Through six matches, No. 5 Indiana men’s soccer has achieved many things: an undefeated record, a top-five ranking and a perfect record at home.
However, the pending task for Indiana is a road win.
The Hoosiers’ one road contest this season was their only game not resulting in a victory — ending in a 1-1 draw against the University of Louisville on Aug. 31. On Friday, the team will get a second chance at a road win when they travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan.
About Michigan
Michigan notched its first loss of the season Sunday, falling to the University of Notre Dame by a final of 2-1. Notre Dame is the only common opponent between the Hoosiers and Wolverines, after Indiana defeated the Irish with a 3-1 score in its Aug. 20 season opener.
“It gives you a good comparison,” Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley said at a press conference Sept. 9. "Obviously we know Notre Dame, what they like to do, where their strengths are. So, to kind of see them battle up... I think is super helpful”
The loss to Notre Dame was Michigan’s only road game of the season. Like the Hoosiers, the Wolverines have yet to lose a home match, drawing one and winning two at University of Michigan Soccer Stadium.
This season, Michigan’s offense shines brightest in the second half of matches. Of the seven total goals that the Maize and Blue have scored, five have been in the latter 45 minutes. With all three of the goals conceded by Indiana this season coming in the second period, the Wolverines may be able to feast in the back half of Friday’s contest.
“I think, offensively, (Michigan is) probably in as good a rhythm as you'd expect to be,” Yeagley said. “We're all still figuring it out.”
Five Wolverines have scored through four matches, with senior forward Grayson Elmquist leading the way with three, distinguishing him as Michigan’s lone multi-goal scorer.
As Michigan looks to extend its two-year tournament appearance streak, a win against the ranked and undefeated Hoosiers would be a perfect resume boost for the Wolverine’s early in a stacked conference schedule.
The Hoosiers hit the road
The Hoosiers hit the road for the second time this season, possessing a two-game win streak. Indiana went 2-0 at the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic, downing California Polytechnic State University and the University of Denver by a combined score of 5-1.
In the stretch, senior forward Oliver Moller-Jensen and fifth-year midfielder Wes Carnevale each scored twice as Moller-Jensen elevated his team leading goal total to five.
“The attacking depth with this squad is definitely strong,” Yeagley said. “Different types of weapons. We have some guys that can balance off the dribble. We have a few that are off the pass.”
Last season, Michigan got the better of Indiana when the two faced off in Bloomington. The 3-2 defeat was the Hoosiers’ most recent regular season home loss, providing many returning players with something extra to play for.
“I don't know if it's much revenge,” Yeagley said. “But if you want to go there a little bit, sure, just dig in a little bit. We all can find something a little bit extra when we need it.”
Entering play Friday, Michigan averages 15 shots per game. This high frequency will be a fresh endeavor for Indiana’s defense, whose opponents have yet to shoot more than 13 in a game and average 8.3 per game.
Junior goalkeeper Michal Mroz faced four shots on goal against Denver, which tied a season high. Michigan may provide Mroz with his first true test of the season, as its 26 shots on goal through four games surpasses the 16 Mroz has faced so far.
“No matter what it is,” Mroz said following the win over Denver. “You always have to be ready. That’s kind of the beauty of the position, we are called upon when we are needed the most.”
Friday’s contest in Michigan will preface Indiana’s first week-long break of the season. Following the game in Ann Arbor, Indiana will return home to face the reigning national champion, Washington, on Sept. 18.
With five games against ranked teams on the conference schedule, including two top-five foes, a matchup with the Wolverines presents Indiana with an ideal litmus test ahead of facing the nation’s best.
Indiana and Michigan will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday from University of Michigan Soccer Stadium. Coverage will be on B1G+.
Follow reporters Noah Boudouris (@noahboudouris and nboudour@iu.edu) and Sean McAvoy (@sean_mc07 and semcavoy@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana men’s soccer season.
