Indiana's Jack Maher named to USMNT U-23 roster

Indiana Men's soccer rising sophomore Jack Maher has been named to the US Men's National Team under-23 team for two upcoming friendlies.

"Jack, we just think he's like a junior already after just one semester," Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley said.

Maher is the only college player named on the roster and will be playing alongside the likes of internationals Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Indiana has seen talent leave to play for the USMNT in the past with Griffin Dorsey and Justin Rennicks and that has come as a result of the culture established at the program.

"This is a professional environment," Maher said. "Everyone thinks so on the team. Everyone knows that every single day we're going to work."

Indiana's center back is the third youngest player on the roster behind Weah and Sargent. Maher remains eligible for the U-20 roster, but has seemingly skipped over that roster to play with the U-23 squad during this upcoming international break.

He is coming off a trip to the college cup with Indiana and being named the Big Ten Freshman of the year. Maher was the only freshman starter on the team and will be the only returning starter from last season.

A call-up of this nature is rare for a college soccer player his age and indicative of Maher being one of the best college players in the country. The call-up also insinuates that Maher has a clear opportunity to make the United State Men's National Team Olympic roster.

As the only returning starter, Maher is now prepared to bare the pressure for success that follows Indiana.

"I'm going to do my part in having IU achieve that next star," Maher said.

Coming off of his freshman season, Maher's biggest focus this off-season has been getting stronger and working on his physicality. He showed that improvement when leading Indiana to two clean sheets in Mexico City this past week.

Maher's younger brother Joey, recently committed to attend Indiana upon graduation from high school.

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