Indy Eleven netted a pair of penalty kicks Saturday, and the longest unbeaten streak in Louisville Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest history came to an end as host Louisville City FC dropped a 2-1 result at Lynn Family Stadium.
The game — played in front of a venue record 10,731 fans — saw LouCity defeated for the first time this young USL Championship season and for the first time in 1,120 days to Indy. The streak dated back to Kentucky Derby Day of 2018.
Coach Danny Cruz termed himself “really frustrated to lose here at home.”
“I think we were the better team,” Cruz added, “and the issues that they caused, we worked through all week. We talked about transition — talked about being responsible with the ball. Obviously two plays and it goes the other way and two penalty calls. You can’t keep gifting opponents goals like that and come away with zero points. Ultimately really frustrated at the moment.”
Despite holding the Eleven without a shot for the game’s opening hour, the boys in purple came away empty due to a pair of defensive gaffes. First, defender Sean Totsch was whistled for a penalty on a tackle in the 62nd minute before a giveaway at the back led to a second foul in the box in the 88th minute.
Indy forward Jordan Hamilton stepped up to convert both tries, going to either side of the net.
“The big thing is transition and being ready,” said defender Pat McMahon. “We must be aware of counters, and that’s where two goals came off. We had good possessions but just not in good positions as a back line to deal with their counterattack. That’s kind of how they got at us and that’s what we planned for.”
The penalties eclipsed an early lead built as LouCity dominated, out-shooting the visitors 9-0 at the half, out-passing them 338-170 and holding 66.4% of the possession.
That all led to a goal just before the break when, in the 45th minute, a Niall McCabe cross bounced off Cameron Lancaster in the box and fell to midfielder Corben Bone, who banged a shot off the post and in.
Purple smoke billowed from the first crowd in Lynn Family Stadium allowed up to 75% capacity.
“I’m constantly amazed by our supporters,” Cruz said. “I’m constantly amazed by this venue. I’m really proud to be a part of it. Honestly, every single day I’m proud to be here and to hear what it sounded like tonight.
“…Obviously, that’s a positive, but ultimately unhappy that we couldn’t walk away with smiles for the thousands of people that were here.”
Celebration in the stands turned to frustration in the second half. LouCity’s record moved to 2-1-1, with the other time the club dropped points, in a 1-1 draw May 8 against Birmingham Legion FC, also on an opposing penalty kick.
A month into the season, the boys in purple have yielded just one goal during the run of play.
Next time the club’s at home, on June 12, LouCity will play in front of a 100% capacity crowd in its grand-opening game. Between now and then, LouCity travels to play Atlanta United 2 on Sunday, June 6.
Game Summary: Louisville City FC vs. Indy Eleven
Venue: Lynn Family Stadium
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Weather: 57 degrees, Cloudy
Man of the Match: Corben Bone
Attendance: 10,731
Scoring
Louisville City FC (1, 0, 0)
Indy Eleven (0, 2, 2)
Goals
Louisville City FC:
45’ Bone
Indy Eleven:
63’ Hamilton
89’ Hamilton
Stats Summary: Louisville City FC / Indy Eleven
Shots: 18 / 5
Shots on Goal: 5 / 2
Fouls: 14 / 5
Offside: 2 / 2
Corner Kicks: 3 / 4
Saves: 0 / 4
Lineups
Louisville City FC: 1 – Chris Hubbard, 8 – Akil Watts, 15 – Patrick McMahon, 4 – Sean Totsch, 3 – Alexis Suoahy, 11 – Niall McCabe, 12 – Tyler Gibson, 13 – Corben Bone (74’ 22 – George Davis IV), 36 – Paolo DelPiccolo, 29 – Antoine Hoppenot (64’ 7 – Napo Matsoso), 17 – Cameron Lancaster (64’ 21 – Kyle Greig)
Subs not used: 24 – Parker Sigfried, 6 – Wesley Charpie, 64 – Carlos Moguel Jr., 20 – Jimmy McLaughlin
Indy Eleven: 1 – Jordan Farr, 5 – Jared Timmer, 3 – AJ Cochran, 15 – Neveal Hackshaw, 2 – Patrick Seagrist, 17 – Nick Moon, 27 – Nicky Law, 28 – Gershon Koffie, 98 – Peter-Lee Vassell, (67’ 29 – Manuel Arteaga ), 22 – Jordan Hamilton(90’ 8 – Cammy Smith), 10 – Gordon Wild (78’ 85 – Aboubacar Sissoko)
Subs not used: 26 – Bobby Edwards, 4 – Nedelijko Malic, 6 – Jeremiah Gutjahr, 20 – Karl Ouimette
Discipline Summary
Louisville City: Lancaster (yellow) 11’
Louisville City: DelPiccolo (yellow) 71’
Indy Eleven: Seagrist (yellow) 77’
Louisville City: Hubbard (yellow) 88’
Referee: Elijio Arreguin
Assistant Referees: Matthew Rodman & Jeffrey Skinker
Fourth Official: Nabil Bensalah
