Despite Dominance of Possession, Indy Shares the Spoils After Second Consecutive Shutout
Indy Eleven fans braved chilly and windy conditions to bring excitement to Michael A. Carroll Stadium for Indy Eleven’s long-awaited home opener against Las Vegas Lights FC, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite dominating possession by a 80%-20% clip and shots 10-3, the Eleven couldn’t scratch a winner across, but Indiana’s Team did combine to not allow any shots on goal throughout the evening en route to a second straight shutout.
The field at Carroll Stadium was seemingly tilted towards the right in the first half, as over 70% of the Eleven’s possessions in the first 20 minutes came from the side patrolled by forward Douglas Martinez, midfielder Jack Blake, and defender Younes Boudadi. The first look towards goal came in the 8th minute from Eleven midfielder Aodhan Quinn on a right-footed shot from the 6-yard box, a tight-angled effort that missed wide.
A significant scoring chance for Indy forward Sebastian Guenzatti came at minute 23 after Blake slipped a ball past three defenders to find him in the center channel, but the Indy captain’s shot was sent into the chest of onrushing Lights FC goalkeeper Alan Díaz. Shortly after, Eleven forward Solomon Asante hit the post with a header from the center of the box, the chance coming off a Cam Lindley cross following a short corner.
The visitors saw their lone clear-cut chance of the half come in stoppage time, when Lights FC striker Pato Botello Faz got on the end of a loose ball 12 yards out. The off balance 1-v-1 shot was heading high from the start, although Eleven goalkeeper Yannik Oettl was nearby to cut down the angle should the effort have been steered on frame.
The second half began with Indy Eleven still on the front foot. Asante created a great look in the 56th minute, when he pulled out his pitching wedge and chipped a ball over the top for Guenzatti to meet, but Díaz was able to deflect away just outside his area.
At the hour, the familiar face of Justin Ingram made his way back onto the field at Carroll Stadium, the Indy native this time suiting up for the Lights, although his insertion did little to change the one-way traffic against his new side.
As the second half moved into the final quarter hour three cautions – two for Indy and one by Vegas – slowed the proceedings just briefly before Indy put more pressure on Diaz’ goal down the stretch. Once the four minutes of stoppage time started at Carroll Stadium, the Eleven kicked it into gear, highlighted in the 92nd minute when Asante providing a tantalizing ball from the right side that traveled through traffic and the six yard box without finding a runner. In the end, the clean sheet for Oettl was easy work, with the Indy netminder not having to make a single save on a night where Indy controlled everything except the count on the scoreboard.
Next up for the Eleven comes its maiden match in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer’s national club championship. Indy will begin its journey in the 108th edition of the competition this Wednesday, April 5, with a Second Round affair at 7:00 p.m. against NISA side Michigan Stars FC. The Boys in Blue will continue their three-game, weeklong homestand by welcoming Oakland Roots SC to Carroll Stadium next Saturday, April 8, for another 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff in the Circle City.
Single-game tickets for all home games at IUPUI Carroll Stadium along with 17-game Season Ticket Memberships, specially-priced group tickets, and an increased portfolio of hospitality options are available for purchase now via indyeleven.com/tickets or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).
USL Championship Regular Season
Indy Eleven 0 : 0 Las Vegas Lights FC
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.
Indy Eleven: 1W-0L-2D, 5 pts.
Las Vegas Lights FC: 0W-0L-3D, 3 pts.
Scoring Summary:
none
Discipline Summary:
LV – Jacob Bushue (caution) 21’
IND – Cam Lindley (caution) 76’
LV – Jordan Ayimbila (caution) 79’
IND– Bryam Rebellón (caution) 81’
Indy Eleven line-up (4-3-3): Yannik Oettl; Bryam Rebellón (Robby Dambrot 85’), Jesus Vazquez, Adrian Diz Pe, Younes Boudadi; Cam Lindley (Juan Tejada 91+’), Aodhan Quinn, Jack Blake (Harrison Robledo 81’); Solomon Asante, Douglas Martinez, Sebastian Guenzatti
Las Vegas Lights FC line-up (4-2-3-1): Alan Díaz; Jordan Ayimbilia (Marcelo Lage 81’), Alejandro Mitrano, Zach Carroll, Lucas Stauffer; Andrés Jiménez, Jacob Bushue; Andrew Carleton, Erick ‘Cubo’ Torres (Tabort Preston 76’), Tyler Bagley (Justin Ingram 60’); Pato Botello Faz
