Photo by NASL
By COLE KELLOG
A goal of the season candidate from Indy Eleven’s Sergio Peña helped push Indy Eleven to an away win over the defending champions.
Peña’s late long-distance strike helped Indy Eleven snatch a 2-1 away win at the San Antonio Scorpions on Saturday at Toyota Field.
After exchanging goals early in the second half, the deadlock remained until the 88th minute, when Pena scored with a brilliant strike from 40 yards out. Pena, a former Real Sociedad player, beat San Antonio’s goalkeeper Jon Kempin from distance to earn his side all three points in spectacular fashion.
Former MLS star Omar Cummings got on the scoresheet for the hosts right after half, but a fantastic Kristian Nicht performance kept Indy Eleven in the game. Indy’s Erick Norales scored off of a free kick from Dylan Mares after the hour mark, and the world-class strike from Peña sealed the win for the Eleven.
San Antonio had the better of the attacking play in this first meeting between the two NASL sides.
In the 52nd minute, Omar Cummings fired home for the Scorpions after a beautiful run through the Indy defense by teammate Cesar Elizondo. Cummings’ second NASL goal came from a far post shot from 12 yards out.
Indy Eleven took advantage of a set piece to even the score in the 63rd minute. Dylan Mares curled in a ball from the right side of the pitch to meet the head of Erick Norales.
The scoreline remained until Pena’s finish late, sealing victory for Indy Eleven.
Strangely enough, Indy’s brilliant goalkeeper perhaps wasn’t the one that made the most vital save of the match for the Eleven. Greg Janicki, a former San Antonio player, saved a ball off the line right before halftime to keep the sides scoreless.
The result shoots Indy up the table to 2nd place, with San Antonio staying in dead last with 2 losses.
Alas, the Scorpions are still experimenting with their lineup, but the individuals on the field look promising.