IU earns 1st spring victory

The IU men’s soccer team finally got its first win of the spring season this past weekend. By using the depth of its bench, the Hoosiers overpowered the Louisville Cardinals for a 1-0 exhibition win Friday.\nThe Hoosiers outshot the Cardinals 15-11 with seven different Hoosiers contributing to that statistic. Overcoming the brisk, below-freezing temperatures Friday at Bill Armstrong Stadium proved difficult for the team, but not nearly as difficult as the aggressive play of the Cardinals. It seems as though coach Mike Freitag’s experimentation is beginning to see results. \nThe Hoosiers were charged with 18 fouls during the course of the game. Louisville had 12 called against them. Although such a hostile game could come with the risk of injuries, Freitag thinks aggressive teams are good to face.\n“(Aggression is) good to have,” he said. “You want teams that are going to fight.” \nFreshman midfielder Eric Alexander said it helps to boost morale when the team has to fight for the win. Alexander fought hard against the Cardinals, taking five shots during the match. One of his shots bounced off the goalpost and into the waiting trap of freshman forward Darren Yeagle, who got the shot over the goalkeeper and scored the first goal of the spring season for the Hoosiers. \n“It would have been better if I got the goal,” said Alexander. “But it was good Darren was there to tap it in.” \nIf the record is any indication of the future of the team, soccer fans have a right to be optimistic. Not only is Freitag finding the best positions for his players, but the team is beginning to feel comfortable in their roles, and the younger members are finding their confidence, all while accommodating to their teammates around them. \n“Tonight especially we were on the same page,” said Yeagle. “We’re definitely starting to come together now.” \nThe Hoosiers next face rival Notre Dame on Saturday in Indianapolis.