Hoosiers fall in Big Ten opener to Michigan

Junior Orianica Velasquez fired away, but no one was there to send it home.
That was a costly missed opportunity for the Hoosiers. Michigan went on to win the match 1-0 on a goal by Wolverine sophomore Shelina Zadorsky that hit the underside of the crossbar on its way in.

If a shot is taken that the opposing goalkeeper isn’t able to control, an opportunity to score on a rebound could go unconverted.

Such was the case in the 25th minute when Velasquez attempted a shot that Michigan goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer saved. Kopmeyer was unable to control the ball. No one was there for IU to capitalize on the loose ball.

That, IU Coach Mick Lyon said, showed lack of dedication.

“Finding rebounds is about commitment from the two attacking mids and the center forward to be there for the first chance,” Lyon said. “And then they’ve got to be there for the second chance.
“We’ve got to commit players to get into the six-yard box. We can’t allow their goalkeeper to pick up the ball easily on the front post without being contested.”

To begin the season, IU switched to a 4-1-4-1, featuring one forward up top. Velasquez added that someone had to be there. But the formation is the coach’s decision.

On a day when it rained early in the morning, and the sun couldn’t escape the clouds, the ball was a little damp and had a tendency to skip. Still, Lyon stuck with the formation IU has utilized all season.

“Weather doesn’t make any difference,” he said. “The weather suits us because the game plays faster. We’re playing with three forwards with Carly (Samp), Ori and Kaylin (Clow).”

Statistically, the teams were even through the first half — Indiana, the youngest
Big Ten team, attempted six shots to the Wolverines’ five. Senior goalkeeper Lindsay Campbell recorded two saves.

For the third game in the last four home matches, IU entered halftime in a 0-0 score. Zadorsky’s goal gave the Wolverines the lead 2:33 into the second half.

Indiana had opportunities to score the equalizer, thanks in part to twelve corner kicks.
“(Coach Lyon) has been talking about that. We have to finish those corner kicks,” Velasquez said. “We’re doing everything good. We have to keep working and make at least one or two.”

Since the conference opener was broadcast on the Big Ten Network, the game was interrupted each half by a media timeout.

“You have a chance to come together, get suggestions and refocus for the next half of the half,” Burks said.

Though each team had extra time to discuss strategy, a recurring theme plagued the Hoosiers.

“We didn’t finish our chances,” Velasquez said. “They got one. Even though we played better, we lost. I’m so disappointed.”