The post-Nicht era begins in Indianapolis as the Indy Eleven visit expansion side Jacksonville Armada Saturday night. In just a two year history, Kristian Nicht left a legacy with Indy Eleven. After the Montreal Impact waved Nicht on Monday afternoon, much of the week was spent debating whether or not we would see the 6’5 German back with the Boys in Blue. It appears that will not be the case, as the club is moving forward with Butler University product Jon Dawson, and the man who is projected to be in front of the net on Saturday, Keith Cardona.
Who is Keith Cardona?
Reports surfaced that both Dawson and Cardona were getting time in goal this week, but Cardona looks like Head Coach Jurgen Sommer’s choice as the likely starter as Indy Eleven this weekend.
So who is Keith Cardona?
Cardona is a product of the Red Bull Academy. He signed for them and started training in 2011. He was the starter for the University of Maryland, alma mater of other MLS players, including Robbie Rogers of the LA Galaxy. Cardona stayed within the Red Bull system, being moved from the Academy to New York Red Bull II on July 2, 2014. Cardona then was move to one of RBNY’s feeder teams, moving to FC Liefering when playing time was hard to come by with Red Bulls II. Cardona got even less time abroad, so during the NASL preseason he came back to the states and signed with the Indy Eleven as a backup goal keeper.
Analysis:
This will be Indy’s first match against the newly formed Jacksonville Armada. While the argument of expansion is obviously a factor, Jacksonville has not only played beyond expectations. Regardless, their supporter section has been strong, something Indy has prided itself on since it’s own expansion season a year ago.
On the field, Jacksonville would be well served in pushing the game offensively to test Cardona. While he’s had two weeks of training and inter-squad scrimmages, his real test will come in game minutes. Jacksonville has the ability to succeed at home, and scoring early has been their strong suit.
This will put a backline that’s given up a goal a game this season to the test against a front line lead by seasoned forward Alhassane Keita, who was named to the top team for NASL last week. It will also be a match that Indy will be looking for Wojciech Wojcik to exhibit the same play making and quick decision making that got them the goal against Carolina.
Key Matchup:
Jacksonville’s front line against Indy Eleven’s backline
While many see an average of one goal conceded per match as something not many teams would be upset about, it’s been the timing of that goal that has hurt Indy Eleven. Led by captain Greg Janicki, Indy will need to tighten up, and close down when Keita or anyone gets the ball in the box and force them out wide and away from danger.
Prediction:
Both teams will be pushing for a win. While Indy has a lackluster record in the Sunshine state (0-2-1) the team had two weeks to prepare for this match thanks to a bye week. Indy Eleven will need to show the same ability in the attack that they showed in flashes against Carolina Railhawks two weeks ago.
Score:
1-1 Draw
Photo by Mike Stobe/New York Cosmos via Getty Images
