Indy Eleven’s NPSL side prevailed 1-0 over the Cincinnati Dutch Lions in a matchup between two first-time participants in a First Round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match at Grand Park’s Championship Field in Westfield, Ind.
Indy took a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute as Vincent Mitchell scored with a low shot inside the far post. McClure of IEN earned the first yellow for a heavy challenge inside the defensive third. Cincinatti could not equalize in the first half despite having six shots on goal, despite many of them being very good chances. The teams would head in to half time with Indy leading 1-0.
The second half started with dark clouds gathering on the horizon and weather reports warning on some dangerous weather heading towards Grand Park. After some early action in the half from both sides, in the 62nd minute the weather turned bad enough for the officiating crew to suspend the match. Play would not resume for an hour and 58 minutes.
As play resumed under the lights, Cincy took advantage of the restart and got a couple quick chances off right away. The first shot was blocked for a corner, and then on the ensuing corner kick, Cincinatti’s DuPont flicked his chance just wide left.
During the three minute stoppage time period, tempers began to flair a bit with Schmitt and Merhaut both receiving yellows for altercation off the ball. Cincinnati substitute forward Jake Meyer nearly leveled the match after getting in behind the Eleven backline, but unfortunately he sent his shot high. Indy was close to finding a second goal late in the match as Mitchell found himself on a breakaway, however, his shot was fired wide left.
The Eleven will travel to play FC Cincinnati of the USL in the Second Round on Wednesday, May 18.