Grabavoy, Moor to join National Team

Yesterday was a bittersweet day for the Hoosiers in finding out that they will begin their chase for the College Cup as the No. 8 seed beginning next Wednesday in Bloomington, but will have to do so without All-American Ned Grabavoy and sophomore defender Drew Moor.\nBoth players were selected and will join the U20 National Team in representing the United States at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates from Nov. 27 through Dec. 19. \n"Obviously I'm torn between going or not, but like Ned said 'it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.' I think most people in my shoes would go as well," Moor said. "It was a difficult decision but I am confident that guys in my position can come in and fill."\nWith Moor out, the Hoosiers will be minus one of their most experienced defenders, but the absence of Grabavoy leaves the Hoosiers without their leader in goals, assists and total points. \n"As I've said all year it's an opportunity that not many people get," Grabavoy said. "Ten college players get the chance and 10 college players are going. I don't think anyone would pass up a U20 World Cup."\nThe Hoosiers earned the No. 8 seed and will face the winner of the Kentucky-Cincinnati game Wednesday, Nov. 26. \nThe only scenario that would bring Grabavoy and Moor back to play for the Hoosiers would be an IU College Cup appearance and a U20 elimination after bracket play. \n"We are certainly not the same team, but you never know. You don't want to wish they do poorly, but if we can hang in there they can be back with us," IU coach Jerry Yeagley said. "It will be a different look but we have enough talent not drop off the face of the earth without those two. Again, everyone will have to pick it up. We will have to tweak things up a bit. I think the last thing this group will do is say they we can't get it done without those two."\nWhether their absence will cost the Hoosiers a title run is yet to be determined, but regardless, the Hoosiers understand their teammates' situation and fully support their decision. \n"They joke around a little bit about me leaving but I know they are behind me all they way," Moor said. "I know they would do the same thing and I really appreciate everything they have done for me. I know everything will be okay because I have so much confidence in every player."\nGrabavoy and Moor will depart just before IU's first round match, but before they do, Yeagley will have words of encouragement for his two players.\n"I'm damn proud of them to represent their nations' colors the way they represent IU's colors," Yeagley said. "They will bring a lot of pride to us through that."\n-- Contact staff writer Daniel Cohen at djcohen@indiana.edu