Defense steps up to fill voids

With senior midfielder Ryan Mack returning from ACL surgery to reclaim his spot as IU's number two scorer and adding strength to an already potent offense, one question plagued the coaching staff entering the season.\nHow would the Hoosiers fill the holes left behind by starting backs Ryan Hammer and Josh Rife and goalkeeper Colin Rogers?\nThe three were pivotal members of the nation's top defense. IU led the country in goals against average and shutout percentage last season.\nAny controversy surrounding this issue, however, was quickly squelched by their replacements. Senior back John Swann returned to his position as one of the team's best markers, and he was joined by junior back David Prall, who missed last season due to injury but started two years ago. Senior Phil Presser made his way from the midfield to sweeper in a move that completed what has been a stellar defensive backfield from the opening game on.\n"The guys who have stepped up in the positions where we lost experience have done a great job," Yeagley said. "Prall has come back from injury, and Swann has been the glue back there. But Presser has been the big difference for us in terms of him stepping into a position that was new for him."\nThose three at defensive back and sophomore Danny O'Rourke at stopper in the midfield have formed the primary unit of backs this year, Yeagley said. Yeagley also said that sophomore keeper Jay Nolly's increased confidence and ability in goal as well as the other midfielders has helped greatly.\nEvery year IU builds its team around a strong defensive core, and no matter who they lose, Prall said Yeagley finds a combination that works.\n"Indiana has always started with solid defense, and it's been the backbone of the team this year as well," Prall said. "It's the coaches system, and it's the way it has to be here."\nAlthough the defense has given up more goals this year, that doesn't mean it has been less effective. Yeagley said this year's defense has not given up more pressure, but has provided some pressure of its own on the offensive side by distributing the ball to the midfielders and forwards.\nSwann's scoring ability has been a secret weapon at times for the Hoosiers, especially on corner kicks. After scoring five goals last year and earning an All-Big Ten first team selection, the preseason All-American has come back this year and scored three more goals.\nThe senior earned the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week earlier this season, but his presence helps in a way that cannot be measured with statistics.\n"I started back there a couple years ago," Prall said. "With Swann back there it makes everything easier. I've played with Phil now for four years. We're all Indiana boys, and we speak the same language, so it makes things easier."\nUnfortunately for the Hoosiers, this defense will not stay intact after this season, and Yeagley will have to work some of his magic once again.\n"When Phil and Swann leave, it's going to leave a huge void," Yeagley said. "But we'll worry about that next year"