It is rare to see two transfers gel together as quickly as Indiana midfielders Alex Matthews and Wes Carnevale have.
Matthews, a transfer from Missouri State, and Carnevale, a newcomer from Cornell, have formed an instant connection, both on and off the pitch.
For head coach Todd Yeagley, the chemistry they have is a key part of building a national championship squad. Indiana’s head man knows what it takes, as he secured the program’s eighth title in 2012.
“It’s a really good duo…they’re both a nice blend,” Yeagley said following Indiana’s 3-1 win over Denver on Sept. 7. “They’re both as tough as can be…I don’t think there’s been a time (outside a 20-30 minute period) we haven’t dominated the midfield.”
Over the last two matches, the duo has taken center stage as a massive focal point for Indiana’s success. Carnevale has scored goals in back-to-back matches. The Cornell transfer has carved himself a role that he should continue to carry into Big Ten play, which begins later this week.
“Seeing one hit the back of the net is awesome,” Carnevale said after Indiana’s 2-0 victory vs. Cal Poly on Sept. 4 in which he scored his first goal as a Hoosier. “Hopefully we keep it rolling…I know the guys up front will have my back. It’s going to be a fun season.”
While the former Ivy League star likes to join the attack, Matthews plays more of a conservative role, assisting the backline with clears and blocks, while also being a major contributor on set pieces. In fact, Carnevale’s first goal was scored off a corner kick taken by the Englishman.
“Alex likes to be at home a little bit more,” Yeagley added. “His distribution is a little bit bigger…has a few different kinds of clubs.”
Matthews’ defensive stability and Carnevale’s attacking prowess together have given Indiana exactly what it has needed from its midfield.
While both players’ skillsets are excellent on their own, the way they have played together has enhanced both of their respective games, and that is something Carnevale did not shy away from talking about.
“Playing with Alex makes my life so easy. Our communication on and off the field is amazing,” Carnevale said. “We’re becoming brothers, it was an instant connection.”
There was a lot of uncertainty in the midfield, especially compared to Indiana’s depth on the back line and attack. The back line returned three starters, along with bringing in a Big Ten center back in Nick McHenry, who transferred from Ohio State.
Up front, Collins Oduro and Easton Bogard were both key forwards last year, and the additions of Stephane Njike and Oliver Moller-Jensen were highly anticipated to be big payoffs for IU.
Even after the last two matches, Matthews and Carnevale haven’t gotten nearly enough credit for how they have stabilized the Hoosiers’ midfield. Their emergence has allowed Indiana to be creative elsewhere on the pitch.
Specifically, Moller-Jensen, a midfielder, has been able to slide into a forward role, allowing him to consistently play up front. That change has resulted in five goals in the first six games for the FAU transfer.
Indiana certainly has no shortage of options at the position. But, with the way the duo has played recently, Yeagley has no reason to pull them out of the starting lineup.
“We have other guys that are ready to step in,” Yeagley said after the Denver match. “Yet, their endurance and ability to keep going is pretty spectacular.”
Matthews and Carnevale will look to continue their midfield dominance into conference play, with a road matchup vs. Michigan on Friday, Sept. 11.
If these last two matches are any indication, the rest of the Big Ten has a major problem on their hands, and this spectacular duo could be the forefront of Indiana regaining their spot atop the conference.
