Purdue Fort Wayne Tops IU Indy, 2-1, in Horizon League Battle

Purdue Fort Wayne carried its recent momentum into Horizon League play Saturday, using first-half goals from Brandon Razo and Daven Arias to defeat in-state rival IU Indy, 2-1.

The Mastodons struck first in the 14th minute. Christian Agyekum set up Razo, who scored his fourth goal of the season at 13:19 to put Purdue Fort Wayne ahead 1-0. The goal continued a strong run for Razo after he had scored in each of the Mastodons’ previous three matches.

IU Indy answered in the 23rd minute. Thomas Weinrich scored his second goal of the season unassisted at 22:50, pulling the Jaguars even at 1-1.

Purdue Fort Wayne regained the advantage before halftime. In the 37th minute, Jonny Hernandez connected with Arias, who scored his second goal of the season to send the Mastodons into the break with a 2-1 lead.

That proved to be the game-winner.
The Mastodons controlled the attacking play throughout the afternoon, finishing with a commanding 22-3 advantage in shots and an 8-1 edge in shots on goal. Purdue Fort Wayne also earned nine corner kicks compared with two for IU Indy.

IU Indy goalkeeper Peter Field kept the Jaguars within striking distance with six saves. Purdue Fort Wayne goalkeeper Sep Habibi did not record a save, with Weinrich’s goal accounting for IU Indy’s only shot on target.

Purdue Fort Wayne nearly added to its advantage in the second half, including a Razo attempt that struck the woodwork in the 66th minute, but the Mastodons’ two first-half goals were enough.

The victory moves Purdue Fort Wayne to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in Horizon League play, while IU Indy drops to 3-3 and 0-2 in the conference. The Mastodons have now won three straight after back-to-back 5-0 victories over Manchester and Defiance.

Purdue Fort Wayne returns home to face Wright State on September 19, while IU Indy will look to rebound from consecutive Horizon League defeats.