Indiana University Athletics
Men's Soccer Opens Practice Wednesday
8/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 13, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.- - The Indiana University men's soccer team will hit the pitch on Wednesday morning for the first time as preparations for the 2007 season begin. The team will begin its two-a-day sessions with a 9 a.m. workout at Karst Farm Park and will go again at 4 p.m. at the IU practice fields.
With the season opener against Maryland on Aug. 31 in the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic looming, iuhoosiers.com takes a look at the 2007 men's soccer team.
INTRODUCTION
Different team, same result. Heading into last season, Coach Mike Freitag was leading a group of young, untested players into the unknown. The results were Big Ten regular season and tournament titles and a third-round NCAA Tournament appearance. A strong finish for a year that got off to a shaky start.
After opening the year 3-3-1, Indiana went on to win nine of its last 11 regular season matches, including a six-game win streak. That momentum carried into the Big Ten Tournament with wins over Penn State and host Ohio State to claim its 11th tournament title in 16 seasons.
"I would characterize 2006 as a successful season," Freitag said. "We were a young team, but we found ways to win. I was proud of how we played down the stretch and we can build upon that effort."
IU lost just four seniors from last year's squad but must replace the leadership of three-year starters Julian Dieterle, John Michael Hayden and Josh Tudela. Returning is three of 2006's top four scorers, led by junior Brian Ackley. Ackley came out of nowhere last year to net seven goals and five assists, while sophomore Darren Yeagle also finished with seven goals scored, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. Sophomore Eric Alexander is back after last year's exciting freshman campaign where he was among the league leaders with three goals and four assists.
"Leadership is one area where this group will really need to step up," Freitag said. "We have already begun to see some of our younger guys maturing into that role."
Maturity comes with experience, and several players return after taking their game to the international level by competing with various U.S. teams over the summer. Sophomore Ofori Sarkodie was a member of the U-20 National Team which advanced to the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup in July, while Kevin Alston and Daniel Kelly played with the U.S. squad at the Pan Am Games in Brazil.
Added to the mix is a group of freshman that will immediately compete for playing time. Among the group are three All-Americans, a pair of Indiana state champions and two local players with IU ties.
"This is a class of winners," Freitag said. "I feel this group can contribute right away, especially on the offensive end."
Offense is where Freitag and his staff are looking for the most improvement this season. Despite posting 15 wins in 2006, the Hoosiers averaged just 2.13 goals per game, scoring one or fewer goals in 14 matches.
"There are no easy goals," Freitag said. "We need to get better at creating scoring opportunities and finishing those chances.
"The staff as a whole is really pleased with the character of this team, both on and off the field, and we are looking forward to an outstanding season. 2007 should be an exciting year for our fans."
GOALKEEPER
The Hoosiers have the luxury of two proven starters to choose from in goal. Senior Chris Munroe started all 22 games in 2005, allowing just 16 goals for a 0.71 goals-against average. That season he helped lead the Hoosiers to a 0.59 shutout percentage, good for sixth nationally.
In 2006, junior Chay Cain took over between the pipes, ranking eighth in the nation with a 0.57 GAA in 19 starts. His 11 goals allowed ranked among the top 10 in Division I, while his .836 save percentage ­was also among the national leaders. In addition to his efforts on the field, Cain was also named a second-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American.
"With two proven competitors, nothing is set in stone as to who will play," Freitag said. "Both of these guys are pushing each other every day, and I am confident this position will be one of our strongest this season."
Competition breeds success and competing with the two veterans will be sophomore Joe Andrews and freshman Michael Munroe.
DEFENSE
The Hoosiers' top-25 ranking in team goals-against average and shutout percentage can be directly attributed to the play of the back line. It is no wonder that Freitag is both confident in and comfortable with this veteran crew.
Leading the group is team captain Charley Traylor. The fifth-year senior is a tireless worker who leads by example and was one of just five players to start every game played last season, appearing in 21 matches.
"Charley is one of our most consistent players," Freitag said. "He is a tough competitor who always give his all for the full 90 minutes."
Next to Traylor is Greg Stevning, his old high school teammate from North Central. Stevning was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2006 after starting 19 matches. Stevning and Traylor are two of just three seniors on the team and will be looked upon to anchor the group.
While he may be young age-wise, sophomore Ofori Sarkodie is a veteran when it comes to the game. Instead of relaxing this summer, Sarkodie traveled with the U-20 National Team to its World Cup in Canada where he helped lead the Americans to a quarterfinal appearance. Last season he was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Also appearing on the international stage during his summer break was sophomore Kevin Alston. Building upon a freshman season that saw him start 17 of 20 matches, Alston traveled to Brazil in July to compete in the Pan Am Games.
Reliable depth will be key for Indiana this season, as juniors Ian Clair and Nick Sutter and sophomore Kevin Sparks will be called upon to contribute defensively.
"This is a solid unit where anyone can fight for a position," Freitag said. "It's going to be tough for anyone to score on our defense."
MIDFIELD
IU's five-man midfield is anchored junior defensive midfielder Brad Ring. Ring is the type of player that commands respect from his opponents and he continues to show improvement with every game.
"I think Brad could develop into one of the best defensive mids in the game," Freitag said. "He can win balls and once he does is very constructive with his chances. It's a very important role within the team."
Sophomore Eric Alexander and junior John Mellencamp are two people Freitag will look at lining up in front of him. Alexander made a successful collegiate debut in 2006, appearing in 22 games and finishing fourth on the team with 10 points (three goals, four assists). He was rewarded with Big Ten All-Freshman Team accolades. Goals against Louisville and Northwestern earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors on October 9.
"Eric is one of the outstanding young players in the college game right now," Freitag said. "He is very gifted technically and is blossoming into a complete player."
Mellencamp has quietly worked his way into the starting 11, earning the nod in 13 of 20 matches and finishing with four assists. Freitag describes him as a fighter who works to win every ball.
"You don't win with a soft middle," Freitag said. "You have to be creative and compete hard."
On the wings the Hoosiers will turn to redshirt freshman Daniel Kelly. Kelly was also part of the U.S. contingent at the Pan Am Games in Brazil last summer. In addition, look for Freitag to take advantage of Alston's explosiveness by moving him out wide when necessary.
Lee Hagedorn had a great freshman season in 2006, tallying a goal and an assist in 20 matches. Junior Doug Reisinger saw limited action last year, but along with Hagedorn could make a move on the flanks.
FORWARD
Big Ten Freshman of the Year Darren Yeagle is the biggest question mark for the Hoosiers as they enter the fall campaign, Despite missing four games due to illness last year, Yeagle was tied for the team lead with seven goals scored and finished with 16 points. He suffered a knee injury in the spring but is rehabbing and on track to return to the team sometime this fall.
"We are not going to rush anything with Darren, but his progress has been excellent," Freitag said. "He really adds an edge to this team when on the field."
Joining him up top is junior Brian Ackley. After appearing in just 11 games as a freshman, Ackley stormed onto the scene last season with seven goals and five assists, all while playing in the striker spot for the first time in the Cream and Crimson. Ackley was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and tournament offensive MVP after scoring the game-winner against No. 8 Creighton and adding a goal and an assist in a win over UAB at the Mike Berticelli Memorial Tournament at Notre Dame.
After last year's struggles to score, Freitag won't hesitate to rotate in players, giving juniors Kevin Noschang and Billy Weaver a chance to join in on the scoring action. Junior George Tembon and redshirt freshman Neil Wilmarth are a pair who can provide relief as the Hoosiers grind their way through one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
NEWCOMERS
Freitag was looking for help in the offensive third and believes he has found that in this group of six new field players. Each one has championship experience that will help him assimilate to the national stage of Indiana soccer.
Andy Adlard comes to Bloomington from Heartland, Wis. His list of accomplishments includes two-time NSCAA Youth All-American and three-time first team all-state player. With 13 goals and 10 assists in his senior season, he led Brookfield East to a 21-1-3 record and a state runner-up finish. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Player of the Year, Adlard played his club ball with the nationally recognized Chicago Magic.
"Andy is someone with a great soccer mind," Freitag said. "He will make the players around him better."
There is no questioning Michael Roach's toughness as the St. Louis, Mo. product has battled back from a near-fatal car accident in 2005 to return to the pitch and compete at the highest level. The 2006 NSCAA Missouri Player of the Year, he led Chaminade College Prep to a state title and No. 4 national ranking this past year.
"Michael is one of those players that has the ability to make things happen," Freitag said. "Fans are going to be in for a treat watching these two players score and set up goals for their teammates."
The 2006 state champion Carmel Greyhounds produced several Division I players, two of whom will take the pitch at Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium this fall. Midfielders Rich Balchan and Tyler McCarroll were part of a team that went a perfect 23-0 last season and ascended to the No. 2 spot in the NSCAA poll. McCarroll was a first-team all-state selection and was named Metropolitan Interscholastic All-Conference. Balchan was honorable mention all-state. Both players were named first-team All-North by the Indianapolis Star.
"These are two players who hail from a winning program and we are excited to see them in Hoosier colors," Freitag said.
Forward Max Weston helped lead Worthington Christian to an OHSAA title with a 20-1-1 record. The NSCAA High School All-American was the Division III Ohio Player of the Year in 2006.
"Max's pace and his offensive instincts are what separate him from others," Freitag said.
Rounding out the group is Alec Purdie from Elkhart, Ind. The first-team all-state selection was also named an NSCAA High School All-American. An injury over the summer could limit his ability to contribute in 2007.
SCHEDULE
Looking for a challenge, Freitag and his staff have gone out and assembled what is arguably the toughest schedule in the nation. With a 19-game regular season slate the Hoosiers will play nine home games, including the 2005 NCAA champion and the 2006 NCAA runners-up.
The adidas/IU Credit Union Classic should be just that-- a classic. Indiana will take on 2005 NCAA champion Maryland on Friday, Aug. 31. Last time these two teams met in 2005 it was a wild finish as the Hoosiers scored three goals in the final 16 minutes for the match to end in a 3-3 tie. Greg Stevning scored the final goal with just five seconds remaining. The tournament, which also features Notre Dame, wraps up on Sept. 1 as IU faces 2006 NCAA runners-up UCLA.
"Any one of these teams is capable of going on to win a national title," Freitag said. "We will find out early what we are made of."
The second of three-consecutive tournaments takes IU to the Mike Berticelli Memorial at Notre Dame where it will face Northern Illinois (Sept. 7) and Rhode Island (Sept. 9). The following week it is the St. Louis/Nike Soccer Classic where the Hoosiers play traditional powers Creighton (Sept. 13) and the host Billikens (Sept. 15).
"Saint Louis is a special place in my heart," Freitag said. "Not only is my hometown, but this program has also reeived great contributions from players from the area."
UAB will have no trouble finding Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium as the match vs. the Blazers kicks off a two-game home stand. UAB head coach Mike Getman and assistant Ernie Yarborough are IU alums.
The team begins defense of its Big Ten title on Sept. 29 at Michigan, followed by home matches with UIC (Oct. 3) and Michigan State (Oct. 6). A mid-week nonconference game at Louisville (Oct. 10) serves as a prelude to a match with 2006 NCAA Tournament Cinderella Northwestern (Oct. 14).
An in-state rivalry that has been taken to a new level reignites on Oct. 17 as IU travels to South Bend. The Fighting Irish have won the last two meetings, including last year's 5-4 wild finish at the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic.
Three-straight home games begin on Oct. 21 against Ohio State in a match that will be televised on the Big Ten Network. The Hoosiers play host to Evansville on Oct. 24, followed by a showdown against Penn State (Oct. 28). The Nittany Lions had won three in a row in the series before the Hoosiers posted a 1-0 victory in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament last season.
The regular season wraps up on the road at Kentucky (Oct. 31) and Wisconsin (Nov. 3). The Big Ten Tournament is slated for Nov. 8-11 in East Lansing, Mich. The NCAA Tournament gets underway on Nov. 23 at campus sites. Cary, N.C. will be the site of the 2007 NCAA College Cup, Dec. 14-16.
"Our goals entering the season are to win the Big Ten title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament," Freitag said. "I want this team to play to its potential, and if it does then we will be successful."
One goal that is always in the back of everyone's mind is that eighth national title. Having appeared in 17 College Cups to date, it is not an unrealistic expectation for the Hoosiers.
"With the history of this program, that goal is always in front of us," Freitag said. "We have a proud tradition here at Indiana and I think this team has the talent and the drive to build upon that success."
