It is expected that pro-rel would not begin until the inaugural season of USL D1. The system will only include its three professional leagues, and not the semi-professional USL League Two that only runs in the summer.

It remains to be seen what exactly the format would be. The Pro League Standards (PLS) that leagues are required to follow will be hard to balance with a system that includes so many clubs moving back and forth in just one offseason. It is likely that USL implements a slightly altered pro-rel system, such as giving franchises the ability to choose if they want to be promoted, etc.

Regardless, this is a huge change on the battlefront of what fans call “the soccer warz.” This tongue-in-cheek term is used to describe the competition between the many leagues in American soccer. There hasn’t been a D1 competitor for MLS since NASL launched in 2011; it folded in 2017, but not without a lawsuit that reached a verdict just a month ago. As for pro-rel, this is the first time that an American professional league has ever actually implemented it. NISA tried, and failed, early this decade.

What does this mean for the local soccer scene?

Pros

USL has millions of fans that attend its matches each season, and the number will only continue to grow. A decent swath of this is concentrated in the tri-state area, with professional clubs like Louisville City, Indy Eleven, Lexington SC, and the newly added USL1 club Fort Wayne FC.

Serious money is being invested into these clubs; all of them have or plan to contruct soccer-specific stadiums to, built competitive rosters, and brought in decent attendance numbers. In theory, pro-rel will give teams more of an incentive to keep spending competitively. If they don’t, it will be reflected in the table.

Aside from the authentic feeling that lower-league soccer has, there was very little that differentiated USL from MLS. From a sporting standpoint, pro-rel makes it a worthy competitor. If local fans become aware of how this format works, it may make USL more entertaining for them.

This could turn USL from little more than a feeder league for MLS with a niche following, to a competitor that draws in larger numbers—which could make the local soccer scene even more bustling.

Cons

There is also a flipside to USL becoming a worthy competitor—it could lose credibility for owners. The league relies on team owners to survive, and these stakeholders might now have to choose between joining MLS or folding if they aren’t rich enough. But why?

In terms of business, promotion and relegation does not suit how American sports work. Owners expect their investment to be returned with a profit. If pro-rel is implemented, they run the risk of losing money if they are relegated; meanwhile, a club that hopes to be promoted doesn’t feel worth the risk of high investment. MLS is a closed league because its owners want to protect their interests.

If USL becomes a worthy competitor, it could still be a con. It would be entirely possible that MLS begins to poach already-existing USL markets, possibly going after two key franchises that happen to be local: Louisville and Indy. There is already speculation that Indy could join as an expansion side, which would surely kill Indy Eleven. There was slight chatter that Louisville could be “promoted” to MLS, but it died down.

MLS choosing to directly combat the USL would be much worse for the latter. The former has already proven itself an attractive business model. It is a league with ever-growing infrastructure, many more fans, and glitz and glamour. For these reasons, USL clubs wouldn’t lose anything by moving to MLS.

In the words of Geoff Tebbetts, the soccer warz have gone nuclear.

The post USL implements pro-rel, but what does this mean locally? appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Anders Michelson is a player, marketer, coach, gm, and owner of the amateur soccer club Valhalla FC right here in Cincinnati, OH. Anders peels back the layers of what managing a club like this is like and the ambitious vision is for the club’s future. Nathan Forsthoefel sits down with Anders to discuss his club and more on this episode of Soccer in Our Area.

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Graphic: Brandon Wolf

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Soccer in Our Area – Ethan Herzog

Ethan Herzog is a young broadcaster that has recently been announced as the head broadcaster for Kings Hammer FC’s USL2 and USLW squads. Ethan has a background covering University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University and the Dayton Dutch Lions. Nathan Forsthoefel sits down with Ethan to discuss his broadcast discography and more on this episode of Soccer in Our Area.

NKU equalized against #24 BGSU that would force the eventual draw in the match. pic.twitter.com/aLVfrmranp

— Ethan Herzog (@herzog_sports) December 19, 2024

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Kings Hammer FC

Kings Hammer FC (W)

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Kings Hammer SC is a nationally-known soccer program which has multiple affiliates throughout the country. They are the only club in Greater Cincinnati to offer a full development pathway for men’s and women’s players. Their goal, as Matt Shisler puts it, is to grow people. 

They embody this with their pathway, which includes Kings Hammer FC: a club that has a men’s team in USL League Two and a women’s team in the USL W League. They were founded in 2020.

This year, the team plays at NKU’s Scudamore Stadium, a 1,000-seat capacity soccer-specific stadium. Their goal in 2024 is to make the playoffs and develop their players for both professional and collegiate soccer.

The Kings Hammer FC’s women’s team boasts a roster of players from top local clubs and high-level colleges alike. Kylee Simmons and Taylor White were both standout players from Missouri and West Virginia respectively, and players like Lilly Yordy and Natalie Bain are from the Cincinnati area.

They are led by first-year head coach Jacob Morrison and assistant coach Bronson Gambale, who is also the National Technical Director for Kings Hammer SC (the youth part of their development pathway). 

KHFC has a record of 3-1-1 and is in second place in the Valley Division. Indy Eleven is six points ahead of them, but they’ve played one more match.

THE ATMOSPHERE

The team has the feeling of lower league soccer. When you go to a match, you are uniquely close to the players, the coaches and the game itself. You feel a sense of involvement. And yet, being there still has a sense of professionalism to it.

The youth players are very involved with the team, often engaging in pre-match walkouts with players and in pickup matches at halftime.

Overall, it is an involving and unique atmosphere. Most of those who come to watch are passionate about the team, and all kinds of people are able to attend due to tickets being $5.

Also, the hot dogs are fantastic. Just those alone are worth going to the match for.

MATCH REVIEW

KHFC played St. Charles FC on Saturday. Their opposition, sitting last in the division, had lost all six of their matches this season going into Saturday’s affair. KHFC had won their last two, including a 4-1 win away to STFC last week. Morrison was away for the match, leaving Gambale to be the coach.

The match started in a dominant fashion for KHFC. They had a majority of possession and were creating chances in the opposition’s half of the pitch. It was, however, quickly looking like an uneven match.

(7’) GOAL: Kylee Simmons — Ava Arengo was on the attack and took a good shot, but it didn’t cross the line. It was eventually turned in by Simmons after a pile-up in the box with multiple players vying for the shot.

Nothing had changed just minutes later. There was another good chance for KHFC, while St. Charles had just been defending.

(19’) OWN GOAL: Natalie Gum — KHFC were attacking again, as they had done for the entire match. Their dangerous cross into the box was accidentally turned into the goal by STFC defender Natalie Gum.

Two minutes later, she redeemed herself when she heroically blocked Simmons’ header off the goal line. 

Taylor White subbed on minutes later for Elle Britt, who came off with a slight injury. She was instantly a threat to STFC and KHFC only continued to attack well and earn corners.

(40’) GOAL: Kylee Simmons — As STFC was building out from the back, the ball was misplayed to Simmons, who was right inside the box. She finished the goal in a 1v1 against the keeper and got a brace.

As the halftime whistle was blown, Kings Hammer FC had all eight shots in the match, all six corners and already three goals. It was quickly becoming a blowout.

Maddie Murphy, Lauren Flax, and Nat Bain subbed in for Yordy, Reed, and Arengo, and there was a goalkeeper substitution with Galley coming off for Taylor Spiller.

(59’) GOAL: Kylee Simmons — The second half was the same as the first. The ball was crossed into a dangerous area, and Simmons scored a point-blank header to complete her hat trick.

Simmons and Lauren Donovan then subbed off for Shannon Crogan and Rose Vigran respectively.

(66’) GOAL: Taylor White — Once again, KHFC found themselves in the opposition’s box. A penalty was awarded after a rough tackle on Lauren Flax. White took the penalty, calmly slotting it in the bottom corner. The goalkeeper didn’t even move.

An STFC player went down with what sounded like a painful injury in the 68th minute. Due to only having one sub that was already in the match, they continued playing with 10 for the rest of the match. Flax received a red card for the rough challenge on the injured player, so both teams continued playing with 10.

The full-time whistle was blown. KHFC completely dominated, with a large majority of possession, all 18 shots in the match and all the corners. 

FINAL SCORE: Kings Hammer FC (5-0) St. Charles FC

—

After the match, Simmons and Gambale commented on the result, with the former saying it was a “good dominant performance.” 

“I feel great. Look, the ladies have worked really hard this week… Could we get a mixture of different girls in? Could we get different ladies’ minutes? And I felt the girls executed both going with the ball in possession and how we defended… But also, we left a lot of meat on the bones,” Gambale said. “And we’re really excited to go to work on Monday and Tuesday in preparation for a rematch with Indiana.”

The post Soccer In Our Area: Kings Hammer FC (W) appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

In 2013, Kings Soccer Academy and Hammer FC merged and created Kings Hammer. Kings Hammer has two organizations; Kings Hammer SC, the youth side of their organization, which fields their U4 to U19 age groups. They also have the pre-professional side, Kings Hammer FC, which fields their U20 to U23 age groups.

Kings Hammer has successfully partnered with existing clubs and now services close to 12,000 players and over 45 events of all levels across four states: Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Florida. However, Matt Shisler of Kings Hammer said that the club has aspirations to grow nationally.

In 2020, Kings Hammer introduced Kings Hammer FC as a pre-professional division of Kings Hammer Soccer Club. With the addition of pre-professional programming, they are the only club in Greater Cincinnati to offer a full player development pathway for both men and women.

The academy booms with success, as the trophy cabinet holds two national championships, four regional championships, 71 state championships and multiple coach of the year awards. 

The club has also placed thousands of players into college programs and currently has a plethora of players on youth national teams.

Kings Hammer FC plays in USL League Two, making the playoffs in 2021 and 2022. The roster holds a lot of talent, including 11 FC Cincinnati Academy alumni: Jack Moxom, Caleb Frakes, Nolan Brice, Owen Noverr, Bennett Gerak, Daniel Samways, Darrell Turcios, David Garcia, Matt Dreas, Silas Borgman and Alen Kapic. They also roster Henri Kumwenda, who plays on the Malawi National Team.

The expectation for Kings Hammer FC in 2024 is to make the playoffs and help provide their players with an opportunity to advance to the next level of their professional career or for younger players to have experience playing against collegiate players.

The Atmosphere 

Kings Hammer FC plays at the Northern Kentucky University soccer field for their home match days. The stands were filled with family members of the players and youth players who play in the academy. The club finds a way to implement all age groups into the matchday with the U4-U9 players walking out with the senior team pre-match. The youth teams also help on the sidelines during the game by gathering loose balls for the players. There was a good showing from the supporters, and even for a smaller team, they still made it a tough place to play for the opposition. The club sells tickets on their website for $5 each.

The Match 

Kings Hammer FC, 1-1-1, hosted Fort Wayne FC, 3-0-0, for the second time this season. The two clubs met on May 22 when Fort Wayne FC came away with a 1-0 victory. Both clubs were coming off wins in their last matches.

The match started with KHFC playing a suffocating press which rewarded them with threatening possession in the attacking third for the first 10 minutes of the game. After a few good looks and crosses into the box, KHFC was finally rewarded with a goal. In the ninth minute, Caleb Frakes made an unreal strike from 30 yards out that found the back of the net and put Kings Hammer up 1-0.

FWFC was determined to find an equalizer quickly, though, and almost got one in their first threatening sequence, as in the 16th minute Aaron Sanchez from Fort Wayne put a shot on target, but the shot was comfortably saved by the Kings Hammer keeper, Jack Moxom.  

However, the FWFC pressure to find a tying goal paid off in the 19th minute when a challenge in the box by Ekene Okeke resulted in a yellow card that also sent FWFC to the spot. Aaron Sanchez took the penalty for FWFC and perfectly placed it in the bottom left corner and tied the game 1-1.

The pace of the match from the start could be described as a track meet by the way both of the teams generated chances. However, after the first two goals, the game started to slow down and the physicality started to pick up. 

The game started to settle in the midfield, and after a couple of yellow cards paired with a lack of offensive output from either side in the last quarter hour, the match remained tied 1-1 going into halftime.

Coming out of halftime, the second half replicated the start of the first half. FWFC got the first chance out of the half in the 51st minute when a pass by Aaron Sanchez found Brandon Bermingham in the box, after which he put a shot on goal that was denied by Moxom.

KHFC got their first chance of the second half in the 53rd minute after a flurry of passes in the attacking third found Silas Borgman, who crossed the ball into the box. The cross, however, sailed behind the net. KHFC fans came to their feet in the 60th minute when a poor giveaway by the FWFC back line found Brock Kiper all alone in the box. He successfully chipped the keeper, but the ball rolled just right of the post. The match remained 1-1 after the best chance of the half.

Fresh legs came on for KHFC in the 62nd minute when Tyler Murphy, Lucas Schofield and Bennet Gerak came in for Brock Kiper, Caleb Franks and Douglas Fajardo.

The intensity didn’t go down a notch, though, as a yellow card was issued to Anthony Hernandez of FWFC in the 67th minute for shoving a KHFC player.

Another optimistic set of chances came for KHFC in the 72nd minute. A cross by Anthony Samways got deflected by an FWFC defender, which then found the feet of Tyler Murphy in the box. He then shot it on target, but it was saved comfortably by the FWFC keeper. A minute later, Murphy got another shot on goal from distance at the top of the box, but the keeper once again made the save.  

The optimism stopped shortly after for KHFC in the 75th minute. A run in the midfield by Aboubacar Traore found him 1-on-1 with the keeper after a KHFC defender misplayed the run. Traore put a shot on goal that deflected off Moxom and found the back of the net, giving FWFC a 2-1 lead.

KHFC pushed for an equalizer late in the game with another pair of substitutions in the 80th minute. Ali Kazin Nakid and Bennet Gerak came in for Anthony Samways and Daniel Samways.

Gerek immediately made an impact on the match in the 84th minute, as he put a ball perfectly in the middle of the box but, unfortunately, there was too much traffic to find the body part of a KHFC player. 

KHFC fought until the end and got some possession in the attacking third but couldn’t find a shot to tie tie the game. 

The final whistle sounded, and Kings Hammer FC fell to Fort Wayne FC 2-1 in a very physical game. 

Though a disappointing result, Kings Hammer midfielder Matt Dreas was optimistic about the future of the team.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t win but it seems everything we are doing in training is clicking in the right direction,” he said. 

Head coach Paul Nicholson also echoed that the breakthrough for this club is on the horizon.

“To come away with nothing is disappointing, but the quality is there,” Nicholson said. “The guys are working incredibly hard and they’re buying into what we are doing. We are competing with the darlings of USL League 2 and playing them off the pitch for a majority of the game.”

Kings Hammer FC drops to 1-1-2 and travels to Krenzler Field on June 8 to battle against Cleveland Force FC for their next match. Fort Wayne FC remains undefeated at 4-0-0.

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Cincinnati Sirens

The Cincinnati Sirens is a women’s indoor and outdoor soccer club founded in 2018 by John Vogt and Joe Talley. The outdoor league they compete in for their first team is the Women’s Premier League. For their U-23 team, they compete in the Ohio Valley Premier League. In indoor competitions, the Sirens play in the Premier Arena Soccer League, where they are four-time national champions. The Sirens also have an academy where they have provided opportunities for training and competitions to over 200 high school-aged girls since 2021. The first team is managed by Craig Rhodis and captained by Kate Drummond. The first team is made up of several women that have been with the club since its founding along with a mixture of new talent.

Northern Kentucky Nitro

The Northern Kentucky Nitro is a men’s indoor and outdoor soccer club that was founded in 2020 by Sean Eubanks. Some may recognize Sean from his popular YouTube channel ELYYT or from his participation in the Goalden Touch where he, alongside former and current FC Cincinnati players, helped coach Cincinnati’s youth soccer talents for charity. The Nitro play in the OVPL for outdoor and the PASL for indoor soccer. They play all their home matches at the Boone County Athletic Association. The Nitro have finished second in their OVPL conference twice in their short history and are looking to compete for the championship in 2024. In the PASL, they finished in first place for the Midwest Premier Division. A few players have moved on from the Nitro onto professional rosters including Jay Klein of the USL Championship Indy Eleven.

CHAMPIONS. #UpTheNitro

Top of the Midwest Premier Division sends Northern Kentucky Nitro to the PASL National Playoffs hosted in Fairfield, Ohio!

Quarter Final matchup is on Friday, April 12th at 9:20PM vs. Austin Emerald out of Texas. Let's keep this season going. pic.twitter.com/4EXCB5uKX9

— Northern Kentucky Nitro (@NorthKentuckyFC) April 12, 2024

Valhalla FC

Valhalla FC was created with a singular goal in mind, and they want to preserve this goal until they conquer it. Their goal is to advance to the professional stage of The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This goal grows every year, with every win, until they become the top-tier professional team they hope to be. Valhalla FC was officially founded in 2018 by Milford HS graduates from classes 2009-2013. Anders Michelson is one such graduate who has helped develop them both on and off the pitch. Valhalla primarily competes in the OVPL outdoor league. In 2023, they finished the season 10-0 and finished one game shy of making their first appearance in the US Open Cup. For indoor, Valhalla continues through the winter months in the PASL.

The magic of the (preliminary rounds of the 2024) Open Cup.@Valhalla_FC_1 representing Greater Cincy. pic.twitter.com/wYMv2zGt1o

— Pat Brennan (@PBrennanENQ) November 18, 2023

The Atmosphere

The reason for the cluster of clubs in this edition of Soccer in our Area is due to the PASL championships. The tournament was held in Fairfield, Ohio at the GameTime Training Center. There were three competitions over a three-day period that included the US Men’s Open Cup, the Women’s National Championship and the Men’s National Championship. GTTC is the home site of the Cincinnati Sirens and, as hosts, they kicked off the event. The Friday session is where all three of the below previews would come from.

On Friday the crowd trickled in for the 6 p.m. opening match. The crowd mostly consisted of family members and members of the Cincinnati Sirens’ academy. The event was a lively affair with full concessions, PASL merchandise and music tracks playing over the action. As the night wore on, the center filled with players and fans alike. Many teams had traveled a long way from the western United States and were keen on soaking up the atmosphere. Several members of PASL and OVPL were available to chat it up as you watched the matches. As the night concluded, several players from the participating teams were present to take in the full set of matches despite the early start on Saturday’s session.

Incredible event here by @PASLsoccer pic.twitter.com/kq1SeYogTL

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) April 13, 2024

Match(es) Recap

If you have followed indoor soccer before, you may understand how hard it can be to follow all the goals scored. The goals can come hot and fast and substitution patterns make the stat sheet challenging. I hope you will understand that some of these recaps will be generalizations of the match.

Cincinnati Sirens

The Sirens kicked off their PASL National Championship title defense against the Wichita Aero. After 44 minutes of soccer, the Sirens soared to a comfortable 15-1 win.

The match started off in full swing when Macy Reep found the back of the net in the first minute of the match. The Sirens were able to double the lead with a Jackie Esterkamp goal in the third minute.

Wichita, against the run of play, cut the lead with a surprise goal from the defender Erica Boleski.

But the Sirens weren’t dissuaded. After a flurry of saves from the Aero keeper Jenna Miller, Cincinnati was able to add three more goals before the halftime whistle.

27’ This is so much fun!

Cincinnati Sirens – 8
Wichita Aero FC – 1@CinSirensFC @PASLsoccer pic.twitter.com/q8g3jbFVuc

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) April 12, 2024

Kacey Smekrud started the second half with a quick goal. At this point, the floodgates opened and Cincinnati’s roster was able to fill up the goal sheet.

A total of ten goals were scored in the second half. According to the official stat sheet, Toria Abbott scored two goals and Ellie Mink, Emma Rhodis, and Caitie Byars were able to add a goal apiece. Again, with the number of goals scored by the Sirens, you’d forgive the stat man for any missed records.

Full Time:

Cincinnati Sirens – 15
Wichita Aero FC – 1@CinSirensFC @PASLsoccer pic.twitter.com/T8RbZYk74j

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) April 12, 2024

Northern Kentucky Nitro

NKY Nitro’s first opponent in the PASL National Championship was Austin Emerald and was scheduled originally for an 8:30 p.m. kickoff. With hailstorms in the region, Austin’s plane was redirected and they eventually arrived for a 11:58 p.m. kickoff.

Ready for the nightcap!

NKY Nitro vs Austin Emerald FC@PASLsoccer @ovplsoccer pic.twitter.com/3rdpHJryvy

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) April 13, 2024

At the beginning of the match, you could tell the long delay on the match had an effect on the players. But in the ninth minute, Michael Owusu opened up the scoring with a resilient run at the goal. A few minutes later, Nitro’s big, powerful defender Nate Neal was able to double the advantage. Nitro had a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the halftime.

Almost immediately after the half, Nitro’s Brandon Miranda beat his man to the cross for the easy tap-in goal.

But Austin Emerald didn’t travel all this way to Fairfield for a quick tap-out. A flurry of goals in the 30th and 32nd minute brought the Nitro advantage to just one goal.

Nitro had an answer in the 36th minute when Michael Owusu showed his wonderful skill to navigate the defense and put one through.

Austin’s retort in the 38th minute came from a lapse in defense. But it appeared to be in vain as the match was drawing to a conclusion. However, in the 44th minute, which is the final minute for indoor soccer, Austin’s desperation paid off with a huge goal to send the match into extra time.

Extra time rules in indoor soccer are a bit different from place to place but, in this competition, the first goal wins. That winner came from one of Nitro’s newest members, Ebiel Gamino.

The NKY Nitro advanced to the semi-final in the PASL National Championship and Austin Emerald’s weekend wasn’t over as they dropped down into the PASL US Open Cup.

NITRO WIN 5-4 IN OVERTIME VS AUSTIN EMERALD! WE ADVANCE TO THE SEMI FINAL! 6PM vs OKC Certified Lions #UpTheNitro

Ebiel Gamino scores the game winner!

Michael Owusu had 2 goals and 3 assists, playing a part in EVERY single goal scored for Nitro making him today’s MOTM! pic.twitter.com/1Vvh4YHIPZ

— Northern Kentucky Nitro (@NorthKentuckyFC) April 13, 2024

Valhalla FC

Valhalla’s first opponent in the PASL National Championship was the Houston Bolt. Houston was well represented in this tournament despite the long travel. After a wild match that went to PKs, Valhalla ultimately saw defeat 6-6 (1-2).

The match opened up with both teams trading blows. In the 19th minute of the match, Cam Phillips of Valhalla scored on a rather cheeky tap-in goal. Houston had an answer right before the half to make it a 2-3 deficit for Valhalla.

1’ Valhalla FC have arrived. @Valhalla_FC_1 @PASLsoccer pic.twitter.com/dQS1BqH2A6

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) April 13, 2024

Valhalla was able to tie the match early in the second half and a 30th-minute goal from Phillips gave them the lead. But, almost instantly, Houston was able to rattle off two consecutive goals to regain the lead at 4-5. Houston then added another to make what appeared to be an insurmountable advantage. 

But true to their core beliefs, Valhalla was resilient in the face of adversity. Fin Sallous cut the lead in half with a goal in the 36th minute. Anders Michelson scored on an all-world attempt from outside of the penalty area to once again bring the match level to 6-6.

The match would need penalties to determine who would advance. PKs in indoor soccer are like the old MLS rules where the shooter has a run-up with the ball to beat the keeper. Something that adds to the drama as one missed touch can foil a PK attempt. Valhalla got off to the right start in PKs with a successful attempt and a save. But fortunes flipped in the next two frames and Valhalla saw their National Championship hopes collapse. Valhalla would be added to the PASL US Open Cup competition for the remainder of the weekend. 

Valhalla FC
Houston Bolt

Houston takes the match.@Valhalla_FC_1 @PASLsoccer pic.twitter.com/3EkGuJn6Pf

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) April 13, 2024

PASL Champions!

Cincinnati Sirens

The Sirens won game two of their group against Kalamazoo by a score of 7-2 and were automatically placed in the quarterfinals. There, they defeated the Louisville Triumph by a score of 8-1. The Siren’s semi-final opponent was a familiar face in the Columbus Eagles. This is the most underrated Columbus-Cincinnati rivalry in all of sports. But, on this weekend, the Sirens were too hot to handle and easily dispatched their rivals 8-0.

The PASL Women’s National Championship was a rematch from last year’s final between Snohomish Sky and the Sirens. After a nervy first half, the Sirens pulled away to a 5-2 victory. The impressive weekend performance ended as the Sirens lifted their fifth national championship.

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Indy Eleven was founded in the early winter of 2013. The club played its first few seasons in the North American Soccer League where it won its only trophy to date with the 2016 NASL Spring Championship. In January of 2018, the club announced it was leaving the NASL for the USL. A year later, Indy Eleven hit its USL high watermark by finishing third place on the table and getting a semifinal appearance.

The club is owned by Ersal Ozdemir, CEO of Keystone Group LLC. In 2019, Ozdemir made international headlines with an ambitious announcement to build a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium in the Indianapolis downtown area. This 20,000-seat stadium was aptly named Eleven Park and construction broke ground in the spring of 2023 with plans to be completed by spring of 2025. For now, Indy Eleven plays its home games at Carroll Stadium on the campus of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

And the trophy presentation for NASL spring Champions before the match. @IndyEleven pic.twitter.com/qUYVAxdcSy

— Don Thompson (@DLTPhotog) July 10, 2016

𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲! @IndyEleven has announced plans for the construction of Eleven Park, a downtown Indianapolis neighborhood development that includes a 20,000-seat stadium #ReadyToShine

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) February 17, 2023

The Eleven are led by first-year skipper Sean McAuley who was an assistant/interim head coach at Minnesota United under Adrian Heath. Players of note on the roster include two of USL’s all-time top regular season goal scorers in Sebastian Guenzatti (7th, 70 goals) and Augi Williams (9th, 67 goals). Filling out the remaining roster are a pair of 2023 All-USL Championship selections in center back Adrian Diaz and center midfielder Cam Lindley. Indy has started the 2024 campaign with a 1-1-1 record at the time of kickoff and is seventh on the USL Championship Eastern Conference table.

𝑨 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒚

Join us in welcoming Sean McAuley as the fifth head coach in club history!

https://t.co/LgdtWTEgAD pic.twitter.com/a1zxuTFF8I

— Indy Eleven (@IndyEleven) January 8, 2024

The Atmosphere

Carroll Stadium sits at the edge of IUPUI’s campus and provides a wonderful venue for fans to attend. The parking for Carroll Stadium is super convenient for fans entering and exiting the match. Carroll Stadium is a multiple-purpose stadium that hosts many Jaguar varsity sports. On matchdays, food trucks and a fan zone are erected to create a wonderfully festive soccer experience. After grabbing a beer and some grub, fans can check out the team stores located on either end of the inner stadium grounds. The only drawback to the venue in my experience was the location of the restrooms, but this is only observable for small children or your less-than-casual beverage drinker. At the western end of the pitch, you will find the supporter section Brickyard Battalion. The name is a play on the two hallmarks of Indy Eleven with the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Civil War Indiana’s 11th Regiment Indiana Infantry. The stadium gets surprisingly loud when Indy free kick attempts beckon the stomping on the metal bleachers.

Fun atmosphere here at Carroll Stadium. Absolutely perfect weather to boot. #INDvDET pic.twitter.com/fTv6g7yDs2

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) March 30, 2024

About that time…. the BYB is BUZZING. pic.twitter.com/dMwyNGDN6H

— Brickyard Battalion (@The_BYB) March 30, 2024

Match Recap

Indy Eleven hosted a red-hot Detroit City FC club vying to take the top spot in the USLC Eastern Conference table. After a warm beautiful day in Indianapolis turned into a chilly windy night, the Motor City visitors stole three road points with a 2-1 victory.

The match began with a typical slower-paced tempo as both sides were learning tendencies and testing weaknesses. In the 18th minute, Indy had the first opportunity of the match when a careless tackle from DCFC’s Devon Amoo-Mensah on Sebastian Guenzatti led to an Indy free kick from the edge of the box. The attempt was poor and failed to clear the DCFC wall. Moments later, in the 22nd minute, a Jack Blake foul led to a similarly dangerous free kick attempt for DCFC. The cross was punched out by Indy goalkeeper Yannik Oetti before it fell directly at the feet of Maxi Rodriguez, whose shot was blocked in the scramble.

The first scoring breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Younes Boudadi of the Indy Eleven navigated his way into the box before finding Guenzatti. Guenzatti left no doubt with his shot and gave the home side the early lead.

An absolute master class from @YBoudadi_2 and perfect finish by @seba9113

IND 1 : 0 DET #INDvDET pic.twitter.com/VXNVL8e9tA

— Indy Eleven (@IndyEleven) March 30, 2024

The first half ended with a pair of penalty appeals from both clubs, but neither club was able to get the call they wanted from the referee. 

The second half was a story of chances created but foiled by Indy Eleven. In the 52nd minute, Tega Ikokba got free after a missed tackle by Amoo-Mensah. The three-on-two break’s timing was disrupted when Ikokba’s pass into the central area of DCFC’s box was poorly attempted. The fumbled ball resulted in a routine save by Nathan Steinwascher.

In the 55th minute, DCFC made Indy pay for its missed chance when Ali Coote made a run into the box and beat Oetti to the far post.

Ali Coote’s first goal for DCFC! https://t.co/GbBfuRwyZC pic.twitter.com/SfGttU7pZr

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) March 31, 2024

After the tying goal from DCFC, the match opened up. In the 63rd minute, a dangerous free-run cross from the right side required Indy’s Tyler Gibson to make a near-perfect clearance. In the 65th minute, Indy’s Williams got free in the box, but the ball got caught between his legs and he was unable to get a clean shot off. Moments later, DCFC had two consecutive shots blocked and it led to an Indy counterattack resulting in a corner.

Play cooled off with a ten-minute period of exchanging substitutions. But only DCFC was able to bounce back and rachet up the press again.

In the 83rd minute, Indy’s Aedan Stanley had nothing left to do but throw his body into the ball to prevent a beautiful cross from finding DCFC’s Rhys Williams. The thin rope Indy was balancing on finally broke in the 88th minute when a poor foul by Adrian Diz led to a freekick at the edge of Indy’s box. The ball fell to Rodriguez, but unlike the first half, Rodriguez buried his attempt into the back of the net.

Maxi Rodriguez gives us the lead!!! https://t.co/ySIRGQenFl pic.twitter.com/y0n6PCZdjn

— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) March 31, 2024

The 2-1 advantage for Detroit City held through stoppage and on to the final whistle.

Goals:

Indy- Guenzatti 24th

DCFC- Coote 55th, Rodriguez 88th

Next Match:

at Louisville City FC – Saturday, April 6th – 4:00 p.m. EST – CBS

The post Soccer In Our Area: Indy Eleven appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Queen City Football Club was founded on Feb. 1, 2021. The roots of the club were created sometime in 2020. QCFC has made a splash on soccer social media with its iconic crest and amazing Olive & York kits.

“I wanted to incorporate an iconic symbol of Cincinnati, Art Deco and FCC’s colors,” club founder Jarrid Brunswick said. “I contacted designer Geoff Sykes to create a team badge. We worked together on the final design. I chose FCC’s colors because I wanted people to be able to wear our shirts to FCC matches. The relationship with Olive & York started with the team’s second shirt. I looked for a manufacturer that had a strong online and social media presence. Also, I was attracted to Olive & York because customers can buy shirts directly on their website. It has been a great relationship.”

Reminder that numerous Lower-League and Non-League clubs produce a lot of great kits.

Many of them sell for less than $60.
Support your local club. pic.twitter.com/oCckR6TTOT

— Queen City Football Club (@OfficialQCFC) February 16, 2024

PHOTO: Queen City FC

Many of the original QCFC players were on the Town & Country house team. The current roster is still gelling together after adding several pieces between the winter seasons. There are three to four players that have been on the team since their inaugural match, some from 20 years old to 41 years old fill the roster. QCFC plays in the Men’s 5v5 Open League at Town & Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Kentucky.

The league has 5 seasons per year and runs continuously throughout the year. QCFC has come close to lifting the cup twice in its history, most notably, in the 2022 Winter 2 and 2023 Spring seasons when they finished in second place. In the current Winter 2 season, QCFC is two matches from playoffs with a 4-0-2 record.

The Atmosphere

The Town & Country Sports Complex is your typical indoor soccer venue. The building opened in 1997 originally with outdoor fields but has since been reduced to just the indoor portion. The venue plays host to soccer leagues of wide-ranging ages and genders. Town and Country once hosted former FCC player Jimmy McLaughlin’s youth soccer clinic back in December 2020 and former FCC GK Spencer Richey used the facility for training back in January 2021 prior to that season.

All leagues have an open invitation policy allowing players to sign up even if they are not part of a team. The matchday atmosphere will remind many players of their roots in soccer. Teams will gather pregame around the tables outside the pitch to gear up to take the field. After the 44-minute match, a beverage or two can be enjoyed with friends at the concessions. Spectators are largely participating players, family members and friends.

PHOTO: Town and Country Health

PHOTO: Queen City FC

Match Recap

Queen City FC was the designated away team facing Relegated FC. (Due to a lack of roster availability for RFC, I will refer to their perceived 5v5 positions). When the dust finally settled, the flying pigs were held to an extremely rare scoreless finish in a 0-6 loss.

The match opened with play heavily leaning the way of RFC. The first shot on goal of the match came in the 10th minute when QCFC goalkeeper Brandon Ponchak made his first of many saves.

Relegated FC was a visibly young and cohesive group. In the 13th minute of the match, the heavily-tilted possession started to pay off. The forward for RFC snuck a curling shot past the defender and keeper to score the opening goal. In the 19th minute, a shot by the RFC forward was saved by Ponchack but the ball spilled off to the feet of the RFC midfielder who beat Ponchack to the near post. A moment later, the substitute RFC forward came on and scored another extending the lead to 3-0 going into the half.

In the second half, the disconnected play from QCFC really made its presence known. Several good chances were spoiled by the last pass or run. The most notable goal-scoring chance for QCFC came in the 29th minute when QCFC forward Isaiah Lester beat his defender and was 1v1 against the keeper. The initial shot was saved and the tap-in was prevented by a clever trapping of the ball between the RFC keeper’s legs.

33’ Alan Levin taking a stab at goal. pic.twitter.com/EqbNdhUU5f

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) March 26, 2024

With time winding down on the match, the heavy legs began to mount for QCFC. RFC was able to capitalize on a few more shots on frame. The final whistle sounded and QCFC fell 0-6.

Next Match: 

League Play – at One Hump – Sunday, April 7th – 10 p.m. EST (Town and Country Sports Complex)

The post Soccer In Our Area: Queen City FC appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Louisville City Football Club was founded in the summer of 2014. They played their first USL match in 2015 at the Triple-A baseball stadium Louisville Slugger Field. In that stadium, Lou City became one of the most decorated clubs in the USL lifting back-to-back USL Cups in 2017 and 2018, along with several other deep runs in the USL playoffs. James O’Connor was the club’s first skipper and is credited for many of the club’s early successes in the USL. O’Conner left the club in 2018 to take the vacant MLS head coaching position with Orlando City SC. O’Connor has since returned as president of the ownership group Soccer Holdings LLC. In 2020, under COVID-19 restrictions, Lou City opened its grand soccer-specific stadium Lynn Family Stadium. The 15,000-plus capacity stadium saw its first sellout crowd the following summer once the restrictions were lifted. In 2021, interim, now current head coach Danny Cruz was selected to lead Lou City. Cruz has had early success leading Lou City to an Eastern Conference championship in 2022. In 2023, Lou City finished fifth in the USL Eastern Conference regular season but reached the Eastern Conference playoff final before falling to Charleston Battery 1-2 on the road. The notable club talisman for Lou City is Camereon Lancaster who leads the USL Championship division in career goals at 88 goals across all competitions.

Lynn Family Stadium – PHOTO: Louisville City FC

The Atmosphere

Lynn Family Stadium is the premier stadium in the USL and would rival several stadiums in the MLS for matchday atmosphere. Located just off the banks of the Ohio River and off several major highways, Lynn Family Stadium is an easy venue to get to. The matchday atmosphere includes tailgating in the multiple parking lots around the stadium. Fans can get in 90 minutes before kickoff to check out the BlueOval SK Fan Zone where family-friendly activities such as inflatables, lawn games, and mini-pitch soccer can be enjoyed. Happy hour specials of two-dollar beers can be enjoyed up until 30 minutes before kickoff. Inside the stadium, fans can expect a ruckus atmosphere led by The Coopers supporters’ group. For a premium experience, fans can purchase tickets in the swanky club sections. LED lights adorn the stadium lights and shower spectators in the club’s infamous purple and white. Fans can also line the area off the main concourse where players enter and exit their respective locker rooms.

It’s great to have the @loucityfc fans back at Lynn Family Stadium pic.twitter.com/4nsdrNju52

— Lynn Family Stadium (@lynnfmlystadium) March 23, 2024

pic.twitter.com/21pyxo24IU

— Sarah Recktenwald Francis (@Sarah_R_Francis) March 24, 2024

Our new third kit under the lights

We'll do it again Saturday night when Tampa Bay visits for a massive regular season finale! pic.twitter.com/UlElCcGCHd

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) October 9, 2023

Match Recap

Louisville City FC entered the match off an away win at El Paso Locomotive in matchday one. Lou City played host USL Eastern Conference foe Pittsburgh Riverhounds. When it was all said and done, Lou City walked away with three points and on top of the USL Eastern Conference standings after a convincing 3-1 victory.

The match opened with Lou City on the front foot. In the sixth minute, a Ray Serrano shot from outside the box forced a diving save from Riverhounds’ keeper Eric Dick. In the tenth minute, Dick was found in no man’s land but was able to get a paw on Wilson Harris’ shot from just inside the box.

Both clubs settled into the match for the remainder of the first half. But in the 40th minute, Pittsburgh almost came away with the match’s first goal. A run on the right side played the ball back into the box where Babacar Diene got a clean shot at goal only for Lou City’s veteran center back Sean Totsch had a fantastic goal-line block.

The scoring breakthrough came in stoppage time of the first half. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, a through ball by Serrano took a fortunate deflection and fell to the feet of Harris. Harris’ shot beats Dick and the crowd erupted. Lou City took the 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Two goals in two games @Nosliwharris is on a start to the season! pic.twitter.com/eRRrkPtSAg

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) March 23, 2024

Lou City would have to absorb pressure early in the second half. A pair of clean headers in the box were a precursor to what was about to come. In the 59th minute, Edward Kizza got free in the box after a sloppy turnover for Lou City in their defending third. It was an easy finish and the Riverhounds leveled the match at a goal apiece.

The even scoreline didn’t last long, however. In the 64th minute, Serrano beat his defender and drew a penalty. Totsch stepped up to the spot and buried his attempt.

After a heavy rotation of players from both clubs, the match score appeared to be what the final result would be. But after Serrano’s great match, he added his name to the score sheet. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Evan Davila delivered a cross into the box. The ball eventually found Serrano who made a fake and put Dick on the ground before uncorking a left-footed shot into the back of the net.

A stoppage time stunner from @rayserrano80 pic.twitter.com/VVGewV2Ktv

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) March 23, 2024

The final whistle sounded and Louisville City had an impressive win in its home opener.

Goals:

LOU- 45+5’ Harris, 65’ (P) Totsch, 90+6’ Serrano

PIT- 59’ Kizza

Next Match:

USL Regular Season – vs Birmingham Legion – Saturday, March 30th – 4 p.m. EST – ESPN+

The post Soccer In Our Area: Louisville City FC appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.

Lexington Sporting Club is in the second season of their young history. The USL League One club was announced in the fall of 2021. Due to an ambitious plan to create a world-class stadium in the Lexington-Fayette area, the club found a temporary home at Toyota Stadium on the campus of Georgetown College. Cincinnati Bengals fans might remember this stadium, as it was home to the Bengals summer training camp from 1997 to 2012.

Lexington SC finished in ninth place in USL League in their inaugural season with a record of 7-11-14. LSC was coached by former English footballer Sam Stockley in 2023, who has since assumed the sporting director position full-time in 2024. Stockley filled the vacated head coaching position with Darren Powell. Powell has a long coaching resume with US soccer from the collegiate ranks to MLS from 1998 to present day.

The roster is loaded with experienced USL Championship talent. Returning stars for the club are Jamaican international goalkeeper Amal Knight formerly of the San Diego Loyal and 2023 USL League One All-League midfielder Ates Diouf formerly from San Antonio FC. Lexington SC also signed some big stars in the offseason. No signing bigger than former Louisville City forward Cameron Lancaster. Lancaster helped lead Louisville City to back-to-back USL Cup wins in 2017 and 2018. Lancaster is the all-time single-season goal scorer in the USL Championship. Other notable offseason signings include Jayden Onen, Ebenezer Ackon and Jorge Corrales. With the added firepower, it’s no wonder why Lexington SC is the odds-on favorite to win USL League One in 2024.

Planned new stadium off of I-75 exit 104 – PHOTO: Lexington Sporting Club

The Atmosphere

A matchday at Toyota Stadium is a fun, energetic atmosphere. The fans tailgate in the parking lots around the college campus. Gathering around and talking ball with one another can paint a scene quite similar to a Southern college football Saturday. Outside the stadium, street vendors are parked serving up tacos and snow cones. Inside the stadium, there is an impressive team shop where fans can purchase all kinds of LSC-clad Nike apparel. One drawback to the in-stadium atmosphere is the absence of the sale of alcohol, something most Cincinnatians and soccer fans have been accustomed to at typical sporting events. In the stands, you can find a family-friendly lively environment. For this particular match day, the ever-popular University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball team was competing in their conference tournament at the same time as the match kickoff. Coupled with a chilly, misty forecast, you’d excuse a dip in attendance. But there still was a good showing from the LSC fans. The official support group of Lexington SC, the Railbirds, were drumming and waving their flags in their 109 section appropriately nicknamed “The Stables.” 

It’s so good to be back in my element #LexGo pic.twitter.com/bUKLTFrUW6

— Jon Hunt (@J_hunt1123) March 16, 2024

Good selection in the team store. #LexGo pic.twitter.com/TqUD05qRH3

— Justin Blair (@_jeblair) March 16, 2024

The Match

Coming off their season-opening 0-0 draw to Northern Colorado Hailstorm, Lexington SC was hungry to secure the first win of the season. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC did not play in Matchday One and was looking to still three points on the road to start their 2024 campaign. But after a thrilling ending, Lexington SC walked out with a 1-0 victory.

The match started off with a considerable amount of stoppage in play. The rainy conditions created a slick playing surface on the turf field, leading to several unplayable passes. The physical nature of both sides was evident early as multiple players hit the deck on hard tackles.

The match opened up in the 18^th minute when a Red Wolves’ corner led to Ualefi Dos Reis unleashing a shot from outside the box, requiring Knight to make a save. Shortly after, Red Wolves’ Jonny Filipe tested his luck with a shot but Knight was there again for the save.

Lexington SC’s Jayden Onen made several runs into the box from the left wing between the 31st and 37th minute before moving in centrally for the match’s first best chance. Onen split the defenders and entered the box before delivering a pacing shot that Chattanooga’s keeper TJ Bush did well to save.

The match paused in the 41st minute in observation of Ramadan before play resumed two minutes later. The clubs went to the locker rooms at the half still level 0-0.

Much of the start of the second half was like the first with physical play. In the 55th minute, Chattanooga’s Filipe picked up an injury to his right leg and had to leave the match. An important goal-line intervention was required of LSC center back Kaelon Fox as Ricky Ruiz was able to find space and shoot a low shot at goal in the 66th minute.

The young hometown star Issac Cano made his club debut for Lexington SC in the 72nd minute. Cano was a state champion for Paul Laurence Dunbar HS in 2021. He had previously made Louisville City’s roster before coming back to Lexington on a one-year loan deal.

The scoring breakthrough of the match came in the 79th minute when a set piece lob eventually found Maltese international midfielder Yannick Yankam in the middle of the box. Yankam unleashed a laser shot into the net, giving Bush no chance to make a save.

𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆. 𝐈𝐓. 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍.

A beauty of a strike from Yannick Yankam puts us over the top to secure the dub #LexGo pic.twitter.com/2CbO8iOx3w

— Lexington Sporting Club (@LexSporting) March 16, 2024

One of the biggest weaknesses for Lexington SC in 2023 was seeing out results late in matches. With a 1-0 lead LSC, would have to prove the lesson was learned ahead of the 2024 season. In the 87th minute, Knight made a spectacular save off a driving header from the Red Wolves’ Ruiz. In the 95th minute, a nervy session of shots hit the crossbar but still, the Lexington defense did not waver.

“Last season we wouldn’t close out the games properly,” Knight said. “So this season we’ve been working hard defensively. You can see everyone is on point, everyone is working together as a unit. For me and for the team, we just have to keep progressing.”

The final whistle sounded,and Lexington SC collected the home three points. It was all smiles on the field after the match. Russell shared his thoughts after his first win as Lexington SC manager.

“I’m super proud of the players, proud of everybody,” Russell said. “Really happy for everybody involved with the organization. From the fans to the players to the staff that show up and work every day. Hopefully we build on this. I think we can play better than maybe we showed tonight but we managed to get our first win in our second shift of the year.”

Goals:

Lexington SC: Yankam 79’

Next Match:

US Open Cup – at Vermont Green FC – Tuesday 3/19 7:00p.m. EST – ussoccer.com

The post Soccer In Our Area: Lexington Sporting Club appeared first on Cincinnati Soccer Talk.