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Indy Eleven Claim Three Points against New York Red Bulls II, 3-0

September 6, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Indy Eleven News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - Indy Eleven march away with three points after a clean sheet victory over New York Red Bulls II, 3-0. The "Boys in Blue" end a seven-game stretch in 22 days with a win after a brace from forward Eugene Starikov and a goal from defender Reiner Ferreira in the first half. The team remains unbeaten in nine games, having last lost against Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 21.

"I think it was one of our best performances of the season," said Indy Eleven head coach Martin Rennie. "I think we started the game well. We scored three great goals and managed the game and defended very well after that."

"Indiana's Team" obtained the lead just 101 seconds after the match started. Eleven midfielder Dylan Mares chipped a pass deep into New York's penalty box after winning possession near the edge of the field in the opposition's half. Starikov was on the receiving end of the pass when he managed a shot as he slid into the six-yard box. The Ukrainian's light touch was just enough to put the ball into the lower left corner of the net. The goal was Starikov's first of the night and Mares' first assist since returning to the Circle City last month.

Red Bulls II attempted to respond in the fifth minute. Forward Andreas Ivan put his free kick attempt on target from the top Indy's 18-yard box, but Eleven keeper Owain Fon Williams leapt up and knocked the shot away from the frame. The 31-year-old keeper also managed a massive save in the 60th minute with Red Bulls II midfielder Andrew Tinari's shot off a crossbar deflection.

Fon Williams' stellar performance, which included four saves throughout the 90 minutes, saw the Welshman tally his 10th clean sheet of 2018.

Indy's lead doubled in the 21st minute. Midfielder Matt Watson played a cross forward into New York's box after gaining control of defender Carlyle Mitchell's interception. There was only enough time for the ball to bounce once before Starikov rushed in for another shot on goal, this time into the upper left corner of the goal.

"He's been scoring quite a lot when he's been available," said Rennie. "Unfortunately, he's had a few injuries and he was out for a long time. Once we got him back he started scoring and once we got him back he was off for a little bit with a fever, but stopped him playing for a couple games. So he's not had that kind of rhythm but showed what he can do and that was clinical for us."

Starikov's two goals were his fourth and fifth on the season, respectively. With five goals, Starikov is Indy Eleven's second highest goal scorer of the season, trailing behing forward Jack McInerney's nine on the year.

Indy scored its third and the final goal of the match in the 43rd minute. Midfielder broke away on a solo run into New York's half. His eventual shot was knocked out of the Red Bulls II box by keeper Evan Louro, only to be collected by Mares. Quick passing play to midfielder Seth Moses led to another short pass to Ferreira at the top of New York's box. Ferreira fought through three defenders for his shot that landed in the bottom right corner of the net.

The goal was Ferreira's first and Moses' first assist since the pair signed with the "Boys in Blue" before the start of the season.

Indy's 3-0 victory concludes the longest run of back-to-back games in the club's history. The team resumes play in seven days on the road against Penn FC, giving the team much needed downtime before continuing its playoff push.

"I think first of all its get some good rest. Be thankful that we've gone unbeaten in nine games, in that seven game spell. Be thankful that we're moving at the right time and becoming a stronger team," Rennie said. "At the same time, we've got a lot of work to do and to build on what we've been doing well. We've got a lot of improvement I think we can make and it puts us in a good place. I think it gives us that kind of confidence boost I think we needed because we've had to grind so hard for every single point we've got."

The "Boys in Blue" return home on Wednesday, September 26, for Faith and Family Night against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Fans can claim tickets to the midweek match at IndyEleven.com or by calling (317)685-1100.

USL Regular Season

Indy Eleven 3:0 New York Red Bulls II

Wednesday - 7:00 p.m.

Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, Indiana

Scoring Summary:

IND - Eugene Starikov (Dylan Mares) 2'

IND - Eugene Starikov (Matt Watson) 21'

IND - Reiner Ferreira (Seth Moses) 43'

Disciplinary Summery:

IND - Nico Matern (Yellow) 5'

IND - Carlyle Mitchell (Yellow) 38'

NY - Anatole Abang (Yellow) 53'

IND - Matt Watson (Yellow) 62'

Indy Eleven lineup (4-3-3, L-->R): Owain Fôn Williams (GK); Reiner Ferreira, Carlyle Mitchell, Karl Ouimette, Brad Russin, Dylan Mares, Nico Matern (Brad Ring 65') , Matt Watson (C), Eugene Starikov (Jack McInerney 75'), Seth Moses, Elliot Collier (Soony Saad 83')

Indy Eleven bench: Lundgaard (GK); Brad Ring, Ayoze Garcia, Ben Speas, Juan Guerra, Soony Saad, Jack McInerney

New York Red Bulls II lineup (4-3-3, L-->R): Evan Louro (GK), Lucas Stauffer (Niko De Vera 90'), Kevin Politz, Ndam Hassan(C), Ethan Kutler, Chris Lima, Andrew Tinari, Jose Aguinaga, Andreas Ivan (Jared Stroud 58'), Anatole Abang (Tom Barlow 72'), Brian White

New York Red Bulls II bench: Scott Levene (GK), Niko Ve Vera, Jordan Scarlett, Steven Echevarria, Jared Stroud, Amando Moreno, Tom Barlow

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