USL Cup: Indy Eleven defeat Madison 4-0

In the opening round of the USL Cup (or The USL Jägermeister Cup), the Indy Eleven traveled to Madison and walked away with a 4-0 victory over the USL League 1 side.

When it was announced that USL-Championship sides would be competing in the USL Cup after last year’s version only have League 1 sides, this was always going to be a special set of matches.

Then, Forward Madison was selected into Indy’s Group AND the match would be played at Breese Stevens Field. Setting up a Peter Wilt Derby of sorts, as Peter Wilt helped found both teams over the last decade plus. Dozens of away fans made the 5 hour trip up to Madison in what would be an electric atmosphere - I am a little disappointed I wasn’t able to attend but prior arrangements prevented the trip up North.

Forward Madison’s The Flock (official supporter group) welcomed Indy’s Brickyard Battalion for a great coming together of the two supporter groups.

Indy fans left Madison the happier of the two sides. Credit to Forward Madison, the League One side put up a great fight for 70 minutes against the Championship side. In the 1st half, Indy outshot Madison 8—3, there weren’t any big chances created. Indy also didn’t have loads of possession other - something that’s expected from McAuley’s side. Then the flood gates opened. In the 69th minute when Aodhan Quinn scored from within the box, finally getting the visitors their goal. Jack Blake would get the 2nd goal in the 73rd minute, followed up by Elvis Amoh’s goals in the 84th and 90th +3rd minutes. Empathically securing the win.

What we saw in the first half, was something I’ve come to expect from Indy. Bend but don’t break defensively, out-shoot but don’t create big chances, and go into half-time tied. Indy’s quality was what helped propel them to this win. Madison just wasn’t able to keep up, and eventually their stout defense would cave - credit to Matt Glaeser on setting up his team best to succeed on the night.

With the win, Indy end the night in 1st place in Group 3. With Birmingham Legion winning 3-1 over the Chattanooga Red Wolves, and One Knoxville won on Penalty Kicks* over FC Tulsa. Below is the current standings in Group 3.

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

Next Match: USL Championship vs Detroit City on May 3rd at 7pm EST from Michael A Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

*A penalty kick win counts as 2 points in the USL Cup