Brooklyn, New York – Brooklyn FC Men’s inaugural season kicked off the Brooklyn way, as the team earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Indy Eleven at Maimonides Park on Sunday afternoon.
Forward Juan Carlos Obregón scored the historic first goal when he converted from the penalty spot in the 26th minute. The penalty was called after midfielder Peter Mangione was fouled inside the box.
- Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc: “We’ve got a little bit of flair. A little bit of fun. A little bit of fight.”
Brooklyn generated several attacking moments throughout the first half, including a shot from Mangione that forced a save from Indy goalkeeper Eric Dick in the 21st minute and multiple efforts from Obregón outside the box.
Indy Eleven responded with chances late in the half through forwards Charlie Sharp and Dylan Sing, but Brooklyn goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich made key saves to preserve the 1–0 lead at halftime.
Indy pushed for an equalizer in the second half and produced several dangerous moments, including shots from inside the box and attempts from distance. Rizvanovich delivered multiple crucial saves as Brooklyn’s defense absorbed sustained pressure.
Brooklyn nearly doubled its lead midway through the second half when a close-range effort was blocked before the follow-up shot sailed over the crossbar. Despite Indy’s late push, Brooklyn held firm defensively to secure the 1–0 victory and mark a winning start in the club’s inaugural men’s team match.
SCORING SUMMARY
- Brooklyn FC – Juan Carlos Obregon 26’ pen.
- Indy Eleven – NONE
DISCIPLINE
- Yellow Cards – Okiyoshi (BK 63′), McLaughlin (BK 65’), Quinn (IND 70’), Gabriel Alves (BK 90+2’), Servania (BK 90+4′), Williams (IND 90+4′)
- Red Cards – NONE
LINEUPS
- Brooklyn FC – Rizvanovich, Vancaeyezeele, Nishikawa (Romeo 59’), Latinovich, Gabriel Alves, Okiyoshi, Stojanovic (Kante 67’), Mangione (Servania 67’), McNamara (McLaughlin 59′), Olney Jr., Obregón Jr (Hundal 79′)
Unused Substitutes: Burns, Pinto
- Indy Eleven – Dick, White, Quinn, Rasheed, Craig (Barry 72’), Okello (Mitrano 72′), Lindley, O’Brien, Rendón (Williams 90′), Sing (Mesanvi 72′), Sharp (Kizza 78′)
Unused substitutes – Charles-Cook, Gavilanes
UP NEXT FOR BROOKLYN FC:
Brooklyn FC Men go on the road to face Detroit City FC next Saturday, March 14. Kick off is at 4:00PM. Fans can watch the match live on TUDN and ESPN+.
The team’s next home match is Saturday, March 21, vs. tristate rival Hartford Athletic. Kick off is at 7:00PM. Tickets are available now on SeatGeek.
