Indy Eleven Fall in Final Regular Season Match
In the final weekend of NASL regular season matches, Rayo OKC edged fellow postseason team Indy Eleven in a 2-1 win at Miller Stadium. Indy host FC Edmonton in the first semifinal match on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET, while the New York Cosmos host Rayo OKC at Shuart Stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET.
NASL Soccer News: Rayo OKC concluded the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) regular season with a 2-1 victory over Indy Eleven on Sunday. Both teams head into the NASL postseason with semifinal matches scheduled for next weekend.
The first chance of the match came inside the opening three minutes when OKC winger Pecka cut inside and tested Indy goalkeeper Keith Cardona, but the Brazilian saw his effort blocked. A few minutes later, Sebastian Velasquez attempted a similar effort from the opposite side, but the Indy defense blocked the strike.
Indy forward Omar Gordon came close to breaking the deadlock just before the half hour mark when the Jamaican danced around OKC defender Sebastian Ibeagha and struck a shot that was saved by Rayo OKC goalkeeper Bryan Byars. The pair went into the break even after 45 minutes of scoreless action.
Indy Eleven midfielder Duke Lacroix won a penalty for his side after launching a shot that went off midfielder Yuma’s arm. Nicki Paterson put Indy on the board to score his third goal in his last four appearances.
Rayo equalized six minutes later thanks to a left-footed effort from Velasquez. The midfielder collected the ball and turned on a dime to beat Keith Cardona to his right-hand side.
Rayo defender Moises Hernandez gave the home side the lead in the 85th minute when he flicked on a header from a corner.
Attention now turns to a chance at history in The Championship semifinal, which sees Indy Eleven host FC Edmonton on Saturday, November 5th at 3 p.m. ET.
Rayo OKC travels to take on the New York Cosmos at Shuart Stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Photo Credit: Indy Eleven
