Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers Take Down Hartwick (09-15-02)
9/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 15, 2002
Indianapolis, Ind. - The No. 9 Indiana men's soccer team earned its third straight shutout Sunday afternoon, defeating Hartwick College, 1-0, in the Butler SoccerFest at Kuntz Stadium. Despite several good scoring opportunities, the Hoosier offense managed just one goal as the team moved to 4-1-2 on the season. IU finished the SoccerFest with a 2-0 record after toppling Air Force, 2-0, on Friday night.
"We could have put them away in the first half," Indiana head coach Jerry Yeagley said. "We could have easily had four or five goals today, but I'm pleased that we are creating opportunities. We've just got to get that final touch."
The game got off to a slow start as no fouls were called and only one was shot taken (by Hoosier senior Pat Noonan) in the first 10 minutes of the opening half. Indiana had several good chances, but was unable to put any of them away. With 10 minutes remaining in the half, IU nearly converted a score as Noonan led freshman Brian Plotkin. Plotkin then crossed it back to Noonan but he was unable to get a head on the ball.
The Hoosiers nearly took the lead again with the waning moments of first half. Just after another Noonan shot, senior Ryan Mack took a corner kick and senior John Swann headed the ball of the top right corner of the crossbar.
Noonan and the Hoosiers finally broke the stalemate at the 53:50 mark. From the left side, Mack crossed the ball to sophomore Ned Grabavoy. Grabavoy flipped the ball over his head to Noonan who settled it and touched to the left, burying it in the top left corner of the goal, over a Hawk defender and the goalie.
With about 15 minutes remaining in the contest, Hartwick's Rob Catana crossed the ball into a crowd of players in the middle of the box. Sophomore goalkeeper Jay Nolly came out and punched the ball up. Noonan corralled the ball and cleared it to smother any Hawk scoring opportunity.
"I was quite concerned coming in with the physical play," Yeagley said. "Starting second half on Friday, we really came on physically. We have been making good progress in that respect."
The Hoosier defense stepped up its play over the last two games and has now posted four shutouts on the season.
"Being aggressive and physical has been a trademark of Indiana soccer," sophomore Danny O'Rourke said. "The coaches were really questioning our fight coming in, and I think we responded and worked hard."
Indiana out-shot Hartwick, 17-8, for the game. Noonan took eight of the Hoosiers' shots, including three on goal.
IU will open Big Ten Conference play at Michigan State on Sunday, Sept. 22. Game time is set for 2 pm.
