Indy Eleven Men win 3-0 vs Monterey Bay

Indy came out of the gates swinging and quickly took the lead and did not look back. Instead of bunkering down with the lead, Indy kept up the pressure to extend their lead to win 3-0.

Saturday night saw Indy come out with a purpose - to win convincedly at home in front of their supporters. It only took them 9 minutes to get the party started in Indianapolis.

When Jack Blake’s return pass to Aodhan Quinn set up the Captain to make a few moves in the box before rifling a shot that got deflected before finding its way into the net for an early 1-0 lead. While Indy got the early lead, Monterey Bay did not go down quietly. Putting up 3 shots on target, but Indy’s defense - lead by Hunter Sulte - did not break.

Indy would then get their second goal of the night when Jack Blake converted from the penalty spot in the 45th+11th (yes 11th) minute to put the Boys in Blue up 2-0 at the half.

In the second half, Indy was more than willing to concede possession and counter while they knew Monterey had to go more attacking. It worked as intended. Indy would have more shots (5 vs 1), more big chances (1 vs 0), and score more goals (1 vs 0) in the second half in which they were already winning.

Speaking of that third goal, Indy would find theirs in the 84th minute when Oliver Bryneus was able to find Romario Williams in the box for a lovely flick into the back of the net.

With the win, this moves Indy up to 7th place in the East. Ahead of a resurgent THE Miami FC, last year’s Eastern Conference Winners Rhode Island, and the Birmingham Legion. Being in 7th place also means they are within 3 points from a struggling 6th place Detroit City.

June - and now - and early July, have seen Indy win more league matches (3) then they had the previous 3 months. More importantly, it saw Indy win more home matches instead of given up draws.

Aside from the fireworks on the pitch, Indy was also able to celebrate the night with fireworks off of it after the match. After I had suggested McAuley may be in trouble if things didn’t turn around in June, he seems to have this Indy side playing better heading into the 2nd half of the season and pushing for another home playoff position.

Here is how the Eastern Conference looks as of July 6th:

Next Match: USL-Championship vs Rhode Island FC on July 12th at 7pm EST from Michael A Carrol Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.