Indiana men’s soccer once again rose in the United Soccer Coaches’ poll Tuesday, advancing to No. 6, ascending eight places since last week.
Following Monday’s draw against the University of Louisville, the Hoosiers have remained unbeaten through four matches, with a 3-0-1 record. Louisville was ranked for the first time this season Tuesday, earning the No. 22 spot with a 3-0-1 record of its own.
With Indiana’s top forwards, junior Stephane Njike and senior Collins Oduro, returning with limited usage, Indiana still has room to improve upon its already favorable start.
“We’re starting to scratch the surface of our guys learning how to play with (Njike),” head coach Todd Yeagley said postgame after the win over Butler on Aug. 28. “It’s the same thing with Collins. We haven’t had a lot of time to get all those players on the field at the same time, even in training.”
Indiana’s remaining schedule features five ranked teams, three of which are also in the poll’s top 10, led by No. 2 Maryland. Washington — a team that was ranked No. 1 entering the season — was left off this week’s rankings entirely. Indiana will play Maryland on Oct. 2 and Washington on Sept. 18, with both games in Bloomington.
Indiana men’s soccer will play its first game as a top-10 team Friday, returning to Bill Armstrong Stadium at 8p.m. to take on California Polytechnic State University. 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.
