Football Season Guide

Indy Eleven missed out on the playoffs last season as they finished 10th in the Conference, which ranks as one of their worst ever seasons. They lost 10 of last their 15 games, which was their primary reason that they missed out. This was caused by a poor defence, which gave up 52 goals – more than any other club in the Eastern Conference. Around half their squad has been changed, including 3 of the top 5 players in terms of minutes, but given 2 of these were in the defence that ultimately failed, that may not be the biggest loss. Indeed, they have retained key figures Jack Black and Aodhan Quinn, who led Indy in goals and assists respectively. The makings of a new defensive corps has been signed, yet there should be some doubts cast over the quality of player they have drafted in. Alejandro Mitrano and Anthony Herbert have arrived from Miami and LV Lights, yet these two sides were also wretched defensively last season. Their other arrivals have come from a lower level. They have also been forced to change goalkeeper after Hunter Sulte’s loan ended. Eric Dick has arrived from Pittsburgh. Last term, he kept 11 clean sheets in 28 games and conceded less than a goal per game on average. An Indiana native, there is a lot to like about this deal. With the exception of central midfielder Noble Okello, the focus has otherwise been on strengthening the attack, which has also had something of an overhaul due to the departures of Maalique Foster, Elvis Foster and Romario Williams, who all made reasonable but not sparkling contributions. They have not added anyone with particular pedigree in this area, so it would not be a surprise to see further recruits focused here, with loan deals possible.