INDIANAPOLIS (July 8, 2017) – Indy Eleven extended its unbeaten streak to four games with a 2-1 win over the New York Cosmos at home in Carroll Stadium.

A heated affair from the first whistle, the Cosmos jumped in front of the chances first when forward Eugene Starikov attempted to test Indy ‘keeper Jon Busch, but his shot skewed wide and out of play for a goal kick. Indy responded minutes later when Don Smart ripped one at Cosmos ‘netminder Jimmy Maurer, who had rushed off his line to clear a bouncing ball near the edge of the box. In giving it away, Maurer backpedaled towards goal and made a fingertip save to prevent Indy’s first goal.

In the 17^th minute, Indy’s momentum swung full on as forward Eamon Zayed was judged to have been pushed in the back by Cosmos defender David Ochieng, giving Indy a chance from the penalty spot. Stepping up, midfielder Don Smart coolly slotted past Maurer, who guessed the wrong way, to put “Indiana’s Team” in front.

Indy would hold their lead for just under ten minutes when the Cosmos pulled one back through midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma. Starting on Saturday after entering as a substitute in Indy’s 1-1 draw with New York on Independence Day, midfielder Eric Calvillo left a roller that Ledesma slotted home to pull one back. The Cosmos would continue to ask questions through the end of the half, but “Buschy” produced a pair of saves to hold preserve his side’s first half work.

New York would continue to pile on pressure, though the “Boys In Blue” were on hand to respond. Ledesma rattled the bar with a close-range effort in the 65^th minute that Busch was in place for, but once again the atmosphere at Carroll Stadium seemingly sucked the ball in the back of the net as the Indy Eleven retook their lead. Off a corner kick in the 75^th minute, forward Justin Braun made a run to the back post to meet defender Nemanja Vukovic’s curling cross and powered the delivery past Maurer for the second goal of the game.

Indy would face another few chances by the Cosmos at the death, but time after time the defense held their line to clear the danger. The win marks three straight for the Eleven at Carroll Stadium against the Cosmos and puts them in prime position to close out the Spring Season next week.

Indy Eleven will return home to IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium to face Jacksonville Armada FC on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 P.M. ET. Tickets for the game – and all remaining 7+ 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
Indy Eleven 2 : 1 New York Cosmos
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
 
Scoring Summary:
IND – Don Smart 17’
NYC – Emmanuel Ledesma (Eric Calvillo) 27’
IND – Justin Braun (Nemanja Vukovic) 75’

Discipline Summary:
NYC – Bledi Bardic 90+1’
 
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L->R):  Jon Busch (GK); Nemanja Vukovic, Daniel Keller, Colin Falvey ©, Marco Franco, Ben Speas (Lovel Palmer 84’), Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Craig Henderson 89’), Don Smart (David Goldsmith 80’); Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed

IND bench: Keith Cardona (GK); Christian Lomeli, Tanner Thompson, Adrian Ables

New York Cosmos line-up (4-4-2, L->R): Jimmy Maurer (GK); Ryan Richter, David Ochieng, Eric Calvillo, Darrius Barnes; Danny Szetela ©, Juan Guerra, Eugene Starikov, Jimmy Mulligan; Pablo Vranjican (Bledi Bardic 77’), Emmanuel Ledesma (Salvatore Barone 90’)

NYC bench: Kyle Zobeck (GK); Ayoze, Alexis Velela, Salvatore Barone, Danilo Radjen, Rhys Williams