The first game of Todd Yeagley’s head coaching career for IU soccer just wasn’t meant to be.
Twenty-one shots by Yeagley’s Hoosiers were converted into a single goal by junior forward Will Bruin in the 36th minute.
After 90 minutes of quick passes and possession domination and another 10 of conservative play, the No. 20 Hoosiers slipped up with four minutes remaining in the double OT, losing their season opener at home to California 2-1.
California’s Davis Paul scored the game winning goal. After the win, California created a dog-pile celebration. One Bear even hopped all the way out on one leg to the six to join in.
Just beyond the pile stood IU goalkeeper Luis Soffner – his wingspan in full stretch.
Soffner was not happy with the goal – not only because it cost his team the game, but Soffner believed California was offsides.
He wasn’t alone.
"Three or four of our players thought that both the first ball and the second ball were offsides,” Yeagley said.
But no call was made and that was the game.
"The ball just wasn’t bouncing in that spot we needed tonight,” Yeagley said. “Certainly offensively if we create opportunities like that we’re going to score some goals.
The number that goes in the losing column in IU’s record doesn’t truly reflect the game. In the first period alone, IU had 10 shots to California’s one and eight Hoosier shots to five Bear shots in the second.
"Every time I get in the final third I’m going to look to take a shot regardless of where it is – obviously if it’s wide I’ll pass to somebody else to slot it in,” Bruin said, who finished the game with seven shots – three of which were on goal. “I just have to get hungry around the box and we just have to get that killer instinct."
Beyond statistics, IU looked more confident on the field then the last time they played at home 10 months ago.
Soffner’s hatred of losing hasn’t changed during that time though - and he wasn’t too quick to give California the win.
"They were offsides – maybe – we still have to play it," Soffner said. “The guy in the back post I guess made a good run to finish it. Credit to them but we just let down for 30 seconds and they put one in which hurts."
The Hoosiers can play tough the entire time they’re on the field, but a 30-second error and a score as a result is called college soccer.
"Everybody’s heads were up and just one little slip up, and they converted on us,” Bruin said. “It’s a good little learning lesson early in the season.”
