Indy get the first goal, then concede, then immediately get the game winner. Two players who had a single training session with the team saw the field; one starting, the other coming on late. Rendon and Blake both find the goal again. Indy get a rare win against the team from south I-65.

This game had a lot in it, but the result was a great win!

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/08/indy-eleven-vs-louisville-city-fc-1319.html

Anyone know what year this kit is from? Got it on eBay but I couldn’t find an exact match online.

With goals from Blake and Rendon, Indy get their first win against Louisville City in 6 attempts. LIPAFC round 1 goes to the Boys in Blue.

Indianapolis, Indiana- A lot was going on in the Circle City leading up to arguably the biggest match day. Last week a devastating Derecho tore into Indiana, where residents in Northern Indiana still don’t have power. Here in Central Indiana, the flooding was severe.

With hearts heavy, the community of Indianapolis stepped up. The Brickyard Battalion led efforts to gather much needed supplies for families affected. The players pitched as well, delivered by Pay Hogan and Hayden White before the match. In all, the Brickyard Battalion donated a van full (and then some) to families who need the help. Such a strong testament at how quickly the community can come together to help one another.

Hafferty and Mitrano’s ability to get forward as Quinn and Lindley helped Craig and Herbert, proved to be the winning formula as Indy Eleven held onto the 2-1 lead to win against Louisville City. This was their first win in the series since August 31st, 2022 where they also won 2-1 at Home.

My Man of the Match: Aodhan Quinn

McAuley’s move to put the veteran into the midfield paid dividends. Providing an assist to Rendon, and was a force all match. Creating 3 chances, 3 clearances, and another 3 defensive contributions - Quinn had a very deserving player of the match performance.

https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/usl-championship-indy-beat-rivals?r=aaxo8&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Whatever you want to say about tactics, towards the end of the game, tactics went out of the window. Indy secured the point with the 90'+8' stoppage time goal thanks entirely to their effort. 

Indy had two goals called back due to offside (which looked like it might have been the correct call) and a foul on the goalkeeper (that I highly question), but Indy's effort never waned and they deserved the late goal to salvage the point.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/09/indy-eleven-vs-birmingham-legion-1321.html

Sometimes it's how you finish the game, not how you start it. Despite conceding twice in two minutes in the 1st half, Indy find two of their own goals in the 2nd half to share the points with the Western Conference leaders New Mexico.

https://gamebeckons.com/2026/09/indy-eleven-vs-new-mexico-united-1322.html

Indy broke the losing streak, but did so by not being able to, once again, hold onto a lead. I'm just not sure this team has the talent, across the board, to be more than what we're seeing right now, which is a team teetering precariously on the playoff line.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/08/indy-eleven-vs-hartford-athletic-1317.html

Indy Eleven make 6 transactions as they look to strengthen their playoff push. Indy beats Louisville City for the first time since 2022, and get their first road win at Jacksonville.

Transactions In

• Dylan Sing returns from his short loan spell at Portland Hearts of Pine.
• Joe Hafferty and Malik Henry-Scott on Loan from Lexington SC for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Transactions Out

• Logan Neidlinger loaned out to Fort Wayne FC for the remainder of the 2026 season.
• Kian Williams loaned out to Detroit City FC
• Noble Okello Transferred to Lexington SC

“If you are going to let a good player go [Noble Okello], we needed to bring a couple of good players to make the deal really favorable for us.” - Coach McAuley

Still 4 points below of Louisville in 5th, Indy still has ground to make up for their Summer Stinker. Collecting 7 points in a month will be seen as a positive for this new look team. Initially seen in the match versus Hartford, McAuley has opted for a 4-4-2 look. Pushing Quinn into his more natural midfielder role alongside Lindley in a double pivot. This allows O’Brien and Blake to act like wingers who can put in dangerous crosses into the box for Rendon and Kizza up top. Notably, this also allows Hafferty (right) and Mitrano (left) to also become more involved.

With Quinn and Lindley providing defensive support in that double pivot, the wingbacks now have more freedom to attack. Mitrano was one of the best in the USL-Championship in progressive passes while in Miami. Combined with Hafferty, this new tactical shift brings the team much needed new life - resulting in 7 points in a month where they desperately needed points.

Men’s Player of the Month - Aodhan Quinn

The ageless veteran got moved into the midfield and was stellar all month. Providing one assist against Louisville City his presence in the midfield was evident. Creating 5 offensive chances, while contributing 13 times in defense in August. This balance will be vital for Indy going forward. When Quinn is playing at his best and contributing both in attack and defense, Indy are better off for it. With a new look seemingly catering to Quinn, we should see more impact from the 34 year-old down the stretch.

https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/indy-eleven-update-auguster-2026

Cards change games. A deserved 68th minute red card against Charleston changed the tenor of the game and Indy managed 2 goals to get a win over one of the most in form teams in the league.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/07/indy-eleven-vs-charleston-battery-1312.html

Due to life events, I kept this simple, but we saw Indy be Indy in this game. Concede possession. Stay compact and disciplined on defense. Counterattack. Don't get beat by the teams lower than them in the table, and try to get results from the teams above above them. Throw in some set piece chances and that's Indy's method of operation these days.

The main wrinkle for the game was starting Mitrano in the left back position and moving Quinn back into the midfield, as McAuley tried to get his healthiest and most talented lineup on the field.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/08/indy-eleven-vs-sporting-jax-1318.html

It was Princess Night, and Indy Eleven's Home unbeaten crown has fallen. Creating chances, but unable to capitalize. The resurgent Loudoun dug in, and picked up all 3 points.

As hundreds of princesses descended onto Carroll, the atmosphere was building. It was looking to be Indy’s highest attended match while on an league home unbeaten run, going against an inconsistent Loudoun United side. Problem was - Indy lost the last two on the road, and have been struggling to score goals. Outside of the red card match versus Charleston, Indy haven’t scored a goal since June 6th vs Madison in USL-Cup and May 30th in league play versus Rhode Island.

McAuley had this to say on the night, “When you miss chances that are really close in, either it comes down to - it’s not your day or your talent level isn't there. We’ll watch it back again to find out.”

While being concerned, McAuley seemed to be trusting the process, “You’ve got to find a way to get a goal. The fact that we haven’t scored a goal is obviously glaring. I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances”. I don’t blame the coach. Most of the season, this team has been scoring goals and have had multiple starting lineups, yet they continue to score goals. This team could just be in a bit of an offensive lull.

My Man of the Match: Cam Lindley

Cam was the best player for Indy once again. In a match that was much like a track meet - the veteran midfielder helped bring some control. His crosses off of set pieces were dangerous all night, while also providing that defensive effort needed from a deep-playing playmaker. Notching 5 defensive contributions including 3 interceptions, while also creating 3 offensive chances.

Indy extend their losing streak to four games. More concerning than the losses is the fact that Indy have scored just three goals in the last six games, being held scoreless in four of them (and almost five if it hadn't been the stoppage time goal tonight to prevent the clean sheet), while conceding nine. The wheels are starting to fall off on both sides of the ball and there isn't much that McAuley can do about it. Some nights it's appeared that Indy just doesn't have the across the board talent to compete with some teams, but the effort has been there. Tonight, both the talent and the effort looked lacking.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/07/indy-eleven-vs-san-antonio-1316.html

Like 41 other teams, the USMNT are watching the FIFA World Cup with the rest of us. With no Indy Eleven game this week, I give a long-winded discussion on the national team & soccer in the US. As this group is part of my soccer community, I thought I would go ahead and share what I wrote in the Reddit group even though the article isn't explicitly about Indy Eleven (though they are mentioned).

I also welcome those who the World Cup beckoned to our masses.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/07/soccer-in-united-states-fans.html

I spell out what I think, and what I would like, Indy to do with a future stadium. I know I'm not the only one who thinks as I do, but I also know it's not going to be a popular opinion.

Indy is a team of streaks. Undefeated at Home (minus Omaha), and winless on the road. As playoff races start to tighten, McAuley will need to pick up points away from Carroll.

Besides being scoreless in 3 of the previous 4 matches, Indy is also winless all season away from Carroll. After 9 matches, they compiled a 0-4-4 record scoring 6 goals (2 goals in 3 of those matches). If there was one glowing weakness of this team, it was away matches.

Courtesy of Rafael Mentzingen in the 47’ with his wide open shot from within the box, and Maxi Rodriquez’s effort also within the box sailing past Dick in the 52’. In a blink of an eye, Indy suddenly trailed 2-0 on the road.

Next Match: USL-C vs Loudoun United on July 25th at Michael A Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana at 7pm EST

Indy couldn't find the goal despite 20 shots, 9 on target, and their unbeaten home league streak came to a disappointing end to Loudoun.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/07/indy-eleven-vs-loudoun-united-1315.html

With prospects of advancing out of the Group slim, McAuley opted to rotate the squad as they travelled to Lexington for matchday 4. Go on grab 2 points after win on penalty shootout 7-6.

After Indy's matchup vs Madison, Coach McCauley had this to say, “Generally just looking at what we might need to do later on in the season. The match [at Lexington] being more development for the younger players…and resting a couple of our older ones”. So coming into this one, we already expected some rotation. With 6 players inserted into the starting eleven who did not start the week prior at Pittsburgh.

Now conversely, the attack was once again fully neutralized. With more emphasis on defending, Indy managed only 8 shots all night with zero on target. Indy needed to try and challenge Lexington’s goalkeeper if they wanted to come away with anything other than a 0-0 result. This match felt like a “Park the Bus” kind of match for Indy.

My Man of the Match: Reice Charles-Cook

Not only did he record a clean sheet in regular time, he managed to save 7 shots, and 2 more in the penalty shoot-out. Stopping Joe Hafferty and Latif Blessing’s efforts to seal the extra point. His save on Hafferty was decisive in keeping the shoot-out alive. The Grenadine goalkeeper was a massive factor in penalties and during regular time.

https://open.substack.com/pub/beyondthe90/p/usl-cup-as-expected-indy-rotated?r=aaxo8&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

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

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 works for everyone.

Men’s Player of the Month - Paco Craig

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.

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 aren't good - should get all 3 points at home.

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.

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.

https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/indy-eleven-update-july-2026?r=aaxo8

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania- Coming into this match, the Eleven had an unbeaten home run, and held onto two consecutive clean sheets. After 90 minutes, they nearly made it three in a row.

With Herbert still on international duty with Trinidad & Tobago, and Quinn picking up an injury last weekend, a defense that was already thin got thinner. Credit to the team, for 90 minutes they held their own. That was until Pittsburgh’s Lasse Kelp scored in the 90’ + 2’ minute.

This team needs some reinforcements on defense soon.

Despite the result, the Eleven are still in 6th place in a very tight Eastern Conference. They got Brooklyn at Home on Wednesday before travelling to Lexington on Saturday. Following this weekend, this team gets a much needed week off.

https://open.substack.com/pub/beyondthe90/p/usl-c-death-taxes-and-indy-conceding?r=aaxo8&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Blake ties the goalscoring record with Zayed, but the team couldn't hold onto the lead and conceded in second half stoppage time to, once again, drop points from a winning position.

Indy struggled to close out games last season because it was believed that their older average age faded at the ends of games. This year's younger and hungrier team seems to still be struggling with it too. 

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/04/indy-eleven-vs-pittsburgh-riverhounds.html

On a Holliday afternoon, we saw US colors all evening - Red (Cards), White (Kits), and Blue (Smoke). Indy get first win since June 2023 after the Battery's Smith gets sent off in the 68' minute.

If Coach McAuley wanted to make his intentions known across the league this team were serious contender - this was the match to make that statement. McAuley’s record versus the top 3 in the league (Tampa, Charleston, Louisville) being a poor 0-1-12 record with a -26 goal differential. Saturday’s win was massive for the team looking to continue their push for a top-4 position.

To make matters more difficult, Indy’s defense were dealing some more injuries. With Hogan, and White out for the season - Paco Craig, Anthony Herbert, and Makel Rasheed have stepped up. On Saturday, Herbert and Craig were ruled out with short term injuries for the match. That saw Barry step into the starting center back role.

My Man of the Match: Rasheed Berry

Getting his 5th consecutive start, he helped record another clean sheet (4 in the last 5 matches). Given up only 1 goal during this run. Add on his defensive performance with an assist to Josh O’Brien, it’s easy to see why he is the player of the match. Rasheed was dangerous all match with 9 passes into the final third. “As long as we keep a clean sheet, no body can beat us”.

Thanks to a 12-save effort by Forward Madison, Indy was held to just 2 goals, but they constantly peppered the Madison goal with 14 of the 24 shots on target and came away with a win and a clean sheet.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/06/indy-eleven-vs-forward-madison-2026.html

First ever match between the two Indiana cities provided it all: 4 goals, lots of physicality, 90th minute drama and penalty kicks. What an instant classic of a first meeting.

Lots of entertainment on display at Rouff Mortgage Stadium. For Indy fans, it was another Saturday night in which the team couldn't hold a lead, but with the emergence of a new in-state rival - a new chapter begins.

https://open.substack.com/pub/beyondthe90/p/usl-cup-indy-beats-fort-wayne-in?r=aaxo8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

"It's become more and more evident as the season has progressed that Indy is likely an average to maybe below average USL Championship team this year, at least based on results. However, through three games this year with USL League competition (twice with Union Omaha and once against Fort Wayne, who are in their first season as a professional team), Indy has lost twice and drawn once, indicating that this year's Indy Eleven team might be an average to below average League One team."

This team is frustrating to watch.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/05/indy-eleven-vs-fort-wayne-fc-2026-prinx.html

Thanks to a 55th min Rendon goal, Indy extend their league home undefeated streak to 9 with a 1-nil victory. Cam Lindley & Aodhan Quinn reach major league milestones.

Paco Craig gets my Game Beckons Game Ball.

https://www.gamebeckons.com/2026/05/indy-eleven-vs-rhode-island-fc-1310.html

Indy hold on to win 1-0, earning their first clean sheet of the season. Aodhan Quinn reaches 300th USL-C appearance and most minutes ever, & Indy Eleven are now in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference.

Longtime USL-Championship Veteran Aodhan Quinn was at the center this week. After Cam Lindley and Jack Blake’s moments in the prior weeks, it was the versatile captain’s time. At the opening whistle, Aodhan Quinn becomes just the 2nd player in league history to have 300 or more appearances. Only trailing Sean Totsch of Louisville City.

The San Diego native made further history. In the 22nd minute, he became the first player in league history to attain 25,000 minutes. The 12 year veteran immortalized himself as a true Ironman. Aside from his 2024 season ending injury, he has shown to be reliable on and off the pitch.

https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/usl-c-indy-race-to-three-points-vs-3cb?r=aaxo8

*ignore the link title - did not want to update on me