USL-Championship: Indy beat rivals Louisville 2-1

With goals from Blake and Rendon, Indy get their first win against Louisville City in 6 attempts. LIPAFC round 1 goes to the Boys in Blue.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indianapolis, Indiana- A lot was going on in the Circle City leading up to arguably the biggest match day. Last week a devastating Derecho tore into Indiana, where residents in Northern Indiana still don’t have power. Here in Central Indiana, the flooding was severe.

With hearts heavy, the community of Indianapolis stepped up. The Brickyard Battalion led efforts to gather much needed supplies for families affected. The players pitched as well, delivered by Pay Hogan and Hayden White before the match. In all, the Brickyard Battalion donated a van full (and then some) to families who needed the help. Such a strong testament at how quickly the community can come together to help one another.

Now, regional rival Louisville City was coming down to participate in round 1 of the Louisville Indianapolis Proximity Association Football Contest. In the previous 6 matchups, Indy had yet to beat their rival. Both teams came in needing all 3 points as neither team were playing up to their standards so far in 2026.

For Indy, that is where their two new additions come in. Transferring Noble Okello out to Lexington, Indy got the experienced defender Joe Hafferty and forward Malik Henry-Scott on loan. Coach McAuley joked that Hafferty was alerted “20 minutes before the match” that he would be starting, alluding to Hafferty just arriving to Indy on Thursday. Further stating, “No he knew yesterday that we were going to play him. I think with Joe’s experience that he’s got the qualities that we knew he was going to start.”

Utilizing a 4-4-2 look for Indy that saw Aodhan Quinn move up to his more natural midfield role alongside Cam Lindley in a double-pivot like setup.

O’Brien and Blake provided some width as the fullbacks Mitrano and Hafferty were given the freedom to push higher up the pitch. All 4 were able to play crosses and progressive passes to Kizza and Rendon over the top.

Rendon’s speed was shown very early on. Getting on the end of numerous long passes and frustrating Louisville defender Kyle Adams. Eventually, this sort of play would lead to the opening goal.

Aodhan Quinn used his creativity to provide a streaking Rendon a great ball. The fast forward got on the end of it, work his way towards the net and slotted his effort home past Louisville’s Faundez to give the home side the advantage after 32’. Quinn’s move to the midfield proved to be the right switch.

When asked why Quinn just now is playing in the midfield, McAuley stated “That’s a great question. It was more of what the team needed at the time. With Cam, Josh and Jack, I thought the three were strong enough.”

Indy would hold onto this lead into the half, as the Boys in Blue were losing the possession battle 67 to 33, but had 5 shots on target compared to Louisville’s 2. Indy were creating quality chances, while limiting the possession hungry Louisville side. McAuley’s side were deserving of their 1-0 halftime lead.

Regardless of the new lineup, Indy created numerous chances early and often. Getting 10 shots off in the first half, with 6 of those on target. Conversely, Loudoun were just as dangerous with less attempts. After a spell of possession of Indy where their confidence was growing, Loudoun struck twice in a span of 2 minutes. Nearly scoring on both chances and both bouncing off the post or cross bar.

As dangerous and back-and-forth the half way, it ended 0-0. With neither side really cementing control. Both wanted to dictate their style of play, and both kind of got their way. Indy was on the front foot, while the visitors wanted to play on the counter. Frustration for Indy started to build.

McAuley had this to say on the night, “When you miss chances that are really close in, either it comes down to - it’s not your day or your talent level isn’t there. We’ll watch it back again to find out.”

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To start the 2nd, Louisville City was on a mission. Dominating what felt like every minute of the ball. The Purple Menace were getting corner after corner, and continuing to apply ample amounts of pressure. Eventually, after 15 minutes that pressure led to an equalizer. On one of those corner kicks, Kyle Adams found himself enough space, got his head onto the in-swinging cross and redirected into the far corner past Eric Dick.

Louisville City got their equalizer in the 59’ and momentum was on the visitor’s side. Then Jack Blake had other ideas. Just 2 minutes later, the Englishman retook the lead from a thunderous strike for 25 yards out to put the Boys in Blue immediately back into the lead.

“We knew how important this match was for the fans and everyone at the club…everyone had to step up in a big match like this” - Jack Blake

Hafferty and Mitrano’s ability to get forward as Quinn and Lindley helped Craig and Herbert, proved to be the winning formula as Indy Eleven held onto the 2-1 lead to win against Louisville City. This was their first win in the series since August 31st, 2022 where they also won 2-1 at Home.

My Man of the Match: Aodhan Quinn

McAuley’s move to put the veteran into the midfield paid dividends. Providing an assist to Rendon, and was a force all match. Creating 3 chances, 3 clearances, and another 3 defensive contributions - Quinn had a very deserving player of the match performance.

Next Match: USL-C at Phoenix Rising on August 29th at Phoenix Rising Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona at 10:30pm EST

Full Stats
Indy Starting Lineup

GK - Dick #1
LD - Mitrano #29
CD - Craig #37
CD - Herbert #4
RD - Hafferty #13 (68’)
LM - O’Brien #5
CM - Quinn #14
CM - Lindley #6
RM - Blake #8 (90’)
ST - Kizza #19 (68’)
ST - Rendon #27 (80’)

Substitutes: Charles-Cook, Rasheed (68’), Mesanvi (68’), Henry-Scott (80’), Barry (90’), Omar, Sing
Goal Summary:
Indy: 1 (Rendon 32’)| 1 (Blake 61’)| 2
Louisville City: 0 | 1 (Adams 59’) | 1
Shot Summary (shots (on-goal)):
Indy: 15 (7)
Louisville City: 19 (8)
Cards:
Indy: N/A
Louisville City: Adams (69’)
Corners:
Indy: 2
Louisville City: 11
Subs:
68’ -
Mesanvi→ Kizza
Rasheed→ Hafferty
80’ -
Henry-Scott→ Rendon
90’ -
Barry → Blake

written by Brett Mullenix
photos by Kevin Cruz