Young midfielder sets example

A quick glance at the IU men's soccer roster will show that young players make up a major part of the team. One youth member is sophomore midfielder Brian Plotkin, who said he is trying to set an example for the youth on the squad.\nAs IU's previous pair of tournaments indicated, Plotkin said he is attempting to become an all-around solid player, a player who can do a variety of things on the field.\nHe notched a goal and an assist in IU's draw with Georgetown last weekend at the UConn Classic, recording four shots, including two shots on goal.\nHis offensive talent has impressed coach Jerry Yeagley.\n"He's very dangerous with his left foot," Yeagley said. "He can also pose a danger from a distance. He shoots a heavy ball. He's become a well-known and respected player."\nPlotkin forms a piece to the puzzle for IU. Yeagley said Plotkin's accomplished ball-handling ability makes it easier for the Hoosiers to control the ball and to dominate ball possession, making it more likely they will score.\nAt the same time, Plotkin is focusing on being a consistent scoring threat. \n"I had a problem with my shots last year," Plotkin said. "I would hit them off the side of my foot and struggled shooting the ball. This summer I worked on it. Hopefully, the good luck can continue this season."\nMeanwhile, Yeagley said he likes the way Plotkin has changed his demeanor on the field.\n"Brian was 'Freshman of the Year' last season and he wasn't even a starter," Yeagley said. "He showed how he impressed the (conference) coaches. He's a tireless worker and has improved his game. He's changed his personality on the field. Now, he's challenging on tackles and challenging on air balls."\nWhile Plotkin's behavior has transformed on the field this year, a year ago he collected a prestigious conference award, earning the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award in 2002. One of his notable accomplishments was scoring a meaningful goal in the NCAA Tournament last year. He tallied the game-winning goal against Notre Dame, propelling the Hoosiers to the third round of the tournament.\nPlotkin said he was ecstatic after recording the game-winning score against the Fighting Irish. \n"It was a great feeling and a huge relief," Plotkin said. "Being at home, scoring my first goal like that. It was a great rush."\nSophomore midfielder/back Jordan Chirico praised Plotkin for his willingness as a team member first and foremost. \n"I think he's just an amazing teammate to have play for us," Chirico said. "It's nice to play with him."\nYeagley highlighted Plotkin's skill as a player and said he could definitely be a true leader on the team. Yeagley said Plotkin leads by example and his personality is blossoming on the field. Yeagley added that Plotkin has improved dramatically and that he's worked hard over the spring and summer. \n"He's not a supporting player anymore," Yeagley said. "He takes on more responsibility. He's the kind of player that can change a game. He can be the man of the match."\nPlotkin's experience prior to IU was invaluable in helping him mature as a player.\nPlotkin, who is a native of Lisle, Ill., was a member of the Under-17 National team in 2001 that won the national championship. He also participated on the Under-16 National team a year earlier.\nThe sophomore said he hasn't really modeled his play after particular player. He added junior forward Ned Grabavoy was influential in helping him develop his game.\nPlotkin said Grabavoy has helped him progress into the player he is today.\n"(Ned) shows the younger players and me how to do things the right way," Plotkin said. "He has helped all the younger players on the team a great deal. He wants us to improve."\nFurthermore, Plotkin said communication is fundamental when you're on the field.\n"We're a young team," he said. "Probably the most important thing we have to do is communicate."\nAt the same time Chirico said Plotkin is a clutch player. \n"He's just a good all-around player," Chirico said. "He comes through in the tough times. He comes through when you need a goal."\n-- Contact staff writer Zack Eldridge at zeldridg@indiana.edu.