NASL Indy Eleven

Eleven Defender Jaime Frias Nets First Goal, but Indy Can't Keep Undefeated Streak Going

Published on September 20, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Indy Eleven News Release


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Saturday, September 20, 2014) - A goal in the first minute from Fafà Picault got the ball rolling for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in a 2-1 victory against Indy Eleven at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday night. Indy Eleven defender Jaime Frias's first professional goal equalized for the visitors before halftime, but Martin Nuñez grabbed the winning goal in the second half to keep the Strikers in the hunt for a place in The Championship.

After scoring first in each of its last two games, Indy Eleven would be taken aback quickly, as it took just 28 seconds for the Strikers to get on the scoreboard. Picault got on the end of a low cross from Darnell King to notch his team-leading ninth goal of the year with the fastest goal in NASL action this year. New Indy Eleven forward Jhulliam, making his debut in the starting lineup tonight, nearly drew the visitors even just as quickly, but saw Strikers goalkeeper Kamil Contofalsky thwart his low effort in the 2nd minute.

King nearly grabbed his second assist of the night in the 15th minute, but Mark Anderson's effort from just inside the box struck the bar. After that point Indy Eleven would slowly start to see the run of play turn in its favor, and would eventually score in the 39th minute. A corner kick to the back post was headed across goal by Cory Miller for fellow defender Frias to redirect past Contofalsky with a wicked volleyed effort at the near post.

The Strikers started the second half with similar intensity to the first. Within the first five minutes of the restart Indy goalkeeper Kristian Nicht was called into action twice to deny Picault and watched as a Nuñez' effort dragged just wide of goal.

But Nuñez made no mistake with his next attempt in the 55th minute, as a clever combination play from Picault and Shawn Chin in midfield led to Chin slipping Nuñez behind the defense and through on goal. Nuñez rounded Nicht and finished just past a backtracking Dylan Mares and into an empty net to put the Strikers in front 2-1.

Both teams made changes as the Eleven searched for an equalizer. Forward Mike Ambersley and midfielder Don Smart maintained their appearances streaks - both now appearing in each of the team's 21 matches - and came on to give Indy a push in the final 25 minutes, but no clear scoring chances materialized as the match came to a choppy and contentious end.

After seeing its three-game undefeated streak snapped, Indy Eleven (3-6-3, 12 pts. in Fall; 3-12-7, 16 pts overall) will return to its home of IUPUI's Carroll Stadium next Saturday, September 27, to face the Carolina RailHawks (5-6-1, 16 pts. in Fall; 9-9-3, 30 pts. overall). Kickoff for "College Night" is set for 7:30 p.m. for a match that can be seen live on MyINDY-TV 23. Tickets for the match are limited but remain available and can be purchased at IndyEleven.com.

Check out the Indy Eleven Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from September 20, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central