The Cincinnati Riverhawks picked up their second win in style with a 3-0 victory over the visiting Indian Blast. Cincinnati is now 2-1-0 on the season with Indiana still winless at 0-3-0.
Both teams came out fast testing each other's defense. Indiana had a couple of nice shots on goal with great saves by the Cincinnati net minder. In the 16th minute, a defensive collapse by Indiana let Cincinnati get the 1st goal by Byron Carmichael. Jeremie Piette found Carmichael in the clear and the ball was promptly put into the back of the net.
With the 16th minute goal Indiana started to show signs of lackluster play in the defensive third. With Cincinnati making good runs off the ball and some excellent passing the Hawks managed to slot another goal into the net. Carmichael scored this goal in the 31st minute unassisted and now the Hawks had a 2-0 lead. With Cincinnati in firm command of the lead the 1st half coasted to a close. The question at this time was 'Would the Hawks hold on to that 2-0 lead?'
The 2nd half began with the Hawks having the 2-0 lead. The hardest lead to hold in the game of soccer in my opinion. I've seen so many games go from a 2-0 lead to a 3-2 loss.
The Hawks did not let the stigma of a 2-0 lead put them in a defensive posture. They played just as they had played all throughout the 1st half of the contest. With Cincinnati playing inspired soccer Indiana seemed to just exist. So many times challenges for the ball went uncontested with the Hawks winning many of the 50-50 balls. The goal line was crossed again by the Hawks in the 84th minute by an unassisted goal by Allan Eller. This goal put the icing on the cake for the Hawks.
My player of the match is Carmichael. He had two goals and was a dominant force for his team. If Cincinnati plays in the manner they played in this game for the remainder of the season, they will with no doubt make the playoffs.
Mike Senger,
A-League.com Match Reporter
