Hoosiers to face Badgers at home

The number zero is typically not a positive sight when looking at a statistical column.

But for senior goalkeeper Luis Soffner and the rest of the Hoosier defense, that number can be looked at with respect because that is how many goals the Hoosiers have allowed so far in Big Ten play.

The co-captain from St. Louis said shutouts are the most important aspect of a defensive mindset, but it has not been that way in past seasons.

“I know from years past we may have not had that killer mindset,” Soffner said. “Typically, we would come out looking to win games, not achieve shutouts. That has changed this season, and this year it is a big statement for our team, especially the
defense.”

Heading into this weekend’s home match against Wisconsin, the Hoosiers led the Big Ten in two defensive categories: goals allowed and goals against average. IU is tied with Penn State for first in shutouts with six.

Soffner and senior captain defender Caleb Konstanski said they believe that the success has something to do with the trust and confidence forged between each other during the last four seasons.

Both of their careers as starters began their freshman year, and there has been a bond between the two since.

“We’re very confident in one another,” Konstanski said. “I know Luis is going to make big saves, and he has that type of confidence in me. After playing four years with someone, you don’t really need to say much.”

The bond between the two has allowed nonverbal communication to suffice for defensive instruction.

“We talk throughout the whole game,” Konstanski said. “Very little of it involves actual talking, though.”

Soffner said he believes communication is one of the most important factors for a defensive unit.

“Our five guys staying connected in the back is very important for us to be successful,” Soffner said. “It is done through strong communication, and it definitely shows when you have a season such as this.”

At the top of the standings in the conference, Konstanski and Soffner said they feel Indiana will get each team’s best performance with a target on their backs. Konstanski said the confidence in his keeper helps the line keep their focus on what needs to be done.

“A lot of times if you don’t have confidence in your keeper, you will cheat a bit defensively,” he said.  “But when you have a keeper like Luis in the back, you don’t have to worry about cheating, and I know I can always count on him to make big saves when we need it.”

During the Kentucky game Wednesday, IU was without one of its defensive starters, sophomore defender Kerel Bradford. To fill that role, they moved junior midfielder Jacob Bushue back and had sophomore midfielder Dylan Lax come in off the bench to play Bushue’s position.

Konstanski said he believes the depth the Hoosiers have is an important aspect of the team’s success defensively.

“That depth goes a long way,” he said. “We have absolute confidence in anyone that comes back to the line, whether it be someone who starts or someone coming off the bench. We have confidence in everyone that takes the field.”

After scoring four goals against Kentucky, the Hoosiers let in a lone goal with less than five minutes to play. Konstanski said the goal would not hurt the Hoosiers moving forward.

“The first thing Luis and I talked about after the game was the goal,” Konstanski said. “I think that shows the maturity of this team, that we put up a very good performance but were more upset about the one thing we did wrong. I definitely think that goal against Kentucky gives us extra motivation to shutout Wisconsin this weekend.”