News

PREVIEW: #MIAvIND

"Indiana's Team" heads to the Sunshine State for the first time this fall
Published Jul 28, 2016

GAMEDAY: #MIAVIND

Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview

Miami FC vs Indy Eleven
Saturday, July 30, 2016 – 8:00 p.m. ET
FIU Stadium - Miami FC


Team Records:

Watch Live:

Follow Live:

Media Game Notes:

 

Indy Eleven's Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 1 : 0 FC Edmonton

Indy Eleven bounced back from their first loss of the season as they defeated fall title challengers FC Edmonton at Carroll Stadium last Saturday night. Defender Greg Janicki provided the lone goal of the match in the 13th minute after Dylan Mares swung in a peach of a pass towards the center of the area for the centerback to head home.

Missing their two central defenders due to suspension and a personal issue, FC Edmonton placed new signing Karsten Smith alongside Shawn Nicklaw to hold down the fort, but were unable to keep out Janicki's effort following a set piece. Other first half chances for the "Boys in Blue" fell to Omar Gordon, Eamon Zayed, and Nemanja Vukovic, though none were able to tack on another goal.

The second half saw chances for all of Dylan Mares, Nicki Paterson, Justin Braun, Cory Miller, and Eamon Zayed, but all were repelled by Eddies' 'keeper Matt Van Oekel, who put on a Man of the Match display in the defeat. In fact, it was Van Oekel who came closest to finding an equalizer in the final moments of the game off a corner, but his header was cleared off the line by Brad Ring to see the three points ultimately tucked away in Indy's favor.
 

Miami FC's Last Time Out - Carolina Railhawks 3 : 3 Miami FC

A six-goal thriller played out at WakeMed Soccer Park when Railhawks FC drew three-all with visitors Miami FC last Friday night. The away side took the lead from the get-go thanks to a 7th minute finish by Jaime Chavez for his fourth goal of the year, but just over twenty minutes later the hosts battled back to equalize through striker Matt Fondy. First half action was not finished though, as new Miami FC signing Poku broke through the defense on a beautifully weighted ball by other new signing Jonny Steele and slotted in past Railhawks 'keeper Brian Sylvestre to restore their lead.

The second half saw no action until the hour mark when Railhawks FC would again equalize - this time through Brian Shriver as Tiyi Shipalane picked up the first of his two assists in the match. Just as it looked like the match had dried up, Carolina took their first lead of the night in the 78th minute when Shipalane picked out forward Omar Bravo, who did the rest for the home side. However, just two minutes later Jaime Chavez was on the scoresheet for the second time of the evening, beating Railhawks 'keeper Sylvestre once more to finish off the match. 

The draw may prove to be a valuable point on the road for Miami FC as their attention now turns to hosting the combined season standing leaders Indy Eleven. 

 

Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: DF Greg Janicki

Second in the league in interceptions (per Opta), Greg Janicki will once again lead the defense into battle as the question of whether or not Colin Falvey will return in time remains unanswered. Additionally, the defender is seventh in clearances in 2016 and is also one of only four players to feature in the top ten in both lists.

On the scoresheet last weekend, Janicki has contributed two goals to the offensive cause this season despite scoring just twice in his previous 65 appearances before 2016. Both of those goals were headed in from inside the area as part of Indy's NASL leading six headed goals, indicating the set piece threat Janicki presents for head coach Tim Hankinson in the offensive third.

Former solid central partnerships with both Colin Falvey and Cory Miller, Janicki is sure to put in another shift in the heat of Miami this weekend.


Who to Watch, Miami FC edition: MF Poku

Four matches, two goals - that's the return Miami FC has received after signing midfielder Poku from New York City FC of MLS.

In just the second ever meeting between the two sides after drawing in Miami during the Spring Season, Poku will look to create opportunities against defenders like Janicki, with a knack for making an impact both from central and wide positions. Miami FC have only won twice in 14 NASL games, but both of those wins were at home in their last five games at FIU Stadium, meaning "Indiana's Team" will still have a fight on the cards when they return for the lone time fall season. 

A talented player who is strong in the air and on the ground, Poku will be a handful for the Indy Eleven defense on Saturday. 


Match-up to Mark: MF Richie Ryan vs. MF Brad Ring

Both midfielders with the ability to track down and win the ball back for their respective sides, one clash in the center of the park will be between Richie Ryan of Miami FC and Brad Ring of Indy Eleven. 

Ryan has started in all 12 appearances this season after transferring from Jacksonville Armada FC in the Spring Season, and has one assist in the books albeit for his former club. More of a defensive midfielder, Ryan possesses a skillset that allows him to hunt the ball down and spray it around the pitch to teammates further up the attacking end, something that Brad Ring will be responsible for limiting.

Since his return from injury, Ring has been an important cog in the Eleven machine. A true ball hound, his motor never stops running as he chases possession around the park with fervor. Indy's No.4 will need to be a difference maker this Saturday ahead of three games in 11 days, and has the potential to act as a stalwart in the midfield facing the Miami FC attack.

COPYRIGHT 2025 © Indy Eleven
ELEVEN EVERYWHERE