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(02/18/21 8:33pm)
Finally. Finally. Finally.
After nearly 450 days without Indiana men’s soccer and Big Ten soccer, finally the wait is over. I’ve been waiting to type those words for what feels like an eternity, but all will be righted as the Hoosiers kick off their season Friday at 1 p.m. against the Wisconsin Badgers.
With IU’s opening match on the precipice, there’s no better time than now to introduce the first installment of "The Q49 Journal" — a weekly series where I’ll preview IU’s upcoming matches, give my thoughts on the Hoosiers’ current performance along with the rest of the conference, and delve into other minutiae that pertains to IU in its quest for a ninth championship.
With all the logistics and introductions out of the way, let’s get started.
Previewing IU’s season-opener against Wisconsin
IU head coach Todd Yeagley didn’t mince words in his pregame press conference when talking about Wisconsin and the challenges IU will face on Friday.
“Last year’s (Wisconsin) team will be very different from this year’s team,” Yeagley said Tuesday on Zoom. “They were riddled with injuries last year when we played them. We expect maybe three starters from last year’s team to be primary players. ...Their record of last year and where they were is not indicative of where I think Wisconsin will be this year.”
Well, that’s certainly high praise for a team that finished last season with a 3-11-4 record and just one win in Big Ten play. To compound matters, the Badgers are also without leading points scorer Matthew Comiskey and starting goalkeeper from a season ago, Dean Cowdroy.
But Yeagley may actually have a point in not overlooking the Badgers.
First, what was originally scheduled to be IU’s home opener at Armstrong Stadium will now be played an hour-and-a-half north at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana due to this week’s tremendous snowfall amounts. Though the relocation ensures the match will be played indoors and away from the frigid outdoor conditions, the Hoosiers effectively lose their home-field advantage.
Now, you’re probably asking — “What do you mean home-field advantage? How can that exist if there are no fans?” Put simply: Indiana has not lost a regular season Big Ten match at home since Oct. 10, 2015. That’s over five years. Fans or no fans, the task of a road team knocking off IU at Armstrong Stadium is a daunting one. And especially now, having not played an official match since Dec. 1, 2019, the Hoosiers surely would’ve loved to open the season on their home turf with plenty of rust to knock off.
Another element that cannot be overlooked against Wisconsin is its relatively revamped roster. With the departure of Cowdrey at goalkeeper, the Badgers are hoping graduate transfer Sven Kleinhans can take over immediately as a shot-swatter. Kleinhans, a native of Germany, has played some of the toughest youth competition and his resume is extensive and impressive. At 6-foot-2, he has a chance to surprise many in the Big Ten this season.
Speaking of international flair, midfielder Inaki Iribarren, transfer center back Moritz Kappelsberger and transfer forward Henri Tophoven add to what could be a dangerous Wisconsin team. Iribarren, just a sophomore, tied with Comiskey for most points on the team last season, and now with Comiskey gone, Iribarren has a real chance for a breakout season. Kappelsberger and Tophoven give Wisconsin much-needed experience and talent, something that I’ll be keeping a close eye on this season with the Badgers.
So, what do the Hoosiers need to do to start the season 1-0?
The keys to victory are two-fold: Lock in on defense from the start and don’t force things in the early going.
With the season as odd and unfamiliar as ever, there are sure to be jitters and rust in need of shaking. Fortunately for IU, Yeagley and his coaching staff are a defensive-minded team, and I wouldn’t expect that change this season, even with the departure of star center back Jack Maher. The Hoosiers thrive when they are turning defense into offense, and for a team that will almost certainly need time to ease into the game (as most other teams will, too), leaning on their defense will be crucial.
Similarly, IU is too well-coached to allow its attackers to take ill-advised chances. Due to the long layoff, players will want to get in attack-mode early, but that can’t happen on Friday. The Hoosiers need to be disciplined and allow goal-scoring chances to come naturally, rather than forcing them.
Bottom line: Force Wisconsin to make the mistakes and IU should have no problem starting its season with a win.
What to make of IU’s backline this season?
For a program that churns out and produces professional players like a Coca-Cola factory does cans of soda, roster attrition is hardly a surprise with Indiana on a year-to-year basis. No matter how well the Hoosiers played the previous season it’s almost guaranteed that players will jump to pro soccer just as quickly as prep players and transfers funnel into Bloomington. Case and point: Jack Maher, Josh Penn and Aidan Morris.
Comparing last season’s roster to this season’s potential starting XI, the biggest question mark arguably resides in IU’s backline. Fifth-year captain Spencer Glass, who was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, should have no problem leading IU’s defensive charge, but with Maher and Simon Waever both starting their pro careers, it leaves IU with some holes to fill.
On the wing, Pittsburgh transfer Nyk Sessock should slide seamlessly into Waever’s former role. Though small in stature, Sessock’s motor, quickness and strength should allow him to be successful in the Big Ten.
“Simon was fantastic for us,” Yeagley said “but Nyk is right in that mold. He is going to be an absolute lock-down defender, and he can get forward and execute on the attacking end. To me, he’s like Rece Buckmaster in how they play.”
Rece Buckmaster, huh? The same Rece Buckmaster who helped IU lead the nation in shutouts (15) in 2018 and then selected 32nd overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft? If that’s what Sessock can bring to the table, Hoosier fans are going to be thrilled to have him.
But then there’s the hole left behind from Maher, the Big Ten Defender of the Year in 2019 and No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. When a player of his caliber leaves, there’s rarely going to be an easy fix. Denver transfer Callum Stretch was supposed to take over the center back position, but when the season got pushed back to the spring, Stretch decided to begin his pro career and forgo his college eligibility.
As they say, next man up. And that next man is Daniel Munie.
“We lost a huge one with Jack there; he was one of the best leaders I’ve ever coached,” Yeagley said. “Daniel Munie has done a really good job of improving in that area. He’s a phenomenal talent, and I think he had kind of a breakout year, and I think now you’re going to see how good of a defender this player really is.”
It’s easy to see why Yeagley is so high on the sophomore Munie. In 2019, after redshirting his first season in 2018, Munie broke out, appearing in 21 matches and starting 14 of them. He also tallied three points, including his first career goal against Wisconsin in what feels like an eternity ago.
At 6-foot and 180 pounds, Munie has the frame to play center back, though he didn’t get to show it much last season playing alongside Maher. However, Yeagley hinted that Munie could fill most of Maher’s minutes, so that should be an interesting development.
All things considered, the Hoosiers’ defensive-minded approach should allow them to transition smoothly into the post-Maher era, no matter how short-lived it was. While there may be a slight hitch as Munie, Glass, Sessock and others build in-game chemistry, I’d expect the backline to be among IU’s strongest position groups once again.
Who are potential breakout candidates to keep an eye on this season?
For accounting purposes, here’s how IU’s current roster shakes out based on previous experience and contributions:
Returning contributors (11) — Roman Celentano (GK), Daniel Munie (D), Spencer Glass (D), Brett Bebej (D), Joe Schmidt (MF), A.J. Palazzolo (MF/F), Victor Bezerra (F), Herbert Endeley (F), Thomas Warr (F), Ian Black (F), Maouloune Goumballe (F)
With the addition of Sessock at right back, the Hoosiers’ current rotation stands at 12 players who, unless there are any injuries, should contribute valuable minutes in varying capacities.
For the purposes of this exercise let’s assume IU employs a 16-17 player rotation, leaving four or five spots open for competition. Here are some players who I think have a chance to crack the rotation:
Freshman defender Joey Maher
With the last name of Maher, expectations are going to be high, though they should be tempered in the early going. With Maher’s pedigree combined with Yeagley’s praise about the freshman throughout the offseason, the opportunity for playing time will likely be available for Maher.
Rated a three-star player and 112th overall in Top Drawer Soccer’s 2020 recruiting rankings, there are sure to be some growing pains for Maher early in his career. And while he’s not quite as polished as Jack was entering his inaugural season, his talent should allow him to see the field sooner rather than later.
Redshirt freshman midfielder Quinten Helmer
The second-year player from Amsterdam, Netherlands, has been mentioned several times this offseason by Yeagley and the coaching staff. Based on his development and passing ability in the midfield, Helmer has about as good of a chance as any to carve out a sizable role this season.
“You take a Quinten Helmer, who’s very much a technical combining player, more of a passer than dribbler,” Yeagley said, “that might be what we need against a team that’s playing deeper.”
Yeagley also mentioned the contrast in abilities between Herbert Endeley and Helmer — a one-one speedster vs. a technical passer — and how the rotation will vary throughout the season based on the opponent.
Freshman midfielder Emerson Nieto
Of the incoming freshman class, Nieto arguably possesses the highest ceiling and most polished, Big Ten-ready skillset. Nieto, rated a four-star prospect and No. 71 overall according to Top Drawer Soccer, played for USL’s Indy Eleven in 2019 and built a wealth of experience in his prep career.
With Aidan Morris and Josh Penn’s departure following last season, there’s plenty of playing time up for grabs in the midfield and at the forward spots. Whether Nieto is ready to contribute right away as Morris and Penn did, remains to be seen. Based on his talent alone, though, it wouldn’t shock me to see him make an immediate impact this season.
Other potential contributors — Tommy Mihalic (F), Trey Kapsalis (MF), Isaac Sarosy (D), Ben Yeagley (MF), Ryan Wittenbrink (F)
(01/20/21 3:22pm)
Indiana men's soccer will play a 10-game, conference-only schedule beginning Feb. 19, the program unveiled Tuesday morning on its Twitter account. The revamped schedule comes after the NCAA postponed the men's soccer season and tournament until the spring, which also pushed back the College Cup until May 13-17.
The Hoosiers' 10-game slate includes five home matches and five away matches, while facing six teams once and two teams twice.
With that, let's break down what is sure to be a season unlike any other for head coach Todd Yeagley and his Hoosiers.
Vs. Wisconsin — Friday, Feb. 19
Indiana lucked out by drawing Wisconsin in its season-opener. Not only do the Hoosiers avoid a trip to frigid Madison in mid-February, they're also facing a Wisconsin squad that mustered just one win in Big Ten play and a 3-11-4 overall record last season. Oh, and the Badgers are without last season's starting goalkeeper Dean Cowdroy and leading points scorer Matthew Comiskey.
All things considered, this was about as favorable of a first match as the Hoosiers could've hoped for. It should be a good opportunity for Yeagley and the coaching staff to tinker with the rotations and for IU to get its feet wet and knock off a year's worth of rust.
At Ohio State — Tuesday, Feb. 23
The Buckeyes could very well be the worst team in the Big Ten this season, and it's probably not that close either.
Barely edging out Rutgers due to a tie-breaker for the No. 8 seed in the Big Ten Tournament last season, Ohio State enters this season losing its main source of offense in Jack Holland and veteran goalkeeper Parker Siegfried.
For a team that scored a conference-low four goals and allowed a conference-high 15 goals, I don't see the Buckeyes improving much, if at all.
Barring a complete meltdown, Indiana will likely put this game away early without much resistance.
At Northwestern — Saturday, Feb. 27
The Wildcats surprised many in the Big Ten last season finishing ahead of Maryland in the regular-season standings and earning the No. 4 seed in the conference tournament. A 1-0 stunner over Maryland last season — which gave Northwestern the tie-breaker for the No. 4 seed — showed what the Wildcats are capable of and building toward.
For a program that's largely underachieved for the better part of the past decade, head coach Tim Lenahan seems to have Northwestern headed in the right direction. Second Team All-Big Ten defender Garrett Opperman leads a strong returning core, while juniors Jose Del Valle and Bardia Kimiavi have potential to breakout as major offensive weapons.
Since this will be IU's first road match of season, I'll be keeping a close eye on how the Hoosiers respond from the opening whistle.
Vs. Penn State — Sunday, March 7
If not for Indiana's pedigree and collection of talent, the Nittany Lions might be my pick to win the Big Ten this season. Following a 6-1-1 conference record a season ago that culminated in a trip to the NCAA Tournament, Penn State returns nearly every starter and doesn't seem to have any glaring weaknesses.
Though star midfielder Aaron Molloy graduated after last season and is now playing in the USL, Penn State gets back four All-Big Ten honorees and adds significant experience elsewhere. One of two forwards selected as a First Team-All
Big Ten, Liam Butts headlines a prolific starting XI that also includes Big Ten Defender of the Year candidate Brandon Hackenberg, backline mate Jalen Watson and rising goalkeeper Kris Shakes.
However, heading into this match on March 7, Penn State will be in the midst of a brutal two-game road trip, first at Michigan, then at Indiana just three days later. The quick turnaround could work in IU's favor if its capitalizes out of the gate.
Regardless, this match should be one of Indiana's toughest tests of the year. The Hoosiers better come ready to play.
At Wisconsin — Thursday, March 11
I don't expect much of anything to be different the second time around between IU and Wisconsin other than the Badgers hosting this one. Let's just hope the weather in Madison is somewhat reasonable by March.
Vs. Michigan State — Monday, March 15
To put it bluntly, Michigan State was not good last season despite what its conference record indicates. The Spartans finished with a 3-12-3 record, with all three of their wins coming against Big Ten bottom-feeders — Rutgers, Wisconsin and Ohio State.
Do the Spartans have a chance to improve this season? Absolutely, considering their top-five point scorers from a season ago are all returning, and so is starting goalie Hunter Morse.
Do I think the Spartans have a chance to defeat Indiana, much less in Bloomington? Mmm, not quite. But it should be much more competitive this season.
At Rutgers — Friday, March 19
A trip to Piscataway rounds out what should be a fairly easy eight-day, three-match stretch for the Hoosiers. The Scarlet Knights were abysmal last season, posting just one conference win and tying Ohio State for last place in the conference.
Bringing back All-Big Ten defender Pablo Avila and All-Big Ten freshmen Huge Le Guennec and Jackson Temple should at least make Rutgers a stronger team on paper, but the results on the field last season don't inspire much confidence.
While Rutgers will likely finish better than last place in the Big Ten by virtue of experience, Indiana shouldn't have much of a problem handling the Scarlet Knights, even on the road.
Vs. Northwestern — Tuesday, March 23
Part two of the home-and-home series against Northwestern has the Wildcats traveling to Bloomington. There's a good possibility both teams are much-improved in this second go-around, so fans should be in store for a fun one in the final stretch of the season.
At Michigan — Saturday, March 27
The last time these two squads met, they needed a penalty shoot-out to decide the fate of the 2019 Big Ten Tournament Championship. In the end, the Hoosiers stood tall as forward Josh Penn netted the game-winning PK and secured the Big Ten Double for the cream and crimson.
The Wolverines look primed to make another run at the Big Ten crown this season as they return a majority of their rotational core. Though losing prolific scorers Nebojsa Popovic and Jack Hallahan and Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Andrew Verti will sting, the return of All-Big selections Jackson Ragen, Marc Ybarra and Derick Broche, among others, should help soften the blow.
Especially with IU having to travel to Ann Arbor for this matchup, Michigan cannot be overlooked — not on March 27 and certainly not in the Big Ten standings.
Vs. Maryland — Sunday, April 4
Was this merely coincidental or did the Big Ten purposely schedule its most-anticipated match for the regular-season finale? Though we'll likely never know the answer to this, we're not complaining as the Hoosiers and Terrapins almost always deliver fireworks when they meet on the field.
Last season, Maryland handed Indiana a 3-0 drubbing in what was arguably IU's worst performance of the season. The Hoosiers, though, quickly rebounded and eventually got the last laugh, ousting the Terrapins in the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals as All-American defender Jack Maher's golden goal in the second overtime proved to be the difference-maker.
However, both squads enter this season with new-look Starting XI's and major holes in need of filling.
For Maryland, the departures of defender Johannes Bergmann and midfielder Eli Crongale, both First Team All-Big Ten selections in 2019, could prove to be significant late in the season. Factor in the loss of Second Team All-Big Ten forward Eric Matzelevich and starting goalie Niklas Neumann, and the Terrapins might be in some trouble.
But then again, counting out head coach Sasho Cirovski usually never ends well for the rest of the Big Ten. Under Cirovski's tutelage, all the Terps have done is make nine trips to the College Cup, while winning three of them. So, yeah, it's probably best to just keep our mouths shut and enjoy Cirovski's brilliance — no matter how different Maryland's roster may look.
Hoosier fans should absolutely circle April 4 on their calendars because when the Terps come to town, it's can't-miss soccer. Here's to hoping Bill Armstrong Stadium might be able to have some fans in the stands for this match.
(09/24/20 5:20pm)
Nyk Sessock is a listener. While attending a prep school with only 32 students — all boys — Sessock listened. At the University of Pittsburgh, where he played right back for two seasons, Sessock listened.
And in his first year in Bloomington, the IU men’s soccer transfer intends on listening.
Throughout his childhood, Sessock, a self-proclaimed introvert, shied away from the spotlight. Though rarely one to be the center of attention, he was always present in the periphery. Listening. Observing. Concentrating.
As Sessock grew older, the things he was hearing no longer resembled white noise. Each moment became an opportunity to learn. Each conflict, both in his personal life and athletic endeavors, became solutions for those around him.
Years later, Sessock didn’t let those lessons and solutions go to waste. He used them to understand his struggling teammates, empathize with his frustrated friends and internalize his inner doubts.
“I’m always open arms and willing to help guys because when I need help, I’m hoping someone’s there for me,” Sessock said. “I love talking. If you need anything to talk about — one guy to talk about with anything — whether it’s the deepest stuff you got, I’m there.”
It wasn’t until Sessock arrived at YSC Academy — a prep school in Wayne, Pennsylvania, which specializes in developing student-athletes — as a high school freshman that he discovered his calling. There, it was only Sessock and 32 other boys, all who gave up their ordinary teenage lives in pursuit of a singular dream: a soccer career.
“There was no more weekends to myself,” Sesscok said. “I wasn’t really a kid anymore.”
A native of Philadelphia, Sessock missed being a normal high schooler. Friday night high school football games — gone. Hanging out with friends late into the night — if he was lucky.
But it wasn’t as if his parents, both of Ukranian lineage, forced him to attend a prep school miles apart from his childhood friends. Had he chosen to play for his high school, Sessock knew he’d likely be the best player on the team and one of the best in the state. Sessock longed for more, though, and it was his decision to make.
“I could’ve been the man and lit stuff up (in high school), but do I want to be the man or do I want to develop and get better?” Sessock said. “In the long run, I was like, 'You know what, I’m in a better place for what I want to do in the future. So, I’m just going to take it and run and make the most of what I have.' It ended up being the best decision of my life.”
At YSC Academy, the daily itinerary breeds order and structure — training at 8:30 a.m., classes at 11 a.m., training again until 5 p.m. Rinse and repeat every day with the same group of 32 teens, all starving to be the best.
However, there comes a time in every person’s maturation when life seems overwhelming. Compound this with the constant reminder that your closest peers are also elite soccer prospects, and you’re left searching for answers that most 16-year-olds are incapable of finding.
Sessock was no exception, but rather than sulk, he became a backbone for others.
“Those four years, you got overwhelmed being around your boys,” Sessock said. “I created a web for myself to be available for everyone because I don’t want anybody to feel like they’re alone. I took that upon myself, and I kind of became a guy that everyone came to with anything. I think people noticed, and that kind of became my thing.”
A pseudo-therapist? A pseudo-psychiatrist? At 16 years old? That was Sessock, embracing his own struggles while helping others navigate theirs.
“It translated for those guys and they would start playing better and they would start figuring stuff out,” Sessock said. “You get worked up when you’re focused. You’re at such a high level and everyone else is at the same place. It would play on people’s heads.”
Fittingly, Sessock is majoring in media and advertising at Indiana — a far cry from the psychological duties that beckoned him at YSC Academy. The ability to satisfy his creative passions steered him toward the major, but it doesn’t mean he’s leaving his past behind.
After two fruitful seasons starting on Pittsburgh’s defense, Sessock entered the transfer portal — his creativity and listening skills in tow — in need of a change of scenery. After signing with the Hoosiers this past spring, the scenery is definitely different, and so is the opportunity that stares him in the face.
At IU, Sessock arrives to a system and coaching staff that has produced more Major League Soccer players than any other in the nation. In Bloomington, he gets a raucous and inviting fanbase, one that has experienced more national championships than almost any other in the nation.
Being a transfer is rarely easy, though. Gaining respect from teammates, learning the coaching style, earning a spot in the rotation — it takes time and patience.
But Sessock says he’s okay with being the new guy. In the meantime, he’ll wait patiently in the periphery. Listening. Observing. Concentrating.
He’s already learned one of the most important things about being a Hoosier.
“This team is just like a family,” Sessock said. “Once you’re in, you never leave. No matter how old you are, no matter where you go.”
(09/22/20 8:07pm)
We’ve already waited this long for IU men’s soccer to return, so what’s a few more months spent away from Bill Armstrong Stadium… right? Well, the Hoosiers, along with the rest of Big Ten soccer, have finally received some good news.
The NCAA announced Tuesday that games can begin on Feb. 3, with the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal scheduled for April 18. Citing improved COVID-19 testing methods, including the availability of rapid antigen testing, the conference has moved forward with its return to play initiative for fall sports.
This comes a week after Big Ten presidents and chancellors reversed their decision to postpone football this fall, announcing last Wednesday that the season would begin the weekend of Oct. 23. While we haven't yet received an official announcement from the Big Ten, important figures across the conference, including Maryland Head Coach Sasho Cirovski, have heard that a spring Big Ten soccer season is indeed happening:
(09/01/20 1:22pm)
IU men’s soccer is no stranger to roster attrition and unexpected departures. For a program overflowing with talent, and a coaching staff capable of churning out future professional players like it’s second-nature, the Hoosiers are well-versed in adaptation and lineup shuffling.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has muddled much of what IU — or any other program — has come to know throughout the college soccer landscape. And for coronavirus’ latest trick, it’s caused dozens of players to choose the professional route and forgo their remaining college eligibility.
If you hoped IU would come out unscathed, your optimism was squandered last week when Indy Eleven announced it signed sophomore forward Josh Penn to a professional contract. It marked the club’s first ever professional signing of a former Academy player.
“I planned on playing at IU this fall and hopefully going professional from there, but with the college season being suspended it felt like now was the right time to make the move,” Penn said in a press release. “I’m really glad it happened this way because Indy Eleven provides a great opportunity for me, so it was a no-brainer and a way to make some good out of a tough situation.”
Last season, Penn tallied the second-most goals (six) and points (14) for the Hoosiers en route to a spot on the All-Big Ten Freshman Team.
It’s also important to remember that IU’s attack loses superstar freshman midfielder Aidan Morris, the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, to Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew.
The departures of Penn and Morris total eight goals and 26 points that now need replacing.
So, what now? Where do the Hoosiers — and their offensive attack — go from here?
The answer lies in the wealth of forwards and midfielders that shuffled in and out of head coach Todd Yeagley’s rotation from a season ago.
Victor Bezerra
Sophomore forward Victor Bezerra, IU's leading goal (eight) and points (19) scorer, returns as the Hoosiers' top offensive weapon. Named to Top Drawer Soccer's Second Team Freshman Best XI, Bezerra's ability to rifle shots from almost anywhere should allow him to make noticeable strides in his second season.
And he'll need to carry a bigger load if the Hoosiers want to repeat as Big Ten Regular Season and Tournament champions.
Spencer Glass and A.J. Palazzolo
Elsewhere, a pair of redshirt seniors in do-it-all defender Spencer Glass and tough-as-nails midfielder A.J. Palazzolo will be looked upon for leadership and play-making. With Morris gone, it's likely Glass and Palazzolo will see increased roles as ball distributors in order to create chances inside the box.
The duo combined for 20 points last season and will, again, be counted on as major fixtures on the Hoosiers' front line.
Herbert Endeley and Maouloune Goumballe
Sophomores Herbert Endeley and Maouloune Goumballe have the potential to be IU's biggest X-factors this season. The two were less-than-heralded recruits entering their freshman campaigns, but quickly became key components of Todd Yeagley's rotation.
Endeley's lightning-quick speed allows him to make runs up the sidelines that most opponents can't match. IU fans found that out almost immediately as Endeley scored a golden goal in his debut collegiate match against the University of Pittsburgh. The Minnesota native soon carved out a role in the starting XI and never relinquished it, with 16 starts to end the season.
Goumballe, though he didn't start a single match, made 21 appearances for the Hoosiers and was often deployed as Yeagley's go-to spark plug option off the bench. Glimpses of Goumballe's potential shined in IU's 3-1 win over Northwestern, where he tallied a goal and two assists.
Don't be surprised if one or both players make big developmental strides in their second season.
The best of the rest
Several Hoosiers come to mind when predicting breakout seasons, but the ones with the most experience — senior forwards Ian Black and Thomas Warr — are the likeliest of the bunch.
When healthy, Black showed a knack for creating opportunities near the goal. Sidelined by injuries for much of the season, Black appeared in only 10 games — with five starts — but made the most of his time, tallying three goals including a game-winner against Denver in double overtime.
Similarly, Warr's production last season elevated him into one of Yeagley's top bench options. Warr's six points in 2019 was second-most of any Hoosier with four starts or fewer.
Some names that also can't be counted out are junior midfielder Joe Schmidt, freshmen midfielders Emerson Nieto and Kyle Folds and sophomore forward Ryan Wittenbrink.
(08/29/20 3:18pm)
This was the season Indiana was supposed to redeem itself.
Seven returning starters? Check. A pair of top-ranked transfers? Yep. Top Drawer Soccer’s No. 1 recruiting class in the nation? Nothing new. Out for vengeance after an early exit in last season’s NCAA Tournament? You bet.
The pieces were all in place for coach Todd Yeagley to head one of his finest season’s in Bloomington yet.
But then COVID-19 struck, decimating everything in its path, including IU’s chance at redemption in the fall.
"As we have seen in the last five months, everything is fluid and on the table,” Yeagley said last week in a Zoom press conference. “That's the word of the year — fluid.”
Two weeks since Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren announced all fall sports would be postponed and re-evaluated in the spring, the Hoosiers aren’t sulking in their uncontrollable misfortunes. They have more important things to tend to.
For a program that’s been seeking its ninth National Championship — and ninth star on its crimson jersey — since 2012, dwelling on what could’ve been this fall isn’t an option.
"Everyone's mindset each year is that we are working towards December and a national championship," redshirt senior defender Spencer Glass said. ."This year, we have to flip a switch and work harder for a little longer, for May or whenever we can hopefully play for that title."
Though the goals haven’t changed for the title-minded Hoosiers, the means to achieve those goals must. From the obvious unknown whether a season will even take place, to the ever-changing vice-grip that coronavirus continues to hold on everyday life, fluidity is a necessity.
The way IU trains and practices while adhering to local and state guidelines will likely evolve week-to-week. Similarly, the utilization of new technologies like Zoom has gone from seldom-used to can’t-live-without in just a few short months.
It’s with this ability to adapt in the present, that will determine the Hoosiers’ fate when soccer returns in the future.
"They are motivated to win, motivated to put more trophies here for IU Soccer,” Yeagley said. “Many are motivated to play beyond Indiana. All of those things together allow us to move forward with a lot of focus.”
Glass, a team captain last season, is one of the many with aspirations to play beyond IU. But in his fifth and final season, what he does off the field this fall might be more important than anything he does on the field -- whenever that may be.
With a roster composed of 23 underclassmen and only nine upperclassmen, continued leadership from the likes of Glass and others becomes even more imperative as the Hoosiers chart a path forward.
This isn’t Glass’ first go-around as leader, though, and he’s made it a point to leave his fingerprint on each aspect of the team, season or not.
(08/20/20 6:35pm)
The number eight has an odd way of following around former IU men’s soccer player Eriq Zavaleta. It’s been eight years since he wore the Hoosiers’ iconic cream and crimson jersey. He helped IU win its eighth national championship in 2012, which was eight years after IU’s previous national title in 2004. Now in his eighth professional season, Zavaleta has tallied eight career shots on goal.
Coincidence? Probably. But just as the number eight has seemingly stuck with Zavaleta, so too has his Hoosier roots.
“One thing I have learned since my time at IU is the importance of sharing the experiences I’ve been afforded,” Zavaleta said.
The former unanimous Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year spent two seasons in Bloomington, where he tallied 28 career goals, 10 game-winning goals and 65 career points.
It’s a career often lost among IU’s cluttered collection of former All-American’s and MAC Hermann trophy winners, but a career that Zavaleta still leans on almost a decade later.
“Coach (Todd) Yeagley brought an element of intensity and professionalism that has been crucial to my success as a pro,” Zavaleta said. “I learned so much from my short time at IU.”
Though playing time in Major League Soccer has been harder to come by than his days at IU, Zavaleta, currently a defender on Toronto FC, is finding other ways to contribute. Whether it’s off the field, in the locker room, or on the bench, his years of professional experience and burgeoning leadership are helping him mentor the next wave of rising stars.
That mindset didn’t simply appear for Zavaleta, though. It was groomed years ago, long after the former Big Ten Freshman of the Year had already cemented his legacy on the hallowed grounds of Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
Enter, former IU player Drew Moor, Zavaleta’s teammate on Toronto FC from 2016-19.
“Drew Moor, who was at IU before me, was one of the most important people I’ve come across in my life because of the things he taught me through words and actions,” Zavaleta said.
Zavaleta, 28, and Moor, 36, are separated by eight years in age, but their connection as IU alums created a unique bond that helped to quickly overcome the disparity. Through that bond, the duo grew into a force on Toronto’s backline, appearing in 78 matches together over four seasons and winning the MLS Cup in 2017.
Simply having a mentor can do wonders for a young player’s growth, but for Zavaleta, it was more than that. Moor understood what it meant to wear the Indiana script logo across the chest. Moor understood what it meant to be a national champion, winning consecutive national titles with IU in 2003 and 2004. Moor understood the pressure of playing professional soccer after an illustrious career in Bloomington.
Under Moor’s guidance, Zavaleta learned how to be a professional, act like a professional and teach like a professional.
“I strive every day to pass those messages down to any young player,” Zavaleta said. “Like with another Hoosier like Griffin Dorsey that I play with today. This is one of the things I am most passionate about.”
In two seasons, Dorsey has appeared in only two matches for Toronto FC. It’s a stark contrast from the two seasons Dorsey spent with the Hoosiers, where he appeared in 44 matches and was named a second team All-American in 2018.
But despite Dorsey’s inevitable frustrations as a young newcomer, Zavaleta understands. From one Hoosier to another, he’s ready to teach his most important lesson of all.
“Success is not created from coincidence, but rather relentless preparation and execution,” Zavaleta said.
(08/03/20 4:22pm)
One of the most prolific players in IU men’s soccer history, Will Bruin accomplished nearly every feat and earned nearly every award possible in college soccer. He was also instrumental in guiding IU back to its familiar winning tradition after a brief stretch of underwhelming seasons.
Bruin, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, arrived in Bloomington in 2008 and wasted no time introducing himself to IU fans and the rest of the Big Ten. The eventual Big Ten Freshman of the Year started all 24 matches in his first campaign, scoring six goals, collecting 12 points and firing off 61 shots. Though the Hoosiers struggled in the regular season, finishing in fourth place in the Big Ten, Bruin helped propel the Hoosiers to a deep NCAA Tournament run before falling to St. John’s in the quarterfinals in a triple overtime thriller.
In Bruin’s sophomore season, his development and talent took a noticeable leap forward, catapulting him toward IU stardom and into a legitimate professional prospect. Bruin led the Hoosiers with nine goals, 22 points and 93 shot attempts in 2009, which parlayed into a First Team All-Big Ten selection. IU finished the season with a 12-10 overall record and was eliminated in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. It was also then-head coach Mike Freitag’s sixth and final season at the helm.
In 2010, the arrival of head coach Todd Yeagley ushered in a new era for IU, but Bruin’s familiar face remained. And he made sure to not let anyone forget it. One of the most dominant individual seasons in the history of the program, Bruin’s junior campaign ended with 18 goals, 41 points and 103 shot attempts as the Hoosiers claimed their 14th Big Ten regular season title. Among the numerous awards Bruin earned for his efforts, it included a Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year nod, a College Soccer News First Team All-American selection and a semifinalist spot for the MAC Hermann trophy.
Bruin chose to forego his final season of eligibility in 2011, opting to declare for the Major League Soccer SuperDraft and signing a Generation Adidas contract with the MLS. He was selected 11th overall by the Houston Dynamos, where he scored 50 goals over six seasons before making his way to the Seattle Sounders. Bruin is now a 10-year veteran in the MLS.
The Hoosier Network caught up with Bruin, who talked about his experience at IU, how the MLS has evolved in the past decade and what it's like to be "one of the old guys" in the league.
Q: It’s been nearly 10 years since you’ve played at IU and moved on to professional soccer. What are some of the biggest transformations you’ve noticed or seen within professional soccer as the sport continues to grow in the United States and elsewhere?
A: This is my 10th year in MLS and it’s crazy how far the league has come since year one. The overall quality of play has increased along with the depth of rosters, which makes the (U.S. men’s national) team much more competitive internationally. The development of academies has made a big step, which has also helped pave a more direct path for younger players to the professional layer.
Q: You first came to Bloomington playing for coach Mike Freitag and his staff, and got drafted as coach Todd Yeagley was just beginning to take over. Is there anything (lessons, messages etc.) that has still stuck with you from IU’s coaching staff all these years later?
A: I loved playing for Coach (Freitag), and also (Yeagley) was an assistant coach on the staff my (freshman) year before he went to Wisconsin for a year, then coming back to IU (in 2010). That whole staff does an incredible job of not only coaching and maintaining very competitive teams, but also getting every person ready for the “real world.” That could consist of getting a job out of college or going on to play professionally. My time at IU taught me that hard work can help you achieve a lot of things in the real world.
(07/22/20 1:35am)
Throughout Indiana men's soccer's storied history, few players have had college careers as robust as former defender Andrew Gutman. A MAC Hermann Trophy winner in his senior season, back-to-back College Cup appearances in 2017 and 2018, and the captain of a Big Ten regular season and tournament title team, Gutman’s list of achievements is nearly unmatched.
In four seasons with the Hoosiers, Gutman scored 20 goals, including 11 game-winners, attempted 169 shots and totaled 57 points. The uber-versatile defender was nearly impossible to contain, often playing a positionless brand of soccer in which he was counted on to be as productive on the defensive end as he was scoring goals and setting up teammates in the attacking zone.
A native of Hinsdale, Illinois, Gutman started all 90 matches that he appeared in for the Hoosiers. In 2018, playing alongside the likes of former IU players Justin Rennicks, Griffin Dorsey, Rece Buckmaster, Jeremiah Gutjahr and others, Gutman captained one of the most talented rosters in program history. IU finished the regular season a perfect 8-0 in Big Ten play en route to capturing the program’s first Big Ten Double since 2006. The magical season came just short of a ninth national championship, however, as the Hoosiers fell to Maryland, 2-0, in the College Cup semifinals.
Following his senior season, Gutman signed a three-year deal with Celtic F.C. of the Scottish Premiership. On Aug. 3, 2019, Celtic loaned Gutman to FC Cincinnati of Major League Soccer.
Though his statistics may never elicit full justice to his career as a Hoosier, Gutman’s leadership and intangibles arguably meant more to the program than any player of the past decade. IU’s success in the latter half of the 2010s coincided with Gutman’s arrival in Bloomington in 2015, and since then, the program has asserted itself atop the Big Ten and as a perennial contender for the College Cup.
The Hoosier Network recently caught up with Gutman, who answered questions about his transition to professional soccer, lessons that stuck with him from his time at IU and how he's spent his time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: You’re about a year and a half removed from playing at IU and into the professional soccer world. What has the transition been like for you in adjusting to the heightened talent level and expectations in Europe/MLS?
A: The transition at first was tough; going from college soccer to Celtic was a massive jump and I think I found out quickly how much I needed to improve. After a quick three months (playing for the Charlotte Independence of the USL), I knew that I was ready to really make a push at Celtic. So, when I went back for preseason I felt I was at the level of the players within the camp. Work permit issues didn’t allow me to stay, but then I made a loan move to MLS and felt that I would be able to thrive in this league and have been confident ever since I made my loan move to FC Cincinnati.
The one thing I will say that is different in Europe than the USA is the expectation of playing at a certain level. Every training session at Celtic I was very nervous to make a mistake because at any given day I could be dropped to the second team, and I know there were 25 players down there waiting for someone to slip up and for them to get their chance….you do not get that feeling when you play in the MLS.
Q: The coronavirus pandemic has obviously taken a toll on sports, including soccer. How have you navigated all the uncertainty?
A: The pandemic has been tough for everyone and I think everyone handles it differently. I focused on maintaining my high level of fitness, but I also used the time to re-enroll in school and work on completing my business degree at Kelley.”
Q: It’s no secret that Coach Yeagley and IU’s staff are some of the best at preparing players for pro soccer. Is there anything (coaching, lessons, skills etc.) that has still stuck with you from IU’s coaching staff?
A: I think the one thing that stuck with me was (Yeagley) telling me, “Gutty, you got away with it here, but at the next level you won’t be able to.” What he was talking about was me trying certain things that I probably shouldn’t have been doing. I made one of those mistakes in the MLS and we got punished for a goal, and immediately I thought of (Yeagley) making that comment. I’m still young and will make mistakes, but I’m glad (Yeagley) was so hard on me for always making the correct play, regardless if I could get away with doing something else.
Q: You had one of the most accomplished careers at IU — a MAC Hermann Trophy, a Big Ten Double, back-to-back College Cups and much more. What are some things you’re most proud of from your time in Bloomington?
A: Yeah, I think there are a lot of things I’m proud of that I accomplished at IU. I think what I am most proud of was deciding to come back for my senior season and being the leader of a team that won the double, went 8-0 in the Big Ten and made a College Cup appearance. (Senior) year was the first time I was ever able to be a leader of a team, and I am very proud of how I handled it and I am proud of how productive we were. I have a great sense of pride that I was able to be the rock on the best team in the country and have guys constantly look to me for advice or to back them up… it’s a year I’ll never forget.
And to top it all off… winning the MAC Hermann at the end of the year was crazy. It was one of the most emotional nights of my life. I remember after I won it I was sitting down with my dad and we just were talking about my path to that moment. From thinking in eighth grade that I wanted to be a baseball player all the way to winning that award. A few days later I was on a flight to Europe to sign my first professional contract… I would’ve never in a million years guessed this would happen to me, but it just was all the hard work and dedication to the sport that catapulted me into the life I have now.
Q: Have you been able to stay in touch with some of your former IU teammates? You’ve been able to play against a few of them, what’s that experience like going from teammate to opponent?
A: Yeah, I keep in touch with a lot of the guys. I was able to play against (Rece Buckmaster) and we actually swapped jerseys after the game. In the off-season, a few of us went on a holiday down in Florida together, which was a great time to catch up and have a good laugh again like we used to every day in college. I try to keep up with how everyone is doing at their teams, but it’s sometimes hard to do. Whenever I can make an effort to see my boys I always go for it.