Southern Indiana FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over Dalton United FC on Saturday night in a “Win & You’re In” match in the Open Division Local qualifying tournament for the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
All three goals came in the final 15 minutes of the match. Former pro Dylan Mares netted a brace, scoring in the 77th and 81st minutes, while Allain Bizozoa sealed the win with a stoppage time goal (91′).
With the win, SIFC becomes the first Open Division Local team from the Hoosier State to qualify for the US Open Cup since the Indianapolis-based Reggae Boyz did it back in 2005. It’s an milestone for a club from the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) that has only been around for 10 months.
The first half was a tactical battle with Southern Indiana controlling possession, but Dalton had their moments, including a couple of good chances—most notably a missed 1-v-1 opportunity in the 18-yard box. Despite some scrappy crosses from Dalton off set pieces, the match remained scoreless at halftime, with neither side able to break through. Dalton’s defense held firm, but they struggled to create consistent pressure on Southern Indiana’s goal.
Southern Indiana’s persistence paid off in the second half, as Dalton struggled to capitalize on their chances and defend against the home team’s counterattacks.
The second half saw Dalton come out with renewed energy, but their offensive efforts lacked sharpness. In the 77th minute, Mares capitalized on a corner kick rebound, driving the ball into the net to give Southern Indiana the lead. Mares, one of the team’s top scorers, has played for four different professional clubs since 2014, most recently with nearby Louisville City FC (USL Championship).
Just four minutes later, Mares struck again, finishing a well-executed team move with a powerful shot into the back of the net. As Dalton pushed forward to try and recover, they left themselves vulnerable, and Bizozoa made a well-timed run to score in the 91st minute, completing the 3-0 victory.
After the game, Southern Indiana’s interim head coach Nick Stirrett talked about his team’s winning mentality in the second half.
“We talked about championship habits and managing the ebbs and flows of the game … just to believe in what we’ve trained and talked about all season, and to lean into those championship habits.”
“To do this in 10 months, we’ve been around for only 10 months, to do it that quickly,” said Stirrett about his club clinching its first US Open Cup berth. “I’m thrilled for the organization and for Southern Indiana – this whole organization has been wonderfully supportive.”
Southern Indiana is trying to prove that success in soccer isn’t reserved for big cities. In a region on the border with Kentucky, this emerging club is aiming to show the world that a passionate, supportive community is all it takes to build a competitive team. And next spring, they will have a chance to face off against professional teams in the 2025 US Open Cup.