U.S. Soccer presidential candidate and UPSL Northeast Conference manager Paul Lapointe shares his wide array of ideas to improve the sport across all levels domestically. The panel covers everything from pay to play, pro/rel and equal pay for the USWNT, to making the position of U.S. Soccer president a…
CHICAGO — FC Cincinnati stole the show at Friday’s Major League Soccer SuperDraft. The 24th club in MLS history made a trade Wednesday to secure two picks in the first round of the draft. Overall, they made five selections looking to get some competition for their first-year roster. “We have…
Akron and Maryland. If people were to guess the final two teams standing at the end of the 2018 campaign, only a handful would have mentioned Maryland and Akron. It’s not because they’re not talented. Both teams have nationally recognized players on offense and defense. It’s not because they…
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — For the 2018 Indiana Hoosiers, their yearly campaign started like all the rest with a handful of goals. As the season went on, they hit milestone after milestone. They dominated opponents en route to a perfect season in Big Ten play (8-0), their 15th Big…
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — In the College Cup, all bets are off. The last four teams standing take the pitch, hoping for the best result. The slate is wiped clean. It’s anyone’s game. This year’s College Cup was no exception. Indiana and Maryland knew each other all too well….
“All good things come to an end.” At least that’s what Notre Dame men’s soccer coach Bobby Clark said. Clark decided to hang up his coaching hat after 31 years at the helm, 17 of which he spent at Notre Dame. “It has to be one of the most…
Disbelief. The Indiana Hoosiers could all but taste the national championship. But after 103 minutes, they watched Stanford celebrate a 1-0 win. The Hoosiers sunk to the pitch in disbelief. IU ended the regular season undefeated. The Hoosiers fell short of the Big Ten championship via penalty kicks. And…
CHESTER, Pa — One goal. One goal was all it took to spoil IU’s undefeated season. It was also all it took for Stanford to win its third straight NCAA championship. Sam Werner dodged an IU defender and sent the ball into the net in the 103rd minute for the…
Defense, defense and more defense. Indiana men’s soccer has long had a motto — defense wins championships. 2017 is no exception to that rule. As a matter of fact, 2017 is making history with every match played. With one match left to play, IU (18-0-6) leads the nation in…
CHESTER, Pa. — One goal. That’s all it takes in soccer. Friday night, the bounce went the way of the Indiana Hoosiers who earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels. Andrew Gutman sent the ball into the net in the 50th minute for the lone…
Nineteen. It’s a number that means many things. For the Indiana men’s soccer team, 19 represents the number of College Cups they have attended, an NCAA record. Now the Hoosiers are two wins away from their ninth NCAA championship. IU returns to the College Cup for the first time…
Per an embargoed press release provided to Soc Takes, NISA applied for divisional sanctioning from the USSF on Friday, Aug. 31. The press release reads: “On Friday, August 31 the National Independent Soccer Association (“NISA”) formally petitioned the United States Soccer Federation for admission as a Men’s Division III…
Per a source close to NISA, the league will apply for Division 3 sanctioning for the fall 2019 season. The source informed Soc Takes and Midfield Press reporter, Chris Kivlehan, that due to the planned delay in the start of the season, the deadline for submitting the application to…
Soc Takes understands that ex-USMNT international John Harkes is the current front-runner to be Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s first head coach. Harkes has previously coached in the United Soccer League (USL) at FC Cincinnati — currently a D2 franchise — from 2016 to 2017. If confirmed, this would be Harkes’…
The United Soccer League (USL) has continued its expansion through successful D2 expansion as well as its soon-to-be-launched USLD3 division with a rumored 8-12 teams. However, lapses in franchise registration filings in a number of states may pose a problem for the league’s expansion hopes. Soc Takes has learned…
Whether or not you’ve heard the term, you’ve experienced an example of Shepard tone. Think of the endless stairs in Super Mario 64 or even in the soundtrack of Christopher Nolan films. It is the (auditory) illusion of ascendancy; the feeling that the music is rising in scale, seemingly…
Soc Takes understands that an unidentified investor (see update for identity of the investor) has secured the USL territorial rights for Chattanooga. This new team will be unaffiliated with Chattanooga FC. Currently, Chattanooga FC operates in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) playing their homes games at Finley Stadium….
Per information provided to Soc Takes, the initial franchise expansion fee for USL is now $7 million. This is an increase from their 2017 fee which was $5 million. This fee increase would apply to teams signing franchise agreements in 2018 and beyond, and would not affect recently announced…
The career arcs of Zinedine Zidane and Paul Pogba are eerily similar. Both born to immigrant parents who eventually settled in Paris, both Pogba and Zidane had impoverished childhoods which possibly gave them the inner drive to succeed at the highest level. Both found football to be a canvas…
Who is in Group B? Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran. Who are the favorites to go through? Portugal and Spain are heavy favorites in this group. GROUP B TEAM PREVIEWS Portugal – The reigning European Champions possess a team full of recognized names such as defenders Pepe and Jose Fonte,…
As originally reported by ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle, New York Cosmos owner and de facto NASL leader Rocco Commisso had extended his “let’s talk about this” deadline to the USSF until May 31. On May 30, a letter from USSF secretary Dan Flynn was emailed to Commisso. U.S. Soccer provided…
As revealed by Wes “Mantooth” Burdine of FiftyFive.One, the USSF decided to reject NASL’s application for Division II sanctioning last year. Since that time, lawsuits, injunctions and rejections have been the story of the North American Soccer League (NASL). As teams continued to exit the league and other leagues…
The lower divisions of American soccer are a tumultuous place. Whether it is the collapse of individual clubs, irresponsible behavior toward players or the death of an entire league, the stories of instability are as commonplace as a PBR at your local dive bar. Yet, there is one narrative…
INDIANAPOLIS — For the second time in July, visiting Birmingham Legion FC topped the Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. A stoppage-time game winner by fullback Jonathan Dean earned Birmingham the 2-1 result Saturday night. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive…
INDIANAPOLIS — A couple of offsetting strikes early in the second half Saturday saw the Indy Eleven and Memphis 901 finish 1-1 and share points. Indy right-sided threat Nick Moon opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a sublime individual effort, but Memphis forward Michael Salazar equalized in…
While weather delays and ensuing power outages happen from time to time in the beautiful game, when the host side is named “Energy FC,” it obviously adds a dose of irony and humor to the storyline. The OKC Energy and Indy Eleven have rescheduled their July 10 fixture for…
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Archrivals Indy Eleven and Louisville City FC battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium, leaving LouCity in second place and Indy in fourth in the Central Division upon completion of the USL Championship weekend fixtures. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes…
INDIANAPOLIS — According to mathematics, 901 is greater than 11. That was also the case Saturday evening at Carroll Stadium as visiting Memphis 901 FC upset the Indy Eleven 2-1 behind goals from Michael Salazar and Kyle Murphy. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access…
INDIANAPOLIS — A first-half header by Indy Eleven wingback Nick Moon was equaled in the second half off the boot of OKC Energy’s Frank Lopez as Indy and OKC battled to a 1-1 draw Wednesday at “The Mike.” The meeting was the first ever between the two clubs now…
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two penalty conversions by Indy Eleven striker Jordan Hamilton propelled Indy to a 2-1 road victory over Louisville City FC on Saturday night in the latest installment of the LIPAFC rivalry. LouCity’s Corben Bone struck first for the hosts in the 45th minute before Hamilton’s pair…
INDIANAPOLIS — A clean sheet from Jordan Farr and the Indy Eleven defense along with second-half goals by Jordan Hamilton and Manuel Arteaga helped Indy top Sporting KC II on Saturday evening. The 2-nil result was the Eleven’s first home win since returning to their original home at Carroll…
INDIANAPOLIS — FC Tulsa remained unblemished on the season at 3-0-0 while ruining the Indy Eleven’s return to Michael A. Carroll Stadium with a 2-0 victory Saturday. Joaquin Rivas bagged a brace for the visitors, the first coming on a header and the second on a converted penalty. Follow…
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Indy Eleven were able to fend off Birmingham Legion FC after a 28th-minute tally by forward Manuel Arteaga to earn a 1-nil road victory. The match was the season opener for both clubs. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to…
INDIANAPOLIS — Two goals, two red cards and many more yellows left the Indy Eleven and Saint Louis FC level 1-1 in a crucial Group E matchup Wednesday at Lucas Oil Stadium. STLFC trails Indy by a single point for second place in the group. The top two in…
INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Eleven forwards Nick Moon, 24, and Jeremy Rafanello, 20, found the back of the net in Indy’s 2-1 triumph over Sporting KC II on Wednesday evening. SKC II substitute Tyler Freeman pulled one back late on a free kick and the visitors nearly got an equalizer…
The thing about leagues like the UPSL or NPSL — well, until next year — is that there appears to be an eternal offseason. On the surface, it seems like an eternity between the final whistle and next season’s kickoff, with significant periods of downtime between seasons. What we’ve found…
Despite achieving significant success on the pitch by winning the Mid-Atlantic North Division in the UPSL spring season, Lowcountry United FC was thrown a bit of an unexpected curveball in mid-2018. The club suddenly found itself out in the cold on a venue to call home and also without…
Hello. My name is Andy Hayes and I am the president and general manager for Old Bhoys Soccer Club. I have a soccer problem. “Hi, Andy.” In the 2.5 months since Soc Takes graciously posted my “lessons learned” story about the hard reality of operating and running a true lower-tier…
INDIANAPOLIS — I’m a soccer nerd. I love the sport; the passion of supporters; the euro-snobbery; the effort by anyone to grow the game to greater heights in the U.S.; coaching youth and amateur soccer; all of it. I also never intended to become a sports team “owner.” The…
On July 6, I posted a Twitter poll asking which of four ideas I should write up next. The people answered, with “UPSL explained” getting 50 percent of the vote. So, let’s do this. The United Premier Soccer League is one of the more interesting, and downright confusing, leagues…
KEENE, Texas — My first Supporting Local Soccer post on visiting the Fort Worth Vaqueros went over really, really well, and in the aftermath, several teams reached out to me to visit one of their games. One of these teams was Keene FC, a first-year UPSL team based in…
INDIANAPOLIS — It’s either here, or almost here. While the soccer season is already underway for some central Indiana-based clubs, others are busy making preparations for what’s to come. Here’s a local roundup of some of the area’s latest footy happenings. BUTLER MEN’S SOCCER The Bulldogs unveiled their 2018…
Seven matches into Lowcountry United FC‘s 2018 spring campaign, it’s safe to say the Charleston, S.C.-based club has been the class of the UPSL Southeast Conference Mid-Atlantic Division thus far. A 5-1 win over Broncos United FC on Saturday moved Lowcountry’s record to an unscathed 7-0-0 (21 points). The…
Dustin Hooker is no stranger to the Oklahoma City soccer scene, nor to us here at Soc Takes. He sat down for an interview with Nipun Chopra last May to discuss his new team, then known as the Imps. They had been in discussion to join the NPSL, but…
INDIANAPOLIS — The boys aren’t old, but the Bhoys are. The USAi Old Bhoys are gearing up to take the pitch this year in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), an amateur adult league that’s essentially the highest level of men’s soccer below the NPSL and PDL. The Indy-based…
Soc Takes has linked up with Lowcountry United FC as an official media partner, the two parties announced last week. “We are excited by the opportunity to work with Soc Takes as one of our official club media partners,” said Lowcountry United FC executive director Alan Bahadori. “The addition…
While the NASL is fighting to abolish professional league standards (PLS), the organization overseeing amateur soccer in the country — the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) — is about to institute a new set of standards of its own. Standards facilitating a tiered system that would sequester leagues…
From an early age, athletes learn to overcome adversity. The skills they learn on the pitch, field, court, etc., help prepare them for the real world. Overcoming adversity may very well be the theme for the year 2020. And for former U.S. women’s national team player Lindsay Tarpley, she…
Eight overtimes. Can you even imagine? After playing a regulation soccer game — 90 minutes — in Ft. Lauderdale heat and humidity, can you imagine playing in one overtime, let alone eight? Well, that’s what used to happen in college soccer. And in 1982, the Indiana Hoosiers prevailed after…
I grew up a sports fan. I’m from Chicagoland. I watch TV. Therefore, you become a sports fan. Well that, and I was surrounded by sports fans. I’m a White Sox fan, Bears fan and an Indiana University fan above all else. I grew up thinking I was an…
Well, the wait is over. Will all of the Chicago Fire’s changes pay off and get the club some results? One match in, the jury says dropping a 2-1 decision Sunday to defending MLS Cup champion Seattle wasn’t horrible. Chicago showed signs of life, but there is still plenty…
One thing is for sure when it comes to the Chicago Fire: You can change the team name, you can change the logo, you can change the stadium, but you can’t change the past season. The Fire ended their 2019 campaign with a 10-12-12 record. There were not many…
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Sometimes you can do everything right. And in one moment, one finish, your season comes to an end. For the Indiana Hoosiers, that moment happened in the 102nd minute when Will Baynham broke through the Hoosiers defense, shot and buried his attempt into the back of the…
The Indiana Hoosiers men’s soccer team is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. With 44 appearances, the Hoosiers (15-2-4) lead the NCAA. The third round is also old news. But for a young Hoosiers squad, they continue to defy the odds. They’ve won two out of the three trophies…
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — On a brisk day in Bloomington, the Indiana Hoosiers took just 21 minutes to get onto the board. But before that, the Hoosiers held their own, made perfect passes, defended, man marked and, more importantly, frustrated the University of Kentucky. After 90 minutes, IU took away…
AND THEY’RE OUT One game is all it takes in NCAA Tournament time for teams to pack it up and call it a season. Unfortunately for Loyola and Notre Dame, both saw their seasons come to an end Thursday night. Loyola 1 – Kentucky 2 The Loyola Ramblers (11-5-4)…
The men’s soccer NCAA Tournament is by far my favorite time of the year. I’m sure I’m not alone. It’s a time when teams live out their dreams one goal at a time. It’s a time full of upsets, happy endings and stories. Every team has a history and…
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In the postseason, all bets are off. A team that dominated another one just a couple weeks before turns into a team struggling for control. It happens. It’s what makes the game of college soccer so fun. But it’s frustrating for the players, the coaches and…
CHICAGO — When Major League Soccer began in 1996, there were no Homegrown Players or academies surrounding MLS teams. There were 10 teams. The player pool consisted of national team players, international players, college players and semi-professional players. Today, the pool of players has evolved. There are 24 MLS…
INDIANAPOLIS — Down a goal from an early strike by Orange County SC’s Mikko Kuningas, the Indy Eleven netted thrice in the second half to pull out a 3-1 comeback win Sunday at Carroll Stadium. Noah Powder, Stefano Pinho and Aris Briggs put their names on the scoresheet for…
INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Eleven attackers Nicky Law and Aris Briggs linked up for a stoppage-time winner Saturday at Michael A. Carroll Stadium in a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United 2. Law’s 12th-minute strike was matched by ATL UTD 2’s Jackson Conway in the 68th, before Law found Briggs in…
INDIANAPOLIS — Hosting LA Galaxy II in their home opener, the Indy Eleven settled for a 1-1 draw Saturday night at Carroll Stadium in front of a crowd of 8,000-plus. Michael Salazar struck first for the visitors in the 35th minute before Indy’s Raul Aguilera equalized in the 61st….
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Strikes from Indy Eleven’s Stefano Pinho and Louisville City’s Sean Totsch saw the latest edition of the LIPAFC derby conclude in a 1-1 draw Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium. The point was the first accumulated by Indy this season, while LouCity’s solo point marked its first…
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A first-minute tally by Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Juan Tejada set the tone in the Rowdies’ 2-nil triumph over the Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. Jake LaCava added the second in the 51st minute to seal the result for the hosts…
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven earned a rivalry win Saturday at home in the LIPAFC derby, besting Louisville City 1-0 thanks to an 85th-minute strike by Manuel Arteaga. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron…
INDIANAPOLIS — Aiden McFadden’s goal five minutes into stoppage time brought ATL UTD 2 level with the Indy Eleven at 1-1, leading to shared points Saturday at Michael A. Carroll Stadium as both clubs vie for a playoff spot in the USL Championship Central Division. Indy striker Manuel Arteaga…
INDIANAPOLIS — Goals on either side of halftime by Antoine Hoppenot and Cameron Lancaster carried Louisville City to a 2-nil win over the Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. First-place LouCity finished the weekend six points clear of the next-closest team in the Central Division….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Chicago Fire and Indy Eleven used Tuesday’s friendly at Carroll Stadium as an opportunity to give their youngsters some minutes, as both sides heavily featured their up-and-coming talent. The visiting Fire emerged victorious, taking the friendly 3-1. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon…
INDIANAPOLIS — A Gordon Wild strike in the 77th minute, assisted by Nick Moon, lifted the Indy Eleven to a 1-0 victory over Sporting KC II at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Saturday night. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and…
INDIANAPOLIS — Meeting for the first time ever Saturday, the Indy Eleven blanked the Real Monarchs 2-0 at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. A first-half brace from forward Manuel Arteaga delivered the hosts a needed three points to keep pace in the USL Championship Central Division. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven grabbed an elusive home win, just their second at Carroll Stadium this season, in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over OKC Energy FC. Indy forward Manuel Arteaga broke a 1-1 tie in the 53rd minute with a jolting header after first-half goals by Indy’s Nicky Law…
Here’s a six-way Venn diagram of every professional soccer city in the U.S. — from MLS, the USL Championship and USL League One — plus all the pro sports towns from the other four major American sports: the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Follow Colton on Twitter: @cjcoreschi. Support Soc…
With the rise of advanced analytics in soccer, expected goals (xG) has become a go-to metric for examining the quality of both clubs and individual players beyond base accumulation stats (goals, assists, etc.). Inspired by Ben Mayhew of Experimental 3-6-1, who utilizes similar statistics for the English Football League,…
It’s a rare thing for soccer fans to be able to watch the very beginnings of their favorite club. Most fans are born into their allegiances to long-standing sporting organizations, inherited from their family tree. Others find their home in an existing domain as they fall in love with…
When it was announced on May 21, 2013 that Major League Soccer (MLS) had granted a franchise in New York City — to be owned by Manchester City conglomorate City Football Group (CFG) and the New York Yankees, no less — high expectations were immediately placed on the nascent…
Ahead of their launch as a founding member of USL League One in 2019 — during which they will continue to field a League Two team as well — South Georgia Tormenta FC founder and president Darin Van Tassell, vice president of soccer operations (and former PDL co-director) Mike…
The history of lower-division soccer in the United States is a rocky journey through a rotating door of clubs, acronym-heavy leagues and the aspiring saviors of U.S. Soccer who mastermind them. As evidence, one needs only to look at two images sourced from the United States Soccer League System…
The past few years have been remarkably eventful for the United Soccer Leagues, LLC, and now the organization that has a strong grasp on lower-division professional soccer in the United States has unveiled a new look to highlight its growing position in the landscape. The company unveiled Tuesday new…
INDIANAPOLIS — Playing in their final home match of the season on Oct. 8, the Indy Eleven hung four goals from the 40th minute on en route to a 4-1 victory over the visiting Charleston Battery. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive…
INDIANAPOLIS — A Luca Sowinski hat trick helped carry visiting FC Tulsa past the Indy Eleven 4-2 on Saturday. Dario Suarez added the other tally for Tulsa, while Ayoze provided a brace for Indy. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and…
INDIANAPOLIS — An Ayoze penalty conversion in the 68th minute was all that separated the Indy Eleven and Loudoun United on Sunday as the hosts held on for the 1-0 win at Carroll Stadium. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and…
INDIANAPOLIS — Days after stunning Western Conference-leading San Antonio FC, the resurgent Indy Eleven knocked off Eastern Conference rival and first-place Louisville City FC 2-1 on Wednesday at Carroll Stadium. A brace by Stefano Pinho brought Indy back from 1-0 down after an early goal by LouCity’s Ray Serrano….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven ended their recent run of poor form Saturday with a 1-0 win over league-leading San Antonio FC. SAFC entered with 57 points, the most in the USL Championship, and has already clinched a playoff spot. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon…
INDIANAPOLIS — Playing in its first game at Carroll Stadium, the Indy Eleven women wrapped up an undefeated USL W League regular season with a 3-0 win Saturday against Detroit City FC. In the nightcap, the DCFC men’s side bested Indy 1-0 in USL Championship play. Follow Robbie on…
PITTSBURGH — Albert Dikwa’s volley in the 79th minute Wednesday delivered the Pittsburgh Riverhounds a 1-nil victory over the visiting Indy Eleven at Highmark Stadium. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today….
INDIANAPOLIS — A 58th-minute tally by Joshua Perez carried Miami FC to a 1-0 road victory at Indy Eleven on Saturday evening. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today….
INDIANAPOLIS — With the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 lined up for Sunday, the Indy Eleven hosted New Mexico United on Saturday in their racing-themed home kits. The visitors spoiled the celebration, jumping out to a 2-0 lead and holding on for the 2-1 result. Follow Robbie on…
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nashville SC advanced in 2022 U.S. Open Cup play Wednesday night on an 89th-minute goal from Hany Mukhtar. The visitors had equalized through Ake Arnaud Loba in the 39th minute after LouCity’s Brian Ownby opened the scoring in the 37th. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc…
INDIANAPOLIS — Multiple-time league MVP Solomon Asante made his Indy Eleven debut off the bench Saturday in Indy’s 2-nil victory over New York Red Bulls II. A Juan Castillo own goal and a strike by Jonas Fjeldberg helped the Eleven collect three points at home. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven’s 1-nil victory Saturday against visiting Hartford Athletic extended their USL Championship winning streak to four matches and unbeaten streak to six. A low, left-footed strike to the bottom corner by Ayoze proved the difference between the two sides. Indy hasn’t suffered a league defeat…
One of the enduring questions about lower-division soccer remains: Where do USL franchise fees — currently at $10 million for the Championship and $1 million for League One — go? The seeming answer is a reinvestment into USL headquarters; namely front office salaries, benefits, office rent, etc. However, based…
U.S. Soccer presidential candidate and UPSL Northeast Conference manager Paul Lapointe shares his wide array of ideas to improve the sport across all levels domestically. The panel covers everything from pay to play, pro/rel and equal pay for the USWNT, to making the position of U.S. Soccer president a…
CHICAGO — FC Cincinnati stole the show at Friday’s Major League Soccer SuperDraft. The 24th club in MLS history made a trade Wednesday to secure two picks in the first round of the draft. Overall, they made five selections looking to get some competition for their first-year roster. “We have…
Akron and Maryland. If people were to guess the final two teams standing at the end of the 2018 campaign, only a handful would have mentioned Maryland and Akron. It’s not because they’re not talented. Both teams have nationally recognized players on offense and defense. It’s not because they…
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — For the 2018 Indiana Hoosiers, their yearly campaign started like all the rest with a handful of goals. As the season went on, they hit milestone after milestone. They dominated opponents en route to a perfect season in Big Ten play (8-0), their 15th Big…
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — In the College Cup, all bets are off. The last four teams standing take the pitch, hoping for the best result. The slate is wiped clean. It’s anyone’s game. This year’s College Cup was no exception. Indiana and Maryland knew each other all too well….
“All good things come to an end.” At least that’s what Notre Dame men’s soccer coach Bobby Clark said. Clark decided to hang up his coaching hat after 31 years at the helm, 17 of which he spent at Notre Dame. “It has to be one of the most…
Disbelief. The Indiana Hoosiers could all but taste the national championship. But after 103 minutes, they watched Stanford celebrate a 1-0 win. The Hoosiers sunk to the pitch in disbelief. IU ended the regular season undefeated. The Hoosiers fell short of the Big Ten championship via penalty kicks. And…
CHESTER, Pa — One goal. One goal was all it took to spoil IU’s undefeated season. It was also all it took for Stanford to win its third straight NCAA championship. Sam Werner dodged an IU defender and sent the ball into the net in the 103rd minute for the…
Defense, defense and more defense. Indiana men’s soccer has long had a motto — defense wins championships. 2017 is no exception to that rule. As a matter of fact, 2017 is making history with every match played. With one match left to play, IU (18-0-6) leads the nation in…
CHESTER, Pa. — One goal. That’s all it takes in soccer. Friday night, the bounce went the way of the Indiana Hoosiers who earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels. Andrew Gutman sent the ball into the net in the 50th minute for the lone…
Nineteen. It’s a number that means many things. For the Indiana men’s soccer team, 19 represents the number of College Cups they have attended, an NCAA record. Now the Hoosiers are two wins away from their ninth NCAA championship. IU returns to the College Cup for the first time…
Per an embargoed press release provided to Soc Takes, NISA applied for divisional sanctioning from the USSF on Friday, Aug. 31. The press release reads: “On Friday, August 31 the National Independent Soccer Association (“NISA”) formally petitioned the United States Soccer Federation for admission as a Men’s Division III…
Per a source close to NISA, the league will apply for Division 3 sanctioning for the fall 2019 season. The source informed Soc Takes and Midfield Press reporter, Chris Kivlehan, that due to the planned delay in the start of the season, the deadline for submitting the application to…
Soc Takes understands that ex-USMNT international John Harkes is the current front-runner to be Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s first head coach. Harkes has previously coached in the United Soccer League (USL) at FC Cincinnati — currently a D2 franchise — from 2016 to 2017. If confirmed, this would be Harkes’…
The United Soccer League (USL) has continued its expansion through successful D2 expansion as well as its soon-to-be-launched USLD3 division with a rumored 8-12 teams. However, lapses in franchise registration filings in a number of states may pose a problem for the league’s expansion hopes. Soc Takes has learned…
Whether or not you’ve heard the term, you’ve experienced an example of Shepard tone. Think of the endless stairs in Super Mario 64 or even in the soundtrack of Christopher Nolan films. It is the (auditory) illusion of ascendancy; the feeling that the music is rising in scale, seemingly…
Soc Takes understands that an unidentified investor (see update for identity of the investor) has secured the USL territorial rights for Chattanooga. This new team will be unaffiliated with Chattanooga FC. Currently, Chattanooga FC operates in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) playing their homes games at Finley Stadium….
Per information provided to Soc Takes, the initial franchise expansion fee for USL is now $7 million. This is an increase from their 2017 fee which was $5 million. This fee increase would apply to teams signing franchise agreements in 2018 and beyond, and would not affect recently announced…
The career arcs of Zinedine Zidane and Paul Pogba are eerily similar. Both born to immigrant parents who eventually settled in Paris, both Pogba and Zidane had impoverished childhoods which possibly gave them the inner drive to succeed at the highest level. Both found football to be a canvas…
Who is in Group B? Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran. Who are the favorites to go through? Portugal and Spain are heavy favorites in this group. GROUP B TEAM PREVIEWS Portugal – The reigning European Champions possess a team full of recognized names such as defenders Pepe and Jose Fonte,…
As originally reported by ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle, New York Cosmos owner and de facto NASL leader Rocco Commisso had extended his “let’s talk about this” deadline to the USSF until May 31. On May 30, a letter from USSF secretary Dan Flynn was emailed to Commisso. U.S. Soccer provided…
As revealed by Wes “Mantooth” Burdine of FiftyFive.One, the USSF decided to reject NASL’s application for Division II sanctioning last year. Since that time, lawsuits, injunctions and rejections have been the story of the North American Soccer League (NASL). As teams continued to exit the league and other leagues…
The lower divisions of American soccer are a tumultuous place. Whether it is the collapse of individual clubs, irresponsible behavior toward players or the death of an entire league, the stories of instability are as commonplace as a PBR at your local dive bar. Yet, there is one narrative…
INDIANAPOLIS — For the second time in July, visiting Birmingham Legion FC topped the Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. A stoppage-time game winner by fullback Jonathan Dean earned Birmingham the 2-1 result Saturday night. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive…
INDIANAPOLIS — A couple of offsetting strikes early in the second half Saturday saw the Indy Eleven and Memphis 901 finish 1-1 and share points. Indy right-sided threat Nick Moon opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a sublime individual effort, but Memphis forward Michael Salazar equalized in…
While weather delays and ensuing power outages happen from time to time in the beautiful game, when the host side is named “Energy FC,” it obviously adds a dose of irony and humor to the storyline. The OKC Energy and Indy Eleven have rescheduled their July 10 fixture for…
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Archrivals Indy Eleven and Louisville City FC battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium, leaving LouCity in second place and Indy in fourth in the Central Division upon completion of the USL Championship weekend fixtures. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes…
INDIANAPOLIS — According to mathematics, 901 is greater than 11. That was also the case Saturday evening at Carroll Stadium as visiting Memphis 901 FC upset the Indy Eleven 2-1 behind goals from Michael Salazar and Kyle Murphy. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access…
INDIANAPOLIS — A first-half header by Indy Eleven wingback Nick Moon was equaled in the second half off the boot of OKC Energy’s Frank Lopez as Indy and OKC battled to a 1-1 draw Wednesday at “The Mike.” The meeting was the first ever between the two clubs now…
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two penalty conversions by Indy Eleven striker Jordan Hamilton propelled Indy to a 2-1 road victory over Louisville City FC on Saturday night in the latest installment of the LIPAFC rivalry. LouCity’s Corben Bone struck first for the hosts in the 45th minute before Hamilton’s pair…
INDIANAPOLIS — A clean sheet from Jordan Farr and the Indy Eleven defense along with second-half goals by Jordan Hamilton and Manuel Arteaga helped Indy top Sporting KC II on Saturday evening. The 2-nil result was the Eleven’s first home win since returning to their original home at Carroll…
INDIANAPOLIS — FC Tulsa remained unblemished on the season at 3-0-0 while ruining the Indy Eleven’s return to Michael A. Carroll Stadium with a 2-0 victory Saturday. Joaquin Rivas bagged a brace for the visitors, the first coming on a header and the second on a converted penalty. Follow…
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Indy Eleven were able to fend off Birmingham Legion FC after a 28th-minute tally by forward Manuel Arteaga to earn a 1-nil road victory. The match was the season opener for both clubs. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to…
INDIANAPOLIS — Two goals, two red cards and many more yellows left the Indy Eleven and Saint Louis FC level 1-1 in a crucial Group E matchup Wednesday at Lucas Oil Stadium. STLFC trails Indy by a single point for second place in the group. The top two in…
INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Eleven forwards Nick Moon, 24, and Jeremy Rafanello, 20, found the back of the net in Indy’s 2-1 triumph over Sporting KC II on Wednesday evening. SKC II substitute Tyler Freeman pulled one back late on a free kick and the visitors nearly got an equalizer…
The thing about leagues like the UPSL or NPSL — well, until next year — is that there appears to be an eternal offseason. On the surface, it seems like an eternity between the final whistle and next season’s kickoff, with significant periods of downtime between seasons. What we’ve found…
Despite achieving significant success on the pitch by winning the Mid-Atlantic North Division in the UPSL spring season, Lowcountry United FC was thrown a bit of an unexpected curveball in mid-2018. The club suddenly found itself out in the cold on a venue to call home and also without…
Hello. My name is Andy Hayes and I am the president and general manager for Old Bhoys Soccer Club. I have a soccer problem. “Hi, Andy.” In the 2.5 months since Soc Takes graciously posted my “lessons learned” story about the hard reality of operating and running a true lower-tier…
INDIANAPOLIS — I’m a soccer nerd. I love the sport; the passion of supporters; the euro-snobbery; the effort by anyone to grow the game to greater heights in the U.S.; coaching youth and amateur soccer; all of it. I also never intended to become a sports team “owner.” The…
On July 6, I posted a Twitter poll asking which of four ideas I should write up next. The people answered, with “UPSL explained” getting 50 percent of the vote. So, let’s do this. The United Premier Soccer League is one of the more interesting, and downright confusing, leagues…
KEENE, Texas — My first Supporting Local Soccer post on visiting the Fort Worth Vaqueros went over really, really well, and in the aftermath, several teams reached out to me to visit one of their games. One of these teams was Keene FC, a first-year UPSL team based in…
INDIANAPOLIS — It’s either here, or almost here. While the soccer season is already underway for some central Indiana-based clubs, others are busy making preparations for what’s to come. Here’s a local roundup of some of the area’s latest footy happenings. BUTLER MEN’S SOCCER The Bulldogs unveiled their 2018…
Seven matches into Lowcountry United FC‘s 2018 spring campaign, it’s safe to say the Charleston, S.C.-based club has been the class of the UPSL Southeast Conference Mid-Atlantic Division thus far. A 5-1 win over Broncos United FC on Saturday moved Lowcountry’s record to an unscathed 7-0-0 (21 points). The…
Dustin Hooker is no stranger to the Oklahoma City soccer scene, nor to us here at Soc Takes. He sat down for an interview with Nipun Chopra last May to discuss his new team, then known as the Imps. They had been in discussion to join the NPSL, but…
Soc Takes has linked up with Lowcountry United FC as an official media partner, the two parties announced last week. “We are excited by the opportunity to work with Soc Takes as one of our official club media partners,” said Lowcountry United FC executive director Alan Bahadori. “The addition…
While the NASL is fighting to abolish professional league standards (PLS), the organization overseeing amateur soccer in the country — the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) — is about to institute a new set of standards of its own. Standards facilitating a tiered system that would sequester leagues…
From an early age, athletes learn to overcome adversity. The skills they learn on the pitch, field, court, etc., help prepare them for the real world. Overcoming adversity may very well be the theme for the year 2020. And for former U.S. women’s national team player Lindsay Tarpley, she…
Eight overtimes. Can you even imagine? After playing a regulation soccer game — 90 minutes — in Ft. Lauderdale heat and humidity, can you imagine playing in one overtime, let alone eight? Well, that’s what used to happen in college soccer. And in 1982, the Indiana Hoosiers prevailed after…
I grew up a sports fan. I’m from Chicagoland. I watch TV. Therefore, you become a sports fan. Well that, and I was surrounded by sports fans. I’m a White Sox fan, Bears fan and an Indiana University fan above all else. I grew up thinking I was an…
Well, the wait is over. Will all of the Chicago Fire’s changes pay off and get the club some results? One match in, the jury says dropping a 2-1 decision Sunday to defending MLS Cup champion Seattle wasn’t horrible. Chicago showed signs of life, but there is still plenty…
One thing is for sure when it comes to the Chicago Fire: You can change the team name, you can change the logo, you can change the stadium, but you can’t change the past season. The Fire ended their 2019 campaign with a 10-12-12 record. There were not many…
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Sometimes you can do everything right. And in one moment, one finish, your season comes to an end. For the Indiana Hoosiers, that moment happened in the 102nd minute when Will Baynham broke through the Hoosiers defense, shot and buried his attempt into the back of the…
The Indiana Hoosiers men’s soccer team is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. With 44 appearances, the Hoosiers (15-2-4) lead the NCAA. The third round is also old news. But for a young Hoosiers squad, they continue to defy the odds. They’ve won two out of the three trophies…
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — On a brisk day in Bloomington, the Indiana Hoosiers took just 21 minutes to get onto the board. But before that, the Hoosiers held their own, made perfect passes, defended, man marked and, more importantly, frustrated the University of Kentucky. After 90 minutes, IU took away…
AND THEY’RE OUT One game is all it takes in NCAA Tournament time for teams to pack it up and call it a season. Unfortunately for Loyola and Notre Dame, both saw their seasons come to an end Thursday night. Loyola 1 – Kentucky 2 The Loyola Ramblers (11-5-4)…
The men’s soccer NCAA Tournament is by far my favorite time of the year. I’m sure I’m not alone. It’s a time when teams live out their dreams one goal at a time. It’s a time full of upsets, happy endings and stories. Every team has a history and…
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In the postseason, all bets are off. A team that dominated another one just a couple weeks before turns into a team struggling for control. It happens. It’s what makes the game of college soccer so fun. But it’s frustrating for the players, the coaches and…
CHICAGO — When Major League Soccer began in 1996, there were no Homegrown Players or academies surrounding MLS teams. There were 10 teams. The player pool consisted of national team players, international players, college players and semi-professional players. Today, the pool of players has evolved. There are 24 MLS…
INDIANAPOLIS — Down a goal from an early strike by Orange County SC’s Mikko Kuningas, the Indy Eleven netted thrice in the second half to pull out a 3-1 comeback win Sunday at Carroll Stadium. Noah Powder, Stefano Pinho and Aris Briggs put their names on the scoresheet for…
INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Eleven attackers Nicky Law and Aris Briggs linked up for a stoppage-time winner Saturday at Michael A. Carroll Stadium in a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United 2. Law’s 12th-minute strike was matched by ATL UTD 2’s Jackson Conway in the 68th, before Law found Briggs in…
INDIANAPOLIS — Hosting LA Galaxy II in their home opener, the Indy Eleven settled for a 1-1 draw Saturday night at Carroll Stadium in front of a crowd of 8,000-plus. Michael Salazar struck first for the visitors in the 35th minute before Indy’s Raul Aguilera equalized in the 61st….
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Strikes from Indy Eleven’s Stefano Pinho and Louisville City’s Sean Totsch saw the latest edition of the LIPAFC derby conclude in a 1-1 draw Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium. The point was the first accumulated by Indy this season, while LouCity’s solo point marked its first…
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A first-minute tally by Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Juan Tejada set the tone in the Rowdies’ 2-nil triumph over the Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. Jake LaCava added the second in the 51st minute to seal the result for the hosts…
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven earned a rivalry win Saturday at home in the LIPAFC derby, besting Louisville City 1-0 thanks to an 85th-minute strike by Manuel Arteaga. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron…
INDIANAPOLIS — Aiden McFadden’s goal five minutes into stoppage time brought ATL UTD 2 level with the Indy Eleven at 1-1, leading to shared points Saturday at Michael A. Carroll Stadium as both clubs vie for a playoff spot in the USL Championship Central Division. Indy striker Manuel Arteaga…
INDIANAPOLIS — Goals on either side of halftime by Antoine Hoppenot and Cameron Lancaster carried Louisville City to a 2-nil win over the Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. First-place LouCity finished the weekend six points clear of the next-closest team in the Central Division….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Chicago Fire and Indy Eleven used Tuesday’s friendly at Carroll Stadium as an opportunity to give their youngsters some minutes, as both sides heavily featured their up-and-coming talent. The visiting Fire emerged victorious, taking the friendly 3-1. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon…
INDIANAPOLIS — A Gordon Wild strike in the 77th minute, assisted by Nick Moon, lifted the Indy Eleven to a 1-0 victory over Sporting KC II at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Saturday night. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and…
INDIANAPOLIS — Meeting for the first time ever Saturday, the Indy Eleven blanked the Real Monarchs 2-0 at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. A first-half brace from forward Manuel Arteaga delivered the hosts a needed three points to keep pace in the USL Championship Central Division. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven grabbed an elusive home win, just their second at Carroll Stadium this season, in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over OKC Energy FC. Indy forward Manuel Arteaga broke a 1-1 tie in the 53rd minute with a jolting header after first-half goals by Indy’s Nicky Law…
Here’s a six-way Venn diagram of every professional soccer city in the U.S. — from MLS, the USL Championship and USL League One — plus all the pro sports towns from the other four major American sports: the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Follow Colton on Twitter: @cjcoreschi. Support Soc…
With the rise of advanced analytics in soccer, expected goals (xG) has become a go-to metric for examining the quality of both clubs and individual players beyond base accumulation stats (goals, assists, etc.). Inspired by Ben Mayhew of Experimental 3-6-1, who utilizes similar statistics for the English Football League,…
It’s a rare thing for soccer fans to be able to watch the very beginnings of their favorite club. Most fans are born into their allegiances to long-standing sporting organizations, inherited from their family tree. Others find their home in an existing domain as they fall in love with…
When it was announced on May 21, 2013 that Major League Soccer (MLS) had granted a franchise in New York City — to be owned by Manchester City conglomorate City Football Group (CFG) and the New York Yankees, no less — high expectations were immediately placed on the nascent…
Ahead of their launch as a founding member of USL League One in 2019 — during which they will continue to field a League Two team as well — South Georgia Tormenta FC founder and president Darin Van Tassell, vice president of soccer operations (and former PDL co-director) Mike…
The history of lower-division soccer in the United States is a rocky journey through a rotating door of clubs, acronym-heavy leagues and the aspiring saviors of U.S. Soccer who mastermind them. As evidence, one needs only to look at two images sourced from the United States Soccer League System…
The past few years have been remarkably eventful for the United Soccer Leagues, LLC, and now the organization that has a strong grasp on lower-division professional soccer in the United States has unveiled a new look to highlight its growing position in the landscape. The company unveiled Tuesday new…
INDIANAPOLIS — Playing in their final home match of the season on Oct. 8, the Indy Eleven hung four goals from the 40th minute on en route to a 4-1 victory over the visiting Charleston Battery. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive…
INDIANAPOLIS — A Luca Sowinski hat trick helped carry visiting FC Tulsa past the Indy Eleven 4-2 on Saturday. Dario Suarez added the other tally for Tulsa, while Ayoze provided a brace for Indy. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and…
INDIANAPOLIS — An Ayoze penalty conversion in the 68th minute was all that separated the Indy Eleven and Loudoun United on Sunday as the hosts held on for the 1-0 win at Carroll Stadium. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and…
INDIANAPOLIS — Days after stunning Western Conference-leading San Antonio FC, the resurgent Indy Eleven knocked off Eastern Conference rival and first-place Louisville City FC 2-1 on Wednesday at Carroll Stadium. A brace by Stefano Pinho brought Indy back from 1-0 down after an early goal by LouCity’s Ray Serrano….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven ended their recent run of poor form Saturday with a 1-0 win over league-leading San Antonio FC. SAFC entered with 57 points, the most in the USL Championship, and has already clinched a playoff spot. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon…
INDIANAPOLIS — Playing in its first game at Carroll Stadium, the Indy Eleven women wrapped up an undefeated USL W League regular season with a 3-0 win Saturday against Detroit City FC. In the nightcap, the DCFC men’s side bested Indy 1-0 in USL Championship play. Follow Robbie on…
PITTSBURGH — Albert Dikwa’s volley in the 79th minute Wednesday delivered the Pittsburgh Riverhounds a 1-nil victory over the visiting Indy Eleven at Highmark Stadium. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today….
INDIANAPOLIS — A 58th-minute tally by Joshua Perez carried Miami FC to a 1-0 road victory at Indy Eleven on Saturday evening. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today….
INDIANAPOLIS — With the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 lined up for Sunday, the Indy Eleven hosted New Mexico United on Saturday in their racing-themed home kits. The visitors spoiled the celebration, jumping out to a 2-0 lead and holding on for the 2-1 result. Follow Robbie on…
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nashville SC advanced in 2022 U.S. Open Cup play Wednesday night on an 89th-minute goal from Hany Mukhtar. The visitors had equalized through Ake Arnaud Loba in the 39th minute after LouCity’s Brian Ownby opened the scoring in the 37th. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc…
INDIANAPOLIS — Multiple-time league MVP Solomon Asante made his Indy Eleven debut off the bench Saturday in Indy’s 2-nil victory over New York Red Bulls II. A Juan Castillo own goal and a strike by Jonas Fjeldberg helped the Eleven collect three points at home. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh….
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Eleven’s 1-nil victory Saturday against visiting Hartford Athletic extended their USL Championship winning streak to four matches and unbeaten streak to six. A low, left-footed strike to the bottom corner by Ayoze proved the difference between the two sides. Indy hasn’t suffered a league defeat…
One of the enduring questions about lower-division soccer remains: Where do USL franchise fees — currently at $10 million for the Championship and $1 million for League One — go? The seeming answer is a reinvestment into USL headquarters; namely front office salaries, benefits, office rent, etc. However, based…