Indiana women’s soccer will look to get back in the win column as they return home to Bill Armstrong Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Hoosiers welcome the visiting Michigan Wolverines for another conference matchup.
The Hoosiers enter this match with a record of 4-6-1 as they are 1-4 in conference play. Indiana is currently riding a four-game losing streak. The Hoosiers’ latest loss came on Sunday when they were defeated 2-0 by Northwestern in Evanston. The Hoosiers will look to regroup as they face off against a Michigan team that is also coming off a loss.
Indiana’s latest stretch has been challenging, as they have suffered losses to No. 7 Ohio State, No. 20 Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northwestern. During that four-game stretch, the Hoosiers were outscored 9-1. It is key for the Hoosiers to find a way to generate more consistent pressure as they try to turn things around. The Hoosiers’ lone win in Big Ten play came earlier this month as they defeated Nebraska 1-0. Maggie Ledwith, who has been a constant spark for the Hoosiers’ offense, found the back of the net late in the match. Since this win, Indiana has dropped four straight.
The Hoosiers’ backline really needs to find a strong performance defensively against a Michigan attack that has found second-half success as of late. The Wolverines have scored 11 of their 13 goals in the second half this season. It is very important that the Indiana backline stays organized for the full 90 minutes. The Hoosiers backline has struggled as of late to find a full game effort, if Indiana wants to compete with Michigan their backline has to be ready to play a full match.
Indiana goalkeeper Dani Jacobson has a really tough task in front of her. This Michigan team averages 5.3 shots on goal per game and 12.1 shots per game. Her ability to make big saves in big moments will be crucial in this one as Indiana will look to slow down the shot heavy Michigan attack.
Despite being on a two-game losing streak of their own, where the Wolverines lost to No. 15 Washington and Nebraska, Michigan will look to find their stride on Sunday. The Wolverines have been the only team this year to take down the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans as they beat them 3-1 in East Lansing. Ella Jablinskey, who has been a constant offensive threat for the Wolverines, netted two goals in that match. She has a team leading four goals this season and an assist.
While both teams are entering the match looking to end their losing streaks, Sunday’s match gives both Indiana and Michigan the chance to get back on track in Big Ten play. For the Hoosiers, the main focus of the match will be to take advantage of the game early as this Michigan team is known to strike in the second half. Michigan will be looking to strike early as they have been held off the scoreboard in their last two matches.
Indiana and Michigan will meet Sunday, Oct. 4, at noon at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The matchup will be on the Big Ten Network.
