Success isn’t how you thrive in glory but continue to build upon that glory. Indy Eleven will have to see how they will be build on the glory of the “shot heard around the world and maybe the moon” by Sergio Pena, that grabbed them a victory in the 89th minute last week against San Antonio. Indy Eleven now must focus on Carolina and avoid emotional play in the game marking the club’s two year anniversary.
Carolina Railhawks arrive in Indianapolis on the back of a 1-2 loss at the hands of the Atlanta Silverbacks and look to right the ship by taking three points back home. They do so with an arsenal of forwards who can score and the ability to make things difficult for a defense who might look past them.
Story of the match:
Saturday marks the 2nd anniversary of Indy Eleven being announced as the newest expansion team for the North American Soccer League. The match will be marked with celebration and excitement as the club celebrates the
One of the other narratives heading into this match seems to be the amount of movement we could see on the Spring Season table. New York Cosmos sit at the top of the table, with 7 points. Under that, Indy sits in a position to take the top of the table on away goals if Atlanta Silverbacks beat the Cosmos and Indy gains three points against the Railhawks. The table could see multiple shifts all the way down to Ottawa in 7th place with four points.
Things to note:
Entering the fourth week, Indy has four goals so far this season. Four goals from four different players provides a nice spread of the offense that prevents defenses from zeroing in on a particular player. The four goals have all been built well, including the shot from the moon from Sergio Pena, but play creation has been a struggle for Indy. Charlie Rugg and Brian Brown have both been up top for the Boys in Blue since Indy’s home opener. This has increased the offensive side by giving Rugg a speedy finisher to work with, but the goals have seemed clinky.
On the flip side, Carolina has scored five goals since the beginning of the season with only one assist, which poses an interesting defensive scheme for Indy on Saturday.
Carolina also signed Bradlee Baladez, a former FC Dallas product. The Railhawks have also scored in all three of their matches this season. Baladez might make an appearance for the Railhawks Saturday, but if not Carolina still sits well with a goal per game average.
Carolina also gave Indy Eleven their first franchise victory in July of 2014, which is certainly something Indy Eleven will carry into Saturday’s match.
Prediction:
Indy has fared well without the services of Jose Kleberson. With a positive result and Atlanta extending their undefeated streak against the Cosmos, Indy Eleven could make their first appearance at the top of the table since joining the league last year. The only thing that could take away from a possible victory Saturday will be the thing that most teams consider a strength.
Home field advantage can be the tipping points for teams in any sports. Saturday brings home field advantage along with the emotion of a two year anniversary and the possibility of being on top of the table. Indy Eleven have to play less emotional than normal or negate the emotional retaliations that can come in a game like this.
While both clubs have had plenty of goals early in the season, Indy has struggled to build up a smooth play from back to front which is what Coach Jurgen Sommer said early on was the main goal they wanted to achieve. With a short Spring season, it’s time Indy executes their game plan.
If Indy can also keep from making silly defensive mistakes, which they did when New York came to town, they can stand strong. Preventing plays from developing against the backline and forcing one on one matchups between the man and the net will allow for the defensive pressure to stay firmly on the shoulders of the Railhawks. Janicki needs to stay away from the aggression he’s shown to avoid the referee’s from making it rain yellow cards late in the game.
This is arguably the most important game for Indy Eleven since beginning last season. With this game, they can jump to the top of the table and send a message to the entire league.
This is the game that a good showing from Charlie Rugg would help secure a victory. Expect at least three goals from either side as both haven’t completely secured their backlines yet.
Score prediction:
2-1 Indy Eleven with both goals for Indy coming in the second half.
Catch all of the weekend’s NASL action on ESPN 3 including Indy Eleven taking on the Carolina Railhawks starting at 7:30 pm est.
Main Photo: April 11, 2015 – NY Cosmos and Indy Eleven battle to a 1-1 draw in front on another sold out crowd at The Mike.
