Neveal Hackshaw’s sights are set on winning the title in his third season with Indy Eleven
In his first two seasons with Indy Eleven, Neveal Hackshaw has been an All-League performer (1st team in 2019, 2nd team in 2020). Now, he’s back for a third season in 2021. What makes Indy Eleven the right club for him right now in his career? “For me, the reason why it’s the right club, right now is because I fit the system,” Neveal told BGN. “The coach and the staff likes me, my teammates like me, we have a good team, and this season we are going to work very hard to win the season. We have the players, we have the coach to do so. So, all we have to just work hard and stay together as a team.”
“My goals for this season are to play at the best of my ability, win the championship, (and) maybe get a better contract with a bigger club somewhere. My main focus is here first. So my main goal is to win the championship.”
Indy won their season opener vs. Birmingham Legion FC before dropping their home opener vs. FC Tulsa over the weekend. Hackshaw has played every second of both of Indy’s matches this season thus far. He’s a key member of the backline, recording seven clearances and six tackles already in 2021. While he’s comfortable in defense, Hackshaw’s also played in the midfield throughout his career, including with Indy back in 2019 before sliding back into central defense. “It’s nice,” he said of being able to play multiple positions. “It’s good. I like to play center midfield cause I like to control the game, but even playing from the back is good. I mean, I’m always in the game from the back. It’s the same, I should say.”
“I could play anywhere you put me, just tell me how you want me to play, role and function, and I’m good.”
👑 Neveal Hackshaw has nestled into the USL Championship's Top 5⃣ center backs.
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In addition to being a star player for his club, Hackshaw’s also had the opportunity to showcase his skills with his country, playing on the national team for Trinidad & Tobago. He has over ten caps for the Soca Warriors, including playing the full 90 minutes in both of the team’s World Cup qualifiers back in March.
“It’s always my pleasure to wear the red, white, and black from our country,” Hackshawn explained. “This was always my dream to do so. And now that I can, I’m happy to represent my country any day, any time. And it’s pretty awesome. I love it, I love repping my country. I love repping my colors.”
“I miss the sun, the beaches, anyone from over here will love Trinidad because of the beaches, the carnival, just the vibe man. It’s a whole different vibe from over here.”
When discussing his favorite foods from his native country in the Caribbean, Neveal listed bake and shark, doubles, macaroni pie with Callaloo, stewed chicken, and fried rice.
While he misses being back home, he’s made himself at home in Indiana. “Indianapolis is good,” he said. “Really don’t like to cold, (but) the summer is nice.” He said he’s not really the type of person to be out and about, but he does go to Verde and likes to walk downtown. “It’s nice, I like the views,” Hackshaw added.
Hackshaw and his Indy Eleven teammates are off this weekend before they return to action to face Sporting Kansas City II at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on 5/22.
