On loan, Portland goalkeeper Sulte primed to help Indy Elven make Open Cup history
Portland Timbers goalkeeper Hunter Sulte has spent the 2024 campaign on loan with Indy Eleven, and on Tuesday the USL Championship side takes a shot at a place in Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup history.
Sulte and Indy Eleven face Sporting Kansas City in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal at Children’s Mercy Park; kickoff is 5pm PT. A live broadcast is available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
A Timbers Academy product and Homegrown Player, Sulte has featured in three of Indy Eleven’s four 2024 U.S. Open Cup matches, with a record of 3-0-0 and two shutouts.
A quick breakdown of Sulte’s Open Cup performances:
- Round of 32 vs. San Antonio FC (May 8) – started, made six saves in a 2-0 win. // RECAP
- Round of 16 vs. Detroit City FC (May 22) – started, earned second straight clean sheet in 3-0 win. // RECAP
- Quarterfinal at Atlanta United FC (July 9) – started, made two saves in a 2-1 victory; Indy’s first win vs. an MLS Club. // RECAP
Reaching the U.S. Open Cup semifinal is the furthest Indy Elven has gone in the tournament, and Sulte has been a key contributor in its cup run under head coach Sean McAuley – a former Timbers player (2002) and assistant coach (2012-18).
In league play, Sulte has played in 16 matches for Indy Elven this season, contributing to the club’s record of 10-9-5 (35pts). He has recorded 47 saves, a 70% save percentage and earned five shutouts. Two of his five shutouts have come in his last four league appearances.
Earlier this month, Sulte won the USL Championship Save of the Week for Week 23. He made an incredible save – part of a four-save performance – against Rhode Island FC on Aug. 7.
