Eleven come from behind vs. Kickers to move unbeaten streak to 8
Photo credit: Robbie Mehling/Soc Takes
INDIANAPOLIS — Now that September has arrived, the Indy Eleven are gearing up for the USL playoffs, which await in October. Luckily for them, they’re playing some of their most consistent, if unspectacular, soccer of the season.
Indy played the Richmond Kickers to a 1-1 draw Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of 11,344 supporters to extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches. Despite the recent success, the Eleven haven’t necessarily been displaying their best stuff of late. It’s more so been “good enough” soccer. Indy hasn’t won a game by more than one goal since June 26. But results are results, and Indy has been racking up plenty of them.
Eleven midfielder Dylan Mares, who scored the lone goal for the hosts, was left with a lukewarm feeling following the draw.
“We still need to get a win,” he lamented. “We’re getting these ties and we’re creating chances in these games, but I think we’ve just got to put it away and do what we need to do to solidify a win. It is good to stay unbeaten, but again, we’ve got to keep gaining points and move up into the top four (in the Eastern Conference to host a home playoff game).”
The Kickers opened the scoring in just the fifth minute when Raul Gonzalez’s well-timed run allowed him to find space and slot home a low cross by Austin Yearwood.
A spectacular individual effort by Mares combined with some poor goalkeeping allowed Indy to equalize nine minutes later. Mares settled a long pass over the top of the defense near the corner flag and slalomed around multiple defenders, then hit a low shot that found the net after being mishandled by Richmond goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg. The goal was very reminiscent of Mares’ Aug. 22 tally in his first game back with his original club.
“Maybe (Spangenberg) could’ve done better, but I’ll take it,” Mares said.
Both teams continued to generate opportunities in the second half, but things remained knotted up at 1-1 until the final whistle.
A nasty “professional” foul by Kickers defender Mekeil Williams on Mares in the 82nd minutes thwarted one of the Eleven’s best chances of the match. Mares was in on goal and Williams appeared to commit a red card-worthy offense, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. He was only shown a yellow, however, much to the chagrin of Indy supporters.
Indy striker Jack McInerney, who’s been on a scoring tear lately, again performed well but was held off the scoresheet. His late volley that struck the crossbar nearly lifted the hosts to a win.
“Tonight, maybe the tempo in our attack wasn’t as good as it has been in the recent home games,” Eleven manager Martin Rennie said. “That was a little bit disappointing. But other than that, it keeps us on a really good unbeaten run.”
The Eleven will complete a three-game home stand while looking to push their unbeaten streak to nine Wednesday at Lucas Oil against New York Red Bulls II.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.
