Indy Eleven spark Soccer Fever in Indianapolis
After a spring season that featured some underperforming and the firing of original head coach Juergen Sommer, the Indy Eleven are attempting to climb their way up the NASL table with the help of some very loud, but very proper supporters known as the Brickyard Battalion.
Jun 17, 2014; Akron, OH, USA; Indy Eleven midfielder Victor Pineda (left) reacts after sending a shot wide of the goal in extra time against the Columbus Crew at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
However, the fall season has not begun with the same results as the way the spring season ended and the “Boys in Blue” have taken just five points out of fives games, with one win, two draws, and two losses under the belt. It should be specified that in this particular league, the overall league winner comes after the table combines both the spring and fall season, so though Indy Eleven now sit 8th in the fall season, they are 6th overall with plenty of games left to continue their rise.
Last Saturday at Carroll Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, the Eleven fell in a rare home defeat to the Atlanta Silverbacks, who to be fair are second in the fall table but 7th in the combined table, but one thing is for certain – the Brickyard Battalion always have their back.
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It’s hard to describe what it’s like to be in the middle of such a passionate fan base. Comparisons to Colts and Pacers die-hards don’t do the BYB justice – though not as large in number they are just as committed to the cause – and even when the Indy Eleven don’t play to the best of their abilities, the fan base is still right there to support them.
Hell, the team even has multiple fan-based podcasts, including “Bloody Shambles” and “Permanent Relegation,” to name a few. Even if the team still isn’t where President, General Manager, and founder Peter Wilt wants them to be, the support has been incredible and better than could have been expected.
Another admirable part of Indy Eleven is how much they draw from the area’s soccer talent to form the squad. Just last week, the team announced the loan signing of Zach Steinberger, a midfielder who recently played at Butler before being drafted by the Houston Dynamo. Along with Steinberger, the squad contains Indiana University alums Brad Ring and Dylan Mares, Zionsville HS native Cory Miller, and IUPUI grad Kyle Hyland, and though the new coach Tim Regan does not have ties in the state, former coach Sommer was also an IU grad.
It’s a special time for Indy Eleven as they continue to grow into their full potential, fighting their way through the NASL fall season before it comes to an end in late October, and the support remains an even more special part of their continual quest to be better. It’s not just Indy Eleven growing, either. The NASL is growing, support is growing, and soccer in this city is growing. If you haven’t seen this team or the incredible fans they have – there are still plenty of chances. Take one and make a game.
Remaining home schedule:
Aug. 8 – Ottawa Fury FC
Aug. 19 – Tampa Bay Rowdies
Sept. 5 – Jacksonville Armada
Sept. 19 – FC Edmonton
Oct. 10 – San Antonio Scorpions
Oct. 17 – Minnesota United FC
Oct. 24 – Fort Lauderdale Strikers
EDIT: This post has been updated to reflect Peter Wilt’s title, state ties, other.