Mexico beats IU soccer 2-1

The Mexican U-17 National Team stopped IU's attempt at a perfect spring slate. Some of the Mexican players have experience playing professionally in Mexico, and they used that domestic and international experience by applying pressure and physical challenges early to IU as Mexico defeated the Hoosiers 2-1 in front of 3,472 fans Tuesday at Bill Armstrong Stadium.\nRight from the opening kick, team Mexico's fans made their presence known with numerous waving Mexican flags and banging tambourines. Spectators filled much of the press box side of Armstrong Stadium with about equal representation of both teams' supporters.\nMexico had a big chance to score early in the seventh minute when Ever Zavala from Mexico had a shot attempt inside the 18-yard box. IU sophomore goalkeeper Chris Munroe squared up to defend the play and caught a foot on the ball to deflect the ball away from Mexico.\nHowever, Mexico capitalized shortly thereafter with a goal in the 19th minute. Efrain Valdez caught Munroe between the six and 18-yard boxes as Valdez played a volley from 18 yards out over Munroe and into the goal.\n"I played a ball out to (sophomore Josh Tudela) that in hindsight probably shouldn't have been played," Munroe said. "The fact of the matter is they got it, and it was a good shot. I just didn't make the play."\nIU sophomore midfielder John Michael Hayden scored the equalizer from 30 yards out in the 37th minute as he chipped the ball over Ma goalkeeper Sergio Delgado into the left corner. IU freshman Billy Weaver had the assist on the goal.\n"I just had an opening and I saw the keeper off his line and I knew if I just drove it, it would go over him," Hayden said. "It was open. I'm glad I got it."\nHeriberto Beltran scored the game winner for Mexico in the 82nd minute from inside the 18-yard box on an assist from Valdez.\nThe Hoosiers had their own chances to score as IU posted 16 shots and 11 corner kicks. IU's best chance to tie the game came in the 32nd minute when junior Brian Plotkin shot the ball from 25-yards out, only to have it ring off the crossbar.\nBoth squads had 16 fouls each; with each team receiving two yellow cards. IU junior Jordan Chirico got his card in the 54th minute, while the official booked freshman John Mellencamp in the 69th minute.\n"There is not a college team in the country that is as technical as that team was," said IU sophomore back Julian Dieterle. "You have to be on your toes the whole time. It definitely helps to keep you sharp mentally for the fall."\nThe last time Armstrong Stadium played host to an international match was in 1992 when the U.S. U-23 team played Canada in an Olympic qualifying match. The loss to Mexico was the first time IU dropped a match since Nov. 12, 2004.\nIU coach Mike Freitag said he would welcome the chance to play the Mexican team again or any other international team, but it is up to the international team to initiate the meeting with IU.\n"I enjoyed the game thoroughly," Freitag said. "Again, you saw good soccer tonight from both teams ... Playing an opponent like this just makes our team better. There is nothing wrong with losing if you go away and you get better from it. That's what we want. We can go play other teams and win and win and win, but you don't get better. You get better by playing teams like this."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Steve \nSlivka at smslivka@indiana.edu.