Junior forward garners national accolades

Following junior forward Kevin Noschang’s performance over the course of last season, IU coach Mike Freitag said he hoped to see more consistency in the attacker’s play. Freitag knew that with more experience, Noschang would pose an offensive threat to any opponent. \nNoschang is proving his coach right.\nAfter his two-goal weekend at the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic, Noschang attracted the attention of soccer critics across the country. With that attention came awards – Noschang was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Player of the Week and was named to the All Tournament Team at the Classic.\n“(Being named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week) was fantastic,” Noschang said. “It was very flattering. I didn’t expect it, but it is always nice to get recognized, especially by someone like the Big Ten.”\nNoschang is consistently one of the top offensive threats for the Hoosiers. In the 2006 season, he tallied 11 shots on goal, with a shot-on-goal percentage rate of .688. Noschang also appeared in 17 games, six of which he started. \n“Kevin continues to grow as a player,” Freitag said. “When he came to campus, athletically he wasn’t a polished soccer player. He was inconsistent and streaky. He would do well and then he’d fall off. We’ve seen consistency this year in his effort, in his demeanor and in his production.”\nNoschang’s teammates have also noticed his change in attitude on the field.\n“As a teammate, he’s a good guy,” said junior midfielder John Mellencamp. “This year, he’s come out more focused and more determined.”\nIn his four years at IU – one of them as a redshirt freshman – Noschang has played with some of the nation’s finest players, something he sees as an advantage.\n“The thing about IU is you get to play with the best players day in and day out,” Noschang said. “IU is the best place in the country to play, without a doubt.” \nDuring his redshirted freshman year, Noschang watched his teammates win the 2004 national championship from the bench. The Cincinnati native hopes to play in the championship game before his college career is over.\n“I have the (national champion) ring, but I’d love to be on the field playing (the game),” he said. \nNoschang may get his wish. The Hoosiers are predicted to take the Big Ten this season. And with the No. 2-rated freshman class in the nation, they have plenty of young talent to put on the field before Noschang’s eligibility is up. \nNoschang said he would like to go pro after college, and a second championship ring would only bolster his already stunning portfolio of accomplishments.\n“I want to play professionally,” Noschang said. “I want to play in the MLS. Abroad would be great, but to help soccer grow in America would be awesome.”