Whether it should have counted or not, the Hoosiers got out of South Bend, Indiana with a 2-1 win over the No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Irish scored the opener in the 71st minute, but a header from AJ Palazzolo in the 79th minute was the equalizer the Hoosiers needed to send the match to overtime. From there, controversy reigned as Justin Rennicks tapped in the winner after a deflection in the box.
Here's another look at the game winner for Indiana in overtime at Notre Dame. Big debate of whether it was offside or not.
You be the judge. #iums pic.twitter.com/iQRSLH0Xpl
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) September 12, 2018
Was he offside? Maybe. But at this point, it doesn't really matter. The Hoosiers are now 5-1 and have now beaten two top ten teams on the road.
Now to tonight's takeaways.
Hoosiers rise to the occasion again
Indiana has arguably played the toughest schedule in the nation so far. Five out of the six teams they have played have been ranked. Coming out of that stretch 5-1 shows how quality this squad is. The ACC is also considered the best soccer conference in the country. The Hoosiers have played three road matches and have won two of those three against the ACC.
There were times Tuesday where the Hoosiers did lose a bit of their mojo. For most of the second half, Notre Dame dictated play. It looked like IU was going to waste a good first half performance with no goals to show for it.
But when the Hoosiers needed a goal, they got it. The Swartz to Palazzolo combo assisted on and scored, respectively, a game winning goal for the second time of the season.
Attack looked stale at times
The Hoosiers came out and dominated the first 45 minutes in South Bend. They had more possession, shots and corner kicks. However, that domination didn't turn into a goal. Coach Todd Yeagley has talked about his team being more "goal dangerous" at times this season. This seemed to be another case of that.
The build up play was definitely there for IU. They were putting themselves in good positions, but it was the final ball to get in a goal scoring position that lacked at times. Nonetheless, when the Hoosiers needed to make something happen, they did.
On top of all of this, the Hoosiers were going up against a stellar and organized Notre Dame backline. They made it very difficult for Indiana to find spaces in behind, which is an area Indiana usually likes to exploit.
Indiana's super-sub
Trevor Swartz has been coming off the bench for most of the season due to the depth the Hoosiers have in the midfield.
Still, the senior midfielder impacts the match in so many ways. Swartz was credited with both assists Tuesday night and has been dangerous on set pieces all season. His impact has been very instrumental in IU's success this season.
Whether it's set pieces, crosses into the box, or winning balls in the midfield, Swartz does it all for the Hoosiers.
Notes
- Jack Maher was taken off in the 78th minute for Jordan Kleyn. Tuesday was Maher's first time showing some vulnerability at the center back position. There were times of uncertainty for the freshman and Kleyn came in and filled the spot with ease. This shouldn't be something to look into too much as it was most likely just an off night for Maher.
- I know it's enough with the scoreless streak talk again, but Notre Dame's goal put a cap on another 430 minutes of shutout soccer for the Hoosiers.
- Trey Muse came up with four big saves for IU Tuesday night. As Notre Dame ratcheted up their attack in the second half, Muse equally elevated his play.
- The last regulation regular season loss for IU came back in 2016 at Notre Dame. They lost 4-0. What a way to earn a bit of revenge against the Irish.
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