For the first time in three years, the IU men's soccer team will not start the spring season as the defending national champions.\nThe Hoosiers fell to Notre Dame 2-0 in the second round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament after winning the national title in 2003 and 2004.\nThe cream and crimson recently released its seven-game spring schedule, highlighted by a rematch with the Mexican Youth National team. Last year, Mexico defeated the Hoosiers 2-1 in preparation for the FIFA Youth World Cup. Mexico was crowned World Champion after defeating Brazil 3-0 in the championship game.\nThe rematch is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m.\nThe Hoosiers will also play host to defending NAIA champions Lindsey Wilson, IUPUI, University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Kings of the United Soccer League second division.\nFollowing the game against Mexico, the Hoosiers will travel to North Central High School in Indianapolis to face Butler on April 25.\n
Recruit wins Gatorade National Player of the Year
\nFor the second time in as many seasons, the Gatorade National Player of the Year will highlight another solid recruiting class for the Hoosiers.\nPortage, Mich., native Eric Alexander won the prestigious award that recognizes athletic achievement as well as academic performance and overall character.\n"Eric epitomizes the terms student-athlete and role model," said Portage Central coach B.J. Snow at the award presentation's press conference. "As proud as I am of Eric's tremendous soccer achievements, I am more proud to know Eric as a person. He is a perfect representative of our program, our school and our community."\nBy winning the award, Alexander will be eligible for the Gatorade Male High School Athlete of the Year, which will be awarded at the ESPY Awards in July.\nAlexander led Portage High School to a 19-2-4 record en route to a district championship with 28 goals and 11 assists on the season. He was named Michigan's "Mr. Soccer" and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's National High School Player of the Year.\nIn addition to excelling on the field, Alexander maintained a 3.9 GPA and scored a 25 on the ACT as well as contributing to his community.\nAlexander is the fourth Gatorade award winner to play for IU. Last season, former Hoosier Lee Nguyen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in his only season with the Hoosiers before signing with Dutch professional team PSV Eindhoven. Current Major League Soccer players Ned Grabavoy and Nick Garcia also garnered the award.
