Following an impressive opening night victory vs. Notre Dame, Indiana men’s soccer was back in action Sunday night, as they hosted in-state foe Evansville at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Thanks to suffocating defense from the IU back line, along with another trio of goals, the Hoosiers defeated the Purple Aces 3-0, continuing their perfect start to non-conference play.
Unlike game one, where Indiana came flying out of the gate, it took the Hoosiers a little bit longer to put away an energy-filled Evansville squad. Indiana didn’t start to control the match until the end of the first half, before settling down after the first goal was scored.
“I’m not worried about a slow start, but we’ve got to be a little bit sharper out of the gate,” head coach Todd Yeagley said postgame. “I’m overall pleased with where we are…we’ve grown in every game.”
Though Indiana only put five of their 14 shots on net for the match, they made their few good looks count, putting 60 percent of their shots on goal into the back of the net.
Midfielder Charlie Heuer broke the ice in the 34th minute, putting a rebound attempt home after Nolan Kinsella’s shot was saved by a diving Hugo Amo. The junior was in the right spot as the ball caromed right to him, and he took advantage of the Evansville keeper being out-of-position.
In the 65th minute, a pair of through balls allowed forward Easton Bogard to get an excellent look from the center of the penalty box. The junior’s left-footed shot beat Amo to the bottom left corner, doubling Indiana’s lead. Bogard has scored in each of IU’s first two matches of 2026.
Oliver Moller-Jensen put the icing on the cake in the 85th minute, scoring his team-leading third goal of the season. With key forwards Stephane Njike and Collins Oduro yet to see the pitch this season due to injury, the FAU transfer has made his mark as Indiana’s top option up front, registering eight points through the first two matches.
Indiana’s offense matched its goal total from Thursday’s match. However, this game really showcased what this Indiana backline is really capable of. Led by co-captains Josh Maher and Alex Barger, the Hoosier defense only allowed six Evansville shots, to go along with surrendering just a pair of corner kick opportunities.
“During the week we talked about keeping things simple…focusing on little extra details,” Maher said postgame on Indiana’s defensive performance. “That’s what was most important in getting it done tonight.”
Goalkeeper Michal Mroz registered his first clean sheet wearing the cream and crimson. Against his former team, the reigning MVC Goalkeeper of the Year saved both of the Purple Aces’ shots on goal.
Indiana will be back at Bill Armstrong Stadium on Thursday to face Butler, their third straight match against an in-state opponent. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern.
