The beautiful game is heading to the Magic City. A story that was initially revealed on Twitter by Soc Takes staff became official on Aug. 8. Recently, we spoke to Birmingham-USL VP and Birmingham Hammers co-founder, Morgan Copes, about how #USL2BHM came to be, and their plans for the 2019 season.

Copes and Outland at the unveiling of Birmingham-USL. Photo credit: USL

Magic

Birmingham announced USL as its first 2019 expansion team (the league subsequently announced Vegas and Austin as well), and Copes explained why the city was a strong destination for professional soccer:

“Soccer can be played year round here, and the people of Birmingham are very knowledgable about the sport. Nation-wide, parents are becoming more wary about the head injuries in other sports, and that’s one of many reasons why more and more kids are sticking with soccer, including here in Birmingham,” Copes explained.

Much like the city of Birmingham, Copes has his own connection to the beautiful game. Having played in college, Copes explained that somehow soccer has always drawn him back in. “When you’re not involved, there’s a piece of you that’s missing,” Copes said, “Moving to Birmingham, and realizing it’s a city with a million-plus folks. It’s more than enough to sustain a franchise.  Birmingham hasn’t had a top-tier team, but teams that are here have been well supported by fans.”

Elaborating on the identity and interest of the ownership group, Copes said, “Our ownership group (Jeff Logan, co-owner of Birmingham Barons, James Outland, managing partner at New Capital Partners and Lee Stylsinger III, CEO of Altec Inc.) has local ties to the city. I think there is a celebratory interest (from them) in having another sport team in town,” Copes added.

“There’s been some push-back from those who believe in a promotion-relegation system, who want to see promoted rather than quote ‘buy it.’”

Conversations with both leagues

At a time when there were two-D2 leagues, Copes admits that NASL was at least an option for the current ownership group. “Our ownership group had some conversations (with NASL), but the details aren’t for me to discuss. Personally, I don’t like the split season, and again, this is my opinion, but it seems to me that NASL is still trying to go head on with MLS for D1.”

Copes explained that the “stability” and “business model” of the USL were key reasons why the USL was ultimately a better choice for them. “It’s been a two-plus year process for our ownership group. The USL has invested intelligently and is expanding at a good rate. We’re centrally located with Nashville, the Carolina teams, Louisville and Cincinnati in proximity to Birmingham. It makes sense.”

The Magic City Brigade

“You’re only as successful as your fans allow you to be. If you don’t have fans, you don’t have a team. They are a super passionate group of individuals who show up rain or shine,” Copes said of the passionate supporter group.

When asked if there was ever a possibility of an USL-Birmingham team without the involvement of the Birmingham Hammers (and, by extension, the magic city brigade), Copes clarified, “There’s always the possibility of it happening without us, but, we trusted the USL to keep us involved.”

However, Copes admits that the support from the Hammers fans isn’t unanimous. “There’s been some push-back from those who believe in a promotion-relegation system, who want to see promoted rather than quote ‘buy it’. We think we’ve more than earned that. But, we’ve never pushed back , we’ve (The Hammers) always said in our mission statement that we wanted to bring professional football to the Magic City. That’s something to celebrated, not condemned or damned.”

Expectant fans in attendance at the Birmingham-USL announcement. Photo credit: Brandon Smith

The future

While the USL announcement is very exciting (Copes says that their focus is on 2019), the immediate future includes a PDL season in 2018. “We have to focus on the PDL next year,” said Copes. The long list of things to accomplish include hiring coaches, signing players and deciding on a name . When asked about a name, Copes reiterated what he said on Jason Davis’ United States of Soccer – “we’re working on it.”

While there are no players nor technical staff, Copes is already throwing down the gauntlet for 2018’s USL debutants. “We will beat Nashville to that first trophy, trust me on that.” Soc Takes reached out to Nashville-USL staff but did not receive a comment at time of publishing.

Whether or not they beat Nashville to that trophy, USL-Birmingham remains a feel-good story, about a group of men who whimsically decided to start an NPSL team, and within a few years helped bring a professional team to Birmingham.

“It brings a whole new meaning to ‘hold my beer and watch this.’“

“We will beat Nashville to that first trophy, trust me on that.”

***

Follow Nipun on Twitter: @NipunChopra7.

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Image credit: U.S. Soccer

Following the United States’ failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, several days of robust discussion took place regarding changes that need to be made to the way the sport of soccer is governed and marketed in the United States. Most of the conversations centered on familiar themes — promotion and relegation, solidarity payments, training compensation, the structure of the development programs, the lack of synergy and cooperation in the professional league “pyramid,” so on and so forth. But after a few days of hand-wringing, business as usual resumed and talk of systematic changes for a nation that has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the sport in the last decade but failed to qualify for a World Cup because it finished behind the likes of Panama and Honduras in qualifying simply vanished for the most part.

Perhaps the most important issue from where this observer sits wasn’t raised until USSF presidential candidate and former playing great Eric Wynalda brought it up in an interview with ESPN FC: calendar change. Wynalda has long advocated a shift in schedule for the U.S. pro leagues, something that usually gets met with dismissive retorts of “we can’t do that!”

Wynalda couched his position on the very logical premise that the MLS Cup Playoffs now compete with the end of college football season, heart of the NFL season and World Series. MLS Cup itself has suffered from direct competition — in 2012, David Beckham’s final game with the LA Galaxy took place at the very same time as the SEC championship game between Alabama and Georgia. The NASL and USL have had postseason and championship matches going head-to-head the last few seasons with critical NFL and college football games.

Those who have pushed back against any discussion of calendar change have long done so aggressively and by using some points that appear logical:

1. It’s too cold to play in the northern part of the country during the winter.
2. Pro soccer will suffer or perhaps even die if forced to compete with American football.

I have to say I have never understood the second premise, as my example above illustrates that MLS as well as the lower divisions have left their business end of the season to run concurrent with the heart of the American football season. Currently MLS kicks off the first full weekend of March, the final weekend of the NCAA basketball regular season, and spends the next three weeks competing with conference tournaments and then the NCAA tournament. MLS’ fifth weekend of the season goes head-to-head with the Masters.

Avoiding conflicts with major sporting events of the American variety is unavoidable for professional soccer. To claim somehow the current calendar is the only good option is naive and perhaps even sinister, especially when you consider a shift in the calendar will allow the most important pro matches of the season to be contested without competition from the NFL or college football.

Below are the reasons why a calendar shift should occur, but first let’s discuss how we can work around the first and only legitimate concern about the weather in the north.

Russia’s Premier League recently shifted its calendar from one almost identical to MLS’ to a July to May format with a long winter break. If Russia, with its frigid arctic winters, can change its calendar to something closer to the international norm, we certainly can. Nobody is suggesting the United States professional leagues play through the winter like England’s Premier League does — much like the obstinance many in the pro game here show toward any discussion of a calendar shift, English insiders resist taking a winter break due to traditions, which have arguably cost the nation any real shot at winning major international tournaments.

7° F… a yearly reminder why playing the American soccer season on the European calendar is far from advisable.

— WrongSideOfThePond (@wrongsideofpond) January 7, 2017

When you talk to those from abroad who have worked in the United States off the record, many complain about the schedule. Perhaps its familiarity with playing football at a certain time of the year that lends itself to these attitudes. But dig deeper and you get answers like “it’s tough to train optimally in the hottest months of the season,” and “I could get certain players here but cannot because of the schedule.” I’ve spoken to American-born general managers in the past who’ve said they’ve lost out on players due to the calendar, but also some who landed players because of when MLS, the NASL or USL were playing. All of these critiques hold water with me. When you consider we are moving more and more developing players into the pro league system, it becomes critical that youngsters are given the best possible training experience — having practices routinely cut short or cancelled outright because of rain and heat is a real problem. Similarly, these are problems during the winter in northern climates that will have to be worked around.

Ultimately, it’s a positive thing to align transfer windows and logical to not be playing or training in the hottest months of the year. Moving Americans abroad to European clubs, where they’ll further their growth as professional players, is that much easier if the domestic club is not in the middle of its season. It’s also logical from the standpoint of competition because the business end of the season, when you want the most eyeballs on the TV, does not coincide with the immovable object of the NFL and college football.

Love the insight from @EricWynalda on the soccer calendar and how it impacts the American player

— Roy A Tewell III (@Roy_Tewell) November 4, 2016

In terms of maintaining fan support, let’s keep in mind elite youth soccer clubs tend to play on the international calendar as well, from August or September to April or May. In my days working in the NASL, we’d see some significant attendance dips in weaker markets when youth soccer season was out and the summer heat was in. We as a league also had numerous weather delays which revolved around player safety issues related to summer thunderstorms. Weather issues tend to plague matches held in the Southeast during summer and even some scheduled games in the Midwest have experienced serious weather delays.

The difficulty of scheduling games in some northern cities needs to be worked around with a winter break and perhaps some more scheduling flexibility. However, when we hear arguments that cities in Canada cannot play on a summer calendar, I personally feel we cannot make decisions about our pro soccer system based on the considerations of guest teams from another country. Canada’s system eventually has to be delinked from the United States’ pro leagues for the good of both nations’ national teams, something I will explore further in a forthcoming Soc Takes piece.

Whether we shift the calendar or not, we need to have the conversation. Missing the World Cup is a deadly serious event in terms of the sustainability of the sport in this country and if we aren’t willing to stand up and have adult conversations, we deserve our ultimate fate and failure.

Follow Kartik on Twitter: @kkfla737.

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Image credit: National Futsal Premier League

A new amateur futsal league is coming to the Great Lakes area — and quite soon at that.

The National Futsal Premier League (NFPL) has officially launched with four founding members: the Ann Arbor Mudpuppies, Lansing City Futsal, ABK Futsal and FC Tryzub. The league will begin play in January 2019.

ABK Futsal is based in Grand Rapids and FC Tryzub in Chicago, giving the league three founding clubs from Michigan and one from Illinois. Anywhere from two to four more teams are expected to join the NFPL before it kicks off.

“We have been in discussions with several other markets and will either end up at six or eight teams for this inaugural season,” Mudpuppies co-owner and NFPL board member Bilal Saeed confirmed.

The league’s other board members include Drew Ducker, also a co-owner of the Mudpuppies, and Lansing City’s Jeremy Klepal. Ubusuku Abukusumo, a former Columbus Crew defender from 1997-99, will serve as the league’s first-ever commissioner.

Not wanting to overextend while also striving to keep travel costs reasonable, the NFPL plans to keep things regional, at least in the short-term.

“Sustainability is one of the league’s highest priorities,” Abukusumo said. “We believe the best opportunity to create an environment conducive to a sustainable league and its clubs is by starting the league with a regional, Midwest focus. … If, however, an opportunity arises to expand beyond our Midwest region that allows us to continue our vision and maintain sustainability, then we would look at it closely.”

The Ann Arbor Mudpuppies and ABK Futsal face off in a 2018 match. Photo credit: Ann Arbor Mudpuppies

As for the NFPL’s structure, beyond the aforementioned board of directors and commissioner, the league will operate as a tax-exempt entity with no centralized ownership.

“We are a nonprofit league that has a commissioner and a board, but no ownership,” Saeed explained.

For more information on the league or to inquire about launching an NFPL franchise, visit the league’s website — which is already live — at NationalFutsalPremierLeague.com.

“Futsal is a fantastic game that we believe will appeal to a majority of U.S. sports fans,” said Abukusumo. “We’re honored to be a part of its growth and we’re excited to showcase this highly entertaining product in the Midwest.”

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

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Reuters Media Express

Obviously, not every move a club makes jumps off the page as a needle mover. But sometimes the low-key, unheralded signings can have a sizable impact a couple months into the season or down the stretch.

The New York Red Bulls‘ recent addition of right back Michael Amir Murillo via loan reeks of such a scenario.

Deportes RPC first broke news of the loan earlier this month, which was finally confirmed by the club on Saturday. Within hours of the announcement, Murillo was practicing with his new teammates — and making coach Jesse Marsch gush.

“Michael fit right in,” Marsch told NewYorkRedBulls.com’s Andrew Vazzano. “I thought he had a great day and held his own. He showed all the qualities that we thought he had.

“We like guys that come here and are up for the challenge and want to be put in difficult situations. When we evaluated him as a person, we think he’s like that.”

Felipe and Murillo talking through today’s first drill. #RBNY pic.twitter.com/90g2K8RshZ

— Andrew Vazzano ⚽️ (@AVRBNY) February 18, 2017

Murillo is unlikely to immediately unseat projected starting right back Sal Zizzo, but could play his way into consistent minutes if given the opportunity. Even if he doesn’t, the 21-year-old Panamanian international with nine caps to his name will have both the time and the opportunity to grow; the Red Bulls tacked on an option to buy at the end of the one-year loan deal, according to Deportes RPC.

While Murillo won’t blow you away with regular dynamic runs up the flank, he’s an extremely sound, efficient footballer. His technical ability surpasses that of most “bench” defenders. The Harrison newcomer boasts a delicate first touch, and knows how to quickly peek his head up to pick out a midfielder or forward checking back to the ball. More often than not, his passes arrive at their desired destinations: the feet of his teammates.

Signed as a right back, Murillo is also quite capable of filling in at center back or defensive midfield, where he often played at his previous stop in Panama’s top flight with San Francisco FC. With Marsch intent on lining up in a 4-2-2-2 this season, Murillo seems like the ideal Swiss Army knife to have available on the bench.

As far as weaknesses, Murillo lacks elite recovery speed and probably won’t dart into the final third too often. He also needs to fill out his lean 6-foot frame in order to handle the size and physicality of MLS attackers.

After a weird offseason highlighted by shakeup in the club’s front office and the loss of one of its best players and captain in Dax McCarty, Red Bulls supporters can find at least a glimmer of solace in Murillo, an excellent young depth signing with upside.

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Photo credit: Brent Smith/Butler women’s soccer

INDIANAPOLIS — This whole clean sheet thing has become a habit for the Butler women’s soccer team. Co-head coaches Tari St. John and Rob Alman aren’t complaining.

Fresh off winning some impressive accolades, Butler goalkeeper Hannah Luedtke continued her dominance in net in the team’s 1-0 win over Indiana State on Sunday. She wasn’t called into action too often, making just two saves, but commanded the box well and helped keep the defense organized in front of her.

Luedtke, a redshirt sophomore, was not only named Big East Goalkeeper of the Week, but also made Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Week for her performances last week.

The shutout against the Sycamores was the Bulldogs’ sixth in a row to coincide with their six-game winning streak. It’s safe to say Luedtke and the back line in front of her are meshing well.

The goal came on a long header in the 71st minute by Breann Pempek, assisted by Madison Toth and Amanda Kowalski. Pempek’s consistent play up top earned her Big East Offensive Player of the Week honors, the conference announced Monday.

After recording a game-winner for @ButlerWSoccer on Sunday, Breann Pempek is the #BIGEASTwsoc Offensive Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/g6Rn0wcEXC

— BIG EAST Conference (@BIGEAST) September 18, 2017

Despite grabbing the victory and outshooting Indiana State 14-4, overall it wasn’t one of Butler’s sharpest performances of the season. The Bulldogs only put six of those shots on frame and overall lacked polish in the final third.

But the Sycamores (4-4-1) only put two shots on goal themselves, which won’t get the job done against Butler’s exceptional goalkeeping and defending on most nights. One tally was all it took Sunday for the home side.

The Bulldogs (6-1-1) will host Chicago State (1-9) on Thursday, then begin Big East play Sunday at home against Marquette (7-2-1).

***

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

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Photo credit: Butler women’s soccer

INDIANAPOLIS — With just one goal and one assist on the season entering Sunday’s match against St. John’s, Butler attacker Elena Gutlove’s stats weren’t quite doing her stellar play justice. The right-sided forward has done many influential things to spark the Bulldogs offense, but for whatever reason it hasn’t translated into showing up in the box score often.

That was then; this is now.

Gutlove not only displayed the exceptional hold-up play and off-the-ball runs she’s known for Sunday at the Sellick Bowl, but also served up an assist to teammate Paige Monaghan. The lone Butler tally carried the hosts to a 1-0 win over Big East foe St. John’s.

Butler Wins 1-0 vs. St. John’s! #GODAWGS pic.twitter.com/Qo6Rm2AIZo

— Butler Womens Soccer (@ButlerWSoccer) October 8, 2017

Butler asserted itself early on, bossing play for the first 25 minutes while St. John’s struggled to link play between its midfielders and forwards. Several poor balls and mistimed runs thwarted the Red Storm’s chances of gaining momentum.

St. John’s eventually settled down and strung some possession together. The visitors nearly opened the scoring late in the first half, but hit the woodwork on their best scoring opportunity. Butler returned the favor moments later when defender Julia Leonard ripped a shot into the underside of the crossbar that almost bounced in.

The Bulldogs finally broke through in the final minute of the first half to go on top 1-0. Monaghan and Gutlove worked a lovely give-and-go from midfield into the right corner, where Monaghan attempted a long cross that drifted in on frame and ended up in the back of the net.

Here’s a replay of the goal at about the 55:10 mark of the video, courtesy of Butler’s Facebook page:

St. John’s created a couple quality chances down the stretch, but the combined goalkeeping of Hannah Luedtke and Leonie Doege, and an in-sync back line locked down Butler’s impressive 12th clean sheet of the season. The win kept the Bulldogs undefeated in conference play at 3-0-2 and moved them to 10-1-3 overall.

Several other Butler players turned in quality shifts besides Gutlove and Monaghan, including Kyra Cooke, Shannon McDevitt, Halle Stelbasky and Breann Pempek.

Butler will head to Chicago on Saturday for a Big East clash with DePaul.

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Photo credit: Puerto Rico FC

Puerto Rico FC has had a troubled offseason.

First, there was the offseason NASL situation, followed by an initial denial of entry into the CFU championships. And then recent reports emerged suggesting PRFC might not be able to play the NASL season due to the possible suspension of the Puerto Rico Football Federation (FPF). The reported issue traced back to monies owed to a previous employee of the FPF, Jeaustin Campos, who was head coach of the Puerto Rican national team from 2011-13.

Soc Takes spoke with PRFC president Tom Payne regarding the issue, and he was confident that the season-opening match — and indeed, the season — would go on as scheduled.

“One million percent,” Payne said in response to a question about the likelihood of the New York Cosmos-PRFC game being played.

Payne informed Soc Takes that while he doesn’t think the FPF situation will affect PRFC, he has become frustrated at having to fight battles that are not PRFC related.

“The federation has never had to answer on behalf of us, but we feel that we are constantly answering for them or having to play nice, which is frustrating,” Payne explained. “It’s disappointing that Puerto Rico FC, which is trying to promote the game of soccer, set up clinics all over the island, and to visit hospitals and do all the good things we do, is caught up in this kind of gossip and minutiae. And none of it is our fault. We’ve been in contact with FPF through our legal guys here and they clarified that there’s nothing pending, and that they plan on making a statement.”

Since then, the FPF released a statement which seemingly took offense to the initial reports. Soc Takes obtained an English-translated excerpt of the statement from FPF president Eric Labrador to the legal adviser at PRFC (sic):

Dear Lcdo. Rivé Power

In response to your e-mail received today March 17 in which you request “an official position about any possibility of disaffiliation of the FPF from FIFA”. I understand perfectly your worries regarding some false and speculative digital publications in the past couple of days. Through this medium I officially assure you that no process of disaffiliation of the FPF from FIFA exists. Also, I want you to know, that there is no risk of the FPF being disaffiliated or even the risk of such process being started.

The FPF is in good standing with FIFA and no circumstance currently exists that puts that good standing in jeopardy. Any information published stating the opposite is False, Defamatory, Libelous, and Ill-intentioned, looking to destabilize thee development of football in the island, in particular, the great job Puerto Rico FC has done in the North American Soccer League.

However, to suggest that all is well would be inaccurate. Multiple sources told Soc Takes that the FPF did, in fact, receive a letter from FIFA stating that Campos had contacted FIFA regarding the issue, and the FPF is quietly confident that FIFA will rule in its favor.

Photo credit: Tom Payne/@PRFCPres

Soc Takes couldn’t reach Campos for comment. An FPF spokesperson, given the complex legal proceedings, declined to comment on the matter as well. Ultimately, FIFA will be the arbiter in what is becoming a public relations nightmare for the FPF. Yet again, while the situation is complex for FPF, PRFC remains certain that everything is on track for its season.

“There is nothing imminent that we need to worry about,” Payne clarified.

When asked if his continuing frustrations with the FPF may trigger an alternative plan for the NASL franchise, Payne replied:

“Do we have a contingency plan? Frankly, no. The league would be in trouble. If we felt like there was an urgency, we would certainly be calling on the NASL to be talking to US Soccer. I don’t know if there’s a legal parameter to play outside the Puerto Rican federation since we are playing in an American league, but it’s something we would have to discuss seriously. But I have to say, in defense of the FPF, they would have contacted us if there was a pending issue like they did last year (with the CFU championship).”

An NASL source close to the matter told Soc Takes that the league is confident about a favorable result as well.

As things stand, PRFC, the FPF and the NASL believe that things will work out in their favor. So even though the central legal issue remains active between the FPF and FIFA, and there may be some fracturing in PRFC’s relationship with the FPF, everything is fine — for now.

You can follow Nipun on Twitter @NipunChopra7.

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Justin “Bieber” Braun scored 2 goals during the 3-3 draw against Puero Rico FC. Credit: Matt Schlotzhauer/NASL

Ten goals were scored during an exciting gameweek 2 in the NASL. Three players stood out from the rest this week, and all three have connections to Indy XI. Soc Takes presents its top 3 of gameweek 2:

1. Justin Braun – If not for a controversial offside goal, Justin “Bieber” Braun could have scored his first hattrick in an Indy XI shirt. The 6’2″ footballer used his frame to score an excellently placed header past Trevor Spangelberg in the 1st half. Seated in The East End (also known as best end) of The Mike, it was easy to see his movement to find space for the header. Last season, Braun’s movement outside the box was pivotal to allowing Zayed space inside the box.

Steinberger excelled in a 1-0 win against FC Edmonton during gameweek 2. Credit: NASL

If Braun is to finally takeover the mantle of #9 from Zayed, he will need to consistently exhibit this movement and awareness inside the box. Braun’s second goal in the game was a powerful left-foot strike which equalized the game for Indy XI.

2. Zach Steinberger – While Jacksonville’s win over FC Edmonton should truly be considered a feat of team organization, Steinberger deserves credit for his individual play. Even though the official formation shows him playing from the right, Steinberger played where he is most effective – through the middle. Steinberger completed 40/46 passes, created 2 chances, won 2/2 tackles, had 4 ball recoveries and 2 interceptions. Steinberger was also successful at tracking the run of marauding Edmonton left back, Netan Sansara.

At 24 years of age, Steinberger has the potential to become a very effective central midfielder, although he has played in multiple other positions – striker, behind the striker, right midfield, winger, etc. Having now signed a permanent contract with Armada, this will be a pivotal season for him, and he has to nail down a position for himself.

3. Dylan Mares – One of the better tactical formations this author has seen was the 4-3-3 played by Carlo Ancelotti during his time at Real Madrid. A pivotal piece of that formation was Angel Di Maria – played as the left-most midfielder of a midfield three. Dylan Mares’ current play and emerging role reminds me of ADM. Based on his play for Indy XI last season and Miami FC in preseason/early NASL games, Mares is the best player in the league.

In Miami’s fluid counter-attacking system, Mares’ vision, acceleration and distribution conjugate perfectly. Mares completed 42/49 passes – many of which were in the final 3rd of play. Mares also completed 4 tackles and an interception. Crucially, Mares also scored the opener for Miami, in what was one of the most convincing wins I have seen against mighty NY Cosmos. Miami FC are the real deal – and Mares is a catalyst for their upcoming success.

Dylan Mares in action last year. Matt Schlotzhauer/NASL

(It should be noted that Don Smart is bae.)

Did we miss someone? Tell us your favorite players of the week. You can reach us on twitter @SocTakes and find Nipun at @NipunChopra7.

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Indy Eleven at San Francisco Deltas at Kezar Stadium. Photo: Robert Edwards-KLC fotos.

Indy Eleven went to California for their NASL season opener against San Francisco Deltas on Saturday night. Indy started their campaign similarly to the way they had last year, with a point on the road. The Eleven drew the Deltas 1-1 with a solid effort and newcomer Tanner Thompson bagging his first-ever professional goal… but let’s talk about the lineup that no one saw coming.

2016 had some interesting swaps at times, but Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson eventually settled on a group that he felt gave Indy the best chances to win. Lineup controversies were few and far between as Indy came down the stretch last year. Some partnerships were solidified. Some seemed to be set in stone. None of those partnerships were more prominent than the striking duo of Justin Braun and Eamon Zayed. The pair combined for 23 goals and 15 assists in their first season with Indy. The week one lineup saw the free-running Braun return to a familiar role and Zayed with a front row seat on the pine.

There didn’t seem to be health or injury concerns for Zayed and his scratch from the starting 11 seemed to be due to some other factor. The aforementioned Tanner Thompson started in Zayed’s place. This is what coach Hankinson had to say on local radio station 1070 the Fan in an interview yesterday morning:

¨You’re going to see Tanner start. We are going to make some adjustments. We really liked the energy that he brought in the Louisville game. And you know this is about performance. It´s not about who you were last year. It´s about who you are now and what you are ready to bring.¨

Zayed holds Indy Eleven records for most goals in a game with three (twice) and goals in a season with 15. He started 32 times for the boys in blue during 2016. His minutes were second only to Nemanja Vukovic.

Injuries are already a problem for Indy

The injury bug has already bitten Indy pretty hard and that shallow roster starts to force creative adjustments. Indy Eleven captain Colin Falvey is still not fully recovered from an offseason surgery for a sports hernia, but his go-to replacement is Lovel Palmer and Palmer did not make last night’s squad due to his own strained adductor. Hankinson had only five subs at his disposal including goalkeeper sub Keith Cardona.

Testing the depth chart at center back is not a consistent recipe for success, but curious decision number two panned out for Hankinson in the opening match. Daniel Keller is the lone Indiana native on the squad and he stepped into a role he has seen before in the middle of defense. This is Keller’s third season with Indy and his Swiss Army utility role has benefited Indiana’s team before. But why was Anthony Manning left on the bench?

Manning is a pro who was taken in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The Indy Eleven website lists Manning as a ¨towering center back.” Keller is listed as a midfielder. This is not the stuff of scandal, but it provides for the unpredictable nature of yesterday´s roster selections. They were a surprise to everyone I spoke with last night. With fewer players to choose from, one might assume lineups might be easier to predict.

The clearest lesson to learn from all of this is that Hankinson is in charge and players must impress him. There are 20 players on the official team roster, but Hankinson recently told Soc Takes “that may change based on either injury or performance.¨

Zayed came on in the 77th.

You can follow Soc Takes and Aaron on Twitter @SocTakes and @AGunyon.

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The panel welcomes USL Division 3 vice president Steven Short on to discuss the new league, which is still in its formative stages and plans to debut in 2019. Short also touches on the appeal of two Indiana markets: Ft. Wayne and Evansville.

LISTEN HERE

Thumbnail photo credit: USL D3

You can follow Soc Takes on Twitter @SocTakes.

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