Indianapolis, Ind.- While it’s been two years since Northern Colorado Hailstorm’s franchise agreement was terminated, then Hailstorm right back, Bruno Rendón, is excelling at the next level.
The club remains a shadow of its former self, despite developing several strong USL players, including Bruno Rendón, who is impressing for USL Championship side, Indy Eleven.
Rendón helped drive one of the most successful eras for the Hailstorm, reaching the playoffs multiple times and becoming a key piece in the 2024 Hailstorm roster that won the USL Jägermeister Cup. He scored nine goals in eight games on the way to the trophy. He was named the USL League One Defender of the Year.
For the Hailstorm, Rendón featured in 32 matches in USL League One, notching five goals and one assist.
After the Hailstorm’s time in USL League One came to a close, Rendón remained with the club briefly, but eventually joined Indy Eleven ahead of the 2025 season to continue his career.
After a difficult first year with Indy Eleven, Rendón began to show his ability.
“In my second year on the team, I am doing really well scoring goals for the team. The transition was tough at the start, but my season in Colorado and my development helped me a lot,” Rendón told Burgundy Wave of his move to Indy.
Rendón became the first player to reach double-digit goals in the USL Cup with his 10th goal against Union Omaha. In 2025, Rendón helped Indy Eleven to the quarterfinals, recording his first assist and converting a penalty kick during the run.
The position change has suited him well. In Colorado, he was an attacking fullback, and goal dangerous at that. Now he’s a right midfielder and even a second forward at times. This season, he leads Indy Eleven in goal contributions, recording four goals and one assist in all competitions.
Since his departure from Hailstorm, he’s settled in well at the USL Championship level. Rendón hasn’t spoken with many of the Hailstorm guys since the franchise agreement ended.
“Éamon Zayed spoke well of me and helped me a lot to come to Indy, and I am thankful for my development,” Rendón said on the move.
“He helped us a lot to be able to grow as a team and individuals. A couple players are with him at Corpus Christi. I think this division is more intense in terms of running and style of play, but it isn’t that big of a gap,” Rendón added.
03/21/2026
IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium
Indianapolis, IN
Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer
He looks to continue to work hard and prove himself.
“In the future, hopefully move up to MLS and keep working hard to earn a first division contract somewhere.”
The Matanzas, Cuba native searched for an opportunity after Hailstorm folded, and found it in the USL Championship like many of his former teammates.
Despite Hailstorm never coming to full fruition, many players like Rendon are excelling in USL League One and the USL Championship proving the project worked in the long run.
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Matt Pollard 