US Open Cup: Indy defeat Detroit City 3-0, will face Atlanta in Quarterfinals
Indy's three 1st half goals are enough to defeat Detroit City, as they extend their unbeaten streak and advance to the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.
On Wednesday night, the Indy Eleven avenged their earlier defeat to Detroit City in USL-Championship play by beating Le Rogue 3-0 for their spot in the US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Similar to the last round of the Open Cup, Indy started off by scoring quickly. In the 14th minute, an own goal from Detroit center back Stephen Carrol, put Indy up 1-0. Twenty minutes later, the Boys in Blue got their second from Augi Williams. Shortly after, scored their third from Benjamin Ofeimu’s effort off of the corner, putting the hosts up 3-0.
After Ofeimu’s goal, the hosts would maintain the lead throughout the game to the end, but Detroit City did not go away quietly. Despite trailing 3-0 heading into halftime, Detroit City was the better team. Detroit City had 68% possession with 10 shots (5 on target) compared to Indy’s mere 4 shots (2 on target). However, that is exactly how coach McAuley wanted his Eleven to play. Detroit might have had plenty of the ball in the first half, with 130 of their 270 passes (66%) in Indy’s half, but the home team created more big chances (Indy 2, Detroit 1) and converted both of them. Credit to Indy goalkeeper Hunter Sulte for coordinating the Indy backline, earning him my player of the match.
There was a moment early on for Detroit City that could have changed this match. Indy’s Ofeimu pulled down Detroit’s Yazeed Mathews close to the box in the 7th minute, causing Detroit to appeal for a DOGSO (Denial of an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity), hoping for a red card. But, Ofeimu only received a yellow for the foul. Detroit went on to not convert the ensuing free kick. Just 7 minutes later, Indy would get their first goal.
Detroit then had one more quality chance right before halftime. Detroit was attacking and had gotten three consecutive corners in 1st half stoppage time. Despite Detroit’s efforts, Hunter Sulte and the Indy defense kept blocking shot after shot. Eventually the halftime whistle blew, keeping the score 3-0 in Indy’s favor.
Detroit replicated their dominance in the 2nd half, but didn’t generate any big chances. In fact, Indy had the only big chance of the half. This occurred in the 62nd minute, when Douglas Martinez’s shot from close range sailed over the cross bar off of a set piece. Here are the final stats from the match:
With the win, Indy extends their unbeaten run to eight matches (7 wins, 1 draw) in all competitions. Next up for Indianapolis, is a date with MLS side Atlanta United at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University. This will be Indy’s toughest opponent yet in the Open Cup, as this will be their first MLS opponent after 3 rounds. That match is set to be played either July 9th or 10th. This is Indy’s furthest round ever in the Open Cup, joining two other USL-Championship teams (Sacramento and New Mexico).
Unlike previous rounds (which were streamed on YouTube), the Quarterfinals will be streamed for free on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass. You can find more information here: Stream Open Cup on Apple TV
Quick shout out to the Northern Guard for their away support. Not often do many fans make a trip to Indy, let alone on a Wednesday night. It is always great to have visiting fans/supporter groups to create a better atmosphere. Kudos to the travelling support!
Indy’s Next Match: USL-Championship vs Phoenix Rising on Saturday May 25th at 7pm EST.