Indiana University Athletics
Men's Soccer Impressive In Camp (08-15-02)
8/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 15, 2002
Bloomington, Ind. - The Indiana University men's soccer team will finish its second day of two-a-day preseason training at Karst Park on Thursday. The team arrived back on campus on Monday and after two days of physicals, meetings and equipment check-out began its quest for success in 2002 campaign. Head coach Jerry Yeagley is pleased with what he has seen so far, from both his returners and his new freshman class.
"Each season is exciting and new, especially with the freshmen coming in," Yeagley said. "Expectations and hopes are high. After three sessions (of practice), my gut feeling about this freshman class is that this group is stronger than we expected. We felt coming in that two or three of them might be developing players, but they may be ready to play sooner than later. They are going to push our upperclassmen. The returners are going to have to play well and get better. These youngsters have talent and they want to play. They are more mature than we expected with their sophistication of play. They are more ready than most groups with their physical and mental toughness. They are ready to compete."
Hoosier All-American Ryan Mack is returning for his senior season after being forced to redshirt a year ago with an ACL injury. Mack appears to be back to form and ready for an excellent season.
"It's good to have Ryan Mack back," Yeagley said. "He's new and improved and has a bounce in his step. One of our keys is figuring out how to use him. He can play wide, up top or in the attacking midfield position. We'll have to develop that chemistry and see how the pieces fit. Senior Michael Bock also looks sharp. He has played up top with Mike Ambersley and Pat Noonan."
Indiana's upperclassmen are on a mission and seem to have set a good example for the newcomers.
"All of our returners are healthy," Yeagley commented. "They came back in shape, maybe as fit a group as we've ever had. They are already talking about unfinished business from last year. They are ready to get the season started."
The Hoosiers, who were ranked No. 1 in a preseason poll recently released by College Soccer News, are coming off a national runner-up finsh in 2001. IU fell, 2-0, to North Carolina in the championship game.
Yeagley and his staff have placed an emphasis on defense during these early practices. After losing Ryan Hammer and Josh Rife to graduation a season ago, there are positions up for grabs.
"Our question is on defense. We are attempting to sort that out.," Yeagley said. "We have six guys competing for three spots. We will do a lot of interchanging until we sort that out. (Senior captain) John Swann is probably the only one who is solid in his position. The rest of those guys may be vying for the other two open spots and for position on the depth chart."
Indiana must also replace goalkeeper Colin Rogers, who graduated in 2001.
"Our new goalkeeper has to establish coordination and communication with the defense," Yeagley said. "Jay (Nolly) looks solid and is ready. He hasn't been in the big game with lots of people watching, but we can't wait to get him into that.
"Overall, my impressions are positive. I am cautiously optimistic because of the defensive uncertainty. We have a lot of work ahead of us and some sorting out to do, but the competition is keen. It's great to have freshmen guys who are eager and pushing for playing time."
Indiana will continue double workouts, 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., at Karst Park on through next week before a pair of exhibition games. The Hoosiers kick off their exhibition season on Friday, Aug. 23, in the Ft. Wayne NIT at 6:30 p.m. against 27th-ranked Kentucky. IU also plays Virginia, who is ranked No. 4 in the preseason poll, on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Noon.
