Performing against an MLS side makes it all the more sweet, according to the 27-year-old Williams.
“I think there’s something about playing MLS teams that really motivates me. You’re obviously playing against a higher level than USL and you’re going in to prove that you’re good enough to play against those guys,” said the Sierra Leone-born striker. “That’s the drive I get going into those games. In the end, it doesn’t matter what level a team is, whoever brings their A-Game gets to walk out with three points.”
While the first three matches of Indy Eleven’s Open Cup run this year were against lower-league clubs, including two fellow USL Championship teams, the win that punched their Semifinal ticket came on the road against Atlanta United. Williams had one of his best matches of the year against the Georgia-based MLS giants, scoring the opener and contributing to the winner.
Aiming for Major League Double
Coach McAuley, when asked if beating an MLS side felt better given the club’s off-field situation, just laughed and said “maybe.” But the coach was also quick to point out that his coaching experience has put him on both sides of the fence.
“I’ve coached in MLS against lower-division teams and I’ve coached in the Championship in England playing in the FA Cup. I’ve been a player on both sides, as well. My advice to players is that it's not easy for both sides. There’s stress and anxiety on both sides.” And while his upcoming Semifinal matchup with four-time Open Cup Champions Sporting Kansas City (LIVE and FREE on Apple TV on Aug. 27th at 8pm ET) will put him in the underdog role, he admits he’d much rather be the favorite.
“I’d much rather be on the team with Lionel Messi and Ronaldo and all them,” the coach said with a chuckle. “They’ve got a slightly better chance.”
McAuley has kept his team loose. He’s got the players focused on what they can control: their performance. It’s that performance that’s guided them to the penultimate round of the 2024 Open Cup.
Indy Eleven, led by a spirited group of players focused on the task at hand, have turned what could have been a disheartening and unsettling series of events into the motivation to stay locked in. And one more win from their underdog’s perch will see them through to the even rarer air of an Open Cup Final.
Dan Vaughn is a veteran soccer journalist and the founder and editor of Protagonist Soccer. Follow him at @TheDanVaughn on Twitter/X.
