Rough atmosphere awaits IU men's soccer’s chance to rebound

After the team’s 2-1 loss to UC-Santa Barbara on Saturday night, IU men’s soccer coach Mike Freitag said his biggest concern was the “casualness” his team displayed on the field.

The Hoosiers hope to show a more aggressive approach today when they travel to Evansville for an 8 p.m. showdown against the Purple Aces.

This weekend’s loss dropped the Hoosiers to a No. 17 national ranking and 4-2-2 on the season. The Purple Aces are 6-2 and coming off their largest margin of victory this year, a 6-0 win over Centenary.

Against UCSB, the Hoosiers started out the match with little production offensively. While there were some attacking opportunities, the Gauchos primarily controlled possession in the first half and advanced the ball with more efficiency than the Hoosiers.

Defensively, IU at times appeared to have communication issues, leaving UCSB forwards open near the goal. By the time the Hoosiers picked up their play in the second half, the deficit was too much to overcome.

“It was mainly focus and intensity,” sophomore midfielder Daniel Kelly said. “We need to bring it 100 percent every game. They finished chances and we didn’t – that’s basically what it comes down to.”

Rich Balchan, who helped assist on the Hoosiers’ lone goal against UCSB, said despite the loss, there were some positives to take away.

“We completely dominated the second half,” Balchan said. “They only had a few chances, and we limited their shot count. If we come out and play like that, we should be fine.”

In the Purple Aces, IU will take on a talented team that has played well thus far, though against a weak schedule.

The Hoosiers’ defense will likely focus on sophomore forward Mike Luttrull, who already has 17 points on the season, including seven goals.  

Freitag said the road match-up will be difficult and help show how his team responds after a tough loss.

“I think they probably have the strongest team they have had in a while,” Freitag said. “Evansville is very well-balanced and has some quality players. They are competitive with anybody right now. It will be a hostile environment that our guys will have to deal with.”

Kelly agreed that the game atmosphere will be unlike other road matches this year.

“I think they are putting in extra bleachers for all the fans that are coming out,” Kelly said. “I know most of the guys are pretty big, are aggressive, and it will be a tough, physical game.”

Although the loss this weekend was tough mentally for the Hoosiers, the team is confident they will leave Evansville victorious.

“We need to bring it 100 percent every game,” Kelly said. “Hopefully, our experience will show. We just have to play with concentration for the full 90 minutes and come out with the win.”