Wikipedia

LIPAFC

The Louisville–Indianapolis proximity association football contest (LIPAFC) (/lɪpəˈɛfsi/) is a rivalry between American professional soccer clubs Louisville City FC and the Indy Eleven.[1] Louisville City play their home games at the Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, while the Indy Eleven play their home games at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

LIPAFC
Louisville City FC taking a free kick against the Indy Eleven
Other namesLouisville–Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest
SportSoccer
LocationOhio Valley
Teams
First meetingMay 27, 2015
U.S. Open Cup
Indy Eleven 0–2 Louisville City
Latest meetingOctober 5, 2024
USL Championship
Indy Eleven 2–2 Louisville City
Next meetingTBA
StadiumsCarroll Stadium (Indy Eleven)
Lynn Family Stadium (Louisville City)
Statistics
Meetings total23
Most winsLouisville City (11)
Most player appearancesPaolo DelPiccolo (17)
Top scorerTyler Pasher (5)
Cameron Lancaster (5)
All-time series (USL Championship only)Louisville City: 11
Drawn: 7
Indy Eleven: 5
Largest victoryLouisville City 4–1 Indy Eleven
(October 20, 2018)
Largest goal scoringLouisville City 5–3 Indy Eleven
(April 6, 2024)
Longest win streakLouisville City (3)
Longest unbeaten streakLouisville City (10)
Current win streakLouisville City (3)
Current unbeaten streakLouisville City (4)

Overall, Louisville have won the most matches in the rivalry's history, having won 11 times to Indy's 5 with 6 draws (as of April 6, 2024). Louisville's record win was a 4–1 victory in the USL Playoffs at their former stadium, Slugger Field, on October 20, 2018.[2] Indy has several 1 goal wins with the last of which being a 2–1 victory at Carroll Stadium on August 21, 2022.[3]

History

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Early matches

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The Indy Eleven began play in 2014 as a member of the NASL while Louisville City began play in 2015 as part of the USL. As they were members of different leagues they didn't play regularly. Their first competitive match came in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on May 27, 2015. A match that Louisville City won at Carroll Stadium 0–2.[4] As the USL was officially a third-tier league at the time this was Louisville City's first victory over an opponent from a higher-tier league. Their second meeting was also third round U.S. Open Cup match at Carroll Stadium. A 2–1 victory for the Indy Eleven giving them their first win in the series.[5]

USL

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With the NASL on the verge of financial collapse the Indy Eleven joined the USL in January 2018 making the Indy Eleven and Louisville City league rivals for the first time.[6] Both were placed in the USL's Eastern Conference where they remain to this day.[7] Their first league match took place on May 5, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium. A match the Indy Eleven won 1–0 after Ayoze García converted a penalty in the 78th-minute. Louisville City's first loss of the season.[8] This was the first of four matches during 2018 with second being a 2–2 draw at Slugger Field.[9] This began a ten-match unbeaten streak for Louisville. They would play one more match in the regular season before meeting in the USL Playoffs for the first time on October 20, 2018. Louisville City won this match 4–1 behind a Niall McCabe brace. The largest margin of victory in the rivalry to date.[2]

In 2019 the Indy Eleven and Louisville City played two 1–1 matches during the regular season and would again meet in the rebranded USL Championship Playoffs. This time the Eastern Conference final on November 9 at Carroll Stadium. The Indy Eleven came in on a 27 match home unbeaten streak and scored the opening 67th-minute off the foot of Tyler Pasher. Four minutes into stoppage time Antoine Hoppenot scored the tying goal sending the match in extra time. Four minutes into extra time Magnus Rasmussen put Louisville City ahead and a Luke Spencer in penalty in the 113th-minute lead to a final score line 1–3 as Louisville City advanced to the USL Championship Final.[10]

The next two seasons were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic causing the USL to modify its format. During both seasons the Eastern Conference was subdivided into multiple groups and divisions[11][12] with the Indy Eleven and Louisville City being placed in the same subdivision each year. During both years the clubs would play a record four regular season matches against each other. The Indy Eleven would fail to win a match against Louisville City until May 29, 2021. When a pair of Jordan Hamilton penalties at Lynn Family Stadium lead to a 1–2 Indy Eleven victory. The result ended a three-match winning streak and ten-match unbeaten run in the rivalry for Louisville City. On October 16, 2021, the Indy Eleven would earn a 1–0 at Carroll Stadium which began a 3 match unbeaten streak.[13]

Louisville City's 5–3 victory over Indy Eleven on April 6, 2024, was the first USL Championship match to be nationally broadcast on network TV through CBS.[14] The match is also the highest-scoring LIPAFC game to date, surpassing the 3–3 draw on June 26, 2021.[15]

Mythology

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The name "LIPAFC", used in an unofficial capacity by the clubs' supporter groups, is a tongue-in-cheek parody of rivalries manufactured through geographic proximity as opposed to on-field action.[16] Satirical pseudohistorical stories color the rivalry, such as an 1865 match in which Indy Eleven played in infantry uniforms after returning from combat in the American Civil War, an 1868 match in which a Civil War veteran assaulted a referee with his prosthetic leg, and 1926 match which ended in a 36–35 penalty shootout.[17] Internet memes and In-jokes also bolster the satirical nature of the rivalry, such as Indy Eleven supporters opposing Kentucky Fried Chicken, and claiming Louisville City are Nickelback fans.[18][19] The overall winner of the two LIPAFC games each season are presented with the fan-made LIPFAC Barrel Trophy — a construction barrel with an Interstate 65 sign stuck on top, and a small plastic trophy taped on the side. Fans claim the trophy was partly made with pieces of the mythological Trojan Horse.[20][21]

Results

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Summary

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As of October 5, 2024[20]
Matches IND wins Draws LOU wins IND goals LOU goals
USL regular season 19 4 7 8 21 30
USL Cup Playoffs 2 0 0 2 2 7
U.S. Open Cup 2 1 0 1 2 3
Total 23 5 7 11 25 40

Matches

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Season Date Competition Stadium Home team Result Away team Attendance Series Ref
2015 May 27 U.S. Open Cup Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 0–2 Louisville City FC 7,134 LOU 1–0–0 [1]
2016 June 1 U.S. Open Cup Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 2–1 Louisville City FC 2,145 Tied 1–1–0 [2]
2018 May 5 USL Lucas Oil Stadium Indy Eleven 1–0 Louisville City FC 9,008 IND 2–1–0 [3]
August 5 Louisville Slugger Field Louisville City FC 2–2 Indy Eleven 8,437 IND 2–1–1 [4]
October 13 Louisville Slugger Field Louisville City FC 1–0 Indy Eleven 10,686 Tied 2–2–1 [5]
October 20 USL Playoffs Louisville Slugger Field Louisville City FC 4–1 Indy Eleven 6,763 LOU 3–2–1 [6]
2019 June 29 USL Championship Lucas Oil Stadium Indy Eleven 1–1 Louisville City FC 10,584 LOU 3–2–2 [7]
August 30 Louisville Slugger Field Louisville City FC 1–1 Indy Eleven 9,211 LOU 3–2–3 [8]
November 9 USL Championship Playoffs Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 1–3 Louisville City FC 7,171 LOU 4–2–3 [9]
2020 August 8 USL Championship Lynn Family Stadium Louisville City FC 1–1 Indy Eleven 4,850† LOU 4–2–4 [10]
August 26 Lynn Family Stadium Louisville City FC 1–0 Indy Eleven 4,851† LOU 5–2–4 [11]
September 5 Lucas Oil Stadium Indy Eleven 1–3 Louisville City FC 6,778† LOU 6–2–4 [12]
September 16 Lucas Oil Stadium Indy Eleven 0–2 Louisville City FC 2,500† LOU 7–2–4 [13]
2021 May 29 USL Championship Lynn Family Stadium Louisville City FC 1–2 Indy Eleven 10,731 LOU 7–3–4 [14]
June 26 Lynn Family Stadium Louisville City FC 3–3 Indy Eleven 10,927 LOU 7–3–5 [15]
September 18 Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 0–2 Louisville City FC 6,499 LOU 8–3–5 [16]
October 16 Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 1–0 Louisville City FC 6,499 LOU 8–4–5 [17]
2022 March 26 USL Championship Lynn Family Stadium Louisville City FC 1–1 Indy Eleven 8,551 LOU 8–4–6 [18]
August 31 Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 1–0 Louisville City FC 8,275 LOU 8–5–6 [19]
2023 May 27 USL Championship Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 0–1 Louisville City FC 9,532 LOU 9–5–6 [20]
July 29 Lynn Family Stadium Louisville City FC 2–0 Indy Eleven 13,248 LOU 10–5–6 [21]
2024 April 6 USL Championship Lynn Family Stadium Louisville City FC 5–3 Indy Eleven 11,330 LOU 11–5–6 [22]
October 5 Carroll Stadium Indy Eleven 2–2 Louisville City FC 10,780 LOU 11–5–7 [23]

† Matches played at reduced capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eastern Conference standings finishes

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  IND   LOU

P. 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
1 1 1 1
2 2 2
3 3
4 4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8
9 9 9
10
11
12 12

• Total: Louisville City with 6 higher finishes, Indy Eleven with 1.

Top goalscorers

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As of October 5, 2024
Position Nation Name Team Goals
1   CAN Tyler Pasher Indy Eleven 5
1   ENG Cameron Lancaster Louisville City FC 5
2   USA Corben Bone Louisville City FC 4
4   USA Paolo DelPiccolo Louisville City FC 3
4   USA Wilson Harris Louisville City FC 3
4   BRA Stefano Pinho Indy Eleven 3
6   SLE Augustine Williams Indy Eleven 2
6   SCO Jack Blake Indy Eleven 2
6   FRA Antoine Hoppenot Louisville City FC 2
6   JAM Devon Williams Louisville City FC 2
6   IRL Niall McCabe Louisville City FC 2
6   USA Jack McInerney Indy Eleven 2
6   CAN Jordan Hamilton Indy Eleven 2
6   VEN Manuel Arteaga Indy Eleven 2

Honors

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Table correct as of 2024 season.
Team USL Cup Supporters' Shield U.S. Open Cup Total
Indy Eleven 0 1† 0 1
Louisville City FC 2 1 0 3
Combined 2 2 0 4

†Includes 2016 NASL Spring Championship.[22]

Players who have played for both clubs

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Louisville City, then Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven, then Louisville City

References

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Sources

  1. Hindle, Thomas (April 6, 2024). "Civil War uniforms, 36-35 shootouts and Nickelback: The USL's LIPAFC rivalry is the best derby you have never heard of". Goal.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.

Citations

  1. ^ Murray, Nicholas (April 1, 2024). "What makes the Louisville City-Indy Eleven rivalry special". USL Championship. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Johnston, Kevin (October 20, 2018). "Overmatched Indy Eleven ousted from USL playoffs by defending champs". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  3. ^ "LouCity defeated by Indy Eleven to mark second straight loss". Louisville City FC. August 31, 2022. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  4. ^ Gee, Brandon (May 29, 2015). "2015 US Open Cup round 3: Louisville City scores two late OT goals to pull off sloppy road upset of Indy Eleven (video)". TheCup.us. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  5. ^ Carney, Mike (June 12, 2016). "2016 US Open Cup round 3: Indy Eleven rally to avenge last year's loss to Louisville City". TheCup.us. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  6. ^ Crawford, Dakota (January 10, 2018). "Indy Eleven (officially) announces move to USL, plans to remain at Carroll Stadium". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  7. ^ "USL Announces 2018 Conference Alignment". soccerstadiumdigest.com. Soccer Stadium Digest. January 12, 2018. Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  8. ^ White, Chris (May 5, 2018). "Louisville City FC's unbeaten start ends in loss at Indy Eleven". Louisville Courier-Journal. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  9. ^ Harten, David (August 5, 2018). "Louisville City FC earns draw with Indy Eleven on second half goal". Louisville Courier-Journal. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  10. ^ Johnston, Kevin (November 9, 2019). "Louisville City through to 3rd-straight USL Cup final after topping Indy Eleven in thriller". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  11. ^ Lenard, John (June 26, 2020). "USL Championship announces Eastern Conference groups". 3rddegree.net. 3rd Degree. Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  12. ^ "USL Championship Releases 2021 League Alignment, Republic FC in Pacific Division". Sacramento Republic FC. March 2, 2021. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  13. ^ Hartnett, Mike (May 29, 2021). "Penalties hurt Lou City in loss to Indy Eleven". Louisville: Wave 3. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  14. ^ Nalton, James (April 9, 2024). "A relegation push and CBS: USL's quest to become America's go-to league". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  15. ^ "Recap – LOU 5:3 IND". Indy Eleven. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  16. ^ Newman, Benton (2022). "An Introduction To Louisville City FC". 502 Pros. stateoflouisville.com. State of Louisville. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023. This matchup has earned the comical name, the Louisville Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest (LIPAFC) poking fun at other location-based rivalry match names
  17. ^ Hindle 2024, "The Eleven squad, recently returning from the Civil War, had their trip down to Kentucky delayed [and] had to play all 90 minutes in their infantry uniforms [...] Fans have claimed [...] that a Civil War veteran used a prosthetic leg to beat up a referee in 1868, and that a 1926 contest between the two sides was decided by a 36-35 penalty shootout win."
  18. ^ Scoble, Kyle (April 22, 2020). "Descending the Pyramid: The Fan-First Structure Behind Indy Eleven". urbanpitch.com. Urban Hype. Urban Pitch. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  19. ^ Hindle 2024, "Indy were quick to make fun of Louisville in 2022, paying for a flyover before a meeting between the two sides with a trailing banner that read 'Louisville City FC loves Nickelback.'"
  20. ^ a b "The Louisville-Indianapolis proximity association football contest". www.lipafc.com. 2022. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  21. ^ Hindle 2024, "It's a janky thing, a I-65 sign jutting awkwardly out of a traffic barrel with a broken plastic trophy taped awkwardly on the side. [...] the rivalry site claims that the original trophy was made from pieces of the Trojan Horse."
  22. ^ "Indy Eleven win NASL Spring season". The Indianapolis Star. June 12, 2016. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023. A victory in April proved pivotal in helping the Indy Eleven win the NASL Spring season.
  23. ^ Saxon, Jonathan (September 21, 2020). "Louisville City FC welcomes former Louisville soccer midfielder for rest of the season". Louisville Courier-Journal. Retrieved May 1, 2023. Another former Cardinal is returning to the nest as Louisville City FC announced the arrival of midfielder Kenney Walker on Monday.
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