CARMEL FC NIGHT is This Friday 11-10 pm – Oct 19 at City Bar BQ in Carmel on Range Line Road. 25% of Purchase if you mention Carmel FC will go to our Club!
Location: City BBQ on Rangeline Road
Date: Friday, October 19th
Time: 10:30am-10pm
No time to dine in, you can Pig UP N’Go! both dine in and take out sales apply. You can browse the menu here: https://www.citybbq.com/menu City BBQ also has Party Packs available that you can order for a tasty fall TEAM dinner, or a family pack option if it is just two adults and 2 kids. Here you can see the options avaialble https://www.citybbq.com/menu/#party-packs
The International Break is upon us which means the US men will be playing this Thursday night against Colombia at 7:30 pm on Fox Sports 1. I am interested to see how oldtimers Mike Bradley and Brad Guzan mix back into the team for the first time since the US didn’t qualify for the World Cup. Sad to see Pulisic (hurt quad), and Weston McKinney (injured) are going to miss the next 2 games. But we should get a chance to see if the back 4 solidifies before the huge friendlies in November.
Other big games around the world include Nations League games featuring 2nd Place World Cup finishers Croatia hosting England Fri on ESPN2, Russia hosting Sweden Thurs at 2:45 pm on ESPNNews and Sunday’s barnburners: Russia vs Turkey 12 noon on ESPNNews and Poland hosting Italy at 2:45 pm on ESPN. Monday you need to dial up the ESPN+ as Spain will host England at 2:45 pm there while Iceland will clap Switzerland on ESPN 2 at the same time. Tues is the same as ESPN+ has France vs Germany while Ukraine vs Czech Republic will be on the ESPNnews. Of course the biggest game is Brazil hosting Argentina in a friendly at 1:45 pm beIN Sport – while the US will host Peru at 7:30 pm on ESPN2 and Mexico will host Chile at 9:30 on unimas. Of course the US Ladies continue World Cup Qualifications Wed night at 7:30 pm on Fox Sports 2 vs T&T Tonight. INDY 11
Our Boys In Blue will head to Louisville Saturday night 7 pm on My Indy TV looking to hold on to 5th place in the League as their inclusion in the USL Eastern Division Playoffs has been assured. Now where they will play depends on this weekend’s results. If our 11 can win or tie at 2nd place Louisville they have a chance of facing Charleston next weekend.
WORLD
What’s Happening in Spain’s La Liga? Yes that’s Sevilla winner of 4 straight at the top of the League in front of Barcelona – who has 1 win in 5 games, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid just 1 win in 5 games? Of course Sevilla will have to travel to Barcelona next Sat at 2:45 pm on beIN Sports – while Atletico will travel to Villarreal at 12:30 on beIN Sport. A bit of the same in Germany as Werder Bremen, MGladbach, Hertha and of course 1st place Dortmund (Pulisic) and RB Leipzig all stand in front of traditional powerhouse Bayern Munich.
CHS GIRLS
Congrats to the CHS Girls team for Capturing the 2018 Sectional Championship this past weekend at Guerin High. (Lots of former Carmel FC girls on the roster!) Its on to Brebeuf this weekend where they will face Lawrence North Sat at 12 noon in Regionals. Win and they play the championship at 7 pm that evening.
USA
Sarachan US Moving Forward Since T & T loss – Jeff Carlisle ESPNFC
Does it Matter the US Hasn’t had a Permanent Manager for 1 year>?
McKennie out TFC Delgado added to US Roster – MLS.com Charles Boehm
Group D — United States
- June 18: Allianz Field, Minnesota, MN
- June 22: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- June 26: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS
- Finals in Chicago July 7: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
WORLD
Top Friendlies to Watch This Weekend
Sevilla Stands on Top of La Liga
Bale to Blame for Zidane’s Leaving Real Madrid
Goalkeeping
Iker Casillas still playing great
Alisson saves Liverpool vs Chelsea
Perfect Breakaway Placement vs Bale
Courtois Saves Real vs Atletico
Legannes Ivan Cuellar denying Barcelona
Italy’s Future GK Gigi Donnarumma
Indy 11
Indy Star Tie Bethlehem in Home Finale – Kevin Johnston
Indy 11 tie Bethlehem Steel Late 1-1 to hold onto 5th place
Indy 11 tie Bethlehem – Meet Me in the Middle – Zander Faidley
Indy 11 Midfielder Nathan Lewis becomes 2nd player called up for International Duty
USL Unveils New Structure of 3 Leagues
Soccer Saturday – Radio Show 9-10 am on 1070 the Fan
GAMES ON TV
Wed, Oct 10
7:30 pm Fox Sport2 Trinidad and Tobago vs USA Ladies
Thurs, Oct 11
2:45 pm ESPNNews Russia vs Sweden (UEFA NL)
7:30 pm FSI USA Men vs Colombia (Tampa)
9 pm FS1 Costa Rica vs Canada Ladies WCQ
Fri, Oct 12
1:45 pm beIN Sport? Saudi Arabia vs Brazil?
2:45 pm ESPN2 Croatia vs England (UEFA NL)
Sat, Oct 13
9 am EPSN news Slovakia vs Czech Republic (UEFA NL)
2:45 pm ESPN+ Netherlands vs Germany (UEFA NL)
2:45 pm ESPN 3 Ireland vs Denmark (UEFA NL)
7 pm My Indy TV/ESPN+ Indy 11 @ Louisville
Sun, Oct 14
9 am EPSN3 Romania vs Serbia (UEFA NL)
12 noon ESPNews Russia vs Turkey (UEFA NL)
2:45 pm ESPN Poland vs Italy (UEFA NL)
Mon, Oct 15
2:45 pm ESPN2 Iceland vs Switzerland (UEFA NL)
2:45 ESPN+ Spain vs England (UEFA NL)
Tues, Oct 16
1:45 pm ?? Brazil vs Argentina (friendly)
2:45 pm EPSNews Ukraine vs Czech Republic (UEFA NL)
2:45 pm ESPN+ France vs Germany (UEFA NL)
2:45 ESPN+ Ireland vs Wales (UEFA NL)
7:30 pm ESPN2 USA Men vs Peru
Thurs, Nov 15
3 pm ESPN2 England vs USA (Wembley)
Sat, Nov 20
3 pm ESPN2 Italy vs USMNT
Dave Sarachan: U.S. squad moving in ‘good direction’ since Trinidad loss
eturn to the USMNT fold, but it’s the young prospects we’ve seen in 2018 which hope to excite for years to come. (0:45)
1:37 PM ETJeff CarlisleU.S. soccer correspondent
TAMPA, Fla. — One year after the U.S. men’s national team was eliminated from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, U.S. caretaker manager Dave Sarachan said he’s been pleased with the progress made in rebuilding the side.
The U.S. will face Colombia in a friendly at Raymond James Stadium on Thursday, followed by Peru at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut five days later. They will be the ninth and 10th matches the U.S. has played under Sarachan since the U.S. was eliminated from World Cup qualifying thanks to a 2-1 defeat to Trinidad & Tobago.
“We’ve gotten a number of games under our belt with a lot of fresh faces, new faces, young guys that we feel have a real future in this program,” Sarachan said at Tuesday’s news conference. “I’m pretty proud of this group that, the way they’ve handled things. It’s business as usual; they come in and want to stake a claim.
“We’ve established a bit of an identity with this particular group. We’ve been building each and every friendly that we’ve brought them in. Our starting points have been just a little bit further along each time. That’s what teams begin to do. I think looking back on all of these friendlies since Trinidad until now, there’s been a progression. It’s by no means a finished progression, but it’s moving along in a good direction.”
In terms of what exactly that identity is, Sarachan feels this group has shown the organization and competitiveness for which the team has long been known.
“The messaging that I and our staff have continually tried to harp on with this young group is to check all those same boxes,” he said. “Each and every time, it’s still about the honor of wearing this crest, it’s still about competing, It’s still about trying to win games, it’s still about being yourself and showing your personality.”
The U.S. will be missing a few of the players that have formed the backbone of the side during Sarachan’s tenure. Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie is suffering from a right adductor strain, while back spasms have ruled out New York Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic will miss out due to a calf injury.
“Now what I say is the next man up. We would love to have had those guys, but they’re not here,” said Sarachan. “Now we’ve got a group of 23 competing to have an opportunity. That’s what you do when someone’s not here, now it’s an opportunity for other players. We’ve got a few good young candidates that are excited to be here and get the opportunity to get on field and show what they are about.”
Colombia figures to offer a difficult test for the U.S., despite the fact that it is also operating under the guidance of an interim manager, in this case Arturo Reyes. But Reyes still has plenty of firepower at his disposal, a group that includes Juventus midfielder Juan Cuadrado, Monaco forward Radamel Falcao, and Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez.
“Obviously they were coming from a World Cup in a very tough part of the world to qualify,” said Sarachan about Colombia. “They have a tremendous amount of talent, and their attacking talent is outstanding, and they brought a number of those guys here. I expect [Columbia players are] going to play similar to us in they way that they want prove to their manager that they belong. They’ll punish you if you make mistakes, and we have to be really sharp on a day when you’re playing a team like Colombia. It’s a great test for us.”
It’s been nearly one year since the U.S. had a permanent manager. Does it matter?
Kasey Keller and Herculez Gomez go through the pedigree of Gregg Berhalter as rumors continue to swirl about his candidacy for the USMNT head coaching position. (1:35)
1:54 PM ETJeff CarlisleU.S. soccer correspondent
When the U.S. men’s national team plays Colombia in Tampa on Thursday, it will coincide with the most painful of anniversaries. It will be one day and one year since the Americans’ bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was extinguished on a steamy night in Couva, Trinidad.Three days after that debacle, Bruce Arena stepped down as manager. And as of today, with a friendly against Colombia on Thursday in Tampa, they’ve yet to officially replace him. Interim coach Dave Sarachan has been keeping things ticking along through seven rounds of training camps and friendlies, and confusion reigns supreme around the process. Who’s been interviewed? How much consideration is given to playing style or personality? What kind of manager are they even looking for?The thinking one year ago was that once a new U.S. Soccer Federation president was elected in February, the search for a new coach would kick into overdrive, though perhaps the USSF would wait until after the World Cup to try and find their next leader.Instead, the process has dragged on and on and on. The election of Carlos Cordeiro as USSF president soon gave way to the search for the first GM of the U.S. men’s national team. Earnie Stewart’s hiring last June resulted in a start date in August. Two months on from that, there is still no manager in place.Stewart spent the first few months of his tenure consulting various stakeholders in the sport in a bid to develop a profile of his ideal candidate. Besides a vague declaration that he wanted a coach who plays an “in-your-face” style as well as fluency in English, what is contained in that profile is unknown. All along he has insisted that he wants to take the time to be thorough. That said, a U.S. Soccer spokesperson confirmed that interviews have begun and thaStewart has targeted Nov. 1 to have his preferred candidate on board.The U.S. have had Dave Sarachan, center, in charge since October 2017 but there is concern that the long-term wait to name a permanent coach is distracting. Piaras à MÃdheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images
In the interim, eight friendlies have been played and some promising players have made their international debuts. A core group that includes Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Matt Miazga and John Brooks has emerged, though injuries will sideline the first three names on that list during this international window. But as each game slides by, the sense of impatience with the process grows.”It’s time lost,” said former U.S. international and ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez. “There could be a player out there who we’ve not seen yet, who under a different coach could be getting valuable time. The group that will be going forward together would get valuable time.
“It’s a national team setting. You have very few opportunities to work with players, so when you do, you have to capitalize; you have to make the most of it. If I am a current player, I don’t know where I stand. I don’t know who I am showcasing myself for other than the general public. I don’t know what the coach who will be in charge is looking for, so when I showcase myself, how do I showcase myself? All these things come into play, they come into question.”
Not everyone is of the opinion that the men’s program is being damaged — or at least stunted — by the lengthy search. It’s worth remembering that the bulk of a player’s development takes place at the club level. It was there that many a budding international career faded from view during the last cycle. That will need to be avoided this time around, and while the likes of McKennie and Miazga appear to be taking the next steps in their careers, the new season — and the process of putting a team together — is still very young.”Do you really think a couple of friendlies is going to make the difference in anything? Your development comes in 40, 50 or 100 games with your club side,” said ESPN television analyst Kasey Keller. “Not having a coach in place against Brazil when you’re not going to touch the ball means absolutely nothing. What it does do is it tells the coach, ‘This guy’s not good enough,’ and I’m guessing he’s going to figure that out on his own.”Ideally? Yes, it would be good to have a manager. Big picture-wise? Not that big a deal.”A few veterans return to the USMNT fold, but it’s the young prospects we’ve seen in 2018 which hope to excite for years to come.There is also the fact that friendlies are one thing while competitive matches are quite another, carrying significantly more pressure than what the player pool is experiencing now. That won’t begin until the 2019 Gold Cup and will be followed by matches in the nascent CONCACAF Nations League later that year. The Gold Cup in particular will draw plenty of eyes to see just how far along this team is, and how effective the new manager has been in implementing his system.As for the players currently in the team, there has been a general keep-your-head-down, put-the-work-in mentality. The hiring process and timeline is ultimately beyond their collective control. And while the permanent manager will have his own preferences for what he wants from the player pool, playing well now at least figures to get a player’s foot in the door for future call-ups. That means showing the best you can in front of caretaker manager Dave Sarachan.”Any of the noise from an off-the-field perspective or a future perspective has been minimized [and] muted with this group,” said midfielder Wil Trapp, who made his U.S. debut in 2015 but was recalled to the side in January, 2018 under Sarachan. “I think we’ve done a really good job of taking each camp as an opportunity to play for the national team of the U.S, which is a huge honor, but also to build relationships.”I think [Sarachan’s] approach to each camp has been incredible. I think with that uncertainty, the way’s he’s addressed the group, the way he’s pushed us along and made it really special for everyone in terms of the opponents we’re playing and how he’s set us up, is amazing.”
Yet there is a desire from some players for the hiring process to reach its conclusion. Each friendly provides another layer of accumulated experience, but the benefit of playing matches without a permanent coach in place appears to be reaching its limit.
“You want to get things rolling because with a new coach there’s certain tactics, a system of play and all that,” said midfielder Kellyn Acosta, who has earned 19 caps since his USMNT debut in 2016. “Obviously, you want to be in the good graces of the new coach, you want to impress early. It’s a long cycle but you want to get a head start and get to know the guy and get acclimated to what he brings in.”There is also an emotional component to all of this. Until a permanent manager is hired, it will be difficult to shed what remains of the psychological baggage of the World Cup qualifying failure. The new manager will put their own stamp on things while also representing a complete break from the past. That will make it easier to look forward.”We feel like we have a point to prove to our country, that we have youth coming forward that’s very talented, and we have a lot to play for and a lot to be proud of,” said defender Aaron Long, who received his first U.S. call-up in September. “Going forward, yeah, I think it’s a little bit emotional. We know that we’ve got a lot to prove as a unit.”That can only happen with a permanent manager on board.
International W2W4: England, Italy face relegation; Brazil, Argentina meet again
Ross Dyer and Paul Mariner face-off ahead of the latest round of UEFA Nations League qualifiers. (2:20)
3:22 AM ETNick AmesESPN.com writer
Club football takes another break as the eyes of the world turn to the international game. Among the highlights are a pair of tough away tests for England and the renewal of a fierce rivalry in an unlikely venue. Watch the UEFA Nations League in the U.S. on ESPN+.
England need points from road tests
Friday’s clash between Croatia and England is not simply about settling scores from July’s World Cup semifinal, which the Croats won 2-1 after extra-time. There are UEFA Nations League points to be won, and after the hosts’ 6-0 capitulation in Spain last month, optimism is rife that they can get their campaign up and running without opening old wounds.Gareth Southgate’s men had reasons to be cheerful, despite their own narrow defeat to likely group winners Spain, but meetings with Croatia this month and next — with a trip to Seville in between — resemble playoffs against relegation for England. In order to keep their sense of breezy momentum alive, it is important that they begin picking up positive results in competitive games.The lack of home support in Rijeka — UEFA sanctions mean the game will be played behind closed doors — could play into England’s hands and will certainly make for an eerie feel. However, even if the atmosphere is not white-hot, it will be a baptism of fire for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount and James Maddison.Their inclusion marks the next phase in the evolution of Southgate’s squad and suggest creativity and expression are high on his list of improvement points. There is particular attention on what 18-year-old Sancho, who has eight assists to his name for Borussia Dortmund this season, might add to the speed and flair at his country’s disposal.
Rapid rematch for France, Germany; Dutch doubts
Last month’s goalless draw between world champions past and present in Munich was not exactly a thriller, though it did at least stop the rot for ailing Germany. On Saturday, Joachim Low & Co. have a chance to feel even better about themselves at struggling Netherlands, beaten 2-1 in France last time out, but Paris three days later will pose the definitive test for Die Mannschaft.Low admitted recently that his side were “missing the passion” in Russia, and there were positive signs in September, when they would have beaten France had Aphonse Areola not been on top form. However, relegation to League B would not be a good look for Germany, and at least one win is required from these two games to reduce that possibility.The same goes for Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side, who seem lower on quality and depth than at any time in recent memory. The Netherlands manager believes his players, who were frustrated by a late defeat in Paris, are “on the right track,” but it seems a stretch to believe this group can challenge to lead the group. Staying in it would represent a considerable achievement.
Argentina, Brazil do battle in Saudi Arabia
By staging a four-team tournament featuring international football’s most famous rivalry, Saudi Arabia has shown that it means business with regard to its desire for increased influence in the football world. However, though Argentina and Brazil will meet in Jeddah next Tuesday — having played Iraq and their hosts respectively before the end of this week — it might be a watered-down affair.Argentina, in a transitional phase under the temporary care of Lionel Scaloni and Pablo Aimar, will not unleash the likes of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria. Instead, they have selected a squad of which only three players have won more than 20 caps. It means the likes of Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala should get more chances to impress and offer more international experience to younger players such as Giovanni Simeone and Lautaro Martinez.Brazil, meanwhile, look more self-assured. Their squad is close to full-strength, and Richarlison, the Everton forward, will hope to build on the two goals he scored vs. El Salvador last month. Arthur, who was so impressive in Barcelona’s Champions League win over Tottenham, will also be involved.It is a chance for both countries to show that they are recovering and regenerating after falling short at the World Cup. But if it does develop into a full-blooded thriller, the real winners might be the aspirational Saudis.
Can Jorginho and Verratti turn the tide for Italy?
Defeat for Italy in Poland would all but confirm what has seemed true for some time: The Azzurri no longer belong among Europe’s top national teams.They will be relegated from League A of the Nations League if their form does not turn around dramatically, and nobody would hold out too much hope of that; since last October, Italy have played nine times and won just once — narrowly at that — against a poor Saudi Arabia side.It has certainly not been a glowing honeymoon period for Roberto Mancini, and he has dropped out-of-form Mario Balotelli from these October assignments, which begin with a Wednesday friendly against Ukraine ahead of Sunday’s match in Chorzow.
Italy need big performances from Jorginho, who has begun the season wonderfully at Chelsea, and Marco Verratti, who is in a Mancini squad for the first time after recovering from injury. On paper, this should be one of the best midfield partnerships on the planet. If Mancini can get them up to full speed, Italy could yet find a way out of their current mess.– UEFA Nations League standings
– Schedule: Oct. 11 | Oct. 12 | Oct. 13 | Oct. 14 | Oct. 15 | Oct. 16
The race for an unlikely Euro 2020 place
Georgia, Luxembourg, Kosovo, Macedonia: If the UEFA Nations League came to a halt now, one of those four countries would be guaranteed a place at the European Championship through the playoff system for group winners of League D. The thought seems improbable, but it is exciting and means the two October matchdays are stacked with significance.On current form, Georgia and Macedonia seem the strongest in their quartets, but the real fascination will come if Luxembourg or Kosovo stay the course. The latter nation has only been recognised by FIFA since two-and-a-half years ago, but it always looked likely to be one of Europe’s most rapid improvers, given the pool of talent at its disposal. They will be confident when hosting Malta and visiting the Faroe Islands.Luxembourg, meanwhile, played wonderful football in thrashing Moldova last month. They are two points clear of Belarus and face them in Minsk, where they drew in the last set of World Cup qualifiers before a relatively easy assignment against San Marino. Four points from two games will leave Luc Holtz’s side tantalisingly close to taking the top spot.
Even if you are not entirely comfortable with this new format, there is no denying that it has imbued some little-heralded names with unprecedented competitive intrigue.
Mauritania lead African minnows seeking history
If the gates have been thrown open to Europe’s minnows ahead of the continent’s next tournament, something similar can be said in Africa. The Cup of Nations has been expanded to 24 teams and, with the qualifying process for the 2019 tournament passing the halfway mark over the next week, several unfamiliar names are well placed to make it through.Perhaps the most eye-catching is Mauritania, who top Group I. Organisational, financial and political issues have hampered the Saharan country down the years, but a 2-0 home win over Burkina Faso last month suggested that the current team — managed by ex-France international Corentin Martins and boasting a number of Europe-based players — might have what it takes. If they come out of a double-header with Angola in credit, they could have at least one foot in the finals.
Burundi, who can call upon Stoke forward Saido Berahino, are another smaller country to have started well, though imminent back-to-back meetings with Mali might prove decisive for their hopes. Among the more established teams in a spot of trouble are Nigeria, who surely need maximum points from two games with Libya.
INDY ELEVEN FIGHT FOR SHARED POINTS AGAINST BETHLEHEM STEEL FC, 1-1
By IndyEleven.com, 10/07/18, 12:15AM EDT”Boys In Blue” equalizer saves crucial point in front of sellout crowd
Indy Eleven played its final regular season home match of 2018 to a 1-1 draw against Eastern Conference contenders Bethlehem Steel FC. Indy Eleven forward Eugene Starikov scored the equalizer in the 61st minute to save a point in front of a crowd of 14,894.Steel FC controlled the tempo in the first half and kept the “Boys in Blue” pinned in their defensive half. Indy goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams recorded a key save in the 16th minute, as he deflected Steel FC forward Faris Moumbagna’s shot from near the penalty spot.A turnover in the midfield resulted in a quick Bethlehem counter in the final moments of first-half play. Steel FC midfielder Brenden Aaronson played a pass down Indy’s left flank that free Moumbagna. Indy defender Carlyle Mitchell was in pursuit of the streaking forward, but Moumbagna broke away from the Trinidadian to net the first goal of the match. Fon Williams was nearly able to save the attempt, but was unable to as Steel FC took a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute.The second half script flipped for the home side. “Indiana’s Team” played much of the second half in the Steel FC side of the pitch. As a result, “Indiana’s Team” created 10 shots compared to Bethlehem’s two in the final 45 minutes.Indy’s persistence paid off when forward Eugene Starikov leveled the game in the 60th minute. Eleven defender Ayoze played a nearly 60-yard through ball that created the shot for Starikov. The 29-year-old forward chipped the ball off the bounce over the head of Steel FC goalkeeper Tomas Romero from the right side of the 18-yard box. The high, arching shot brings Starikov’s goal total to six in his first season with “Indiana’s Team”.Fon Williams recorded another crucial save in the 83rd minute of the match. Bethlehem substitute Chris Nanco tore down the right flank and into Indy’s 18-yard box before unleashing a powerful, one-verse-one shot that Fon Williams parried wide for a corner. At full-time, the Welshman finished his shift with three saves total.Late heroics from Indy forward Jack McInerney and midfielder Dylan Mares nearly won the “Boys in Blue” the match in the 86th minute. A throw-in from defender Reiner Ferreira found McInerney on the inside Bethlehem’s 18-yard box. McInerney attempted to bicycle kick Ferreira’s throw, but the shot was deflected to Mares at the edge of the box. Mares continued the acrobatics with a scissor kick attempt that flew inches over the bar as the score stayed level at one for the remainder of the evening.Point accumulation was crucial as Indy Eleven head coach Martin Rennie’s side continues to fight for a playoff position.“That’s a really good point against a team that played very well tonight. Very dynamic, very hungry, they pressed very well,” Rennie said. “Obviously, you always want to win the game and this is one that would’ve guaranteed us into the playoffs with a win. With the results, the other results going the way they are, were very close at this point. I’m sure we’ll get in there.”“Indiana’s Team” continues its “Fight to the Finish” to secure a playoff spot on the road against Louisville City FC on Saturday, October 13, at 7:30 p.m. Catch the final match of the 2018 regular season on MyWNDY 23 or on ESPN+. New users can sign up for a seven-day free trial at plus.espn.com.
USL Regular Season
Indy Eleven 1:1 FC Bethlehem Steel FC
Saturday, October 6, 2018 – 7:00 p.m.
Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Scoring Summary:
BST – Faris Moumbagna (Brenden Aaronson) 39’
IND – Eugene Starikov (Ayoze) 61’
Disciplinary Summary:
IND – Seth Moses (Yellow Card) 58’
BST – Anothony Fontana (Yellow Card) 74’
BST – James Chambers (Yellow Card) 87’
Indy Eleven lineup (4-3-3, L–>R): Owain Fon Williams (GK); Reiner Ferreira, Ayoze, Carlyle Mitchell (Brad Rusin 41’), Karl Ouimette; Dylan Mares, Nico Matern, Matt Watson (C); Eugene Starikov (Ben Speas 70’), Seth Moses (Jack McInerney 62’), Elliot CollierIndy Eleven bench: Ben Lundgaard (GK); Brad Ring, Brad Rusin, Ben Speas, Juan Guerra, Soony Saad, Jack McInerney
Bethlehem Steel FC lineup (4-2-3-1, L–>R): Tomas Romero (GK); Matt Real, Josh Yaro, Ben Ofeimu, Matt Mahoney; James Chambers (C), Anthony Fontana, Brenden Aaronson (Drew Skundrich 67’), Michee Ngalina (Omar Holness 90’), Santi Moar; Faris Moumbagna (Chris Nanco 75’) Bethlehem Steel FC bench: Kris Shakes (GK); Omar Holness, Chris Nanco, Drew Skundrich, Aidan Apodaca, Prosper Chiluya, Brandon Aubrey
Indy Eleven on cusp of playoff berth after draw with Bethlehem
Kevin Johnston, Special for IndyStarPublished 10:53 p.m. ET Oct. 6, 2018
(Photo: Robert Mehling/SocTakes)
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INDIANAPOLIS – In their first season in the United Soccer League, the Indy Eleven are on the brink of heading to the playoffs. They’re just not there yet.A win Saturday night against Bethlehem Steel FC at Lucas Oil Stadium would’ve done the trick, but the Eleven had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw.“People seem so deflated, but that was a really important point tonight,” said Eleven coach Martin Rennie. “That could easily be the point that takes us into the playoffs. Obviously, we wanted to win and that was our intention.”A loss in front of the announced crowd of 14,894 would’ve put Indy in an even more precarious position, and for a while it looked like that might’ve been the outcome. Indy goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams was a huge reason it didn’t.Fon Williams wasn’t tested too often but stood on his head a few times when called upon. In the first half, he denied consecutive Bethlehem efforts, first when Steel FC forward Faris got in on goal alone, then on the subsequent rebound while still on the ground from the first save. The Welsh backstop later produced another fine save, finishing with four.“Being a goalkeeper in that situation, you’ve got to put yourself as much in the attacker’s mind as possible,” Fon Williams explained. “You’ve got to fill that goal as much as you can.”But Faris made his presence felt again soon after. Indy defender Carlyle Mitchell fell to the turf with a hamstring injury while trying to tackle Faris in the 39th minute, which allowed the latter a clean look at goal with just Fon Williams to beat. Faris finished at the near post to put the visitors up 1-0.Indy strung together more possession early on, but only generated a single shot in the first half compared to Bethlehem’s five. Several Indy buildups ended due to a lack of sharpness in the final third of the pitch, however, things improved for Indy after the break.“We had to get higher up the field,” Rennie said of his halftime adjustments. “We had to play balls a little bit more quickly forward because they were pressing really well around the 30-, 40-yard mark from goal. And we were losing a lot of balls there, so we had to miss that pressure.”Some magic off the boot of Eleven striker Eugene Starikov leveled matters in the 61st. He took a long ball from Ayoze on the bounce and softly volleyed it over leaping Steel FC goalkeeper Tomas Romero, who had snuck off his line. It was perhaps Indy’s most important goal of the season given its magnitude.Indy will finish out its inaugural USL regular-season campaign at Louisville City FC next Saturday, then it’s — very likely — onto the playoffs. It will take a lot for Indy to miss the postseason, but long-shot scenarios exist preventing Indy from having mathematically clinched already.
McKennie out with injury, TFC’s Delgado added to US national team roster
October 7, 20184:35PM EDTCharles BoehmContributor
Weston McKennie has been forced off the U.S. national team’s latest roster due to an adductor injury, U.S. Soccer announced on Sunday, with Toronto FC midfielder Marky Delgado called up as his replacement.It’s an unfortunate development at the conclusion of an otherwise great week for the FC Dallasacademy product, who scored his first goals in both UEFA Champions League and German Bundesliga for his club, Schalke 04. It also marks the third prominent injury-prompted withdrawal from this month’s camp, following the loss of Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic.McKennie’s injury opens up opportunities for others in coach Dave Sarachan’s squad, with McKennie having been expected to continue in a starting central-midfield role for the USMNT in this month’s friendlies vs. Colombia and Peru.Delgado was on last month’s U.S. roster and appeared in their 1-0 win over Mexico in Nashville on Sept. 11. The California native and Chivas USA Homegrown product made his national-team debut in March vs. Paraguay.The USMNT are gathering in Tampa, Florida starting Sunday ahead of their friendly vs. Colombia at Raymond James Stadium on Thursday (7:30 pm ET | FS1, UniMás, UDN), a game for which the federation said that more than 27,000 tickets have already been sold. The U.S. then move on to East Hartford, Connecticut to meet Peru at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 16 (7:30 pm ET | ESPN 2, UniMás, UDN).
Updated USMNT Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 58/0), Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge/BEL; 2/0), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC; 5/0)
DEFENDERS (8): John Brooks (Wolfsburg/GER; 34/3), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas; 0/0), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Swansea City/WAL; 5/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 0/0), Matt Miazga (Nantes/FRA; 9/1), Antonee Robinson (Wigan Athletic/ENG; 4/0), Ben Sweat (New York City FC; 0/0), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United/ENG; 54/0)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 19/1), Jonathan Amon (Nordsjælland/DEN; 0/0), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC/CAN; 140/17), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC/CAN; 3/0), Julian Green (Greuther Fürth/GER; 12/4), Fafa Picault (Philadelphia Union; 1/0), Kenny Saief (Anderlecht/BEL; 2/0), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC; 8/0), Tim Weah (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA; 5/1)
FORWARDS (3): Andrija Novakovich (Fortuna Sittard/NED; 2/0), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen/GER; 3/1), Bobby Wood (Hannover 96/GER; 41/12)
The Ole BallCoach 