WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Indy Eleven and Butler began shedding their offseason cobwebs Saturday night at Grand Park, as the teams fought to a 0-0 preseason stalemate.
Related: Eleven draw Butler in 1st exhibition tune-up
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Cleveland SC had heard the horror stories of rushed NPSL launches. They don’t always go so swimmingly. Take the case of Los Angeles-based City of Angels FC, for example. In about two weeks’ time, the club assembled a roster, landed a venue, and designed a crest and kit. While…
It’s that time of the year again, folks. The top two teams in each conference have been decided and another wild and entertaining edition of the NPSL playoffs will begin soon. Let’s take a look at each Midwest Region playoff team, their road to getting here as well as…
Compass Football‘s Jason Davis and Soc Takes‘ Nipun Chopra link up for the second episode of their new Lower League America series, this one entitled “Big Trouble in Little Chattanooga.” If the title isn’t a big enough hint, they delve into the contentious situation brewing in Chattanooga, Tenn., where…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — My third “Supporting Local Soccer” adventure takes me on the farthest trip yet: 338 miles and roughly five hours northeast from Dallas to Little Rock. I’m here to check out the Little Rock Rangers’ season-ending doubleheader. This trip technically began back in November 2017. I…
Miami FC 2 will visit Madison, N.J. on Saturday to face FC Motown in the 2018 NPSL National Championship match. The game will be played on FC Motown’s home pitch at Ranger Stadium on the campus of Drew University with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. NPSL.com will stream the…
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….
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It was a wild affair at Huron High School in Ann Arbor, host of the 2018 NPSL Midwest Region final between Duluth FC and AFC Ann Arbor. The action-packed, win-or-go-home match proved yet again how cruel the sport of soccer can be, as Duluth solidified…
On Friday, the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) unveiled its Region XI, a list of the best 11 players plus a manager from each of the league’s four regions. Here is the full list of 2018 NPSL Region XI selections: MIDWEST REGION Head Coach Dale White, Erie Commodores FC…
On Friday, the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) released its Conference XI, a list of the best 11 players plus a manager from each of the league’s conferences across all four regions. Here is the full list of 2018 NPSL Conference XI selections: MIDWEST REGION East Conference XI Head… It’s that time of the year again, folks. The top two teams in each conference have been decided and another wild and entertaining edition of the NPSL playoffs will begin soon. Let’s take a look at each Midwest Region playoff team, their road to getting here as well as…
To put it bluntly, it was the type of performance any footballer will remember until his or her dying days. Sonoma County Sol FC striker Omar Nuno directly contributed to six — yes, six — of his team’s goals in a 9-0 blowout win against Sacramento Gold FC in…
An NPSL team has an alumnus playing a huge role in this summer’s 2018 World Cup. That’s right, Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio played for the storied NPSL franchise Brooklyn Italians between 1993-94. Osorio has risen to international fame after Mexico’s shocking defeat of defending world champions Germany. The…
From supporters having a run-in with the police to witnessing arguably one of the worst teams in NPSL history, the first half of the Great Lakes Conference has been interesting thus far to say the least. Here are the current Great Lakes standings through June 17: We’re over halfway…
For his four-tally outing in his team’s convincing road win in Week 11 of the NPSL season, Boca Raton FC striker Matheus Ayrolla was chosen as the league’s National Player of the Week. Ayrolla provided all the scoring as his side took down Storm FC 4-0 on May 26….
Carlos Vela is feeling good and in a glorious state as a footballer. Vela’s present is bright like the beginning of LAFC‘s 2019 season. The team from Los Angeles is undefeated and leads the MLS Western Conference. They average three goals per match and concede one every 108 minutes….
Innumerable times through history, black athletes have suffered attacks from multiple fronts. The press, fans, referees, team owners, commissioners/presidents and even teammates have questioned, insulted and oppressed them because of their skin color. Football usually falls for the player that feels the badge, that fights for every ball, and…
Gerardo Martino left a good feeling in his first two games as manager of El Tri. The Mexican men’s national team won both of their matches against Chile and Paraguay with Tata on the bench. Every time there has been a new foreign coach in charge of El Tri,…
Once upon a time, in the land of the Inca culture, a talented young man was disputing a U-17 World Cup. Born in Mexico but with Brazilian blood in his veins, Giovani Dos Santos impressed the soccer world with his speed, dribbling and the educated touch he possessed. His…
“No, no, no!” Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga yelled to the bench at the dawn of the Carabao Cup extra time. His hands and gestures denoted frustration when Chelsea’s manager Maurizio Sarri ordered the substitution. When the local sound announced that Willy Caballero was taking Kepa’s place, the Spaniard goalkeeper…
You could see it in his face, in his gestures. Luis Suarez showed enormous frustration after the match that Barcelona played against Lyon. A 0-0 result expanded his drought to more than 1,400 minutes without scoring in away games. He feels it, and the sentiment is getting heavier. It’s…
I have a fear. It’s a sentiment that few can acknowledge, but I’m carefully looking into it. I’m afraid that the game that I love will consume forever. However, its apocalypse won’t be on a football pitch, and everything will occur in the commodity of an office by people…
Atlanta United had one of the best seasons that MLS fans ever witnessed in 2018: a team full of surprises, enjoyable football, broken records and a deserved championship. Tata Martino exploited the talent of Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez; however, part of Martinez’s success came from his associate, Paraguayan attacking…
On Dec. 3, 2016, the website Football Leaks revealed that then-Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo generated €50 million in marketing. The report stated that Ronaldo paid 4 percent of his total income to Hacienda -Spanish Treasury Department. According to Spanish law, every foreign footballer who makes more than €600,000…
Gerardo “Tata” Martino was presented as the new coach of the Mexican national team. Martino, 56, arrives in Mexico City after a glorious 2018 MLS season with Atlanta United. During his two years in Atlanta, Martino achieved the MLS Cup and generated a 1.82 points per game average in…
The most extended Copa Libertadores final edition has a new champion. After four dramatic weeks, the second leg between River Plate and Boca Juniors concluded in the heart of the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Millonarios conquered their fourth Libertadores trophy after defeating Boca 3-1. CONMEBOL gained criticism when the decision…
After the suspension of the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final due to the altercation conducted by River Plate fans against Boca Juniors’ bus and players while traveling to the Estadio Monumental, CONMEBOL reached an agreement with the RFEF, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, to send the match…
A new NPSL expansion team, Central Florida SC, has arrived in Orlando, Fla., the league announced Friday. Affectionately known as the Panthers, the side will join the Sunshine Conference and take the pitch this year. “We expect to showcase the wealth of talent that participates in the Central Florida…
The following is a story by guest contributor Kyle Eliason: MINNEAPOLIS — This past weekend, 90-plus owners of National Premier Soccer League clubs gathered at the W Hotel in downtown Minneapolis for the league’s Annual Owners Meeting. A member-owned and operated organization, those assembled discussed the NPSL’s plans for…
2019 already has the makings of a historic year for soccer in North America with not one, not two, but four new leagues launching next year. This piece here should hopefully straighten things out by summarizing and explaining what we currently know. First up, let’s talk some USL. The…
In her second appearance on the Soc Takes Pod, NPSL managing director Cindy Spera joins co-hosts Kevin Johnston and Nipun Chopra to recap the 2018 season, size up some of the tougher aspects of her job and briefly discuss NPSL Pro. If you missed Spera’s first time on the…
Episode 6 of Lower League America with co-hosts Jason Davis and Nipun Chopra covers the phenomenon that is Detroit City FC, one of the most well-supported clubs in all of lower-division American soccer. The main topic of discussion is whether the time is right for Detroit City to make…
So, you’re new to American soccer. Maybe you caught the MLS bug, maybe your city just joined the USL, maybe you’re trying to figure out how the Open Cup works, or wonder what all this talk of divisions and tiers is about. That’s understandable! You’ve entered into something that…
The 2018 NPSL AOM (Annual Owners Meeting) will convene at The W Minneapolis – The Foshay from Dec. 7-9, the league announced Monday. “It’s exciting to host the NPSL AOM in the City of Lakes,” Minneapolis City SC chairman and managing director Dan Hoedeman said. “The team here at Minneapolis… Reno 1868 FC forward Sidney Rivera guests on the latest edition of the Soc Takes Pod to tackle topics ranging from his quick turnaround in joining Reno from Atlantic City FC midseason to his experience with Puerto Rico FC in 2017, including coping with the devastating effects of Hurricane…
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…
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is a well-known adult amateur soccer league, which will be one of two (the other being the United Premier Soccer League, or UPSL) “tier one” leagues in the upcoming USASA tier format. Therefore, understanding the health and longevity of the NPSL, prima facie,…
The following is a guest story by Minneapolis City SC chairman Dan Hoedeman: MINNEAPOLIS — For the last two years we have opened our books and talked about what it takes to start and run a lower-division soccer club. Why? When we started the club, we had a bunch…
FORT WORTH, Texas — In the aftermath of my first Supporting Local Soccer post on the Fort Worth Vaqueros, the team and the supporters’ group both reached out to me to have me back at another game on June 16. I gladly accepted. Tonight, I’m making my second trip…
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Goals by Paige Monaghan and Taylor Smith helped lead Gotham FC to a 2-1 road win at Racing Louisville on Friday. Savannah DeMelo provided the lone tally for the hosts. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter…
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….
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The visiting Portland Timbers rallied from 2-nil down to draw Nashville SC 2-2 on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. Goals by Nashville’s Sean Davis and Hany Mukhtar were canceled out by strikes from Dairon Asprilla and Jaroslaw Niezgoda. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon…
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….
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — The undefeated Indy Eleven traveled to Keyworth Stadium on Friday, topping Detroit City FC 3-0 while moving their record in USL W League play to 8W-2D-0L. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a…
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne FC hosted a friendly with Tigres’ reserve side Wednesday at Shields Field, with the teams settling for a 1-1 draw. 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….
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne FC topped visiting Toledo Villa FC 2-0 on Saturday in USL League Two play behind goals from Victor Claudel and Riley Lynch. Fort Wayne sits in first place after collecting 18 points in nine matches. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on…
WESTFIELD, Ind. — In a battle of USL W League Great Lakes Division leaders on Friday at Grand Park, the Indy Eleven bested Racing Louisville FC 3-1 to take over first place in the standings, bumping Louisville to second. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for…
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne FC hosted FC Cincinnati 2 for a friendly Tuesday, and goals on either side of halftime led to a 1-1 scoreline at fulltime. FC Cincy 2 plies its trade in the MLS Next Pro league, while Fort Wayne FC is a member of…
WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Indy Eleven remained unbeaten in USL W League play behind a goal from Kristina Lynch to knock of Midwest United FC 1-0 Friday at Grand Park. A blistering start to the season has seen Indy accumulate 13 of a possible 15 points through five matches….
Coyotes FC has become the latest expansion club to join the NPSL, the league announced Tuesday. The Temple, Texas-based side will compete in the Lone Star Conference in the league’s South Region beginning this year. “We are pleased that Coyotes FC have decided to join the NPSL,” said NPSL…
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — Detroit City FC and the New York Cosmos settled for a 1-1 draw Saturday evening at Keyworth Stadium in NPSL Members Cup play. DCFC defender Stephen Carroll opened the scoring in the 46th minute, with the visitors responding in the 55th through forward Darwin Espinal. Follow…
Fort Wayne FC (FWFC), based in Fort Wayne, Ind., has become the NPSL’s latest expansion club, the league announced Monday. General manager Greg Mauch is joined in the FWFC front office by a deep ownership group consisting of Dr. Erik Magner, John Bellio, Drew Little, Roy Carver, Steve Bermes,… Cleveland SC had heard the horror stories of rushed NPSL launches. They don’t always go so swimmingly. Take the case of Los Angeles-based City of Angels FC, for example. In about two weeks’ time, the club assembled a roster, landed a venue, and designed a crest and kit. While…
Irving, Texas-based Irving FC has become the NPSL‘s newest expansion team, the league revealed Thursday. “The league is excited to announce that Irving FC will be joining the NPSL,” said Dina Case, NPSL director of membership development. “Irving FC has already established strong ties to their community and their… Coyotes FC has become the latest expansion club to join the NPSL, the league announced Tuesday. The Temple, Texas-based side will compete in the Lone Star Conference in the league’s South Region beginning this year. “We are pleased that Coyotes FC have decided to join the NPSL,” said NPSL…
The NPSL is set for one of its biggest, longest and most exciting years yet, with a number of changes coming as discussed in a call with NPSL treasurer and Virginia Beach City FC owner Steven Wagoner. For starters, the league’s grand fall-spring extended season originally announced last November…
Soc Takes Pod co-hosts Colton Coreschi and John Lenard pick up where they left off in Episode 62, this time sizing up all the recent amateur soccer happenings stateside as well as the 2020 edition of the U.S. Open Cup. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive…
Link to download near bottom of story I’ve created a custom Football Manager 2020 database containing a fully regionalized, four-tier American pyramid complete with promotion and relegation, Open Cup and league cups. It contains four divisions (Premier, Championship, First and Second) each containing four conferences (Eastern, Central, Southern and… HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — Detroit City FC and the New York Cosmos settled for a 1-1 draw Saturday evening at Keyworth Stadium in NPSL Members Cup play. DCFC defender Stephen Carroll opened the scoring in the 46th minute, with the visitors responding in the 55th through forward Darwin Espinal. Follow… Fort Wayne FC (FWFC), based in Fort Wayne, Ind., has become the NPSL’s latest expansion club, the league announced Monday. General manager Greg Mauch is joined in the FWFC front office by a deep ownership group consisting of Dr. Erik Magner, John Bellio, Drew Little, Roy Carver, Steve Bermes,…
Duluth FC’s Carlyle Junior has been awarded the 2019 NPSL Goal of the Year, the league announced this week. His delicate chip over the La Crosse Aris FC goalkeeper in his team’s July 12 home win at Duluth East High School earned him the distinction. Junior helped carry Duluth…
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Detroit City FC headed into Columbus on a seven-game unbeaten streak that has landed them in a top-two playoff position in the Great Lakes Conference standings. Their good fortune continued with a 3-0 smackdown of FC Columbus on Saturday night in front of a large contingent…
Confusion abounds over the circumstances surrounding the Founders Cup. The NPSL-aligned professional “league” is expected to kickoff in August, but per sources and Chris Kivlehan’s reporting, some issues remain. This article attempts to dive into those issues. These issues include problems getting group insurance for players, potential member disagreements…
The New York Cosmos have stayed busy boosting up their roster this offseason. Among a number of new players added on are former Indy Eleven player Kevin Venegas, Salvatore Barone, Junior Burgos, Garrett Halfhill and Jochen Graf. The mix of players will join the team ahead of the first-ever… Cleveland SC had heard the horror stories of rushed NPSL launches. They don’t always go so swimmingly. Take the case of Los Angeles-based City of Angels FC, for example. In about two weeks’ time, the club assembled a roster, landed a venue, and designed a crest and kit. While…
Ersal Ozdemir (right) met with USSF president Sunil Gulati (left) to submit Indy’s MLS bid in January. Photo credit: Indy Eleven
INDIANAPOLIS — Rarely the type to meddle in on-field affairs, Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir decided to step out of his comfort zone to try something he doesn’t typically do. His team needed it.
With Indy reeling at the bottom of the NASL fall table, Ozdemir visited the training grounds Tuesday for a heart-to-heart talk directly to his players.
“Yesterday in practice, our owner, Ersal, came to talk to the team — which he never does, unless it’s a celebration, dinner or something of that nature,” said Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson following Wednesday’s home win over North Carolina FC. “He might say a few words, but generally he doesn’t frequently talk to the team. And he talked to the team about how last year he felt some amazing moments.
“He knows he’s going to lose a lot of money each year supporting this club. And last year he felt it was so worth it because of the moments that we shared, particularly moments at the end of games when we would never put our head down and continue to work and still believe that we could win things at the end. He said to the team that he hadn’t felt that way this year, that he hadn’t seen that commitment and belief within the team.
“Really, the way the game was played tonight, despite getting to play a man up, getting that goal at the very end in the fashion that we did really is a tribute to Ersal’s words and kind of a recommitment of this team for the remaining 10 games — now 9 — and let’s see if we can build on this.”
Eleven forward Eamon Zayed similarly summarized Ozdemir’s speech.
“It was an emotional few days for the whole group,” said Zayed, whose stoppage-time header Wednesday lifted Indy to a 1-nil victory. “Yesterday, Ersal, the owner, had a talk with us and he briefly said, ‘We have 10 games to go. Let’s go on a run. Let’s go on a streak.’
“He believes in us. He said, ‘Let’s keep fighting until the end. Win lose or draw, as long as you keep fighting until the end, then I won’t have anything to complain about.’ I think that’s what we’ve done tonight.”
Beyond the team’s struggles on the pitch, the tragic death of supporter Drew Schwier and uncertainty of the NASL’s future have further confounded Indy’s melancholy. Schwier’s family was invited onto the field at Carroll Stadium on Wednesday for a touching tribute.
I’d just like to express how proud I am of the @IndyEleven organization for tonight. An honor, a win, and a fitting tribute. #IndyForever pic.twitter.com/KUrw5HNaeW
— Scott Stewart (@ScottStewartXI) September 14, 2017
Indy 11 remembers fan Drew Schwier at tonight’s match. Drew was killed outside his Eastside home last week. pic.twitter.com/6xWUEjt6gk
— Emily Longnecker (@EmilyWTHR) September 13, 2017
“To start the game tonight with Drew’s family coming onto the pitch, that was very emotional,” Zayed said. “I almost had a tear in my eye. That was very sad, so it was great to get the win for his family.”
All things considered, Ozdemir clearly felt the players could benefit from hearing an uplifting voice — some honest, heartfelt words of encouragement — from the top. On one special night for a club and family, they did.
Indy (6W-9D-8L, 27 points) will face FC Edmonton (6W-4D-13L, 22 points) on the road Sunday at 4 p.m.
***
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Indy Eleven remained unbeaten in USL W League play behind a goal from Kristina Lynch to knock of Midwest United FC 1-0 Friday at Grand Park. A blistering start to the season has seen Indy accumulate 13 of a possible 15 points through five matches….
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….
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A 27th-minute golazo by Racing Louisville FC’s Savannah DeMelo on a set piece was the difference between Racing Lou and San Diego Wave FC on Wednesday at Lynn Family Stadium, as the hosts held on to secure a 1-0 result. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc…
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Kings Hammer FC visited Fort Wayne FC on Sunday in USL League Two action and departed with a 2-1 road win. Marcello Jones and Samuel Robinson tallied for the visitors, while Maxwell Amoako produced the hosts’ lone goal. Follow Robbie on Twitter: @RobbieMeh. Support Soc Takes…
WESTFIELD, Ind. — In the inaugural USL W League match Friday night between the Indy Eleven and Kings Hammer FC at Grand Park, Indy leapt to an early lead and held on for a 3-1 win. Indy’s Rachel McCarthy paced the hosts with a brace and Katie Soderstrom added…
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…
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…
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. women’s national team made easy work of Uzbekistan at Lower.com Field on Saturday in a 9-1 rout. The USWNT held 74% of the possession and outshot the visitors 34-1 in the dominant outing. Follow Jamie on Twitter: @JamieSmed. Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access…
INDIANAPOLIS — With a checkered history in the U.S. Open Cup, the last thing the Indy Eleven wanted Tuesday evening was another early exit from the competition. A couple goals later, Indy saw itself painfully bounced once again, this time by way of a 2-nil defeat to visiting St….