Midfielder Patrick McDonald’s impact on the pitch was one of the main reasons for Indiana’s men’s soccer team’s success during the 2024 season.
Despite being drafted in the third round of the 2024 MLS Superdraft, McDonald opted to return to Indiana to finish his final year of eligibility last season. Ultimately, the Hoosiers wrapped up their season with a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament.
However, with McDonald completing his senior season and being drafted by Toronto FC in the third round again (59th overall) of the MLS Superdraft, the Cream and Crimson will have to rely on a plethora of new players and a couple of returning players.
Transfer Bruletti slides into the forefront of the midfield attack
While Indiana has decisions to make as to who will start in the midfield position, senior Cristiano Bruletti appears to be one of the top options.
The 5’11” midfielder, who transferred from Michigan State after previously playing at the University of South Carolina, appeared in 49 matches with 44 starts last season. Bruletti scored three goals and totaled three assists, contributing to 15 clean sheets for the Spartans.
All signs point to him playing full minutes in his first season with the Hoosiers.
"With Patrick [McDonald] moving on, Bruletti brings a tough, gritty attitude," head coach Todd Yeagley said. “He’s a two-way midfielder who can help ensure the midfield is in good order on the pitch... he is a guy who has amazing winning qualities. I think he’ll be a voice in our midfield that will help, along with a collection of other players.”
Incoming international transfer enters the fold
Another key addition to the midfield group is Jacopo Fedrizzi. Fedrizzi is an incoming junior from Giulia, Italy, and spent the last two years at the University of Evansville.
In 2023, Fedrizzi only appeared in four matches but scored his first career goal in a 3-1 victory over Cal State Fullerton.
He took a major leap last year, leading a successful Purple Aces squad to the Missouri Vally Conference Championship. He tallied a team-high six assists and scored four goals in 20 matches played with the Purple Aces.
At the end of the year, Fedrizzi was named to the Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference.
Returning options help support depth
Even with several transfers coming to Bloomington this year, the Cream and Crimson retained a few key pieces at midfield.
One such player is sophomore Charlie Heuer, who cracked the starting lineup at the end of last year. In the offseason, he has continued to take strides and is expected to take on a bigger role this season.
“Charlie was very, very patient last year. He's an ambitious kid; he came in with a lot of accolades,” Yeagley said. “In the last third of the year, he excelled in his role. I think he can step into a much bigger role this year, not only with his minutes but also with his presence and quality of play.
Heuer was featured in 11 appearances with the Hoosiers last season. He recorded four goals and two assists. The Elmhurst, Illinois, native was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team as well as the Big Ten All-Tournament team.
Another key piece returning is senior Jack Wagoner. In the 2024 season, he played all 21 matches, starting 20 of them.
Wagoner made his mark last year for Indiana in a crucial win over UCLA on October 25, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Both Wagoner and Heuer are expected to start for the Hoosiers and play vital roles in the midfield. Although Indiana’s lineup isn’t set in stone just yet, Coach Yeagley and the rest of the staff have much to deliberate.
Yeagley described the outlook for the substitution pattern as one that has “plenty of options.”
Follow reporter Elakai Anela (elakai_anela) for updates throughout the Indiana men’s soccer season.
