Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven is a professional football club based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The club was founded in 2013 and competes in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship, the second tier of the American soccer pyramid.

The name "Indy Eleven" is a tribute to Indiana's 11th Regiment of the Indiana Volunteers who served in the American Civil War. The club's colors of navy blue and crimson represent the state flag of Indiana, while the checkered pattern in the logo symbolizes the racing heritage of Indianapolis, home to the world-famous Indianapolis 500.

Indy Eleven played its inaugural season in 2014 in the North American Soccer League (NASL), finishing its first year with an impressive average attendance of over 10,000 fans per game. The club continued to compete in the NASL until 2017, when it moved to the USL Championship.

Over the years, Indy Eleven has built a reputation for being a competitive team with a passionate fan base. The club's supporters, known as the "Brickyard Battalion", are renowned for their enthusiastic and vocal support during games.

The team plays its home matches at the Michael A. Carroll Stadium, also known as "The Mike". The stadium, located on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), has a seating capacity of over 12,000 and provides an intimate and electric atmosphere for soccer matches.

Indy Eleven has had several notable players and coaches throughout its history. Notable former players include Eamon Zayed, who was the NASL's second-leading scorer in 2016, and Jack McInerney, a former U.S. international. The team has also been coached by several well-known figures in American soccer, including Tim Hankinson, Martin Rennie, and Juergen Sommer.

Despite its relatively short history, Indy Eleven has made significant strides in American soccer. The club has consistently been a strong contender in the USL Championship, reaching the playoffs multiple times. In 2019, the team achieved its best-ever finish, reaching the Eastern Conference Final.

Off the field, Indy Eleven is committed to community engagement and development. The club runs several community programs and initiatives, including youth soccer clinics, charity partnerships, and player appearances. The team's players and staff are regular fixtures in the local community, participating in events and activities that help to promote soccer and give back to the Indianapolis area.

In summary, Indy Eleven is a young but ambitious football club with a passionate fan base and a strong commitment to its community. The club's competitive spirit, combined with its dedication to promoting soccer in Indiana, has made it a beloved part of the Indianapolis sports scene. As Indy Eleven continues to grow and develop, the club looks set to play an increasingly important role in the future of American soccer.