Fort Wayne, IN – Fort Wayne FC defeats Dayton Dutch Lions by 3-1 at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium on a vibrant Friday evening and keeps the lead in the Valley Division of USL 2. The match showcased Fort Wayne FC’s relentless attacking play with a lot of chances being created and 3 of them ending up on the back of the net.
Fort Wayne FC first breakthrough came in the 11th minute. Number 10, Beto Anaya crossed from the right side and found Ethan Giwa-McNeil in the penalty spot. A chance that Giwa-McNeil would not miss. This early goal paved the way for Fort Wayne, but the team kept the high intensity in the next minutes.
In the 29th minute, Aleksander Mihov doubled the lead. A well-executed team play down the left flank culminated in Anaya delivering a precise pass to Mihov inside the box. Mihov calmly put the ball into the net, marking his second goal of the season, both of them against Dayton Dutch Lions.
Despite Fort Wayne’s control, Dayton found hope in the second half. Connor Osterholt scored a beautiful goal from outside the box, cutting inside from the left wing and curling the ball into the opposite top corner, making it 2-1.
Dayton Dutch Lions’ hope to get a point in the game was finished by Fort Wayne FC stricker Chris Bley. In the 90th minute, Chris Bley sealed the victory for Fort Wayne FC in spectacular fashion. Bley flicked the ball over a Dayton center back, rounded the goalkeeper, and tapped it into the net, giving the final scoreline of 3-1.
With this win, Fort Wayne FC maintains their position at the top of the Valley Division standings and gets closer to repeating last season’s success by winning the conference title again. With only three conference games left, Fort Wayne FC will face Michiana FC next, in a friendly on July 4th at home. The game will serve as preparation for their crucial match against 2nd placed Cleveland Force on July 7th at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium, which will be decisive for the Valley Division title.
