Sam Sarver offers dynamic attacking, defensive versatility in Indiana’s win over Rutgers

Sam Sarver wasn’t near his typical position. That doesn’t mean the Indiana men’s soccer senior forward felt out of place. 

In the Hoosiers’ 1-0 win over Rutgers on Friday night in Piscataway, New Jersey, Sarver had his share of impressive attacking spurts — his assist to senior forward Tommy Mihalic in the 87th minute ultimately sealed Indiana’s victory. 

But roughly 67 minutes prior, the 5-foot-10, 156-pound Sarver showcased why his defensive abilities render him among the Hoosiers’ most unique players. As Rutgers started to press on a quick counterattack, Sarver began to methodically track back into Indiana’s half. 

Then, Scarlet Knights’ freshman midfielder Illia Tyrkus sliced a through ball to senior midfielder Curt Calov, splitting a pair of Hoosiers in the process. For a moment, Calov was alone. 

Calov slowed to survey a passing option to junior forward Ian Abbey on his right, but the moment passed. Sarver had already burst toward Calov’s direction, cutting off the passing lane to Abbey and forcing Calov to beat him 1v1. 

Despite Calov’s efforts to fire off a left-footed shot just inside the 18-yard box, Sarver had nudged him slightly off balance, allowing the ball to take a slow, harmless roll toward Indiana fifth-year senior goalkeeper JT Harms. 

Last season, Sarver’s eight goals and six assists — both of which ranked second in the Big Ten — earned him third team All American and First-Team All-Big Ten honors. Those distinctions were mainly for Sarver the dynamic attacker, not necessarily Sarver the defender. 

But leading into the season, head coach Todd Yeagley stressed the importance of Sarver’s penchant for tracking back and providing help on defense. In fact, Yeagley said Sarver’s opportunity for a professional career may come as a wingback. 

“His locked in defensive focus will be important for his development, and it also helps us,” Yeagley said. 

While Indiana likely would hope Sarver’s role as the last line of defense is minimal, he showed Friday night why it isn’t disastrous. Part of the reason for Sarver’s defensive acumen is his conditioning. 

Since playing 59 minutes in the Hoosiers’ season opening loss to Saint Louis University on Aug. 23, Sarver logged all 90 minutes in each of the ensuing five matches. Aside from the respite he received at the bottom of Indiana’s dogpile following Mihalic’s deciding goal, Sarver’s rest was scarce against Rutgers. 

Despite blazing up and down the wings virtually all night, Sarver sprinted to a pass from senior midfielder Patrick McDonald to beat a Rutgers defender and initiate the assist. His speed and willingness to take part in the dirty work were noteworthy, but Sarver nearly netted a goal of his own. 

In the 35th minute, after receiving the ball from sophomore forward Clay Murador, Sarver cut back inside the box to create ample space. He launched a strong right-footed shot on goal, but it clanked off the crossbar away from danger. 

Now six matches into the season, Sarver remains without a goal. But he certainly feels on the cusp of one. With graduate forward Justin Weiss inserted back into the lineup after missing the previous two outings with a calf injury, Rutgers’ backline was forced to make difficult decisions.

Would Rutgers center its focus on Weiss and leave a chance for Mihalic? Send extra help toward Mihalic and open an opportunity for sophomore forward Collins Oduro? As the Scarlet Knights wrestled with their methods, Sarver frequently was left with favorable matchups, generating chances on crosses.

Indiana, now 2-2-2 on the season after Friday night’s win, may not see 90 minutes out of Sarver for the year’s 12 remaining regular season bouts. Still, he not only displayed why his relentless presence helps the Hoosiers’ attack, but why he can be crucial in defending situations as well. 

Follow reporters Matt Press (@MattPress23) and Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer (@mateo_frohwer) for updates throughout the Indiana men’s soccer season.