Indy's Fast Start leads to 3-1 Victory at Miami in Season Opener

Indy beat Miami 3-1 after 3 first half goals helps the visitors control the match, and secure the victory in Miami.

Downtown Indianapolis was rainy, windy, and occupied with the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament and Comic Con going on this weekend. The Indy Eleven spent their weekend starting their 2025 USL-Championship season down in sunny Miami, Florida at Pitbull Stadium.

The Boys in Blue took control quickly, and used that fast start for a 3-1 win over The Miami FC.

A penalty for Indy in the 3rd minute, foreshadowed what was to come the rest of the first half. Indy would showcase their dominance on set pieces throughout the night.

After a poor clearance from Miami, Indy was able to lob in a second ball into the box setting up a James Musa and Miami's Daltyn Knutson tackle. Knutson wrapped his leg around the Indy defender in the box, committing the foul. Jack Blake would then score Indy’s first goal of 2025 from the spot with confidence.

We would see another goal from a set piece in the 18th minute. After failing to properly handle the initial ball in, Indy moved the ball around within Miami's box until Edward Kizza layed the ball off for Aodhan Quinn - some 15 yards out - for the strike to put the visitors up 2-0.

The third goal would come in the 35th minute. When newcomer Pat Hogan, was able to head it in from close range off of a free kick from Jack Blake.

When the halftime whistle blew, Indy was in full control, while having less possession overall, as they out shot Miami 7-2.

Miami would get one back when Kevin Hoyos’ relentless effort, was able to find himself some space for a shot and get past Hunter Sulte.

Indy displayed a lack of energy in the 2nd half - either because this is the first match or complacency. This brought gave me some flashbacks to the inconsistent defensive performance of 2024 where the team gave up 50 goals. Unless Indy can score more goals - something the team struggled with towards the end of 2024 - the defense will need to be sharp. Getting a clean sheet to start the year would help build some of that confidence (as does scoring 3 goals).

The stout defense that helped dominate Miami in the first half, was more exposed and vulnerable. If Miami wasn't Miami, this match should have been closer. Hoyos easily should've had a brace in the 2nd half, while Indy didn't provide enough chances going forward. Miami outshot (6-4), out possessed (59%), overall outplayed Indy in the 2nd half. Fatigue or not, I expect to see a better 2nd half next week against Lexington SC.

All in all, getting 3 big points on the road is still a big deal for Indy (went 6-5-6 in 2024). Getting a .500 record is key if Indy wants to achieve their lofty goals set for themselves for 2025.

Some early season rust is to be expected - look around the USL and see there's plenty of evidence of that - and this team looks primed to contend for a top 4 place in the Eastern Conference if the team continues to score and continue to build a strong defensive shape.

My man of the match has to be Jack Blake for the PK goal, and assist on Hogan’s header. I wanted to give a shoutout to Maalique Foster who put Miami on after burners all evening, and was a burden to control. Foster didn’t pick up a goal or assist, but was instrumental in creating many dangerous set piece opportunities for Indy.

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For a Miami FC reaction, check out

Kartik Krishnaiyer

reaction here:

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Indy’s USL-Championship Record (W-D-L): 1-0-0 3 pts

Next Match: USL Championship at Lexington SC (4 pts) on March 22nd 7pm EST from Lexington SC Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.