No sophomore jinx this year

When it comes to team chemistry, the talk often centers around two topics: senior leadership and new talent. \nAnd then there's the middle child, constantly seeking attention. Everyone's heard of the sophomore jinx -- the phrase used for second-year players who flounder after a stellar freshman season. Fortunately for this year's men's soccer team, the sophomore jinx is nothing but a myth.\n This year's troop of "Peter Bradys" had vastly different freshman campaigns, but all five sophomores play an integral part in the success of the Hoosier squad this season.\nNo sophomore has made his presence known on the field more than Pat Noonan. The center midfielder has caught not only the eyes of opponents, but of the college soccer world as well, as he was named as one of the 15 finalists for the Missouri Athletic Club Player of the Year Award. \nAfter starting all 24 games for the Hoosiers last season, Noonan has improved on the offensive end, already equaling last year's totals of seven goals and four assists. Not only is Noonan stepping it up on the field, but off the field as well, becoming one of the team's tri-captains midway through the season. \nOne of the players Noonan has had more of a chance to find this year is forward Michael Bock. After limited playing time last year, Bock has often been the sparkplug that ignites the Hoosier offense, especially when they had trouble scoring early in the season. Bock has started just one game this season, but has taken advantage of his time on field -- becoming the team's fourth leading scorer with seven points on the season. While those numbers might not be overly impressive, it has been Bock's swarming style of play and sprinter-type speed that has earned him respect and added playing time.\nFrom the forwards, we move to the wing midfield position and Marcus Chorvat. As the season has progressed, Chorvat has seen more time in the Hoosiers' wing rotation and has become one of the squad's most improved players. After playing in only seven games for the Hoosiers last year, Chorvat has adapted well to his increase in play. Chorvat has become one of the main playmakers on the offense, thanks to his accurate crosses and role as a free kick taker.\nMoving back to the middle of the field, we see Phil Presser, who has not skipped a beat after switching to a defensive midfielder beside senior Justin Tauber halfway through the season. Known as a finisher in high school, Presser knew that he would have to adapt to more of a playmaking role as a midfielder at IU. Presser's switch to the defensive midfielder position has not only helped clog up the opposition's offensive third, but has allowed him the freedom to remain an offensive threat -- even if it doesn't mean finishing the play.\nThe final piece in the sophomore puzzle is defensive back John Swann. Swann played in 15 games last year, and started in the Hoosiers' final four games in the NCAA tournament. As the only returning back for the squad, Swann has proven to be one of the steady forces for the Hoosiers' defense. As the season has progressed, Swann has helped turn the defense around with his veteran leadership and an aggressive style of play, reminding the opposition that while the faces may be new, it is still the same old IU defense.\n Five sophomores. Five different roles. Five different reasons why the Hoosiers have turned what could have been a, dare I say, "rebuilding year" into another run for the College Cup.\n Just like the Brady Bunch, it's the older kids who get a lot of the praise, the youngest kids get the benefit of the doubt and the middle kids get looked over. Well, let me be the first to say, thanks Peter and Jan, because without you, Bobby and Cindy wouldn't be so darned adorable, Marcia wouldn't be so hot and Greg wouldn't be so cool. And our Hoosiers wouldn't be anywhere close to where they are right now.