The Indy Fuel built an early two-goal advantage but could not hold on Saturday night, falling 4-3 to the Iowa Heartlanders in a Central Division matchup.

After a slow start to the opening period, the Fuel struck first at 13:01 when Chris Cameron fired a shot from the point for a 1-0 lead. Indy added to that margin late in the period as Jadon Joseph split two defenders and finished a breakaway goal, giving the Fuel a 2-0 edge heading into the first intermission.

The momentum shifted in the second period. Iowa cut the deficit in half at 6:06 on a goal by Matthew Argentina, then quickly tied the game at 8:14 when Cameron Butler scored on one of two rapid-fire shots by the Heartlanders.

The Fuel responded midway through the period. Jesse Tucker found the net at 12:49, assisted by Matt Petgrave, restoring a 3-2 Indy lead. Despite several penalties on both sides and a late power-play opportunity, the Fuel carried that one-goal advantage into the third.

Iowa drew even early in the final period, with Keltie Jeri-Leon scoring at 2:01 to make it 3-3. The Fuel had multiple chances on the power play later in the period but were unable to convert.

The decisive moment came during 4-on-4 play at 13:23, when Butler scored his second goal of the night to give Iowa its first lead at 4-3.

Indy pulled its goaltender in the final minutes, but could not find the equalizer. Despite outshooting Iowa 37-24, the Fuel were unable to capitalize on their chances and dropped the one-goal decision.

The loss comes as the Fuel continue to battle for positioning in a tight Central Division playoff race.