FC Indiana Press Release - www.fcindiana.com

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, — FC Indiana, 13-0-1, finished second overall in the W-League and first in the Central Conference. They have done this on the strength of having the best defense in the league, a trademark of Shek Borkowski’s teams, allowing only three goals against in 14 matches, only one of which has come from the run of play.

The Keepers
Kristin Luckenbill, a 2004 Olympic gold medal winner, has played 878 minutes. Her two goals against are the second best in the league. She is also second in GK wins with 10, and in shutouts with 6. Lauren Mason played 367 minutes, allowed 1 goal against and has 2 shutouts.

The Wall
FC Indiana have used seven defenders this season. Starting left back Christie Shaner is wearing a knee brace and is out for the season. The starting back four usually includes Australian Aivi Luik, Canadian Marie-Eve Nault, Jessica O’Rourke who arrived this season from the New Jersey Wildcats and Jenny Jeffers who joined from Ottawa. All four have been have been key defenders. When needed Borkowski calls on speedsters Corie Moore and Jessy Havrilesko, both usually play wide.

The How
While outscoring opponents 67-3 this season, FC Indiana have been dominating on the road. They went 7-0 on their travels and outscored their hosts 38-0. Even more amazing is how they have allowed opponents only 37 total shots, an average of 2.6 shots against per game.

The Playoffs
Borkowski claims the team is ready and will get stronger with each playoff game. It should be remembered that this Central Conference playoffs includes experienced teams like Chicago (11-3-0), Ottawa (13-1-0) and Toronto (11-2-1) and Borkowski expects very tight defensive encounters in the playoffs.

“Ottawa, with their playoff experience, must be considered as favorites. As for us, our number one priority will be to not allow any goals. We’ll get players behind the ball and defend with numbers,” he said.

FC Indiana to host Conference Final Four

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The United Soccer Leagues announced that the Midwest Division Champion FC Indiana will host the Central Conference Final Four to be held Friday and Sunday July 25 and July 27 at Purdue Soccer Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana.

FC Indiana will take on the winner of Toronto and Laval which will be decided on Wednesday night in Toronto. Northern Division Champion Ottawa will face the Midwest runner-up Chicago in the other semifinal. The semifinals are set for July 25 with the conference final July 27.

Ticket prices for the games on both Friday and Sunday’s matches will be the same as the regular season, $6 for Adults (16 and over) and $3 Youth (under 5 free). FC Indiana will be offering a presale playoff pass that will allow all fans enjoy both games on Friday night (3:30 and 6:00 PM) AND the Conference Final on Sunday (6:00 PM kick off) for ONLY $11 Adult and $6 Youth. These playoff passes will not be for sale on game day and must be purchased prior to Friday, July 27th.

In the Northeast, Boston will travel to Long Island for their opening match Wednesday with the winner moving on to take on the 2007 W-League finalist Silverbacks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, which will be hosted by Atlanta. The defending league champion Washington Freedom take on the Charlotte Lady Eagles in the other semifinal. The semifinals are July 25 with the conference final July 26.

With the Pali Blues winning the W-League regular season title and a berth in the league semifinals in Virginia Beach, the Western Conference final will feature second-place Vancouver playing host to the rival Seattle Sounders Saturday, July 26.

The three conference playoff champions will join the Pali Blues in Virginia Beach for the W-League Championship tournament. The league semifinals will be Thursday, July 31 with the championship game Saturday, August 2. The Final will air on Fox Soccer Channel at 11:00 pm ET with a replay the following day at 4:00 pm ET.