skip navigation

GAMEDAY REPORT: Pasher’s Highlight-Reel Finish Lifts Indy Past Hounds

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/22/20, 8:21PM EDT

Share

Goal deep in second-half stoppage time continues the Eleven’s perfect start to 2020

PITTSBURGH – An incredible solo goal by Tyler Pasher in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time gave Indy Eleven a 1-0 victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Wednesday, giving the visitors a fourth consecutive victory to start the 2020 season while ending the Hounds’ 25-game regular-season home undefeated streak.

The matchup of two of the top sides in the Eastern Conference early this season appeared set to finish scoreless as the final whistle approached, but with one final attack, Pasher struck. Picking up possession at the halfway line on the right, the Canadian forward pulled away from one marker then skipped past another as he moved inside onto his left foot.

After one more touch to set himself, Pasher drove a thunderbolt from 30 yards into the top-left corner than left Hounds goalkeeper Tomas Gomez helpless to deny him while sending his teammates and the visiting bench into celebration.

Looking to build on two road wins to start the season, Pittsburgh had looked the more threatening side overall, recording more shots and chances. The Hounds went close to opening the scoring in the 12th minute. After Ropapa Mensah created space on the right, he delivered a good cross to the back post that found Ryan James arriving late, but the midfielder was unable to steer his finish on target on the volley.

Pittsburgh twice went close to the opening goal around the half-hour mark, with a clever give-and-go between Robbie Mertz and Mark Forrest at the top of the penalty area setting up Mertz for a chance that was well saved by Indy goalkeeper Evan Newton. From the ensuing corner on the right, Kenardo Forbes’ delivery was met at the near post with a volley by Thomas Vancaeyezeele that hit the underside of the crossbar and rebounded out, with the assistant referee ruling it hadn’t fully crossed the goal line.

The Eleven had good moments during the first half as well, but their only clear chance came late in stoppage time. A free kick by Pasher from the left found Karl Ouimette alone in the middle of the penalty area, but the center back’s header went straight at Gomez to keep the game scoreless at the break.

Chances were fewer in the second half, with a long-range effort by Pasher comfortably saved by Gomez with 12 minutes to go. The Hounds produced a final push for the win inside the final 10 minutes as Robbie Mertz asserted his influence, but the Eleven’s defense pulled together well to limit any clear looks for the hosts.

That left the game appearing it would end scoreless, but Pasher’s moment of individual brilliance ensured the game would end on the highest of highs for the visitors as they cemented themselves as arguably the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Tyler Pasher, Indy Eleven – Pasher had been kept relatively quiet all game, with only one shot prior to stoppage time. When his moment arrived, though, he brought the brilliance that has marked the start to his current campaign.

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos