Preview | Indy Eleven vs. Swope Park Rangers
February 28, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Indy Eleven News Release
Start time: 1:30 p.m. @ Grand Park Event Center
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Back at it again
After 13 days of practice and a preseason match under their belt, the "Boys in Blue" will take to the pitch for the second time in the offseason to welcome back Western Conference visitors Swope Park Rangers. Indy Eleven faced the Rangers during last year's preseason in a contest that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Last time out, Indy Eleven fell 1-2 to the Clubs newest regional rivals FC Cincinnati. Despite several chances from both sides, the match remained even until the 50th minute when forward Emmanuel Ledesma opened the scoring for FC Cincinnati with a penalty. Quick to answer, Indy won a penalty of its own in the 64th minute. "New in Blue" forward Soony Saad slotted the ball in the back of the net, leveling the score 1-1. Unfortunately, Cincinnati was quick to respond just three minutes later. In the 67th minute, FCC's Daniel Haber headed home the winning goal from a cross into Indy's box from teammate Russell Cicerone.
Despite the loss, Indy Eleven's head coach Martine Rennie saw the "L" in a positive light. "I think this is a game that everyone can be happy with," Rennie said. "I was very pleased that we got the fitness and got the work. The players responded well to the messages we've been giving them. I'm very happy with the effort and the work we put in."
Swope Park Rangers arrive in Indy with three preseason matches to their names; 2-0 victory over Rockhurst University, 2-2 draw against Western Conference frenemies Tulsa Roughnecks FC and a 1-1 draw to Creighton University. In 2017, SPR finished the season with a Top Four finish in the Western Conference with an overall record of 17W-7D-8L and scoring the USL's 5th most goals with 57. Moreover, the Rangers showcased strong defensive prowess after they secured the USL's fourth most clean sheets with 13 matches.
Looking ahead to Wednesday's preseason feature, Coach Rennie seeks to continue improving fitness and finding minutes, opposed to winning results. "At this point, we're still focused on getting our players fit, getting stronger and getting them to understand the way we want them to play," Rennie said. "Obviously we want to play well and enjoy the game, but most importantly we want to get fit and ready for the season."
Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: DF Tyler Pasher
All eyes fall on one of Indy's newest additions to the squad, defender Tyler Pasher. The Canadian national joins Indy Eleven after spending the last two seasons with Wednesday's visiting side. In 2017, Pasher signed for Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City, SPR's Division I affiliate, after rising through the ranks in 2016 with the Rangers and in 2015 with USL's Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Last season, Pasher flaunted his defensive and offensive abilities, accumulating 39 clearances, 41 interceptions and tallying three assists in 27 appearances.
Match-up to Mark: GK Owain Fon Williams vs. SPR attack
Wales National Team goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams recently joined Indy Eleven on loan for the 2018 season in the recent string of wholesale roster changes. Prior to joining the "Boys in Blue" Williams spent the majority of his career with a number clubs across the United Kingdom, with the most recent being Scottish side Inverness Caledonia Thistle FC. Over the course of his career, Williams has found himself to be the number one choice between the posts, with well more than a handful of outstanding performances that saw him linked up with several Premier League sides over the years. In addition to game-winning performances, Williams' move stateside also brings along a wealth of leadership and experience.
Although much of Swope Park Rangers' roster is filled with new faces, the Western Conference side will look to keep the same aggression they displayed last season. In 2017, Swope Park Rangers ended their season in 4th place in USL Western Conference with a 17W-7D-8L regular season record. Moreover, SPR scored the USL's 5th most goals with 57, scoring a goal almost every 58 minutes during regular season play. While some of SPR's key players in those goals haven't returned to the lineup, the Sporting Kansas City affiliates have managed the same high-press style of play in preseason thus. As of now, SPR has a 1W-2D-0L record in preseason, tallying five goals in 3 matches.
You can catch the action on Wednesday, February 28th at 1:30 p.m. at Grand Park Sports Events Center in Westfield. The preseason friendly is a non-ticketed event at an open facility.
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- Preview | Indy Eleven vs. Swope Park Rangers - Indy Eleven
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