INDIANAPOLIS (May 13, 2017) – In a five-goal thriller at Riccardo Silva Stadium, Indy Eleven lost their first match of the 2017 season as part of a difficult 3-1 clash with league leaders Miami FC.

With forward David Goldsmith and midfielders Jason Plumhoff and Brandon Poltronieri earning their first starts of the season, Indy deployed a lineup with a handful of changes from the side that held FC Edmonton scoreless last week at Carroll Stadium. However, it was Miami FC on the attack from the first whistle, testing Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch in the second minute on an effort that the veteran could only tip over the bar for a corner. As the hosts continued to press their way towards the Indy goal, Poku gave Indy ‘netminder Jon Busch another big save - one of his six on the night - to make in the 22^nd minute, which the ‘keeper was up for to keep the score level. Two minutes later, the best chance of the half came for the visitors by way of David Goldsmith, who forced an incredible save from Miami ‘netminder Daniel Vega.

Just before the end of the half, Indy had held play and kept Miami off the scoresheet but would concede in first half stoppage time for the first goal of the game by either side. As Poku worked his way through the midfield, he would pick out forward Vincenzo Rennella, and the latter beat Jon Busch high and away to gift his side the lead.

Indy Eleven replaced Jason Plumhoff and Brandon Poltronieri with Ben Speas and Anthony Manning to begin the second half, and “Indiana’s Team” looked the more likely to score in the opening ten minutes. Earning a corner, the midfielder Speas swing in an out-swinging delivery that Miami defender Hunter Freeman made contact with and headed back in his own net to level the scoring.

However, six minutes later, for Indy midfielder Dylan Mares would add a second for Miami FC, tapping home a cruel deflection off the heel of Lovel Palmer to restore the lead. Indy attempted to claw their way back into the contest, but the league’s statistically best attack would strike for a third time on the night as defender Robert Kcira finessed a shot into the side-netting and past “Buschy.”

As Indy injected Don Smart into the match with 20 minutes to play, the tide slowly turned. In the 83^rd minute, Smart danced around a pair of Miami defenders to the byline and ended up getting his cross away into the center of the box. Confusion between defender Rhett Bernstein and ‘keeper Daniel Vega led to Indy forward Justin Braun tapping in to pull one back. For Braun, it was his fourth goal of the 2017 campaign and kept him top the league scoring charts.

Indy continued to throw everything but the kitchen sink into the Miami backline, but the hosts held clean and snuck away with a 3-2 victory despite multiple late attempts by “Indiana’s Team” to earn a point.

The “Boys in Blue” return home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium to host Miami FC on Saturday, May 20 at 7:30 P.M. ET. Tickets for the game – and all remaining 13+ NASL matches at “The Mike” in 2017 – can be purchased for as little as $11 online at www.IndyEleven.com or by phone at 317-685-1100. 

NASL Spring Season
Miami FC 3 : 2 Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Riccardo Silva Stadium – Miami, FL
 
Scoring Summary:
MIA – Vincenzo Rennella (Poku) 45+1’
IND – Hunter Freeman (OG) 55’
MIA – Dylan Mares 61’
MIA – Robert Kcira 65’
IND – Justin Braun 83’
 
Discipline Summary:
IND – Gerardo Torrado 40’
IND – Tanner Thompson 60’
MIA – Mason Trafford 76’
MIA – Daniel Vega 78’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L-->R):  Jon Busch (GK); Daniel Keller, Colin Falvey ©, Kwame Watson-Siriboe; Lovel Palmer; Jason Plumhoff (Ben Speas 46’), Gerardo Torrado, Tanner Thompson, Brandon Poltronieri (Anthony Manning 46’); Justin Braun, David Goldsmith (Don Smart 71’)

IND bench: Keith Cardona (GK); Marco Franco, Sinisa Ubiparipovic

Miami FC line-up (4-3-3, L->R): Daniel Vega (GK); Robert Kcira, Mason Trafford, Rhett Bernstein, Hunter Freeman; Dylan Mares (Michel 90’), Richie Ryan, Calvin Rezende (Michael Lahoud 46’), Jaime Chavez, Kwadwo Poku (Ariel Martinez 78’), Vincenzo Rennella

MIA bench: Ryan Herman (GK); Blake Smith, Jonathan Borrajo, Jonny Steele