Eleven snap 4-game winless skid behind Watson, Mitchell strikes

Kevin Johnston | Special to IndyStar

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indy Eleven were one of the surprises out of the gates in the USL Eastern Conference this season, racking up road results early on while only losing twice to one of the league's elite teams in FC Cincinnati.

Then came a rough spell. The Eleven went winless over a four-game stretch prior to Saturday's match against Atlanta United 2, falling out of the all-important top eight — the playoff zone — in their conference.

Indy snapped out of its funk Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium with a convincing 2-0 win over Atlanta in front of an announced 10,034 supporters. Eleven captain Matt Watson stepped in front of a lazy pass by a United defender and slotted the ball past opposing goalkeeper Paul Christensen for Indy's first goal. Defender Carlyle Mitchell added the second on a corner kick by Ayoze.

"It feels good," said Indy coach Martin Rennie of ending the slide. "I thought we played well tonight. It's probably our best performance together so far this season."

Atlanta saw plenty of the ball, holding a 63 to 37 percent possession advantage in the first half. The visitors' problem, however, was turning that edge into anything remotely productive. Before the break, United only recorded two shots — zero on goal.

Indy was content to allow United to pitter-patter around with the ball in exchange for being the more direct side. Indy's offense wasn't dynamic, as its often failed to be this season, but it did generate the more quality chances of the two teams.

Atlanta finished with 58 percent of the possession, but only put one shot on target compared to Indy's seven. United also completed 160 more passes than the hosts, most of which led to aimless position with no end product.

Indy midfielder Seth Moses made a rare appearance in the starting 11. He turned in a solid shift at right midfield, contributing on both sides of the ball.

"That was uplifting, man," Moses said of the result. "I hope after tonight we celebrate together, we all laugh and smile together, and we keep going. This is just the beginning."

"I thought (Moses) did well," Rennie added. "He was good in his pressure. He helped us down that right side. We didn't really give up any chances down there and I thought he created a few opportunities."

Indy (fives wins, three draws, four losses, 18 points) will return to action against cellar-dweller Toronto FC II next Saturday on the road. TFC II, the reserve side of defending MLS champion Toronto FC, has been dreadful this season through 13 games with no wins, two draws and 11 losses.