USL playoffs take Indy Eleven-Louisville City FC rivalry to new level

Kevin Johnston | Special for IndyStar

INDIANAPOLIS – For all the sarcastic hyperbole thrown around on social media by the supporters’ groups of both the Indy Eleven and Louisville City FC, the budding I-65 rivalry is legitimately developing into a Midwest gem.

Is it Yankees-Red Sox or IU-Purdue? No. But there's no denying the passion of the two clubs supporters' groups, the Brickyard Battalion and Louisville Coopers.

“Obviously, we joke about it, but the proximity between the two teams is what can help make this rivalry what it should be — lighthearted but competitive,” said Louisville City FC director of public relations and broadcasting Scott Stewart. “The USL has given us an opportunity to develop something that fans can latch onto and really flourish in, which helps both clubs.”

The teams are set to meet again Saturday in the first round of United Soccer League playoffs at Louisville Slugger Field, where LouCity just beat Indy 1-0 last week. The result left the Eleven playing the waiting game to determine its first-round matchup, which appeared most likely to be at Charleston or Pittsburgh.

Instead, home victories by New York Red Bulls II and Bethlehem Steel FC on Sunday meant Indy finished as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, earning an immediate return south to face No. 2 seed Louisville City.

In just its first season in the USL, the Eleven earned a playoff berth after finishing with 49 points (13 wins, 10 draws, 11 losses). Welcome results for a team that's future was up in the air last winter, and roster and coaching staff experienced a massive overhaul.

“It’s a great reward being we didn’t know if we would have a club a year ago,” explained Eleven vice president of sales and marketing Josh Mason. “This is a love letter to the fans, as we inside the organization and outside completely understand just how important this is. And that we build on this for 2019 is paramount. Count on that.”

At 66 points, defending USL champ Louisville City represents one of the toughest outs in the league, especially at home on a surface that’s built a reputation for being difficult to play on. Louisville Slugger Field is also the home to the Louisville Bats, and the much of the sod-covered infield and pitcher’s mound rest in prime real estate near the goal and 18-yard box. It doesn’t make for the easiest footing and can be especially frustrating for visiting teams to cope with.

As for the burgeoning rivalry, one person with a unique perspective on it is Stewart. His ties run deep in both cities. In 2017, Stewart was the Indy Eleven’s public relations and communications manager before landing his new gig across the Ohio River.

“From a personal standpoint, it’s been a little odd having to take shots at my hometown and my first club,” he said. “But, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’ve enjoyed everything up to this point. Saturday has real potential to deal a final blow either way and I’m excited to see how things play out.”

Indy and Louisville will kick off 7:30 p.m., Saturday with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

In the spirit of keeping the trash talk alive, the Eleven are even plotting a special troll job for the occasion, one that’s perfectly in line with the good-natured banter between the cities.

“We love (the back and forth), and if you read it, it’s all great content,” Mason added. “The fight as to who Abraham Lincoln would have been a bigger fan of? The false narratives created by fans to build a rivalry where there isn’t one, while understanding the need for one. It’s absolutely beautiful and perfect for our sport and our clubs.”