After a long 5 hour road trip to Cincinnati, the Indiana Invaders PDL team took the pitch against a game Cincinnati Kings side.  Having had the advantage of already playing two games in the new PDL season and coming into the match undefeated, the Cincinnati Kings entered the match with hopes of putting in another good result in a key US Open Cup qualifying match.  The Invaders would not be denied, however, and earned an important three points in the Great Lakes Division and a huge US Open Cup qualifying victory. 

On a cool, rainy night in front of 1,000 Kings’ fan’s, the Invaders’ stellar team play proved the deciding factor in the evening’s match.  The first half consisted of the Kings growing frustrated as they had much of the possession, but were unable to find much space amidst the Invaders defense.  Late in first half Sourosh Amani played a ball down the flank to Saidi Isaac who found Musa Kamara in the box for an open shot when a Kings defender came barreling down on him out of control and committing a foul in the box, conceding a penalty kick.  Daryl Robson stepped up for the Invaders and buried the PK in the back of the net giving the Invaders a 1-0 lead just before the half.

The second half saw the Invaders with more possession but as the game continued the Kings added pressure as they needed to find the equalizer.  About 10 minutes into the second half a Kings forward was sent off with a straight red card for an awful tackle against Invaders’ defender Tyler Pagano.  Although down a man, the Kings kept the pressure on, sending men forward at every chance.  The Kings broke through mid second half but goalkeeper Avery Steinlage came up with a pair of big saves to keep the lead intact.  The lead would not last though as the Kings brought the match all square with a wonderfully taken free kick from 20 yards out midway through the second half.

Up a man with about 20 minutes to go and having seen their lead disappear, the Invaders were determined not to be denied an important divisional victory.  Showing tremendous courage and resolve the Invaders found a way to get the job done.  With 10 minutes to go, Tyler Pagano stepped to a loose ball and played a quick, one touch ball up the field to Saidi Isaac who quickly found second half substitution Nick Wilson down the right flank.  Wilson took the ball end line and played a terrific ball across the box to a flashing Minori Sato who put the ball in the back of the net with a perfectly placed header.  The Invaders held off a surging Kings side the remaining 10 minutes to take the 2-1 victory, earning three points in the division and posting a key US Open Cup qualifying victory.