Kevin Johnston

IndyStar correspondent

Indy Eleven vs. FC Edmonton, 3 p.m., Saturday, CBS Sports Network, WISH-TV

After two rocky years, it appears the third time is indeed the charm for the Indy Eleven. On Saturday, the Eleven make their postseason debut thanks to an unbeaten spring season.

But Saturday's North American Soccer League Championship semifinal at IUPUI's Carroll Stadium figures to be a contrast of styles. Indy, the second-best offense in the NASL, faces the league’s top defensive club — FC Edmonton. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

The Eleven, scorers of 51 goals in 32 regular season games, will have to find pockets of space against an FC Edmonton side known for preventing them. Anchored by goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and a staunch back line, the Eddies only conceded 21 times all season (0.66 goals against average).

But Indy’s defense is unforgiving in its own right. Eleven goalkeeper Jon Busch has produced a clean sheet in his last three starts. Indy has also proven to be nearly unstoppable at Carroll Stadium, finishing the season unbeaten at home (13W-3D-0L).

“We’re a team that’s going to fight to the end, no matter the score,” said forward Justin Braun said. “We’re going to keep pushing — if we’re winning, if we’re losing. We’re showing that we can get in holes and we’ll fight back. And we’re showing we can score goals and keep shutouts.”

As far as Eleven starting lineups go, expect to see Eamon Zayed and Justin Braun at the forward spots, with Dylan Mares, Sinisa Ubiparipovic and Don Smart starting at left, central attacking and right midfield, respectively.

The central defensive midfield spot and back four are a little trickier to predict.

Gerardo Torrado is healthy, but might not have reached full fitness since a calf injury hampered him for much of October. Look for Brad Ring to draw the start if Torrado isn’t deemed 90-minute fit by Hankinson.

In the back it’ll be Jon Busch in net, with Nemanja Vukovic on the left and Colin Falvey next to him at center back. Greg Janicki is the prime candidate to start at the other center back spot, with either Marco Franco or Lovel Palmer starting at right back. Palmer successfully dabbled at center back when Janicki was hurt, so Palmer might also be in contention to start in the middle.

“Athletically, he’s probably one of the best physical players in the league,” Hankinson said of Palmer following a recent strong performance. “There’s not too much he can’t handle.”