BIG EAST/Big Ten schedule changed
(02/17/09 1:25am)
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Phegley garners more preseason awards
(02/16/09 10:29pm)
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Schutz sidelined by appendicitis
(02/12/09 5:50pm)
Sophomore outfielder Kipp Schutz will be forced to sit out due to appendicitis, according to Matt Brady, IU assistant media relations director.
Big Ten to broadcast four IU baseball games
(02/10/09 11:25pm)
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Hervey's blog
(02/04/09 5:22am)
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IU holds its first practice
(02/03/09 12:13am)
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Hayes acquired as volunteer assistant coach
(01/27/09 11:03pm)
IU head coach Tracy Smith has made another addition to his staff, which was made up of only him and IU assistant coach Ty Neal two weeks ago.
Colts' Dungy calls it quits
(01/13/09 5:26am)
After seven years at the helm in Indianapolis, Colts coach Tony Dungy announced his retirement Monday. Students honored his abilities as a coach, but also praised Dungy's work to better his community. IU first-year graduate student David Hughes was impressed by Dungy, calling him the best Colts coach ever.“I don’t think we’ve ever had as good of a coach as Tony Dungy,” Hughes said. PODCAST: Hoosier Headlines
Rock resurrection
(01/17/08 5:00am)
Critics often classify Marah's work as "roots rock," but Angels Of Destruction!, the Philadelphia veterans' latest album, travels far beyond that label. Indeed, with Angels Marah does nothing short of condensing 50 years of rock history into less than 50 minutes. And the album feels even more concise, given there isn't one weak track to disrupt its momentum. \nGranted, the price of this reverence for the past is a certain lack of originality. All bands have their influences -- but Marah's practically smack the listener around. Throughout Angels one cannot help but think "OK, this song sounds like Springsteen … And this next song is Elvis Costello … And now Dylan … And now the Beatles," etc. But it's hard to hate mimicry when it's so well-done and so much fun to listen to. \nFurthermore, Marah manages to dodge the deadly track-to-track uniformity that plagues many of its fellow retro-rockers. Terrific though they may be, revivalists such as The Black Keys and The Greenhornes are often hemmed in by their faithfulness to the sounds they're recreating, making everything on their albums a bit washed-out. Marah, on the other hand, leaps from cold-blooded blues-rockers such as "Coughing Up Blood" and swooning stadium-fodder such as "Angels On A Passing Train" and "Santos De Madera," to the slow-dance crooner "Blue But Cool," the barroom piano-driven "Jesus In The Temple," the New Orleans jazz-inflected "Can't Take It With You … " and -- well, you get the idea. When the final track "Wilderness" starts off with grunts reminiscent of Lee Dorsey's song "Working In A Coal Mine," goes into a furious bass-heavy stomper and somehow ends in a traditional bagpipe reel, you simply accept it for what it is: very cool.\nBy the way, of special interest to you Hoosiers: hidden at the end of "Wilderness" is a terrific little acoustic sing-along dedicated to dissing Lafayette, Ind.
The surreal lives
(01/17/08 5:00am)
This single-camera show follows a group of people living in a star-studded Hollywood apartment complex. From an acupuncturist to an accountant, these individuals have little in common besides their residence. Jeffrey Tambor from "Arrested Development," for example, plays Uncle Saul, a former "Three's Company" writer who boasts of his knowledge on "The Captain," the nickname of the apartment. As if channeling reality house shows, the camera uncovers the wacky antics of the apartment's inhabitants.
Penalty kicks haunt Hoosiers again
(11/29/07 5:21am)
The whole season of two teams rested upon the shoulders of two goalkeepers as the NCAA tournament game between IU and Bradley came down to penalty kicks. The shoulders of Bradley goalkeeper Mike Haynes’ proved to be a bit broader as the Braves squeaked a win by the Hoosiers 5-4 on PKs. \nThe Braves and Hoosiers played to a 1-1 tie in regulation, which led to double overtime and an eventual win for Bradley. \nThis scenario might seem like one that doesn’t happen often, but a defeat due to penalty kicks is not new to the Hoosiers. IU lost in their previous contest to Ohio State on penalty kicks, which was for the Big Ten Championship. Santa Clara also defeated the Hoosiers last year on penalty kicks in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. \nIU coach Mike Freitag said penalty kicks are not the way they wanted to go down.\n“Soccer is a cruel game,” Freitag said. “Penalty kicks is a sad way to lose. I don’t think anybody in the world likes penalty kicks.”\nGoalkeeper Chay Cain shared his coach’s opinion of penalty kicks.\n“Penalty kicks are a cruel way to lose a game,” Cain said. “You go in with the best expectation possible, and you don’t always come out on the upside.”\nIt didn’t seem as if the Hoosiers would have to resort to penalty kicks with a goal just 1:37 into the game. IU freshman midfielder Rich Balchan straddled the right sideline before sending a strike to the middle of the field for waiting junior midfielder John Mellencamp, which led to his first goal on the season. \nCain and Haynes both weathered the storm in a game that was sloppy at best. Cain tallied four saves on the game, while Haynes tallied eight. \nAfter regulation, both goalkeepers tallied eight total saves in the two overtimes.\nIn what was their fourth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and first taste of play past the first round of the tournament, Bradley came out on top after the final kick. Braves coach head coach Jim DeRose summed up what the experience was like for his team.\n“For us everything was new,” DeRose said. “Being down a goal was new. Being here (in the second round) was new. And it sounds cliche, but at halftime we just said there’s 45 minutes left in our season. We can take losing 1-0, but we couldn’t take going out and saying we didn’t work as hard as we could.”
Current Hoosiers begin chase for championship
(11/28/07 5:55am)
When the IU men’s soccer team was awarded the No. 4 seed in this year’s NCAA tournament, it was given a major opportunity. \nThe 25th anniversary of IU’s first national championship has given the Hoosiers the prospect of paying tribute to the 1982 team, which began IU’s historic run of seven national championships under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Jerry Yeagley and current coach Mike Freitag. \nIU will begin its trek to follow the 1982 team at 7 p.m. today at Bill Armstrong Stadium against Bradley in the second round of the NCAA tournament. \nThe Hoosiers enter the game after a first-round bye to face the Braves, who notched their first-ever NCAA tournament win in their 2-0 triumph against DePaul.\nThe Braves’ history is starkly different from the Hoosiers,’ who have one of the most storied college soccer programs in the nation. IU players understand the history that their school has, and defender Ofori Sarkodie said this opportunity means a lot.\n“The tradition is very special to us,” Sarkodie said. “We take a lot of pride in the success that the program has had over the past 25 years, and now we want to make sure we continue that tradition.”\nGoalkeeper Chay Cain said it’s great to step on the field and represent IU with the prospect of adding to an already impressive legacy.\n“It’s wonderful,” Cain said. “Every time you step on the field, you have the seven stars on (your jersey), and you represent the history. It’s really an honor to play here.”\nFreitag knows this tradition like no other. He has been with the IU soccer program from its infancy.\nHe began his first of 22 years with the Hoosiers in 1976, playing for a team that gained varsity status only three years before his arrival. \nFreitag helped lead them to the national championship game as a freshman defender. Though he garnered All-American status as a senior in 1979 and played professionally, a national championship eluded Freitag. His IU squad was defeated in the title game by the University of San Francisco in 1976 and 1978. \nDespite those early losses, IU now leads the nation with seven national titles, 17 College Cup appearances and 74 NCAA Tournament victories since its inception 34 years ago. \nFreitag said he’s pleased with the success the program has sustained.\n“It feels great to continue trying to chase championships 25 years later,” Freitag said. “I think that’s the thing that me and coach Yeagley are most proud of. We’re proud of seven national championships, but we’re also proud of consistently being one of the best teams in the country.” \nFreitag led his 2004 team to a national title in his first year as IU’s head coach. But he said the journey is a better way to measure a season than the end result, and he’d be ecstatic if this year’s journey ended with a national championship on the 25th anniversary of his mentor’s first taste of College Cup success.\n“It’d be outstanding,” Freitag said. “That’s what you work for, that’s why you put in all the hours and spend time away from home working so hard, hopefully just to guide these young men to success. And we’ll see if we can do it.”
IU mens soccer set to defend tourney title
(11/09/07 5:06am)
This year’s Big Ten Tournament might be a little bit different for the IU men’s soccer team, which enters the competition as the defending tournament champion and Big Ten regular season champion for a second straight year. \nIU will play at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Old College Field in East Lansing, Mich., against host Michigan State, which advanced to the semifinals after defeating Penn State on penalty kicks. The No. 1 seed Hoosiers received a first-round bye and are regarded as the favorite to repeat as tournament champions. \nThough there is some added pressure on the Hoosiers to repeat as tournament champions IU players know they’re the team to beat.\n“Being the defending champions puts more pressure on us to win,” junior midfielder Billy Weaver said. “But, we’re not afraid of anyone. We know that if we play to our potential, no one in the Big Ten can beat us.”\nThe Hoosiers defeated Michigan State 2-0 on Oct. 6 in Bloomington. Despite the earlier result, junior forward Kevin Noschang said it won’t affect their play.\n“We have a lot of confidence coming into this tournament,” Noschang said. “But we’re taking it one game at a time, and we’re not looking anyone over.”\nOne factor Michigan State has on its side is being the home team who will have a crowd behind them. But Michigan State is also coming off of a hard-fought, double-overtime game. Freitag said he hopes the tough game and extra 20 minutes of play for the Spartans will help his team come game time. \nThe odds seem to be stacked in the Hoosiers’ favor, but the same could be said about their season finale at Wisconsin: The Badgers entered the Nov. 4 game with a winless conference record against the undefeated Hoosiers, but the resulting tie left the Hoosiers in jeopardy of losing their spot as outright Big Ten champions.\nThis has been the Hoosiers’ staple all season – the squad has been walking a fine line between greatness and mediocrity, with great showings against some of the best teams in the nation and letdowns against lesser foes. Losses to teams like the University of Alabama at Birmingham and wins against the likes of UCLA, Michigan and others illustrate the Jekyll-and-Hyde persona this team has assumed at times.\nThe Hoosiers are embarking on a trek that could expose their true identity. The Big Ten Tournament will be full of top talent that gave the Hoosiers a run for their money en route to their undefeated Big Ten season. Noschang said the regular season means nothing at this point, and his team is focused squarely on the task in front of them.\nThough he knows IU has been tagged as one of the best teams in the Big Ten, IU coach Mike Freitag said his team is simply focused on completing the goals they set at the beginning of the season.\n“We’re out to win,” Freitag said. “We hope to win the Michigan State game tomorrow, the tournament, and then get ready for the NCAA. Winning the Big Ten and the tournament were some of our goals, and we’re 1-for-1, and hopefully we can go 2-for-2 tomorrow.”
Students want to go to class?
(11/08/07 5:00am)
Psychology Professor Phillip Summers steps down from the lecture podium at the front of Morrison Hall's lecture hall and walks over to a student.\n"How's Ryan doing?" he asks the student, beginning a conversation with him that transcends typical small talk. After wishing the student luck on his remaining midterms, Summers walks over to a female student and inquires about her weekend.\nIn a class of 251, Summers knows every student's name and interests. \n"Over the past six years, I have had 99 percent accuracy," he said. "I missed one female student's first name by one letter two years ago."\nIt is this approachability that led the IU student body to vote Summers "Best Professor." The retired Vincennes University president remained humble about the award.\n"I know of many, many professors who are far more deserving than me," he said. "IU and the psychology and brain sciences department are fortunate to have very talented and dedicated faculty and staff who work diligently to provide IU students with the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education."\nHowever, his students disagreed, each stating in a brief written survey that he was the best professor IU has to offer.\nFreshman Katherine Fay said Summers is the best professor because "he helps to understand difficult subjects by making the class fun and interesting."\nHe always tells jokes, shows movie clips and demonstrates complex ideas, she said. \n"He makes psychology so much fun, you can't wait to get to class."\nFreshman Lauren Dardanes echoed Fay's statements, saying, "He gives students the benefit of the doubt and wants us to do good in his class."\nMost students who were surveyed said that the extra-credit opportunities and Summers' sincere concern about his students' well-being make him IU's best professor.\n"He makes you feel wanted," student Bryan Jones said. "To him, you're not just another face in the crowd."\nSummers said that he wants his students to be challenged and to learn and enjoy their experiences in his class.\n"My goal is that all students who take my class can say I knew them and even in a large lecture setting, they felt I had a personal interest in their learning and academic success," he said.\nReceiving his bachelor's degree in education from IU in 1960 and his master's degree in guidance and counseling from IU in 1963, Summers said he is proud to be able to give back to his alma mater.\n"I have the wonderful opportunity each semester to teach and get to know 250 interesting, trusting, motivated and success-oriented IU students, which in itself is a great reward," he said.
IU mens soccer clinches Big Ten regular season title with 0-0 draw
(11/05/07 4:24am)
All the stats were on the Hoosiers side when they stepped out on the pitch against Wisconsin in their regular season finale. Thirteen Big Ten championships, eight consecutive Big Ten games without a loss dating back to last year’s Big Ten tournament, and they were competing against a team who had not posted a win against them since 1995. \nNone of that mattered, as the No. 10 Hoosiers fought tooth and nail in their 0-0 tie against the Badgers at McClimon Soccer Complex in Madison, Wisc.\nThough the Badgers’ put up a fight, the Hoosiers’ record stayed unblemished, and their tie allowed them to clinch the Big Ten regular season title. IU became the first Big Ten team to go undefeated since Penn State in its 2005 season and the only undefeated IU team since its 2003 National Championship season. IU coach Mike Freitag said he was proud of his team’s accomplishment, and that it is nice to be the Big Ten regular season champions. \nThe Hoosiers and Badgers came into the game on different ends of the spectrum, as IU (12-4-3, 4-0-2) looked to finish the Big Ten season undefeated and Wisconsin (6-6-6, 0-3-3) searched for its first conference win. Both teams had something at stake and played like it.\nSenior midfielder Charley Traylor said the game’s toughness was \npositive. \n“Every game in the tournament, we’ll see team’s playing for the rest of their season, so every game will be like this,” Traylor said. “This game was definitely beneficial for us heading into the postseason.” \nThough there are stark differences in the teams, both played tough in a physical game. Traylor sustained an ankle injury when he was trampled by Wisconsin forward Victor Diaz. Other injured players included defender Kevin Alston, forward Darren Yeagle and midfielder Brian Ackley.\nFreitag said he’s worried about his team’s health. \n“My only concern is my team,” Freitag said. “I’m worried about Traylor, and we have to get healthy before the \npostseason.” \nDespite multiple scoring opportunities for both clubs, the Hoosiers and Badgers played to a scoreless first half. IU has only allowed one goal in the last four games and stayed true to that statistic with a steady dose of defensive pressure on \nthe Badgers.\nAt the start of the second half, IU increased its pressure on the Wisconsin defense with three corner kicks in 40 seconds and a numbers of good shots on goal. Wisconsin answered the call, but it seemed as if the Hoosiers had turned a corner that would lead to offensive success.\nThe Hoosiers couldn’t capitalize on that build up; the teams entered overtime with the score at 0-0, and it would stay that way. \nTraylor – who was injured at the end of regulation and sidelined for the remainder of the game with an ankle injury – said the Wisconsin game was tough. \n“It was a hard fought game,” Traylor said. “It was one of those games where you have to capitalize on your opportunities, and we weren’t able to do that today.” \nIn the first of two 10-minute periods, IU got another shot on goal by Alexander that went right of the goal. The game continued into a second overtime that saw IU goalkeeper Chay Cain – who has eight shutouts on the season – and Wisconsin goalkeeper Alex Horwath both make big saves to keep the game at\na stalemate. \n“We aren’t ever satisfied with a tie,” Traylor said. “We’re disappointed, and we’d like to have a win.” \nSenior defender Greg Stevning said this tie was a comforting one. \n“We knew we needed a win or a tie to win the Big Ten,” Stevning said. “We knew it’d be a battle and getting to win the Big Ten outright and having a bye, it’s a relief.”
Men's soccer tie clinches 13th Big Ten Championship outright
(11/05/07 1:52am)
All the stats were on the Hoosiers side when they stepped out on the pitch against Wisconsin in their regular season finale. Thirteen Big Ten championships, eight consecutive Big Ten games without a loss dating back to last year’s Big Ten tournament, and they were competing against a team who had not posted a win against them since 1995. \nNone of that mattered, as the No. 10 Hoosiers fought tooth and nail in their 0-0 tie against the Badgers at McClimon Soccer Complex in Madison, Wisc.\nThough the Badgers put up a fight, the Hoosiers stayed unblemished, and their tie allowed them to clinch the Big Ten. IU became the first Big Ten team to go undefeated since Penn State in its 2005 season and the only undefeated IU team since its 2003 National Championship season. IU coach Mike Freitag said he was proud of his team’s accomplishment and that it was nice to be the Big Ten regular season champion. \nThe Hoosiers and Badgers came into the game on different sides of the spectrum as IU (12-4-3, 4-0-2) looked to finish the Big Ten season undefeated and Wisconsin (6-6-6, 0-3-3) searched for its first conference win. Both teams had something at stake and played like it.\nSenior midfielder Charley Traylor said this tough game was positive. \n“Every game in the tournament we’ll see team’s playing for the rest of their season so every game will be like this,” Traylor said. “This game was definitely beneficial for us heading into the postseason.” \nThough there are stark differences in the teams, both played tough in a physical game. Traylor sustained an ankle injury when he was trampled by Wisconsin forward Victor Diaz. Other injured players included defender Kevin Alston, forward Darren Yeagle and midfielder Brian Ackley.\nFreitag said he’s worried about his team’s health. \n“My only concern is my team,” Freitag said. “I’m worried about Traylor and we have to get healthy before the postseason.” \nDespite multiple scoring opportunities for both clubs, the Hoosiers and Badgers played to a scoreless first half. IU has only allowed one goal in the last four games and stayed true to that statistic with a steady dose of defensive pressure on the Badgers.\nAt the start of the second half, IU increased its pressure on the Wisconsin defense with three corner kicks in 40 seconds and a numbers of good shots on goal. Wisconsin answered the call, but it seemed as if the Hoosiers had turned a corner that would lead to offensive success.\nThe Hoosiers couldn’t capitalize on that build up; the teams entered overtime with a score of 0-0, and it would stay that way. \nTraylor – who was injured at the end of regulation and sidelined for the remainder of the game with an ankle injury – said the Wisconsin game was tough. \n“It was a hard fought game,” Traylor said. “It was one of those games where you have to capitalize on your opportunities, and we weren’t bale to do that today.” \nIn the first of two 10-minute periods, IU got another shot on goal by Alexander that went right of the goal. The game continued into a second overtime where IU goalkeeper Chay Cain – who has eight shutouts on the season – and Wisconsin goalkeeper Alex Horwath both made big saves to keep the game at a stalemate. \n“We aren’t ever satisfied with a tie,” Traylor said. “We’re disappointed and we’d like to have a win.” \nSenior defender Greg Stevning said this win was a comforting one. \n“We knew we needed a win or a tie to win the Big Ten,” Stevning said. “We knew it’d be a battle and getting to win the Big Ten outright and having a bye, it’s a relief.”
IU ready for rivalry game
(10/31/07 4:29am)
The IU men’s soccer team (11-4-2, 4-0-1) has a chance to win the Big Ten regular season title outright for a second straight year in what should be a competitive matchup with Wisconsin on Sunday. But the Hoosiers will have to go through a tough Kentucky team (6-7-2, 4-2-0) Wednesday before getting a shot at the Badgers.\nThe Hoosiers will travel to Lexington, Ky., where they will take the pitch at 7 p.m. tonight at the UK Soccer Complex.\nIU has been successful against Kentucky historically, posting an all-time record of 19-1-1. However, when faced with a similar challenge against another Kentucky team the Hoosiers had historically dominated – Louisville – IU fell in a 2-1 defeat, tarnishing a previously unblemished all-time record of 14-0-0 against the Cardinals.\nHowever, momentum might be on the Hoosiers’ side this time. They have won four of their last five matches, the only exception being an Oct. 21 tie with Ohio State, a game that ended at 0-0. This recent success has paved the way for the possibility of an undefeated Big Ten season for the team. \nDespite the team’s recent success and good fortune against Kentucky, defender Ofori Sarkodie said he is sure tonight’s game will be a tough one.\n“We know it’s definitely going to be a physical game,” Sarkodie said. “We have to be mentally prepared, and we’re nursing a lot of injuries, and trying to get guys healthy so we can compete for 90 minutes.”\nContributing to the Hoosiers’ recent injuries may have been Sunday’s 1-0 win against Penn State, which saw physical play from both sides. There were a total of 22 fouls in the game, with Penn State committing the bulk of them – 14.\nThe Hoosiers have been resting up in anticipation of the back stretch of their season to make sure those injuries don’t affect their performance. IU coach Mike Freitag said at this late point in the year his team needs rest, because some players seem to tire from having a number of obligations along with training every day. To that effect, he’s given players who play regularly two days off to prepare for Kentucky.\nThough they have some injuries and two tough games ahead of them, freshman midfielder Rich Balchan said the team will be looking to take the remainder of the season one game at a time to start a streak that will help with consistency in the Big Ten and \nNCAA Tournaments. \nPart of the reason Freitag has been resting his team might be the Wildcats’ physical play. He said he’s sure they’re in for a good game.\n“Kentucky will be a hard-fought game,” Freitag said. “Lexington’s a hard place to play, especially on Halloween. They’ll be pumped up, and (Kentucky coach) Ian Collins always has his team ready to play the Hoosiers.”
Seniors say goodbye in last regular season home game
(10/29/07 4:23am)
Senior Day for the IU men’s soccer team was highlighted by a 1-0 win against Penn State on Sunday at Bill Armstrong Stadium. It was also the end of an era for three Hoosiers, all former high school teammates. \nThough Sunday was a successful day, a three-way tie for first place in the conference could hurt the No. 11 Hoosiers’ (11-4-2, 4-0-1) chance of an outright conference title. Ohio State and Michigan State each have one loss, and the Buckeyes could tie IU if the Hoosiers stumble next weekend at Wisconsin. And no one on the team would be satisfied with that.\nSenior defender Charley Traylor said his team isn’t interested in tying for the regular season title.\n“It’s exciting to reach our goals,” Traylor said. “But, we’re never satisfied, and I expect to win (the Big Ten) outright when we play Wisconsin.”\nThe contest against Penn State was yet another game where IU had to turn in a strong defensive effort. \nIU junior midfielder Brad Ring scored the lone goal of the game after a scoreless first half when he converted on a one-on-one opportunity in the 49th minute off of an assist by freshman forward Michael Roach. \nRing said it feels good to be on top, but IU still has unfinished business.\n“All that matters is the victory,” Ring said. “And we now have momentum heading into these last two matches and the Big Ten Tournament.” \nThe Hoosiers are looking forward, but some have reached a point that may cause them to reflect. Seniors and former North Central High School teammates Traylor, defender Greg Stevning and goalkeeper Chris Munroe all played in their final regular season game at Bill Armstrong Stadium. \nWhen asked about that final milestone, Munroe responded with some sadness. \n“That’s the most depressing question I’ve ever heard,” he said.\nBut it’s a question that must be asked of someone every year, and Munroe took the opportunity to dispense advice he would give to his younger brother, freshman goalkeeper Michael Munroe, and the rest of his team.\n“Take everything in stride,” he said. “There are going to be good times and bad times, but it is how you handle those situations (that) shows the kind of person you are, and he (Michael Monroe) knows that. “\nFreitag said this year’s seniors are a special group\n“What I like about them is they’re kids from Indiana,” Freitag said. “They’re kids who came to a national program and proved they can play here, and not too long ago, that was hard to say.”\nFreitag described his three seniors in further detail.\n “I’ve seen them mature, and they’re special,” Freitag said. “They all bring something different to the table. Munroe is ‘Mr. Brainiac,’ Stevning is just like a big puppy dog, but he’s tough, and then Charley, who’s ‘Mr. Social’ and comes with his lunch pail every day and ready to go to work. They’re great guys.”\nThese Hoosiers have been part of IU’s success. All three were there for IU’s 2003 and 2004 National Championships. \nBoth Traylor and Stevning said they’ve relished the success they’ve been a part of at IU.\n“It’s a good ending to my career to be undefeated in the Big Ten,” Stevning said. “My freshman year, we won the Big Ten, and now I get to go out on top.”\nTraylor said there are a few special moments in his IU career that will always stick out.\n“Winning a couple national championships is something that’ll always be special in my mind,” Traylor said. “But, this last season, getting to be captain and having a more active role in leading the boys, that’s something I’ll never forget.”
IU mens soccer not looking past Evansville game
(10/24/07 3:17am)
When the IU men’s soccer team – who won last year’s Big Ten tournament – faces Evansville – a team that went 9-8 last year – fans expect a win.\nHowever, despite the teams’ stark differences and game expectations, IU will be approaching the match against the Purple Aces, at 7 p.m. today at Bill Armstrong Stadium, just like any other. \nIU coach Mike Freitag said his team is aware of the expectations placed upon them. \n“It’s a game a lot of people expect us to win,” Freitag said. “But I know it’s going to be a battle.”\nThe Hoosiers faced \nsimilar expectations in their Oct. 10 loss to Louisville – a team that went 5-10-3 last year. That defeat ended IU’s four-game winning streak, and the Hoosiers don’t want to repeat that result. \nFreitag said he knows that each year teams are different, and he doesn’t try to make year-to-year comparisons based on past results. \nIU could be in danger of losing focus coming into the Evansville game. The team’s chance to go undefeated in Big Ten play could be it’s biggest distraction.\nHowever, junior goalkeeper Chay Cain said his team has been trying to keep the focus squarely on Evansville. \n“Every game in the Big Ten is important,” Cain said. “We can’t take the last two games against Penn State and Wisconsin lightly, but we can’t look that far ahead, and we have to take it one game at a time for the rest of the season.”\nIU has struggled offensively at times this season. \nTheir last game illustrated that as the Hoosiers played to a 0-0 draw at home against Ohio State. The Hoosiers outshot the Buckeyes by five and registered a total of 18 shots, including seven shots on goal. They failed to capitalize on those opportunities, however, despite playing two overtimes.\nJunior midfielder Brad Ring said his team needs to improve on concentration in front of the net and on creating better chances around the goal. He said the team knows this game is important.\n“This game is huge,” Ring said. “Because college soccer’s changed over the years, this game is really important. Anyone’s capable of being beat now, so this game is just as big as any upcoming games on our schedule.”\nIn the Hoosiers’ tie with Ohio State, the IU defense played exceptionally well, and Cain, who collected three saves in the contest, said the defense will continue to sustain the same attitude it has every time it goes out on the pitch.\n“Every game, our goal is to shut out the other team completely,” Cain said. “We’ll come out and put the same effort in against Evansville.”
Hoosiers face talented OSU squad
(10/19/07 3:28am)
After defeating Notre Dame and last year’s Hermann trophy winner, midfielder Joseph Lapira, No.16 IU (9-4-1) will face Ohio State and Hermann hopeful Eric Brunner in Big Ten competition. \nIU will welcome the Buckeyes at 3 p.m. Sunday to Bill Armstrong Stadium with recent history on their side. The Hoosiers have defeated the Buckeyes in the last six contests – with five of those six wins being shutouts. \nThe Hoosiers are currently 3-0 in the Big Ten with three games remaining on their conference schedule. \nIU’s recent success will also be integral in their upcoming game as they enter Sunday having won their last two matches. The Hoosiers defeated No. 4 Notre Dame and then-No. 6 Northwestern. IU coach Mike Freitag said these two big wins will help them leading into the contest against Ohio State. \nFreshman midfielder Rich Balchan echoed his coach’s words but said the team hasn’t forgotten their Oct. 10 loss to Louisville that ended a four-game winning streak.\n“We’re pretty confident going in the game with a 3-0 conference record,” Balchan said. “The Notre Dame win was a big one for us, but we’re just taking it one game at a time now.” \nIf there is one thing that could shake the Hoosiers’ confidence, it’s Brunner. As a candidate for the Hermann trophy – which goes to the nation’s top Division I soccer player – Brunner only has three goals on the season, but has been playing well as of late. Brunner scored a game-winning goal on Oct. 10 against Oakland. Another threat for the Hoosiers comes in the form of Buckeye forward Xavier Balc who has 10 assists on the season along with two goals. Balc also recently gained his 30th career assist. \nBrunner’s knack for scoring along with Balc’s assisting ability could cause problems for the Hoosiers. Though the Buckeyes pose a threat to IU’s unblemished conference record, the Hoosiers are exuding confidence right now. Junior forward Kevin Noschang – who made an assist and a goal to lead IU to their last win – said the team is on top of their game. \n“We have all the confidence in the world right now,” Noschang said. “We got some great momentum from Northwestern and Notre Dame, and we’re doing great right now.”
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