Fort Wayne and Indianapolis have long stood as two of Indiana’s defining cities, each with their own identity, their own voice, and proud traditions that reflect both.
In Fort Wayne, sports have long been about grit. From packed gymnasiums, ice rinks and natatoriums, to a growing presence on soccer pitches, the city’s sports culture is built on resilience, hard work, a deep connection to the community – and championships.
In Indianapolis, sports are woven into the fabric of the state’s largest metropolitan area. From global events to historic venues, the capital city has long been a premier stage where excellence is expected and achievement celebrated.
Now, those two identities will meet, as Fort Wayne Football Club and Indy Eleven begin a rivalry rooted not just in proximity but in purpose.
Introducing the Victory & Liberty Derby.
The name draws directly from two of Indiana’s most iconic landmarks. In Fort Wayne, the dome of the Allen County Courthouse is crowned by Lady Liberty, a symbol of justice, independence, and the enduring spirit of its people. In Indianapolis, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument rises at the heart of the city, topped by the Statue of Victory – representing triumph, strength, and the pursuit of excellence – and is a key component of Indy Eleven’s primary logo that rests about their players’ hearts.
Two cities. Two symbols.
Liberty and Victory do not just overlook their skylines – they define them. And now, they define this derby, which will begin with a May 16 Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Ruoff Mortgage Stadium. The USL Cup is a World Cup-style tournament featuring teams from USL League One, in which Fort Wayne FC competes, and the level above it, USL Championship, in which Indy Eleven plays.
Each match between Fort Wayne FC and Indy Eleven, this year and in the years to come, is an opportunity to celebrate two cities with different identities but tied to one great state – Indiana. The matches are a chance to show off contrasting styles of play, and celebrate competition in its purest form, but also an occasion to promote the clubs’ shared goal of growing the beautiful game of soccer in Indiana.
This is the Victory & Liberty Derby.
About Fort Wayne Football Club
Fort Wayne Football Club, founded in 2019, is a professional soccer club playing its first season in USL League One in 2026. The club is building a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium, Fort Wayne FC Park, that will open at Bass Road and I-69 in 2026. In pre-professional USL League Two, Fort Wayne Football Club won division titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025. For more information, visit FortWayneFC.com.
About United Soccer League
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes four men’s leagues: the newly announced, top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth platform.