Indy Eleven offense shows signs of life, but can't muster enough in loss to Bethlehem Steel FC

INDIANAPOLIS – Entering Saturday night's clash with Bethlehem Steel FC, the Indy Eleven defense had only conceded five goals through eight USL games. But a sputtering offense, which had produced a meager seven goals on the season, has been Indy's biggest cause for concern so far.

The Eleven attack somewhat came alive Saturday with 15 shots — six on target — but still failed to produce more than a goal. The normally stout defense couldn't bail out the offense this time.

The hosts fell to 2-1 to Bethlehem at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of an announced crowd of 9,384.

"I thought we created more chances than we have been creating," said Eleven coach Martin Rennie. "It's an ongoing process that has to improve, but tonight I think there were signs of creating more chances, but not enough composure when the chances came."

Goals in the 60th and 74th minutes by Steel forward Santi Moar and left back Prosper Chiluya, respectively, lifted the visitors to victory. Eleven midfielder Zach Steinberger notched his first goal of the season on a pass from Soony Saad after a short chipped pass from Jack McInerney for the hosts' only goal.

All three of Indy's USL defeats have come at home this season. The Eleven sit seventh in Group A with 14 points from nine games.

Head referee Elvis Osmanovic had his hands full from the opening whistle, as a physical match broke out. Multiple players hit the turf — many of whom required treatment — just in the first 20 minutes alone.

Brad Ring, who recently made his 100th appearance for the club, received a warm welcome from Eleven supporters before the match in the form of a tifo display and pre-kickoff ceremony at midfield honoring the milestone. He also returned to his old central defensive midfield post after playing almost exclusively right back this season.

Ring looked steady throughout, providing some much-needed cohesion in the midfield. But it was ultimately the lack of sharpness in the attack that plagued Indy once again.

"Our execution in that final pass or that final finish wasn't as good as it needs to be," Rennie added. "I just think we need more composure around the goal. There are times when we're getting into good positions and rushing, whether it be the cross, or the shot, or the final pass."

Eleven midfielder Nathan Lewis had a particularly rough outing. The Trinidadian international only completed 54 percent of his passes while botching a few crosses and too often coughing up possession.

On the injury front, left wingback Tyler Pasher (neck), center back Reiner Ferreira (left ankle), forward Eugene Starikov (left thigh) and backup goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard (left thumb) all remain out for Indy. Midfielder and captain Matt Watson (right foot) was listed as questionable, but didn't suit up and was wearing a walking boot.

"It's not a serious injury, I'm supposed to be out a couple weeks," Watson explained. "It's called a stress reaction. It's from too much impact on the outside of my foot."

Next up for Indy is a May 27 away date at New York Red Bulls II, followed by a midweek home match against the Charleston Battery on May 30.