Indianapolis – Edward Kizza scored the fastest league goal of the season for the Boys in Blue, who shared the spoils with USL Championship Eastern Conference opponent Hartford Athletic in a 1-1 draw at Carroll Stadium.
Indy Eleven’s goal came in the third minute of Kizza’s first start since the birth of his first child in mid-July. Jack Blake won a duel in the left corner, then played a cross into the box toward the near post. Kizza arrived in time to flick a header toward the right post and beat goalkeeper Antony Siaha. As the new father headed to the corner flag to celebrate, he performed the rock-the-baby celebration with his arms while sporting a huge grin.
The goal was the 22nd of Kizza’s career and the assist marked Blake’s 28th. Blake is now tied for the team lead in USL-C assists with his third of the season.
At the end of the first half, Eric Dick — whose appearance was his 100th in the USL Championship — made a huge save to maintain Indy Eleven’s 1-0 lead. A long ball in stoppage time got behind the hosts’ back line, leaving the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation. Dick got down and made himself large to block a chip attempt with his right elbow.
After the visitors equalized with a little over a quarter of an hour remaining, the Boys in Blue had their best chance to score a winner in the 89th minute. Kizza made a perfectly timed run, and Nabi Kibunguchy played a well-weighted over-the-top ball to create a one-on-one for the striker. He controlled the ball with his left foot, but Kizza’s right-footed low shot at a tight angle was saved.
Sean McAuley became the longest-tenured Indy Eleven head coach with his 100th match, surpassing Martin Rennie, who managed 99 games between 2018 and 2021. McAuley has won 40 games and drawn 22 in his three seasons.
The Boys in Blue now have an eight-game unbeaten streak (three wins, five losses) against Hartford stretching back to July 29, 2020. They have never lost to Hartford at home.
Indy Eleven travels to Sporting JAX on Sat. August 15 at 7 p.m. on WRTV-ABC and ESPN+.
The next home game for the Boys in Blue is “Noche Latina” on Saturday, August 22 at 7 p.m. vs. Louisville City FC with Indy Eleven wearing special Noche Latina warm-up jerseys. Fans can purchase discounted tickets starting at $14 and a Noche Latina scarf online.
Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans.
Located on the East Deck, the Desnuda Tequila Deck has an exclusive full-service bar and high-top seating providing panoramic pitch-side views for 50 people. It’s a social experience offering a wonderful place to hang out and take in the game! Desnuda Tequila Deck seats start at $59 and include one FREE cocktail and bottomless chips, salsa, and guac.
The Family Four-Pack is available for all 2026 home games and can be purchased online only. Priced at just $49, the Family Four-Pack includes four tickets, FREE parking, $20 in Concession Vouchers, and a 20% Merchandise Discount, along with access to the Fun Zone/Kids Activation Area.
Flex Mini Plans include vouchers to be redeemed for any 2026 regular season home match.
For questions, call (317) 685-1100 during business hours or email tickets@indyeleven.com.
USL Championship
- Indy Eleven 1:1 Hartford Athletic
- Sun., Aug. 9, 2026 – 5:00 p.m.
- Carroll Stadium | Indianapolis
- Weather: Sunny, 91 degrees
- Attendance: 8,147
USL Championship Records
- Indy Eleven: 6-7-4 (-1), 22 pts, #8 in Eastern Conference
- Hartford Athletic: 4-5-9 (-4), 21 pts, #9 in Eastern Conference
| Score | 1 | 2 | F |
| Indy Eleven | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Hartford Athletic | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Scoring Summary
- IND – Edward Kizza (Jack Blake) 3’
- HFD – Jordan Scarlett (Sebastian Anderson) 74’
Discipline Summary
- HFD – Bench (caution) 3’
- IND – Anthony Herbert (caution) 24’
- HFD – Jordan Scarlett (caution) 50’
- HFD – Sadat Anaku (caution) 57’
- IND – Logan Neidlinger (caution) 72’
- IND – Nabi Kibunguchy (caution) 93’
Indy Eleven Lineup: Eric Dick, Alejandro Mitrano, Anthony Herbert, Paco Craig, Logan Neidlinger (Nabi Kibunguchy 74’), Jack Blake, Cam Lindley (captain), Josh O’Brien, Loïc Mesanvi (Makel Rasheed 83’), Edward Kizza, Bruno Rendón (Noble Okello 74’).
Indy Eleven Subs not used: Kian Williams, Dylan Sing, Mohamed Omar, Reice Charles-Cook.
Hartford Athletic Lineup: Antony Siaha, Baboucarr Njie (Emmanuel Samadia 68’), Britton Fischer, Jordan Scarlett (captain), TJ Presthus, Galen Flynn (Sebastian Anderson 59’), Barry Coffey, Christos Hadjipaschalis (Michael Adedokun 59’), Junior Moreira, Abdullah Taofeek (Augi Williams 59’), Sadat Anaku (Adewale Obalola 59’).
Hartford Athletic Subs not used: Enzo Carvalho, Andres Hernandez.
Quotes
Sean McAuley (became the new longest-tenured Indy Eleven coach with 100th appearance)
- On becoming first Indy Eleven coach to manage 100 games
- It’s fantastic. You know, I’m honored and privileged to be able to do that. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I could do another 100 games, no problem, because I love working at the club.
- The relationship with Indy Eleven fans
- “I love the relationship with the supporters. They understand everything that we’re going through; the situations of where the team is and what we’re trying to achieve. To have that relationship is probably the most positive thing I’ve achieved at the club. I’d say thank you to everybody that’s been a part of that last three years. I don’t think I’ll ever, in the rest of my career, have a fan relationship that strong.
- Thoughts on Kizza’s performance
- “I thought he was really good in his link-up play. He’s not played as much as usual. Hopefully he comes back in with some more minutes and gets a little bit more comfortable because his hold-up play and linker play was good. I’m pleased. I just wish he’d got that other goal because that would have really set him off and running.”
Eric Dick (100th USL Championship appearance today)
- On Bell-Ringing Ceremony for cancer survivor Cooper on Friday at Riley Children’s Hospital
- “He is an amazing guy–a brave, 13-year-old goalkeeper. He’s got the grit, strength, and resilience of a goalkeeper in him. I met him awhile ago when he was fighting cancer and since then, I’ve been in touch with him & his family. He has a great family supporting him and he’s fought the fight of cancer. It was special for us to be there to celebrate his battle and victory. The sky is the limit for him–he is a brave individual.”
- On late save to preserve draw
- “The defenders did a good job of narrowing where the ball could go. It had a little knuckle on it, so I didn’t want to take any chances.”
- How do you read the flight of the ball, players, and position?
- “You have to judge quickly. With my size, I like to be aggressive to help the defense.
Edward Kizza
- On early goal
- “It was what we talked about in practice–balls in the box, making the post run, and juggling a good ball. I saw Jack had it wide in a good position, so I needed to start an aggressive run and attack the ball. That is something we focus on in practice.
- Thoughts on picking up a point with a draw
- “Getting a result today was a step forward. A draw is never good, but we need to build on it and strive for three points at Jacksonville.”
- On the birth of his daughter
- “Our family is good, but not getting too much sleep. My wife is doing a great job–any time I get to take a nap, I do.”
