our home state’s professional club in USL Academy competitions," said IFA Technical Director Phil Presser. 

The USL Academy League’s regional division format will limit travel demands for teams and families, allowing a greater opportunity for USL member clubs to be represented. Indy Eleven will be one of six clubs represented in the East-Central Division of the inaugural USL Academy League, which also includes a pair of fellow Championship rivals in Louisville City FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and a trio of USL League Two clubs – Cleveland Force SC (future USL League Two), Flint City Bucks. and Grand Rapids FC.

The USL Academy Cup is designed to bring together top youth prospects from all USL club markets, all centered around identifying and developing players with the potential to reach the professional level. The first-ever USL Academy Cup event series was held throughout the 2019/20 youth soccer cycle, while this year’s planned second tournament in May of 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dates and locations for the 2021 tournament have yet to be announced.

For more information on the USL Academy system, including details on the USL Academy League, USL Academy Cup, and USL Academy Contracts, visit usl-academy.com.

Indy Eleven took an important step in the growth of its player development model with today’s announcement that Indiana’s Team will field squads in the 2021 USL Academy League and USL Academy Cup competitions.

Established in 2019, the USL Academy program provides an elite youth platform to offer United Soccer League member clubs in the Championship, League One, and League Two. The setup comprises three key components – the Academy Cup, the Academy League, and USL Academy contracts – that allow clubs to develop a more clearly defined path for top youth prospects in their area to reach the professional level and sign directly with their senior team. The first USL Academy Cup events in 2019 and early 2020 set the stage for the USL Academy League, with the inaugural season planned for 2021.

“Indy Eleven is excited to represent our state and its tremendous soccer talent in the USL Academy, a player development model that works for all players, families, and member clubs involved,” said Greg Stremlaw, Indy Eleven President & CEO. “Similar to first team, we have every expectation that our USL Academy teams will represent Indiana’s Team proudly while showcasing their talents on the regional and national stages beginning next year.”

Indy Eleven will partner with the acclaimed Indiana Fire Academy (IFA) program in establishing squads that will represent Indiana’s Team in the regional USL Academy League (eligible for U-15 through U-19 players) and the national USL Academy Cup (U-13 and U-17 Teams).

Of the nine players to sign USL Academy Contracts with the Indy Eleven first team since the start of 2019, seven have been products of the IFA program, solidifying the program based out of Indy Eleven’s shared home of Westfield’s Grand Park as one of the Midwest’s top clubs when it comes to player development. Players signing USL Academy contracts gain experience in the professional environment, training full-time with Indy Eleven and are available for selection on matchday, all while maintaining college eligibility.

“Indiana Fire Academy is thrilled to have this opportunity and grateful to the Indy Eleven organization for the honor of representing our home state’s professional club in USL Academy competitions,” said IFA Technical Director Phil Presser. 

The USL Academy League’s regional division format will limit travel demands for teams and families, allowing a greater opportunity for USL member clubs to be represented. Indy Eleven will be one of six clubs represented in the East-Central Division of the inaugural USL Academy League, which also includes a pair of fellow Championship rivals in Louisville City FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and a trio of USL League Two clubs – Cleveland Force SC (future USL League Two), Flint City Bucks. and Grand Rapids FC.

The USL Academy Cup is designed to bring together top youth prospects from all USL club markets, all centered around identifying and developing players with the potential to reach the professional level. The first-ever USL Academy Cup event series was held throughout the 2019/20 youth soccer cycle, while this year’s planned second tournament in May of 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dates and locations for the 2021 tournament have yet to be announced.

For more information on the USL Academy system, including details on the USL Academy League, USL Academy Cup, and USL Academy Contracts, visit usl-academy.com.

There are no words that can properly describe the feeling of the offseason starting well before it should, but it’s a feeling that Indiana’s Team has to cope with after its campaign ended on October 3, in the final weekend of USL Championship regular season action.

Coming off the heels of a multi-franchise-record breaking season in 2019 and a strong start to the 2020 campaign – pre and post-hiatus – Indy Eleven was considered an early favorite to be the team adding a star above its crest at the end of the USL Championship Playoffs. Unfortunately, a string of unfavorable results throughout the second half of the condensed 2020 schedule ultimately saw Indy Eleven fall just two points short of clinching one of two playoff berths from its group.

“To be here at this point in the season where it didn’t end the way that we wanted it to, it causes us to reflect on what we need to do better, what we need to improve and change,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We’ve been on a run of doing well for a long time. There are lots of things that are in a good place, but there are some adjustments that need to be made in order for us to learn from the mistakes we made this year.” 

While the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs nears its end, with the Conference Finals taking place this Saturday and the finale taking place a little over a week later on November 1, Coach Rennie has gotten an early start on his postseason duties, which has included meetings with his technical staff and one-on-one chats with each of the players.

“We need to evaluate what was good and what wasn’t, because you don’t want to stop doing the things that are working well, but you do want to make adjustments and improvements where things haven’t worked out the way that you wanted to,” Rennie said. “So really, a lot of listening, thinking and evaluating, and then coming up with a plan that we can implement, that we can feel passionate and excited about.”

This is the first time Indy Eleven has been left out of the playoff picture since joining the USL Championship in 2018 – a circumstance born in part out of geography after being drawn into the Eastern Conference’s toughest group as part of the season restart. While the season ending early isn’t an overly-palatable outcome, Coach Rennie continues to look at the positives – a franchise-record 4W-0L-0D start to the season, multiple players on Indy’s roster tallying Team of the Week nods, earning the Player (Tyler Pasher) and Coach of the Month awards in July, and the opportunity to have played in front of a home crowd in 2020.

Accomplishments aside, Rennie and Co. will spend the offseason pouring over the results from the latter half of the year, developing a road map for success in 2021.

“We need to develop a plan that helps us look forward and say, ‘Look, we have become one of the best teams in the USL Championship. We want to be the best, but we’re not quite there yet. So, what do we have to do to do that?’”, Rennie said. “We are so much on the process of becoming the top team. We have to make changes; we need to be strong and we need to focus on what comes next.”

There are no words that can properly describe the feeling of the offseason starting well before it should, but it’s a feeling that Indiana’s Team has to cope with after its campaign ended on October 3, in the final weekend of USL Championship regular season action.

Coming off the heels of a multi-franchise-record breaking season in 2019 and a strong start to the 2020 campaign – pre and post-hiatus – Indy Eleven was considered an early favorite to be the team adding a star above its crest at the end of the USL Championship Playoffs. Unfortunately, a string of unfavorable results throughout the second half of the condensed 2020 schedule ultimately saw Indy Eleven fall just two points short of clinching one of two playoff berths from its group.

“To be here at this point in the season where it didn’t end the way that we wanted it to, it causes us to reflect on what we need to do better, what we need to improve and change,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie. “We’ve been on a run of doing well for a long time. There are lots of things that are in a good place, but there are some adjustments that need to be made in order for us to learn from the mistakes we made this year.” 

While the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs nears its end, with the Conference Finals taking place this Saturday and the finale taking place a little over a week later on November 1, Coach Rennie has gotten an early start on his postseason duties, which has included meetings with his technical staff and one-on-one chats with each of the players.

“We need to evaluate what was good and what wasn’t, because you don’t want to stop doing the things that are working well, but you do want to make adjustments and improvements where things haven’t worked out the way that you wanted to,” Rennie said. “So really, a lot of listening, thinking and evaluating, and then coming up with a plan that we can implement, that we can feel passionate and excited about.”

This is the first time Indy Eleven has been left out of the playoff picture since joining the USL Championship in 2018 – a circumstance born in part out of geography after being drawn into the Eastern Conference’s toughest group as part of the season restart. While the season ending early isn’t an overly-palatable outcome, Coach Rennie continues to look at the positives – a franchise-record 4W-0L-0D start to the season, multiple players on Indy’s roster tallying Team of the Week nods, earning the Player (Tyler Pasher) and Coach of the Month awards in July, and the opportunity to have played in front of a home crowd in 2020.

Accomplishments aside, Rennie and Co. will spend the offseason pouring over the results from the latter half of the year, developing a road map for success in 2021.

“We need to develop a plan that helps us look forward and say, ‘Look, we have become one of the best teams in the USL Championship. We want to be the best, but we’re not quite there yet. So, what do we have to do to do that?’”, Rennie said. “We are so much on the process of becoming the top team. We have to make changes; we need to be strong and we need to focus on what comes next.”