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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Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports

Some argue it’s necessary for the U.S. to achieve its full soccer potential. Others think Major League Soccer might not even be where it’s at in a different model.

Whatever your stance is on the issue of promotion and relegation, it remains perhaps the most divisive topic in American soccer circles.

Host of SiriusXM FC’s Counter Attack show and former U.S. national team ‘keeper Tony Meola recently shared his candid thoughts on the hot-button issue.

“I love promotion and relegation,” Meola told Soc Takes. “I do not think it works at this moment in the U.S. There are so many layers to this argument that I would need to write a book — that’s not happening. But if owners don’t like the current system, I will steal a saying from my good friend Alexi Lalas here: ‘Build a better mousetrap.’”

Kudos to Meola for his willingness to tackle the subject. After all, a healthy pro/rel discourse can only occur when people from both sides are willing to throw their hats into the ring.

“If owners don’t like the current system, I will steal a saying from my good friend Alexi Lalas here: ‘Build a better mousetrap.’”

Meola also expressed his view that U.S. Soccer is currently in its golden age, so it’s probably no surprise that he believes in MLS’ single-entity model that helped grow the game to this point. In the end, the 48-year-old veteran of three World Cups feels that — like almost everything in America — the pro/rel debate will ultimately boil down to a matter of economics.

“If owners in MLS thought for a minute that pro/rel would put more money in their pockets, they would do it today,” Meola added. “And if they think it will in five, 10, 15 year’s time, they will do it then. For now, I’ve yet to see an argument that says that it will make MLS a better league that I can buy into. I know some do and some don’t want to hear or listen to the ‘other side’ of the story, but that’s my opinion.”

***

Soc Takes correspondent Jeff Kuhns contributed to this story.

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

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Photo credit: Tony Lewis/FC Edmonton

Hardcore Indy Eleven supporter Tony Hebenstreit had done this before, six times to be exact. But something about this time was different — way different. Maybe it was the distance; maybe it was the result; maybe it was everything.

Hebenstreit decided to do the unthinkable: drive from Indianapolis to Edmonton. What?!?

A quick plug into Google Maps will reveal just how daunting that is, as noted by Eleven midfielder Brad Ring on Twitter. It’s about a 28-hour drive one way, and that estimate of course assumes normal traffic and zero stops.

Shout out @tonyhebenstreit for making the DRIVE to Edmonton to support @IndyEleven. Unbelievable dedication. He deserves a win. #drivesafe pic.twitter.com/VBtjG9JPuJ

— Brad Ring (@BradRing87) July 28, 2017

“I’m very surprised my trip created a huge buzz,” Hebenstreit said. “I started tweeting during the trip just to amuse a couple friends, but then the players got word of it.”

It created a buzz, alright. It also helped motivate the Eleven to snag three important road points in their NASL fall season opener. Hebenstreit could often be seen waving his Indianapolis flag in the background of the ESPN 3 broadcast during Indy’s 2-1 win over FC Edmonton.

You’re a legend, @tonyhebenstreit!

This man logged more miles and hours on the road than we can count to get to us. Best fans in the world! pic.twitter.com/Sq5oh1Eyga

— Indy Eleven (@IndyEleven) July 30, 2017

“The team seemed to perk up when they saw me in the stands with my city flag and I hope that carried them throughout the game,” he explained. “This was my seventh trip for the team and the first time they actually won with me in attendance.”

Hebenstreit’s previous treks to watch Indy road matches weren’t quite as magical. He said the club produced four draws and two losses with him in attendance away from home prior to Sunday’s victory.

Even FC Edmonton — both the club and supporters — got in on the fun, welcoming Hebenstreit with open arms, but not before playfully trolling him.

We’ve got a seat with his name on it… 😂

But actually, looking forward to having you at Clarke @tonyhebenstreit! pic.twitter.com/PSwmzATQey

— FC Edmonton (@FCEdmontonNow) July 28, 2017

“Whenever Brickyard Battalion members travel to other cities, we always have great interactions with the other team’s supporters,” Hebenstreit said. “For Edmonton, I had never met them, but one supporter let me crash on his couch for two nights and another one bought all my drinks on gameday.”

As for the match itself, every week is starting to sound like a broken record for Indy: Don Smart played well. The Indy Eleven right midfielder again put in a dominant shift, keeping the Eddies defense on its heels throughout.

Rookie forward David Goldsmith opened the scoring with a seventh-minute tap in after Smart got in behind the defense. Smart’s blast required a stern save from Eddies goalkeeper Tyson Farago, and Goldsmith was there to slot it home. The goal was Goldsmith’s first as a professional.

Goldsmith briefly exited the match in the second half after a nasty clash of heads during an aerial challenge, but was fortunately able to return to the pitch.

FC Edmonton leveled matters in the 33rd minute when Ben Fisk delivered a gorgeous service to the far post that found Tomi Ameobi’s head, then the back of the net. The tally was a fitting exclamation point for Ameobi in his 100th appearance with the club.

But the 1-1 scoreline ended up being short-lived. An Edmonton lapse among the back four in the 41st minute left Eamon Zayed not only onside, but with a one-v-one breakaway on the goalkeeper. Eleven midfielder Ben Speas recognized the opportunity and flicked a perfectly weighted through ball in for Zayed, whose low finish ricocheted off the far bar and in.

Eddies coach Colin Miller wasn’t thrilled with his side’s first-half performance. He praised Fisk’s liveliness in his halftime interview with the ESPN 3 crew, but said he’d have some harsh words in the locker room for the rest of his players who looked like they were “still on vacation” after the NASL break.

Miller’s team received the message. FC Edmonton gained more and more momentum as the match wore on, culminating in a hefty onslaught for about the final 20 minutes of the match.

Luckily for Indy, the second half was nothing short of the Jon Busch Show. As Edmonton cranked up the pressure, the sure-handed veteran goalkeeper thwarted attempt after attempt.

74′ Buschy makes a spectacular save to avoid what would’ve been an awkward Vukovic OG. #FCEvIND

— Soc Takes (@SocTakes) July 30, 2017

“I was on edge for the last 30 minutes of that game,” Hebenstreit recalled. “I couldn’t stay in one spot and fidgeted constantly.”

With Hebenstreit looking on, Indy somehow mustered up enough heart and resolve to cling to its 2-1 lead. As the final whistle sounded, one man was left with memories that’ll surely last a lifetime. And speaking of memories — his favorite one from the epic trip that spanned seven days total and required at least 56 hours of driving?

“The best part about the trip was seeing Banff National Park in Alberta and the views of the mountains from Lake Louise.”

Apparently Hebenstreit’s taste in geography is as sublime as his taste in soccer clubs.

***

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.

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Photo credit: NASL.com

If FC Edmonton were a vehicle, it would definitely be a compact car — a very, very tiny one. After a frustrating 75-plus minutes, Jacksonville Armada FC winger J.C. Banks finally provided the figurative jaws of life to carry the home side to a 1-0 victory.

The Eddies defense, the stingiest in all of NASL last season, loves to pack the middle of the pitch with extra bodies. It doesn’t make for the most eye-pleasing football, but its effectiveness is hard to argue.

News flash: Edmonton didn’t switch up its style of play at all in the offseason. The Eddies sat deep and tight in what was a season opener for both clubs after receiving Week 1 byes.

Banks’ sublime individual effort in the 77th minute masked what wasn’t the smartest of game plans by Armada coach Mark Lowry, but it worked. Rather than funneling the ball to the flanks and serving in crosses, Jacksonville opted to operate mostly through the middle — right where a cluster of Edmonton defenders and midfielders were bunkering down.

You must get the ball out wide and attack from the outside in if you hope to generate any semblance of an attack vs. the Eddies. #compact

— Soc Takes (@SocTakes) April 2, 2017

But the stats support that the Armada got the better of the run of play, despite the questionable tactics. The home side connected on 550 passes compared to the visitors’ 367. And Jacksonville also dominated possession, owning the ball for 59 percent of the match.

No matter how you slice it, serving in only 12 crosses was an unusual way to beat the Eddies. Part of the reason it worked was the lack of pressure being applied high up the pitch by Edmonton forwards and midfielders. The Eddies were absolutely content to sit back and let Jacksonville knock the ball around freely in its defensive third.

If you’ve ever heard of the “high press” played by teams like Sporting Kansas City, what Edmonton does defensively is basically the complete antithesis. You might as well call it the “low press.” Eddies attackers aren’t expected to pressure opposing defenders after losing possession to keep the ball in the final third.

Edmonton coach Colin Miller prefers the retreat-and-bunker-down method. It worked for the Eddies in 2016, and it will probably work for them plenty in 2017, too. But one seam up the middle was all it took on this afternoon.

These two clubs will head north to Edmonton next weekend for an immediate rematch, so it’ll be interesting to see if either manager elects to switch up his tactics.

Follow Kevin on Twitter @KJboxing.

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Indy Eleven during the 2017 preseason. Photo credit: GrandPark.org

There are varying opinions as to how much stock to place in preseason matches. Obviously there is offseason rust to remove and there are chemistry problems to work through, but preseason is more than that. Jobs are won and lost. Field positions can be tested and depth charts can be solidified.

So how important is the Feb. 24 clash between the Indy Eleven and Butler University? Hardly at all. Last season’s preseason matchup versus the Hoosiers was just a first glimpse at the team and it was just a first step toward preparing for the regular season. It was full of wholesale lineup changes and the outcome couldn’t be viewed as an indicator for things to come.

The preseason match against Butler last March was more telling. Indy Eleven failed to dominate a college team at a much later time during the training camp. Indy recovered during the Spring in the 2016 campaign, but a disjointed attack was present during these early friendlies and on into the first tests of the regular season. So preseason is important too.

Look for every healthy player to take the field at some point. Don’t get too caught up in positions or starting lineups either. Look for a massive change at halftime and look for players linking up well. The Eleven were designed as a “defense first” kind of club and that should be easier for them with so many familiar faces returning. Look for the new guys to be trying really hard. Even though there aren’t very many, they should be eager to play. This is their first graded performance in front of the coaching staff and the Indy Eleven faithful.

Don Smart in action at Jacksonville in 2016. Photo credit: Jacksonville Armada/NASL

There are currently 16 players officially rostered for Indy Eleven at this time. There were 23 players under contract at this same time a year ago. Watch for frustrated players. Are they frustrated with their teammates or themselves?

Don’t say that preseason doesn’t matter.

The score doesn’t matter at all, but breakdowns in communication surely do. Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson will not be pleased when assignments are blown and that is nothing new. This game is insignificant. The performances are not. This first runaround will help to set the tone for the weeks to come.

Please let me know what you thought of the game in the comments section below. You can follow me on Twitter @AGunyon.

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Photo credit: Indiana University Athletics

The Indy Eleven now have 20 players announced for the 2017 spring season. The additions of Tanner Thompson and David Goldsmith bring much-needed depth to the NASL’s returning runner-up.

For Indy, the signings are none too soon. The season kicks off for the boys in blue this Saturday in San Francisco and Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson was without a full compliment of substitutes.

There are now five Indy players with Indiana ties. This much local talent hasn’t been available since Indy’s inaugural season.

Tanner Thompson joins fellow Indiana University Hoosiers Brad Ring and Christian Lomeli. He was awarded Big Ten Midfielder of the Year along with First-Team All-Big Ten honors.

“Looking at this injection of young talent, Tanner clearly fits that category. We’re fortunate to have him join us. He’s a very good attacking midfielder who can also play as a second forward, With his talent, he can play anywhere in the midfield. We’ll look to utilize him very quickly in our line-up,” said Eleven coach Tim Hankinson in the club press release announcing the signings.

David Goldsmith is Indy’s third-ever Butler signing, but the only one on the current roster. He comes to the Eleven as Big East Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2016, and was also honored as a unanimous selection to the All-Big East First Team.

“An adjustment to the philosophy of building our 2017 roster led us to see that we had a senior group and needed an injection of young, ambitious players. David showed in his trial that he may be the most technically-gifted player in and around the goal in the squad,” Hankinson said.

Photo credit: Butler University Athletics

With team captain Colin Falvey working his way back from injury, it is unknown if he’ll be able to go this weekend. Combine that with a superfluous goalkeeper on the roster and Hankinson is not left with many selection choices for the first match of the year.

There were 23 players available for selection at this time last year, but Hankinson has informed Soc Takes he intends to go for a roster of about 20 this year. That is currently where this team stands.

There is still one more player rumored to make the official team. Dino Williams’ name has come up multiple times as a possible signing, which would bring the roster to 21 players.

The Jamaican was on the radar last offseason as well before an injury forced the Eleven to go another route. There is no doubt he is a target for Hankinson — he was recently spotted at the team’s annual Kickoff Ball — but it is not known if he will be available ahead of the Eleven’s season opener.

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

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Photo credit: Brent Smith/ButlerSports.com

INDIANAPOLIS — David Goldsmith must’ve felt like he was wearing the wrong kit. Well, it would’ve been blue or white either way.

Just months removed from his decorated senior season at Butler, Goldsmith lined up on the other side of the field Friday night at the Butler Bowl, and might be on the verge of signing his first professional contract. The 5-9 forward — though he is from Bristol, England — won’t have to travel far from his adopted home to do so if he puts ink to paper.

The Indy Eleven have invited Goldsmith in as a trialist for the preseason.

The 23-year-old played in the second half of Indy’s 1-0 scrimmage win against his former teammates and looked quite impressive. He nearly had an assist when he rolled a perfect pass into the box from the right wing, but Butler goalkeeper Eric Dick made a stellar save on the ensuing effort on frame.

“He’s doing really well so far,” Eleven assistant coach Tim Regan told 1070 The Fan’s Greg Rakestraw on Soccer Saturday. “(He) set up a really good chance in the second half.”

One of 15 semifinalists for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy awarded each year to the top college soccer player, Goldsmith produced 12 goals and four assists in leading the Bulldogs to the 2016 Big East title. He was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year in the conference.

If he makes the Eleven roster, Goldsmith will likely back up Justin Braun in the second forward role, playing underneath a strike partner. At Butler, Goldsmith often featured as the lone striker in coach Paul Snape’s preferred 4-5-1 setup, but in the pros he projects as more of a withdrawn forward who can drift from touchline to touchline in the attack.

His hold-up play is better than one would expect from an undersized striker, and he possesses a savvy goal scorer’s instinct. He’s also capable of setting up his teammates, as he showed last night.

After being snubbed by Major League Soccer in the 2017 SuperDraft, Goldsmith appears to have a good shot at winning a job with the “Boys in Blue,” especially considering Indy’s current lack of depth at the forward position. The Eleven would be wise to give him a long look. He’s already extremely talented and will only get better as he faces professional competition day in and day out in training.

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