Attacking midfielder Matt Clare (left) and his FC Wichita teammates had valuables and personal items stolen from their locker room while playing Wednesday. Photo credit: GS Memorymaker Photography

While FC Wichita’s players were on the field playing NTX Rayados in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, someone broke into the locker room and robbed the team. Phones, wallets, passports and other valuables were stolen. The latest value estimate is $20,000.

FC Wichita is an amateur team, and some of these players are college students, making this loss even rougher for the team and players. Therefore, the FC Wichita supporters’ group Air Capital Firm has started a GoFundMe to help the team recover.

Click here to visit the GoFundMe.

NTX Rayados won the match 3-2 to advance to face the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on June 6 in the fourth round of the Open Cup.

Follow John on Twitter: @JohnMLTX.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

Image credit: FC Indiana

Entering Friday’s NPSL season finale at Michigan Stars FC with an already woeful record of 1W-1D-11L, things seemingly couldn’t get any worse for the FC Indiana Lions. But things did go downhill alright — boy, did they ever.

The Lions found themselves up early after an eighth-minute tally by Mehdi Himmich. A goal in the 21st minute and another in the 38th, both by winger Kevin Amaizo, took FC Indiana into halftime with a 3-nil advantage.

Surely this was to be the Lions’ elusive second win of their difficult 2017 campaign. Sigh.

The 3-0 scoreline held until the 56th minute, when the home side pulled one back through Jacob Prud’homme. Still, as the waning stages of the match approached, FC Indiana clung to a 3-1 advantage. Victory seemed imminent.

Sure enough, a Stars goal in the 86th minute by Michael Beckett created some extra tension for the Lions. And the home side was just getting warmed up.

Alexander Ofeimu and Brandon Katona both scored in stoppage time for Michigan Stars FC, propelling the hosts to an improbable 4-3 comeback win over the deflated Lions. Ugh. Ofeimu’s goal was particularly impressive, coming on a headed throw-in.

Also credit Stars goalkeeper Anthony Mwembia; he kept his side within striking distance. Despite conceding thrice, he earned a nomination for NPSL Mitre National Player of the Week with his nine-save performance, three of which came from point-blank range.

As amazing as the Stars’ finish was, much of the blame fell squarely on FC Indiana. Midfielders stood around in the final minutes as Stars attackers dropped in deeper behind them, unmarked. The Lions’ back line also joined the don’t-mark-anyone parade, looking downright befuddled and out of sorts in the final five minutes plus stoppage time.

“The changes we made at halftime were tactical,” Stars assistant coach Eric Perilla told MichiganStarsFC.com. “We talked about how Indiana was pressing and how we could expose them. Coach Nathan (Smith) found a way for us to do that and from there everything just fell into place.”

The entire club had a complete mental and physical meltdown. The Lions looked like they truly didn’t believe they could win the match. In a season marred by perpetual disappointment, for it to all culminate in such a heartbreaking fashion seemed oddly poetic.

Image credit: NPSL

With the loss, FC Indiana finished its lackluster NPSL season at the bottom of the Great Lakes Conference table with a 1W-1D-12L record and four points. The Lions will need to tinker with their roster to drastically improve, as the main issue this past season seemed to be a general lack of talent — on both sides of the ball. Their anemic offense pitched in just a shade over a goal per match, while their scant defense allowed 3.71 goals per contest.

***

You can follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

Soc Takes is on Patreon. Get access to patron-only Soc Takes Pod episodes, exclusive written content and tier rewards. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

AFC Ann Arbor’s Martieon “Moco” Watson scores a stoppage-time header to secure three points against Detroit City FC. Photo credit: Els Wenner

From supporters having a run-in with the police to witnessing arguably one of the worst teams in NPSL history, the first half of the Great Lakes Conference has been interesting thus far to say the least.

Here are the current Great Lakes standings through June 17:

Image credit: NPSL.com

We’re over halfway through the season and it has provided for very entertaining action on and off the pitch. Here is a look at each team’s season so far, as well as some predictions regarding the final standings.

AFC Ann Arbor has continued their remarkable spell of results from 2017 as they remain atop the table yet again in 2018. The “Mighty Oak” have proven themselves as the best soccer team in the state of Michigan and the team to beat as they are yet to lose in 2018. Madonna University standout Yuri Farkas leads the team with five goals this season, not to be outdone by Jordan Montoya who has had three important goals leading Ann Arbor to victory. A season sweep of Detroit City FC as well as a comfortable 2-0 home win against second-place Grand Rapids FC have been the Mighty Oak’s most impressive results so far. And despite a surprising 1-1 draw against Milwaukee at home two weeks ago, Ann Arbor fans and the Main St. Hooligans supporters’ group should have nothing to worry about for the remainder of the season as they have a favorable schedule remaining with two home matches, one against Columbus and the other against the lowly FC Indiana side.

Final prediction: AFC Ann Arbor should coast through the rest of the year in first place and win the Great Lakes Conference yet again.

Grand Rapids FC has also had a hot start to the season and sits in second place through eight matches played. After finishing in third last year and missing out on the playoffs — the top two teams advance — GRFC have only lost to Columbus and undefeated Ann Arbor, and have amounted six wins with the help of Davenport University forward Matt “Super Matty” Whelan, who leads the team with six league goals. New Zealand native Scott Doney has also notched four goals in the NPSL so far, including the game winner in Detroit on Sunday night that secured the club an important three points. Although the “Boys in Blue” have a comfortable cushion ahead of Detroit and Columbus right now, their difficult remaining schedule is a potential concern for Grand Rapids fans and the Grand Army supporters’ group, as they still have to play Detroit, Ann Arbor and Columbus, a team they’ve already lost to this season. Grand Rapids is definitely in the driver’s seat to close out this playoff race, but there is certainly room for error.

Final prediction: It will become a tight race for second place; however, Grand Rapids FC will fend off Columbus and archrival Detroit to remain in second place to close out the season.

FC Columbus is the new kid on the block in this conference, and the team has put together a competitive and respectable team in their first year of NPSL play. In what has to be one of the more bizarre storylines of the season so far, FC Columbus’ supporters’ group, Wolf’s Ridge XII, endured an incident involving police due to alleged foul language during a home match against Kalamazoo. I was streaming the match online and was definitely confused and slightly amused as to why an entire supporters’ section had gone missing after halftime. Accusations flew on social media that the club called the cops on its own SG, which the team firmly denied in an official statement following the incident. Despite an absent supporters’ group, Columbus had a comfortable 3-1 victory over a decent Kalamazoo side. These guys are definitely dark horses in the conference and are going to have a realistic shot at taking down second-place Grand Rapids for the coveted playoff birth. Not many people have been talking about this team, however a 3-0 smashing of Grand Rapids on the road as well as another 2-0 road win against Kalamazoo two days later should get people’s attention. I finally got to see them team play in person last week and liked what I saw. “C-Bus” is a very athletic and physical team that uses its speed to an advantage. FC Columbus still has five games remaining, two of which are against FC Indiana. Expect them to pick up six points there and a few more in their remaining three matches.

Final prediction: Unfortunately for FC Columbus, Grand Rapids fends off their lead in the standings — barely — and C-Bus finishes in third place.

Chris Odhiambo scores the lone goal of the match as AFC Ann Arbor beats Detroit City FC 1-0 at Keyworth Stadium on June 10. Photo credit: Dustin Johnston

Detroit City FC, the face of the Great Lakes Conference and home to arguably the best fan base in the entire NPSL, has certainly not had an ideal start to its league season. However, all hope is not lost as they still have somewhat of a shot at chasing down Grand Rapids for that second playoff spot. It’s been a busy summer so far for “Le Rouge,” as they made it to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup where they took last year’s Open Cup semifinalists and soon-to-be MLS side FC Cincinnati into extra time before conceding three goals late in the match. Days later, they hosted 2. Bundesliga team FC St. Pauli in a historic international friendly in Detroit that was even televised regionally in Michigan. Some of these high-profile, out-of-league matches might have taken the team’s focus and energy away from the NPSL and could be a reason for their lack of early success. Yes, City has won three games so far, but two of those came against FC Indiana, a team everyone has beaten this season. Getting swept by Ann Arbor and a 2-0 home loss to Grand Rapids are concerns. However, this team does have good talent and myself — as well as the ever-vocal Northern Guard supporters’ group — expect this club to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs. After a loss in a crucial match to Grand Rapids this past weekend, which seriously hurt their chances of playoff qualification, City still has plenty of winnable games left on their schedule with matchups against Kalamazoo and Milwaukee on the horizon. This should make the standings a little tighter and give them a fighting chance at second place.

Final prediction: This one is a tough call, but I’m going with Detroit finishing in fourth place. Grand Rapids is currently six points ahead and in better form right now, and Columbus will overtake Detroit due to their two remaining matches with FC Indiana.

The Milwaukee Torrent have bounced back quite nicely this year after a terrible 2017 campaign. Head coach Andreas Davi, a former Bayern Leverkusen player infamous for his feisty competitiveness — and receiving red cards from the sideline resulting in suspension — has turned the Torrent into tying machines with four draws, the most in the conference. These ties have been against strong opponents, most notably their 0-0 tie against Grand Rapids and their 1-1 tie against Ann Arbor on the road. With that being said, their failure to win matches has now taken a toll on their chances to qualify for the playoffs. Although they are technically only a point behind Columbus, they have played three more matches than them and are far behind in the Pts/GP category.

Final prediction: Expect the Torrent to slip in the standings and finish in sixth place.

AFCAA’s Jordan Montoya controls the ball in the air against Kalamazoo FC in Ann Arbor on June 15. Photo credit: Dustin Johnston

Kalamazoo FC showed promise early in the season as they strung together some positive results and looked to be playoff contenders for the first time in the club’s history. However, their struggle of getting three points at home has been an issue as they are yet to beat an opponent in Kalamazoo outside of FC Indiana. A turning point in their season, in my opinion, was a home a match against Ann Arbor in front of a large crowd with great weather. Although they got a 0-0 tie, KZFC had plenty of quality chances to score and should have beaten the undefeated Ann Arbor side. A win there could really have been a big confidence booster and a momentum swinger for this team, but instead they have down-spiraled ever since. Two weeks later at home, Kzoo had a 2-1 lead at the half against Grand Rapids but quickly squandered it, resulting in a home loss and dooming the club’s shot at playoff qualification.

Final prediction: Expect Kalamazoo to fight with Milwaukee for the fifth position in the standings and come out victorious.

Out of protest to how lousy this club is, I almost decided not to write about FC Indiana at all. But this is too funny of a story not to cover. FC Indiana has lost all eight matches thus far and conceded 48 goals, and only scored two. This gives us a grand whopping total of -46 goal differential, the second worst in the entirety of the NPSL. They lost 11-0 at home to Detroit. Some of their more modest performances included a 5-0 loss to Kalamazoo and a 4-0 loss to Grand Rapids. Their proudest achievement this season was a 3-2 loss to Milwaukee where not only did they score multiple goals for the first time ever, but they actually played in a competitive, regular-scoring soccer game. In all seriousness though, the league needs to question the legitimacy and commitment of FC Indiana because what we have seen from this team so far is beneficial to no one.

Final prediction: They win a game. Just kidding. Zero points.

Follow Jack on Twitter: @JackRenwick22.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) founder Peter Wilt joins the panel to discuss the newly forming league, his former clubs and all things U.S. Soccer. Wilt helped launch the Chicago Fire, Chicago Red Stars and Indy Eleven, to name a few.

Soc Takes contributing writer Kartik Krishnaiyer also guests alongside regular co-hosts Aaron Gunyon, John Lenard and Kevin Johnston in this information-packed episode.

Thumbnail image credit: NISA

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

Photo credit: Josh Hallett

INDIANAPOLIS — The antiquated confines of IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium have served as the home of the Indy Eleven since their inaugural 2014 campaign. For all the charm “The Mike” possesses, the beyond-dated venue has some significant drawbacks.

A lack of proper locker room facilities and sufficient plumbing negatively affect both the players and fans. The nearest showers are across the street at the Indiana University Natatorium, while standing “water” is too often a staple of the built-in restrooms fans use behind the grandstand. Using on-site portable toilets is the other option. No brick-and-mortar concessions nor kitchens exist on the premises. There’s also no true concourse for fans to seek shelter during foul weather.

Alas, the USL-bound Indy Eleven are now in talks to call Lucas Oil Stadium their home pitch. And oddly enough, the pitch itself might be one of the hang-ups currently stalling an agreement between the two parties. The club’s former public relations and communications director John Koluder recalled a FIFA compliance issue with the stadium’s turf, which was designed specifically for American football.

I think the turf at LOS is going to be an issue though. When doing ICC a few years back was told the turf (at the time) did not meet FIFA standard and was (obviously) geared towards 🏈 and not ⚽️. Interesting to see if an upgrade would need to occur.

— John K. Koluder (@JohnKoluder) January 6, 2018

In 2013, Chelsea bested Inter Milan 2-0 at the $720 million mega-stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, that comfortably seats over 62,000 with the potential to hold up to 70,000 for some events. The match, part of the International Champions Cup, drew nearly 42,000 supporters. The caveat? Natural grass was brought in for the match, a move that’s likely too expensive to even be in play for the Eleven. An artificial surface is the only practical option.

The city’s Capital Improvement Board (CIB), which operates Lucas Oil Stadium, might be unwilling to pay for an expensive, entirely-new surface that satisfies FIFA regulations, leaving the Eleven in a pricey quandary. In addition to purchasing the new turf, there are likely substantial labor costs associated with installing and uninstalling the surface to alternate from football to fútbol.

FIFA bylaws state that an artificial playing surface “must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA.” The criteria outlined in the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf is quite complex, and it’s unclear which specific categories the current Lucas Oil Stadium turf isn’t up to par in.

Moreover, potential NFL scheduling conflicts will need to be manuevered around. The NFL won’t release its 2018 schedule until April, which further complicates matters.

Standard overhead costs — what some might think present the most sizable obstacle in the deal — may actually be reasonable given the two parties were unlikely to sit at the negotiating table in the first place were they not.

While a move to Lucas Oil Stadium would be a massive upgrade for the club, a couple hurdles still need to be leaped for that to happen. But it’s entirely possible if a few kinks are worked out.

The Indy Eleven will make their USL debut March 24 on the road against the Richmond Kickers before hosting FC Cincinnati in their March 31 home opener — in whichever stadium the financial and political winds take them.

Soc Takes staff writer Aaron Gunyon contributed to this story.

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

Miami FC CEO Sean Flynn. Credit: Miami FC

On Wednesday, Miami FC announced that they will play a team in the NPSL. This story was originally reported by Soc Takes. Soc Takes reached out to Miami FC CEO Sean Flynn, via email, to ask a few questions about Wednesday’s news:

Nipun Chopra – Jacksonville Armada has introduced a loan option for players to go to other clubs while paying for their salaries. Will Miami FC follow suit? Would Miami FC be willing to pay for a portion of wages for players that might wish to play professionally?

Sean Flynn – We are looking at each player and situation individually and will try and do what is best for the player and Miami FC.

NC – Will all current Miami FC players be available to play in the Miami FC 2 team? If not, which players will play?

SF – We are working with Coach Dalglish on what the NPSL roster will look like, but we anticipate a mix of current Miami FC players and new signings.

NC – There were reports that Miami FC was exploring the option to join USL a few weeks ago. Were those reports accurate?

SF – The Miami FC’s focus has always been playing in the NASL in 2018.

NC – If the lawsuit appeal fails, will Miami FC release its players after the NPSL season?

SF – Our focus remains on getting ready for a 2018 NASL season come August.

NC – Will Miami FC and/or Miami FC2 be able to play in the US Open Cup?

SF – Miami FC has submitted its application to play in the 2018 US Open Cup. We are hoping to hear an answer soon from USSF on when we will enter the competition.

Follow Nipun on Twitter: @NipunChopra7.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

Ledesma (45) came alive against the Indy Eleven after a quiet first game. Photo credit: Robbie Mehling/Soc Takes

FC Cincinnati attacker Emmanuel Ledesma has this whole chance creation thing down pat.

In 2017, Ledesma produced an insane chances created rate while plying his trade for the NASL’s New York Cosmos. In only 19 appearances (17 starts) and 1,393 minutes, the Argentine generated a league-leading 73 chances. The next-highest total was 56 chances created by now-teammate Nazmi Albadawi, who was then with North Carolina FC. Albadawi played 2,815 minutes, more than double Ledesma.

Image credit: NASL

Ledesma’s ridiculous playmaking ability was further highlighted by some of his more obvious “counting” stats: 10 goals and six assists. The Cosmos were an entirely different animal when he was on the pitch last year. With the car keys in Ledesma’s hands, the club nearly rode his skills to an NASL title, falling just short in the final 2-0 to the now-defunct San Francisco Deltas.

The question coming into the 2018 season, of course, was how his creativity would translate to a new system in Cincinnati?

If FC Cincy’s second match of the year was any indication, the answer appears to be: fairly swimmingly, but still a work in progress.

In Week 1, Ledesma was uncharacteristically held in check by the Charleston Battery. He created zero chances, but did send in four crosses. FC Cincinnati gutted out a 1-0 road win and Ledesma’s nondescript showing kind of got lost in the shuffle.

But against the Indy Eleven in Week 3, the Ledesma of old returned — well, sort of. Indy actually forced the 29-year-old into an inefficient outing. Here’s his distribution map, including set pieces:

Image credit: USL/Opta

That’s a lot of red (unsuccessful passes); it’s also an impressive amount of yellow (key passes and assists).

Ledesma only completed 56 percent of his passes for the game, but offset that with four chances created and an assist to Emery Welshman. On the night, the Eleven did a solid job shutting down passing lanes and being disruptive. But sometimes one chance is all it takes against a footballer of Ledesma’s caliber. FC Cincinnati left Lucas Oil Stadium with a 1-0 win and three points despite getting outplayed by Indy.

Ultimately, what makes the Argentine a special player is that at any given moment he’s capable of producing a quality opportunity for himself or a teammate. And he does so consistently.

FC Cincinnati returns to Nippert Stadium tonight to host defending-champion Louisville City FC at 7 p.m.

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

Photo credit: Victor Araiza

U.S. men’s national team stalwart and recent Houston Dynamo left back DaMarcus Beasley is now a member of the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame.

“Run DMB,” who’s from Fort Wayne, Ind., was announced as an inductee for the Class of 2018 earlier this week.

It is truly a honor to be inducted into the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame. On behalf of myself and my family, I want to say thank you to everyone who voted and has appreciated my career on and off the soccer field(thus far) I love my city, I love where I’m from. Thank you Indiana!

— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) January 16, 2018

Beasley began his professional career with the Chicago Fire from 2000-04 before joining PSV Eindhoven. He was later loaned to Manchester City, and also suited up for the Glasgow Rangers, Hannover 96 and Puebla. The veteran wingback returned to MLS in 2014 to play in Houston, where he remained a regular through the end of the 2017 season. Beasley is currently out of contract with the Dynamo, however.

His impressive longevity has seen him partake in four World Cups for the USMNT: 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Along the way he’s amassed 126 caps.

Beasley’s importance to U.S. Soccer as a whole is immeasurable, let alone the impact he’s had in his home state. Congrats, DaMarcus!

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

Photo credit: Jared Allen/Charlotte Independence

Sometimes a nil-nil scoreline isn’t indicative of a match’s excitement level. Other times, unfortunately, it looks every bit the part.

Saturday evening at the Sportsplex at Matthews the latter type of stalemate developed, with the Indy Eleven and Charlotte Independence settling for a point each from the snoozefest. The final stats were fairly even, and fairly ugly: Charlotte held a tiny edge in possession at 52-48 percent, but didn’t put a single shot on target. Indy only had two shots on frame, hardly troubling the hosts as well.

As difficult on the eyes as the match was to behold, it didn’t lack action entirely.

Indy left midfielder Tyler Pasher linked up with forward Jack McInerney to create one of the few dangerous opportunities for either side in the first half which nearly produced a cheeky tally. Pasher served in a low cross to the near post to McInerney’s feet in traffic, but Jack Mac’s backheel attempt was blocked. Neither team had much to boast about at the break.

In the 68th minute, Pasher darted forward with a series of dribbles and found enough space for a shot, but didn’t get all of it as his attempt trickled wide of frame.

The Independence surely thought they’d opened the scoring when Joel Johnson played a ball in from the end line in the 72nd minute. His astute pass found an open Jorge Herrera a little outside the six-yard box, but his shot that appeared destined for the back of the net struck the underside of the crossbar instead, allowing Indy to clear danger.

Photo credit: Jared Allen/Charlotte Independence

What the match lacked in imagination it tried to make up for with a subplot, but even that proved uneventful and left a lot to be desired. Independence striker Eamon Zayed faced his former club in just his second appearance of the season after having to wait for approval of his P-1 visa.

For the second game in a row, Zayed came off the bench and barely touched the ball. He and his teammates seem to be gelling at a snail’s pace in his limited minutes thus far. Zayed is a classic box striker who requires service, and he simply hasn’t gotten it — or anything close to it — yet. He attempted and completed just one pass on the night. The Independence will learn the hard way if they continue to be unable to funnel the ball to their Irish-Libyan striker, as Zayed simply doesn’t do enough “other things” outside of poaching to positively impact matches if he isn’t getting opportunities near goal.

For Indy, solid shifts by midfielders Matt Watson and Tyler Pasher were worthy of man of the match consideration. A case could be made for goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams or a defender for securing a road clean sheet, but the backline simply wasn’t tested enough to deserve too many accolades. Watson was smooth in his pitch generalship, changing the point of attack when needed while making few errors. Pasher caused several headaches with his pace, dribbling ability and service.

Central midfielder Kevan George was one of the few bright spots for Charlotte. He completed an impressive 71 total passes and 13 long passes, while also winning nine of 14 duels. Defensively, he contributed five tackles, four interceptions and two clearances.

Indy will get the chance to avenge its lone loss of the season Wednesday at home against FC Cincinnati. The two Eastern Conference powerhouses both played Saturday, so it’ll be interesting to see how head coaches Martin Rennie and Alan Koch manage their rotations on short rest.

The Independence will enjoy a full week off before heading south to face the Charleston Battery on the road Saturday.

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WESTFIELD, Ind. (Nov. 15, 2018) — A new soccer-themed television show will soon invade digital platforms and Indiana airwaves.

Soc Takes and the ISC Sports Network have joined forces to launch “Soc Takes TV,” an all-soccer television program presented by Sogility that will cover the sport nationally and globally while maintaining a heavy local focus. Soc Takes co-founders Kevin Johnston and Nipun Chopra will co-host the show, with ISC Sports Network vice president Greg Rakestraw serving as the executive producer.

“When ‘Rake’ calls you up and wants to work together, you kind of just drop everything and say yes,” Johnston said. “Seizing the opportunity to work with someone as talented and experienced as Greg was one of the simplest decisions we’ve ever made. He’s done so much for the game around here — and all Indiana sports, for that matter.”

Rakestraw is the voice of the Indy Eleven for MyINDY-TV and hosts his own weekly radio show, “Soccer Saturday,” for local ESPN affiliate 1070 The Fan. He also provides Indianapolis Colts postgame coverage for the station and commentates for the IHSAA Champions Network. Rakestraw joined the ISC Sports Network in 2018.

Johnston and Chopra launched SocTakes.com, an Indianapolis-based soccer news site, in February 2017 and together host their own podcast, the “Soc Takes Pod.” The website covers the same spectrum that “Soc Takes TV” will, i.e., all things soccer with a local emphasis.

“One of the central goals of Soc Takes is to grow awareness of the sport of soccer, both here in Indiana and nationally,” Chopra said. “Our collaboration with ISC Sports Network and Sogility is a natural extension of the same. We look forward to bringing you quality soccer video content and analysis.”

Chopra is a former contributor at FourFourTwo.com and regular on the Manchester United-centered “United in Focus” podcast. Additionally, he co-hosts a soccer videocast entitled “Lower League America” with SiriusXM FC’s Jason Davis as part of a collaboration between Soc Takes and Compass Football.

Johnston covers professional and amateur soccer as a freelance correspondent for The Indianapolis Star, including working the part-time Indy Eleven beat since 2016. He also lends his hand to the IndyStar’s high school football, high school basketball and boxing coverage.

The show’s title sponsor, Sogility, is a recently launched soccer-specific training facility located just north of Indianapolis in Westfield. “Soc Takes TV” will be filmed on-site at Sogility.

ISC Sports Network is currently available on Apple TV, Android TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV, as well as directly from ISCSportsNetwork.com. It’s also carried by numerous local cable providers in select Indiana markets. Headquartered in Lafayette, Ind., the network was founded earlier this year.

The show’s topics will include the Indy Eleven, in-state college, high school and club soccer, MLS, USL, top European leagues and international soccer. “Soc Takes TV” will begin filming in mid-November and air shortly thereafter, with new episodes produced monthly.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.

Related