Depth key to Hoosiers' success

Oceans possess it. Stupid people do not. And coaches in every sport desire it. \nIt is depth, and fortunately the 2000 men's soccer team is one of the program's deepest squads in history. Good thing, too, because it appears they will need every player to contribute in order to obtain success at season's end.\n A season in collegiate soccer is rarely an uneventful one, with many roadblocks in the way on the "Road to Charlotte." A typical season will include injuries to key players, near-suicidal scheduling and games played in conditions that would make even people in a tropical forest complain about the humidity. All these possible circumstances show the importance of having a deep squad, not just one with a few talented players and some schleps to fill in the gaps.\nIn IU's eight games this season, 18 Hoosiers have seen significant playing time, more than most of the other top programs in the country. And by significant playing time I don't mean \"garbage time" in the second half against St. Mary's of the Woods. Many of the Hoosiers have had to adapt quickly to their new roles or positions against a schedule containing no less than five top-ten teams, making their \"developmental\" minutes critical to the Hoosiers' success. Such success has been evident, as six Hoosiers have netted goals this season, with three of those players' goals being the first of their career.\nA textbook example of what depth can do for a squad came two weekends ago when the Hoosiers knocked off top-ranked Virginia. On a hot Maryland afternoon coach Jerry Yeagley helped keep his Hoosiers fresh with constant substitutions and kept the Cavaliers off-guard by switching players all over the field. By the end of the game the official scorekeeper's hand cramped up, the Cavaliers' heads were spinning and the Hoosiers escaped with an important early-season win. Depth and versatility won out over "superior talent."\nIf you keep in mind that the squad has also dealt with their fair share of early-season injuries, the depth of the IU roster looks even more impressive. The regular starters are now all back, but the players who have replaced them have not only gained some valuable match experience, but have also gained the confidence that goes along with playing soccer at IU. \n As the season continues, the substituting may die down a bit, and some players may establish themselves at positions that they have yet to dominate at. If the roster stabilizes then some players will inevitably lose playing time, but those players will also be ready to step in a game late in the season and keep the \"Hoosier Machine\" running smoothly. Remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and the Hoosiers appear to have strengthened their chain quite a bit this season.\nSo when you look out on the pitch and focus on Matt Fundenberger, Ryan Mack and Pat Noonan, also realize that it was David Prall, Josh Rife, Michael Bock, Ryan Hammer and many others that have helped the Hoosiers get to where they are. And as sure as the ocean is deep, by the season's end, they will be called upon again to get IU back to Charlotte -- and they'll be ready.