For the first time in the 21st century Yale traveled to Bill Armstrong Stadium to take on Indiana. After a draw against Notre Dame on Thursday, the Hoosiers were looking to pick up their first win. Indiana would do just that as they came away with a 2-0 win on Sunday night in the first meeting between the programs since 1999.
Here are my three takeaways:
Offense has found its groove
Through the first 10 games last season, Indiana had just one match where it scored two or more goals in a game. In just three games this year, the Hoosiers have had two games where they’ve scored twice. On Sunday, Indiana dominated in possession from start to finish, outshooting Yale 16-7 with five of those being on goal. This marks the second straight game where Indiana has attempted double-digit shots. The aggressiveness in the attack is something head coach Todd Yeagley is wanting to see from his team this season.
“We wanted to push the tempo, we wanted to get into the box, we wanted to put either some pullbacks, some serves or shots from distance,” Yeagley said. “Still think we could add a little bit more from distance, somewhere like (Michael) Nesci’s goal (against Notre Dame), like if we can get our finishing from 16 to 22 we’ll be more dangerous.”
Indiana’s first goal came from the penalty spot by Tommy Mihalic. The fun didn’t stop there for the Hoosiers, as in the second half he would score again off a ball from Sam Sarver. Having experienced veterans on the wings like Sarver and Mihalic has helped the offense so far this season. Their ability to use their speed and skill to blow past defenders has created many scoring opportunities.
Indiana’s depth will take them a long way
We see it every year with Yeagley’s squad and his ability to recruit at an efficient and high level. The 2024 roster is no different, as it is filled with talented players from top to bottom. With no Collins Oduro against Yale due to injury, Michael Nesci had the opportunity to start in his place. The freshman from Chicago has made the most of his time in an Indiana uniform to this point, already scoring a goal against Notre Dame in just his second game as a Hoosier.
Nesci’s change of pace and ability to get forward with the ball quickly has meshed well with the rest of the Indiana attack. Other key players that saw good minutes were Seth Stewart, Clay Murador and Luke Jeffus. Jeffus, the transfer from Tulsa, has split time with junior Jack Wagoner in that midfield spot alongside Patrick McDonald. Having two starting-caliber center mids is a strength within this team and it shouldn't be overlooked. The best is yet to come for the young pieces of this team and they will certainly make an impact down the road.
Tommy Mihalic is a man on a mission
After combining for 12 goals in his first two seasons at Indiana, Mihalic had just two goals and zero assists last season. Through three games this year, the senior from Skokie, Illinois has scored three times already. Although goals are great, the win is what matters most for him.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to score, so it definitely feels good, but at the end of the day, the win is huge, obviously that was our first win of the season," Mihalic said.
With his two goals Sunday, it marked the second time he has recorded a brace. The last time he scored twice in a match was his collegiate debut, in a 3-2 win over Notre Dame. While it’s still early in the season, this bright start has installed a lot of confidence in his game and with the team.
“When you put it together, it feels good and that’s what results in wins," Mihalic stated.
After picking up their first win, the Hoosiers have moved to 1-1-1 on the season. Next up for Indiana is a short trip to Indianapolis to face the Butler Bulldogs on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
