Indy Women end the season in great form, but ultimately fall short of USL-W playoffs. Indy Men get eliminated from USL-Cup, and attack has a month to forget. Scoring only 2 goals in 3 matches.

Roster Updates - Men

Indy Eleven have loaned out forward Dylan Sing to Portland Hearts of Pine. The young forward has only played 4 matches all season with the Boys in Blue this season, so a move to Portland just fits.

Results from May - Men

USL-Cup: June 6th vs Forward Madison: 2-0 Win
USL-C: June 13th at Pittsburgh Riverhounds: 1-0 Loss
USL-C: June 17th vs Brooklyn FC: Postponed due to weather
USL-Cup: June 23rd at Lexington SC: 0-0 Draw
June Record (W-D-L): 1-1-1
US Open Cup: 2nd Round (Eliminated)
Prinx Tires USL Cup: Group Stage: 1-1-1, 7 points, 2nd place Group 4 (Eliminated)

USL Championship Record: 5-3-3, 18 points, 6th place East

As Indy’s chances in the USL-Cup were thin heading into their match at Lexington, the Boys in Blue opted to rotate their squad. Keeping their veteran players in good fitness will be crucial if McAuley wants to accomplish his goal of winning a trophy. At this point in time, there is only one trophy left - the USL Championship.

Winning the Open Cup was a lofty goal, but still losing when they did at Home vs Union Omaha stun. Then getting eliminated in Group Stage play in the USL-Cup stings harder. Having (arguably) the easiest road in the Group with avoiding Detroit City and Louisville, not getting out will not go down well. Dropping points at Fort Wayne sealed the club’s fate as results elsewhere did not help.

With eyes set on the league, their record on the road won’t help them. Having a rudderless attack at Pittsburgh and at Lexington, won’t bode well long term. The defense is performing well, but their numbers seem to continue to dwindle. Defensive reinforcements are needed as Hogan and White are done for the season.

The team accomplished two clean sheets in the month of June, and in 3 of their last 4 matches. What was was the main point of concern, seems to be buttoned up and the attack that was rolling - has cooled down. July will be the ultimate test for this team as they play Charleston, Detroit City, Miami, Loudoun, and San Antonio. Luckily for Indy, 2 of those are at home.

Men’s Player of the Month - Paco Craig

Scoring a goal in their USL-Cup match vs Madison was vital for a team looking to put away the League One team. Alongside scoring the goal, his presence in the backline was were the veteran showed up the most. As Quinn battled injuries, and the attack wasn’t there all month - the defensive line wasn’t the problem. With two different keepers, Craig was a main stay in every match. Helping keep 2 clean sheets, and nearly a 3rd at Pittsburgh - Paco is my player of the month.

Thoughts on MLS to Indianapolis Stalled Bid

After upending Indy Eleven Park two years ago, the Men's World Cup has started and Indianapolis is no closer to a soccer stadium or MLS team. We are now getting a clearer picture as to why.

You can read the full article here

Schedule for July - Men

USL-C: July 4th vs Charleston Battery
USL-C: July 13th at Miami FC
USL-C: July 18th at Detroit City FC
USL-C: July 25th vs Loudoun United
USL-C: July 31st at San Antonio
Prediction for July: Loss, Win, Draw, Win, Win - 10 points. Indy continues to be unable to beat Charleston, but get important wins on the road at San Antonio and Miami. Detroit City will be tough to beat on the road, so a draw should be expected. Loudoun are not as good as last year - Indy should get all 3 points.

Results for June- Women

USL-W: June 3rd at Toledo Villa: 6-0 Win
USL-W: June 7th vs Dayton Dutch Lions: 6-0 Win
USL-W: June 10th vs Racing Louisville: 3-0 Win
USL-W: June 13th vs Dayton Dutch Lions: 7-1 Win
USL-W: June 24th vs Toledo Villa: 3-1 Win

June Record (W-D-L): 5-0-0
USL-W Record: 6-1-2, 19 points, 2nd place Valley Division

While the season did not start well for the Girls in Blue, it certainly ended exceptionally. Winning their last 5 matches, they applied all the pressure on Racing Louisville till the end. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Their LIPAFC rivals just edged out Indy for the sole playoff position from the division.

With an impressive goal differential of +23, Indy was one of the best attacking sides across the USL-W. Those two losses early in the season really hurt their chances.

Credit to Manager Brandon Kim for being able to turn the tide, and put the team in a position there were in at the end. Massive shout out to Kim who picked up the team and ran with it after Paulie left, then turned this team around to winning ways. Kim also helps run Academy.

Women’s Player of the Month - Emily Edwards

Started 6 matches for the Girls in Blue all season, including 3 clean sheets - she was vital for keeping this team’s playoff chances alive. The Auburn University goalie stood tall all season. Keeping opposing team’s out of the net was key in helping Indy’s attack maintain their pressure. She is my player of the month.

Please tune back in for August’s update.

Thanks!

- by Brett Mullenix