The Indy Eleven have a new league, new venue, new head coach and almost entirely new roster.
“It’s a new beginning for us of sorts with the new league, the United Soccer League,” said team president Jeff Belskus, who lived in Zionsville for 30 years before moving to downtown Indianapolis in 2016. “The USL is a bigger league, and it’s growing. It brings with it some regional rivalries with teams in Cincinnati and Louisville. We’re very excited about that.”
The Indy Eleven had previously played in the North American Soccer League
“Both are Division II leagues, but the difference is the NASL was down to eight teams,” Belskus said. “The USL has 33 teams. There are two conferences, and we’re in the Eastern Conference. We only play Eastern Conference teams during the regular season.”
Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir, a Carmel resident, said it’s a positive move for the franchise.
“The USL’s remarkable growth on and off the field the past few years has gotten the attention of soccer fans everywhere,” Ozdemir stated in a press release. “We look forward to helping the league continue this momentum as its visibility continues to rise both in the United States and around the world.”
Martin Rennie is the new coach. There are only three returning players, Brad Ring, Ben Speas and Justin Braun, from last season.
Belskus said team officials are equally excited about moving from IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium to Lucas Oil Stadium. The home opener is set for 7 p.m. March 31 against FC Cincinnati.
“It’s a top-tier stadium,” Belskus said. “The venue change has been very well received. Everybody recognizes what a great stadium Lucas Oil has and the many fan amenities it has.”
Belskus said the goal is 15,000 fans for the home opener.
“That would fill the 100 section, the lower portion of Lucas Oil,” Belskus said. “We can keep adding (upper) sections if demand dictates.”
The Indy Eleven averaged just more than 9,000 at Carroll Stadium in 2017.
“We feel this is a positive step and helps with our bid to bring MLS (Major League Soccer) here,” Belskus said. “The USL is more closely aligned with MLS. We feel it will help us with better exposure with MLS. We are fortunate we have a committed owner in Ersal Ozdemir, who is very passionate about the growth of soccer and willing to invest.”
