GM blog: That’s a wrap for 2019

The last entry to this GM blog series touched on the end of the Old Bhoys’ UPSL season. With this season summary, the focus turns to how the CIASA season ended, as well as a final snapshot of all comps by the Bhoys. Unfortunately, the city league title that was in the Bhoys’ grasp slipped away with a loss and draw in the final two matches of the season. A single point (wtf?!) was the difference in the 2019 summer CIASA season; FC Miller captured the league title with the balance of the league looking like it does below. Deserved champions; however, the final push of the season was admittedly frustrating. The Bhoys led the league for most of the campaign until the final two matches as mentioned above. As HQ examines the offseason and how 2020 may shape up, this loss will sting.

Additionally, the final table was confirmed in the South Division of the UPSL Midwest competition. It is worth noting in this space, that the Bhoys finished 2018 WINLESS. 2019 saw a required rebrand (and renaming of the club as its own identity) as well as some significant roster changes and a key addition to the coaching staff. A more limited, yet focused preseason and entry into the USASA Amateur Cup along with the two league competitions led to a ton of soccer in a short amount of time. The following highlight the biggest moments on the pitch for the Bhoys as we look back at 2019:

• The Bhoys open up the season with a friendly victory against Livonia City FC on April 7 at Cardinal Ritter Stadium
• The Bhoys renew their Hoosier State Rivalry with FC Indiana, a draw at Cardinal Ritter Stadium
• The 2019 UPSL season kicks off with a loss away to Adria
• After a bye in the first round, the Bhoys advance via forfeit in the second round of the Region 2 USASA Amateur Cup (it’s a win, you guys), setting up a third-round match against the Michigan Stars of the NPSL
• The Bhoys defeat the Stars 3-0 at Cardinal Ritter Stadium to advance to the semifinals of the Region 2 Amateur Cup
• The Bhoys FIRST UPSL victory was recorded on May 18 at Cardinal Ritter Stadium, a 4-0 victory over St. Louis Maritsa FC. It kicked off a string of four straight wins. Also worth noting, Non League America was on site to witness the inaugural win, and led to a post-match interview with yours truly.
• Recorded the fifth win of the season on June 22 in the home finale against FC Diablos

Away from the pitch, putting in a second season was a huge accomplishment. 2018 was tough all the way around; and while the on-field product was hugely successful by all accounts (except the CIASA results), 2019 was even more challenging from a front office perspective. All of this goes into how the club builds for its future. As founder, president and GM of this club, I am beyond thrilled with how we’ve represented the city and the sport. Our improvement is a testament to the work Steve Bushre, Samadhi Fisher and others put into preparing and competing in 2019. Community, Integrity and Respect. Every day. I love what this club and those involved mean to me.

Every season in the books isn’t so without the help and support of many. The Old Bhoys were fortunate to have the support of the following partners. Everyone at Old Bhoys HQ sincerely appreciates the ability to partner with this group in our community!

• St. Vincent Sports Performance
• Cornerstone Chiropractic
• CIASA
• ISRA
• Sycamore Consulting Solutions
• Cardinal Ritter High School
• Soc Takes
• Icarus
• Gold Shield Cars

There are a few folks involved with the club that helped highlight, improve and grow what the Bhoys can become in Indy. What a phenomenal group to be associated with and to support our squad! Listed alphabetically:

• Steve Bushre – head coach
• Mike Carney – voice of the Old Bhoys for 2018 and 2019; great PA work, Mike!
• Samadhi Fisher – assistant coach
• Brecken Hayes – the official Ball Boy for the Bhoys!
• Jason Hayes
• Lauren Hayes
• Kevin Johnston 
• Jacob Largent – unofficially dubbed “Intern Jakie” forever…sorry, Jacob!
• Josh Mason
• Carl Patz
• Greg Rakestraw
• Amy Schafer
• Nick Schafer
• Noah Williams

The Bhoys continue to examine what success means for the club and community. This definition may constantly evolve; we hope to be a part of growing community involvement through sport. We will be back in this space to share more info and news as it develops. So, that’s a wrap for 2019 and now we’re squarely in the offseason. While that means no matches, that doesn’t mean you have to stop showing your support for the Bhoys! Our club shop is open 24 hours a day! Check it out here: Old Bhoys Club Shop. Grab a scarf or T-shirt! COYOB!

Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_H_1980.

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