Consistency is often a word associated with the Indiana men’s soccer program — and it’s certainly an accurate description.
The Hoosiers have reached the NCAA Tournament every year since 1987. They have made it to the Sweet 16 for 10 straight years. The last eight Major League Soccer SuperDrafts have featured a Hoosier drafted in the top 10.
It’s no surprise that this level of consistency extends to their front line, which has featured forwards Tommy Mihalic and Sam Sarver for the past four seasons.
The duo combined for 48 goals and 30 assists over the course of their Hoosiers tenure, with Mihalic earning 2024 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year while Sarver secured consecutive third-team All-American selections in 2023 and 2024. Mihalic and Sarver both joined the professional ranks after graduation at Los Angeles Football Club 2 and FC Dallas, respectively.
Additionally, forward Justin Weiss netted seven goals in 2024, his only season donning the Cream and Crimson before leaving the collegiate level. So, with two program stalwarts and a key contributor departing, Indiana has a challenge on its hands to replace them.
But it’s something that the Hoosiers are prepared for.
Oduro returns following draft selection
Only one player remains from Indiana’s starting frontline for the majority of the 2024 season — junior Collins Oduro. And after an offseason that featured his selection in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft to Orlando SC, even more is expected of the Bibiani, Ghana, native.
“I think he is maybe one of the attackers that has to be and is ready to be a bigger contributor, not only in the stat sheet but just in his overall play and the way he’s looking,” Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley said in a press conference Aug. 5. “I don’t see why that won’t be the case.”
Oduro opened his collegiate career brightly, scoring five goals and assisting two while starting in all 24 matches of the 2023 season. Building off his freshman success, he overcame a rough start to finish strong with three goals and five assists in his final 12 games of the season.
But now, Oduro is set to be one of the most experienced Hoosiers on the squad. Development is still necessary for him, Yeagley said, specifically with his action in the final third. And with sights still set on silverware, a lot is needed from Oduro — regardless of whether he decides to stay for his senior season with Indiana or join the professional ranks.
“We (Oduro and coaching staff) are not making any predetermined decisions,” Yeagley said. “He just wants to have the best season he can, and then we’ll address it after the season on what his best next step would be.”
Ault poised to make immediate impact
Replacing the No. 10 shirt that Mihalic has worn for so long will be a daunting task.
But if any player is ready to do so, Yeagley believes it’s senior Palmer Ault.
“He’s going to be arguably one of the better attackers in the country,” he said.
Ault joined the Hoosiers in December from Butler University, where he contributed 21 goals and 12 assists in 49 games. His freshman campaign proved to be his most decorated, with both Big East Freshman of the Year honors and an All-Big East first team selection. Ault’s following two seasons weren’t bad either as he earned All-Big East second-team selections in both.
Joining a new-look Indiana squad means Ault is being forced to take on a leadership role that he may seem uncomfortable in at first, Yeagley noted, but the head coach and his staff have challenged him “to be more of an on the field leader.”
“He needs to step up, and he has,” Yeagley said. “He demands a lot from himself, but it’s demanding more from his teammates.”
If his past reflects any of the future, Ault’s output won’t be an issue — and coupled with his developed leadership skills, he could be the critical piece to unlock Indiana’s attack.
Youngsters provide depth
Sophomore Michael Nesci jumped onto the scene early in the season a year ago, scoring a goal against the University of Notre Dame on Aug. 29 — his second college appearance — as well as netting the winner against the University of Kentucky on Oct. 8. Yeagley expects a “step up” from some of his youngsters in the attack, with the Chicago native included.
Along with Nesci are sophomore Easton Bogard and junior Clay Murador, who both provide meaningful depth. The two forwards saw limited time last season but could play meaningful minutes this season with multiple gaps needing to be filled.
One of Indiana’s new additions, freshman forward Colton Swan, is a name Yeagley highlighted. The Detroit native played club with the Colorado Rapids academy, where he totaled 34 goals and 14 assists in two seasons while also securing the U16 MLS Cup Golden Boot award.
“We thought he’s a nine that could also help in how we build our attack with not only a rotation, but just his skill set and his danger to be on the end of things,” Yeagley said.
Yeagley will have a tough task in slotting all his capable forwards into one, cohesive group. The first look at this new front line will be in the Hoosiers’ exhibition against No. 20 Western Michigan University at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington.
Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer covers Indiana men’s soccer for the Indiana Daily Student. You can follow him at @mateo_frohwer on X and contact him via email at matfuent@iu.edu.
