Indiana University Athletics
Wedderburn Shows Maturity in Win
10/8/2015 10:39:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Coming into Wednesday's match against IUPUI, freshman Rees Wedderburn had appeared in only three games with a lone shot to his name.
One who had never watched him play before Wednesday night might not of guessed that he had that little experience under his belt, as Wedderburn played with speed and poise in a 4-0 Indiana victory.
Head coach Todd Yeagley felt that this was the perfect game to get him acclimated. He said that Wedderburn has gotten quicker and more confident with each passing week.
"The guys know when the ball is at his feet that he can make a pass or thought that's unique and clever," Yeagley said. "That really opens the game up."
Wedderburn finished the game with six shots, three of which were on goal, in 56 minutes of action. Although he did not score, Wedderburn's presence was felt as he consistently created offensive plays with his vision, speed and athleticism.
Early in the second half, the Hoosiers had a 1-0 lead over the Jaguars. Headed for the goal, Wedderburn was fouled after he split two defenders and set up senior Femi Hollinger-Janzen for a penalty kick that he would burry to extend the lead.
"He did a great job taking on two defenders," Hollinger-Janzen said. "They couldn't stop him. It was a great game for him tonight, and I'm very proud of him."
At the 67th minute, Wedderburn made another play as he had a spot-on corner kick that found Billy McConnell whose header almost went in.
"We practice that play a lot," Wedderburn said. "I thought Billy was going to score on that one."
A minute later, the freshman had another opportunity with a strong left-footer from the top of the 18 that needed a diving save by IUPUI goaltender Eduardo Cortez.
After a slow start to the season, things are looking up for Wedderburn. Hailing from England, he is a long way from home. Even though he said, "football is football", it has taken some time for Wedderburn to adjust and admits that he came in a little out of shape.
Although it's never ideal for a player to come in out of shape, Yeagley understands that it takes some time and is tough for players coming from other countries to become acclimated.
"The more fit he's getting, the more of a pop he has in his step," Yeagley said. "When you're not fit you don't have the quickness, but he's getting there. He's been patient and positive, the guys really like him, and he has a positive impact on our team."
Yeagley said Wedderburn is one of the team's more tactical players and that he plays with good composure.
"We need to get him in our rotation," Yeagley said. "Tonight was a step, we really were pleased on his strides tonight. We needed that for him."
One who had never watched him play before Wednesday night might not of guessed that he had that little experience under his belt, as Wedderburn played with speed and poise in a 4-0 Indiana victory.
Head coach Todd Yeagley felt that this was the perfect game to get him acclimated. He said that Wedderburn has gotten quicker and more confident with each passing week.
"The guys know when the ball is at his feet that he can make a pass or thought that's unique and clever," Yeagley said. "That really opens the game up."
Wedderburn finished the game with six shots, three of which were on goal, in 56 minutes of action. Although he did not score, Wedderburn's presence was felt as he consistently created offensive plays with his vision, speed and athleticism.
Early in the second half, the Hoosiers had a 1-0 lead over the Jaguars. Headed for the goal, Wedderburn was fouled after he split two defenders and set up senior Femi Hollinger-Janzen for a penalty kick that he would burry to extend the lead.
"He did a great job taking on two defenders," Hollinger-Janzen said. "They couldn't stop him. It was a great game for him tonight, and I'm very proud of him."
At the 67th minute, Wedderburn made another play as he had a spot-on corner kick that found Billy McConnell whose header almost went in.
"We practice that play a lot," Wedderburn said. "I thought Billy was going to score on that one."
A minute later, the freshman had another opportunity with a strong left-footer from the top of the 18 that needed a diving save by IUPUI goaltender Eduardo Cortez.
After a slow start to the season, things are looking up for Wedderburn. Hailing from England, he is a long way from home. Even though he said, "football is football", it has taken some time for Wedderburn to adjust and admits that he came in a little out of shape.
Although it's never ideal for a player to come in out of shape, Yeagley understands that it takes some time and is tough for players coming from other countries to become acclimated.
"The more fit he's getting, the more of a pop he has in his step," Yeagley said. "When you're not fit you don't have the quickness, but he's getting there. He's been patient and positive, the guys really like him, and he has a positive impact on our team."
Yeagley said Wedderburn is one of the team's more tactical players and that he plays with good composure.
"We need to get him in our rotation," Yeagley said. "Tonight was a step, we really were pleased on his strides tonight. We needed that for him."
Players Mentioned
Forward/Midfielder
/ Men's Soccer
Defender
/ Men's Soccer
Midfielder
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