Two teams. Zero losses.
Following a 1-1 draw with the University of Louisville on Monday, No. 6 Indiana men’s soccer returns to Bloomington for a Friday night matchup with California Polytechnic State University –– the first of two games in the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic. The pair of squads, both coming off road ties, enter Friday’s contest undefeated.
Indiana enters as a top-10 team for the first time this season, standing as Cal Poly’s first ranked opponent of the season.
While Indiana is returning home from its first road match of the season, Cal Poly is fresh off a two-game homestand where the Mustangs went 1-0-1.
Friday night’s showdown presents a pivotal point for both squads. For Indiana, a chance to find the win column once again and continue its perfect record at home. For the Mustangs, a shot at a top-10 opponent in one of the toughest atmospheres in college soccer at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
About Cal Poly
The Mustangs have not lost yet. However, with a 1-0-3 record, they haven’t won much either. Cal Poly has survived both of its road games, mustering two ties, but has yet to compete in front of more than 2,000 spectators. Not only will Indiana be Cal Poly’s first ranked opponent, but Bill Armstrong Stadium’s average attendance of 4,529 will be the largest crowd that the Mustangs have seen this season, making for a hostile road environment.
The Cal Poly offense has lacked chances to score, averaging 10.5 shots per game, the second worst mark in the Pac-12. Despite this, 19 of its 42 total shots have been on target. The Mustangs have not found many open windows but have been able to execute on their limited opportunities.
“They’re going to be good on restarts,” Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley said at a press conference Sept. 2. “They’re going to know where and how they can create some moments and they’re going to be super disciplined executing that.”
Offensive wealth has been spread evenly, as nine total Mustangs have recorded a point. Zero players own more than one goal this season and junior midfielder Collin Pearce is the lone player with two assists.
“They may not have special individual flare,” Yeagley said. “But structurally, they feel that they can do it with the group.”
Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Mathew Guera’s season has been middle-of-the-pack amongst keepers in the Pac-12. His 1.25 goals against average and 66.7% save percentage are fourth and fifth in the conference, respectively.
Friday’s matchup with Indiana presents an opportunity for Cal Poly’s first road win, first ranked win and a continued unbeaten streak.
Indiana’s home advantage
The Hoosiers have been lethal in Bill Armstrong Stadium. Nearly a year has passed since Indiana lost a regular season game in Bloomington, resulting in a remarkable eight-game winning streak in regular season home games.
Indiana has won its three home games this season by scoring seven goals and allowing just one. The Cream and Crimson have yet to surrender a goal in open play through four matches.
Despite a team-average of two per game, only four Hoosiers have scored a goal so far. Senior Oliver Moller-Jensen and junior Easton Bogard have each netted three through four matches, carrying most of the slack at the forward position that Indiana has missed with senior Collins Oduro and junior Stephane Njike slowly returning from injury.
“You want to be efficient,” Yeagley said. “I think this team can be more efficient with less chances. Some of the players we have in the final phase are compared to some of the elite attackers we’ve had.”
The true strength of this Hoosier squad has been the backline; Indiana’s defense has held opponents to just 7.8 shots per game, half a goal per game, a 6.5% shooting percentage and a 25.8% shot-on-goal clip –– all stats on pace to surpass the 2025 Hoosiers.
This defensive front has been as consistent as it's been dominant. Senior Alex Barger, junior Josh Maher, junior Nick McHenry and redshirt sophomore Nolan Kinsella have each started all four games for Indiana.
In net, junior Michal Mroz has yet to face any bombardment from opposing offenses, as the four shots on target that the University of Notre Dame put up in the season opener is still the most Mroz has seen in a game. With his two conceded goals coming by way of a penalty kick and a free kick, Mroz has been excellent when called upon despite having yet to be fully tested.
“Michal’s had to make one pretty tough save,” Yeagley said. “Everything else has been pretty clean; from distance, from tough angles, we’ve defended well.”
While still maintaining an undefeated record, Indiana’s matchup with Cal Poly should provide an appreciated rebound game as conference play looms.
“All the details that go into a team that’s not going to cut a corner on a play,” Yeagley said. “Our group does well with that. I feel good.”
Indiana and Cal Poly will kick off at 8 p.m. on Friday at Bill Armstrong Stadium with coverage 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.
