Indy Eleven's debut at Lucas Oil Stadium is 'top class'

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indy Eleven knew Saturday's match at Lucas Oil Stadium against FC Cincinnati would shatter the team's all-time attendance record. Eleven president Jeff Belskus told IndyStar on Friday that the club was expecting to easily best its previous high mark of 11,048.

He was right. Although Indy fell 1-0 to Cincinnati, 17,535 supporters showed up to establish a new club attendance record. A sizeable contingent of Cincinnati fans didn't hurt, of course.

"The fans, the ticket sales, the stadium — that was, like, top class," said Indy head coach Martin Rennie. "I don't see anybody who has better situation than this. And now we need to make sure we get everyone back for the next one."

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Despite the loss, Indy played well against one of the most talented teams in the United Soccer League (USL).

With the North American Soccer League (NASL) not playing this year, it created a surplus of skilled Division II-level players looking for jobs. FC Cincinnati was one of several teams to take advantage, plucking some of the best available talent.

A moment of individual brilliance by left back Tyler Pasher in the 17th minute nearly led to the Eleven's first-ever goal at their new stadium. Pasher obliterated multiple defenders off the dribble, weaving his way to the end line before finding forward Jack McInerney wide open at the far post with a chipped pass. McInerney headed the ball toward the near post with pace, but was denied by the woodwork.

FC Cincinnati ended up striking first nine minutes later. Just moments after Eleven goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams produced a magnificent diving save, FC Cincinnati attackers Emmanuel Ledesma and Emery Welshman combined to open the scoring.

The Eleven thought they'd level the match when McInerney was taken down inside the box in the 38th minute, but his penalty attempt a minute later was denied by FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Evan Newton.

Indy continued to threaten in the second half, but an equalizer eluded them. Rennie said he was encouraged by his squad's showing and felt the hosts earned more quality opportunities.The stats supported that, as Indy outshot Cincinnati 19-8, and 6-2 in chances on target.

An interesting development was usual central defensive midfielder Brad Ring playing as a defender. The hard-nosed veteran subbed on for an injured Reiner Ferreira late in the first half and immediately manned right back Karl Ouimette's spot, with Ouimette shifting centrally. Ring looked comfortable at the new position, a testament to his experience.

"Brad came in at right back and did really well for us," Ouimette said.

As for how a soccer pitch fit into the dimensions of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Eleven had to go small. Mostly due to width constraints, the team decided on a 110- by 70-yard field, which is short in both directions by pro soccer standards.

"On a smaller pitch, especially on that turf, it was a lot faster," Ouimette explained. "And since it's smaller, the compactness of the game makes a lot of turnovers."

The Eleven will face familiar adversary North Carolina FC on the road next Saturday at 7 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park. Both clubs are new to the USL after bolting from the NASL this past offseason.

FC CINCINNATI 1, INDY ELEVEN 0

Indy Eleven 0 0 — 0

FC Cincinnati 1 0 — 1

Indy Eleven (1W-0D-1L, 3 points)

None

FC Cincinnati (2W-0D-0L, 6 points)

26' — Emery Welshman (Emmanuel Ledesma)

Lineups (from left to right): Indy Eleven 4-4-2 (Owain Fon Williams; Tyler Pasher, Reiner Ferreira, Carlyle Mitchell, Karl Ouimette; Zach Steinberger, Nico Matern, Matt Watson, Ben Speas; Eugene Starikov, Jack McInerney), Cincinnati 4-5-1 (Evan Newton; Blake Smith, Forrest Lasso, Dekel Keinan, Justin Hoyte; Lance Laing, Kenney Walker, Richie Ryan, Corben Bone, Emmanuel Ledesma; Emery Welshman).