INDIANAPOLIS — It’s either here, or almost here. While the soccer season is already underway for some central Indiana-based clubs, others are busy making preparations for what’s to come. Here’s a local roundup of some of the area’s latest footy happenings.

The Bulldogs unveiled their 2018 schedule earlier this month, and it’s a doozy. The defending BIG EAST regular-season champions will tango with 2017 national semifinalist Akron to open their 2018 campaign on Aug. 24. Six days later, Butler will face Western Michigan, another 2017 NCAA tournament squad and also a team that bested Butler at the Sellick Bowl last season. Both those matches are on the road, as is the Bulldogs’ annual clash with perennial powerhouse Indiana on Oct. 16.

The Bulldogs recently released their competitive 2018 schedule. Hear Coach Snape’s thoughts on the non-conference and BIG EAST match-ups —> pic.twitter.com/y5f5iR2zlo — Butler Men’s Soccer (@ButlerMenSoccer) May 16, 2018

“We have put together another tough schedule that will challenge our players to perform at their absolute best in every game,” head coach Paul Snape told ButlerSports.com. “The non-conference schedule is against nine teams that can play in many different styles and this will fully prepare us for our highly-competitive BIG EAST schedule. We have big expectations for this upcoming season, but you can only fulfill them if you are taken out of your comfort zone and forced to adapt; this schedule will certainly do this.”

Saints owner Chris McGrath said the club’s recent focus has primarily been on two things: the new women’s side that’s set to debut in the WPSL this year, and achieving nonprofit status. Cross item two off the list.

Indy Saints FC announces the creation of the Indy Saints Soccer Foundation, Inc. 📰 https://t.co/cC14aSHSIo pic.twitter.com/Ks4Db8XnHy — Indy Saints FC (@IndySaintsFC) May 18, 2018

The club officially announced the launch of the Indy Saints Foundation (ISF) on Friday. Both the men’s and women’s teams will operate under the umbrella of the newly formed nonprofit entity, with an emphsais on providing players with more than just a place to play in the summer.

“The Indy Saints Foundation (ISF) believes that well-formed soccer players make better family members, employees, co-workers, citizens, role models and ambassadors of the beautiful game,” states the organization’s website. “It does that by providing financial support to its teams in the areas of coaching, housing, education and training, match play opportunities and fostering mentorship opportunities for its players with members of the community.”

The Old Bhoys are playing competitive football in their inaugural season in the UPSL, but it hasn’t translated to results yet. Sitting at 0W-0D-3L after a 3-1 setback Saturday at Toledo Villa FC, they’ve yet to win a league match. But they did grab an impressive preseason win over Lafayette, Ind.-based NPSL side FC Indiana.

The “Bhoys in Red” will return home to Cardinal Ritter Stadium on Saturday in search of their first UPSL win. They’ll rematch Oakland County FC, a team they previously fell to 6-2 on the road, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Tickets for the match can be purchased in advance or at the gate for $8.

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

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