Indy Eleven Fall to Colorado Springs 3-2 in Home Opener
Indy started fast; took the lead early on, but Colorado got comfortable and took command in the 2nd half before walking away with the three points from Indianapolis.
The energy was electric at Michael A. Carroll Stadium leading up to Indy’s home opener vs the defending champions, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The home team got themselves a tough point on the road and Lexington, and spirits were high and eager for soccer’s return to the Circle City.
The Eleven took that energy and got themselves a goal in the 20th minute. Maalique Foster got his first goal of 2025 by following up on an in-swinging ball from Aedan Stanley (not accredited with an assist) to put the home team up 1-0.
Colorado would find its footing and equalize in the 43rd minute when Marco Micaletto left footed shot beat Hunter Sulte. Assisted by Matt Real with a cross. The match went into halftime tied at one a piece. You can see the energy dipped for Indy after their goal and wasn’t able to recapture and capitalize on that early energy again.
The Eleven would attempt to recapture that energy early in the second half but was unable to do convert that into goals. Colorado bent, but didn’t break and ultimately was able to take control of the match.
That moment occurred in the 62nd minute. Marco Micaletto got his second goal of the night, putting the visitors up 2-1. Then two minutes later, while Indy was still recovering, Colorado would scored a third. This time from Justin Dhillon. Colorado took the wind out of Indy’ sails in the matter of two minutes.
Indy would get one more back in the 90th +8th minute from Aodhan Quinn’s effort on target. Colorado’s Abraham Romero couldn’t quite handle the effort, and it ended up in the back of the net.
After last week’s gritty performance on the road in Lexington, given up 3 goals at home was rough to watch. We know Indy loves to bend and not break - as evident from last week - but last night, Indy’s defense couldn’t keep up the intensity.
It is never a good thing to lose at home - even if they are the defending champions - but I think this Eleven squad can take away a few things:
The Defensive issues from 2024 still need to be addressed. We got glimpses of this last week, but a better team in Colorado will exploit it.
Set pieces in 2025 look to be a strength for this Eleven offense. One goal tonight and all three from the Miami matchup were from set pieces.
In light of #2, the Eleven need to find more creative chances outside of set pieces. Set pieces can be a great tool but they cannot be the entire offensive effort.
Indy will have itself a chance at redemption, as they take on a resurgent North Carolina FC team next weekend at home. The home crowd and Brickyard Battalion will be looking for 3 points.
Indy’s USL-Championship Record (W-D-L): 1-1-1 4 pts
Next Match: USL Championship vs North Carolina FC (7 pts) on April 5th 7pm EST from Michael A. Carrol Stadium in Indianapolis.