In a season filled with unpredictability, chaos, disappointment and frustration, Indiana men’s soccer only had one thing to rely on.
Tommy Mihalic.
His goals against the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State secured draws. Finishes against Yale University, Wisconsin and Rutgers aided victories.
But against the University of Kentucky, the senior forward’s goals seemed different. Beyond the fact his two finishes, separated by four minutes and 24 seconds, catapulted a 3-2 comeback victory at Bill Armstrong Stadium, Mihalic produced a performance Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley had not frequently seen from his star man.
“He’s leading,” Yeagley said postgame. “You see him on the field dictating where guys need to be — that’s a new Tommy.”
Along with his constant communication, Mihalic led by example. With just under five minutes to go in the match, the Skokie, Illinois, native pressured Kentucky sophomore Marqes Muir at the Wildcats’ corner flag, forcing an errant clearance that resulted in an Indiana throw-in.
Mihalic stopped in place and let out a yell, symbolizing how close Indiana was to its first home marquee victory and how much work it required.
It didn’t take until the 85th minute for Mihalic to showcase his all-around game. Even when tied at two, he helped the backline defend and clear balls forward to relieve pressure.
Then, in an instant, he’d emerge in the attack, pressuring defenders or creating runs into open space. His senior leadership comes with expectations, which Yeagley believes Mihalic felt — and delivered — Tuesday night.
“I think he feels, one, he’s got to perform,” Yeagley said. “He feels that responsibility, and I thought he played really well all game before he got his two goals tonight.”
A season ago, it took Mihalic until Oct. 27 against Division III Trine University to score, and he only managed two goals in the campaign. However, it was not for a lack of trying, as he totaled the most shots and shots on goal in the Big Ten.
Against Kentucky, Mihalic netted his seventh and eighth goals of the year, cementing his place atop the 2024 Indiana goalscoring leaderboards and earning him the sole position of second place in the Big Ten.
In Indiana’s recent goalscoring surge, Mihalic has been at the forefront in what Yeagley says is his best form to date. His equalizer against Ohio State on Sept. 27 salvaged a draw, his strike against Wisconsin on Oct. 1 gave the Hoosiers a short-lived lead and Tuesday night, he reignited a struggling squad.
Except, he didn’t do so single-handedly.
Mihalic’s first goal began with midfielder Jack Wagoner. The junior’s incisive, first-time ball found the forward through on goal, and after a singular touch, Mihalic slotted a clinical finish past Kentucky goalkeeper Ryan Jack.
Four minutes later, senior forward Sam Sarver burnt his man down the wing and without hesitation, played a low cross into the box. Instinctively, Mihalic was there to slot the ball into the net.
Yeagley mentioned the connection the two seniors have had in their four years together, both on and off the pitch. When it came to the goal, Mihalic took off running before it was clear Sarver had possession of the ball, highlighting the confidence and connection the two have with each other.
“He’s rapid,” Mihalic said postgame about Sarver. “No one catches him when he gets into space, so once Jansen (Miller) played him that ball, I knew I just got to get to my spot and the ball will fall to me.”
Consistency with goals is important for Mihalic, as he has acknowledged in the past, but above all else, he only cares about one consistency — winning.
And if it means scoring goals, then all the better.
“Obviously, the team comes first, but when I can score, I know it gives us a huge chance to win,” Mihalic said. “I’ll try and keep doing it.”
Follow reporters Matt Press (@MattPress23) and Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer (@mateo_frohwer) for updates throughout the Indiana men’s soccer season.
