Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Blanks Butler, 2-0 (10-03-02)
10/3/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2002
Indianapolis, Ind. - In front of a crowd of 3,389 at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, the fourth-ranked Indiana University men's soccer team recorded its sixth shutout in the last seven games, defeating intra-state rival Butler University, 2-0.
"It was our best performance yet," Indiana head coach Jerry Yeagley said. "It was clinical at sometimes in the first half. I don't think that the score told the tale. Our performance was very pleasing tonight, the bottom line is that that is what we have to have in the long haul."
Indiana took a 1-0 lead at the 31:19 mark in the first half thanks to sophomore Ned Grabavoy. The crafty midfielder dribbled the ball down the right side, into the box and shook four defenders before he knocked the ball into the far right side of the net from six yards out.
The Bulldogs had an excellent opportunity of their own with about 18 minutes remaining in the first half. Butler senior forward Nick Pantazi set a pass to the middle of the Hoosier box where senior midfielder Michael Mariscalco's bicycle shot went high.
It appeared the Hoosiers would add a second goal less than 20 minutes into the second half. Grabavoy played a beautiful through ball to fellow sophomore Mike Ambersley. Ambersley, who was falling down, served the ball to the right to Noonan who took it left to right and into the back of the net. A foul was called on Butler for the contact with Ambersley just outside the penalty box, resulting in no goal.
IU was able to convert that second goal in the 74th minute. Senior Ryan Mack started the play as he served the ball from just past midfield to freshman Brian Plotkin on the right side. Plotkin crossed it to Noonan who scored it from eight yards out on the right side. The goal marked Noonan's sixth of the season and brought his point total to 18.
Once again, Indiana played suffocating defense en route to its second straight shutout. The Hoosiers were led by senior co-captain John Swann, junior David Prall, sophomore Danny O'Rourke and sophomore sweeper Michael Bowditch. Sophmore Jay Nolly, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Week, was solid again in goal. Bowditch was making his first career start for the Hoosiers filling in for senior sweeper Phil Presser, who was forced to sit out after receiving a red card at Penn State.
"Jay was strong in goal," Yeagley said. "In some dangerous situations he did a nice job. Michael Bowditch played all 90 minutes for us and did a fine job at sweeper."
The Bulldog defense was also up to the challenge for most of the evening. The score could have been a lot higher had it not been for the play of Butler keeper Grant Barrie. Barrie had 10 saves on the evening, a season-high for an IU opponent goalie.
After winning their last five games away from home, Indiana returns to Bill Armstrong Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 6, to take on the Michigan Wolverines. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. with the Indiana vs. Northwestern women's game immediately following.
