Jack Blake’s Late Equalizer Helps Indy Salvage Point, Snap Losing Streak at Carroll Stadium

April 29, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Indy Eleven News Release

INDIANAPOLIS – An 81st minute goal from Jack Blake pulled Indy Eleven even to earn a 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Saturday night at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis. With the draw, Indy snaps a three-game losing streak in regular season play and moves to 1W-3L-3D on the young USL Championship season, while Pittsburgh is 2-2-4.

Pittsburgh struck first in the 18th minute when Luke Biasi connected with Albert Dikwa on a ball over top of the Indy backline that saw Dikwa beat Yannik Oettl on a first-touch strike into the lower left corner.

The Eleven had a pair of late chances in the half, as Solomon Asante found himself on the end of a Sebastian Guenzatti blocked shot in the 38th minute but was denied by Jahmali Waite for an Indy corner. Cam Lindley’s 49th-minute strike in first half added time was also denied by the Pittsburgh defense as a last effort to even the scoreline before the break.

Despite Indy holding the 59%-41% advantage in possession and a 6-4 lead in shots, Pittsburgh was able to put all four of its shots on target to the Eleven’s one.

It took much of the second half for either team to garner a quality chance on frame, but it was Indy that made the most of its limited opportunities. Blake, who entered in the 63rd minute for the Eleven, made his minutes count, scoring the equalizer on a one-time hit at the top of the 18 off a poorly cleared cross that initiated from Robby Dambrot. It was the first goal in an Eleven jersey from Blake.

Pittsburgh had one final threat in the match, a shot in the 91st minute from substitute Tola Showunmi that sailed just right of frame.

Indy finished the match with the 62%-38% edge in possession, while outshooting Pittsburgh 7-6 with a pair coming on frame. Blake led the Eleven with a goal and a shot on target, while Guenzatti added a pair of shots to add to his team lead and bring him to 13 on the season. Oettl had four saves for the Boys in Blue, just days after he notched seven saves against Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew SC in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play on Wednesday night.

Next up, the Boys in Blue hit the road for a pair of matches, first stopping at Loudoun United FC Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN+). The Eleven returns home Saturday, May 20, against Colorado Springs for Military Appreciation Night. A portion of each ticket purchased via this link will directly support HVAF of…