The No. 14 Hoosiers (3-1-2, 0-1) are looking to continue that streak when they travel to play new Big Ten member Rutgers (5-3, 1-0) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Yurcak Field.
“Every single game is going to be a tough one,” freshman defender Grant Lillard said. “We’re looking forward to playing Rutgers.”
IU players stressed that they are only focusing on whatever game is next.
“We’re going to Rutgers this weekend, and we plan on going out and getting all three points,” IU sophomore midfielder Tanner Thompson said. “We’re going to take each game one at a time.”
Thompson said the team’s goal is to win every time they step on the field.
The Hoosiers have tallied more than 20 shots in each of their past two games, yet have failed to score. Rutgers is an offensive-minded team and will put pressure on IU’s back line.
“They’ve got a very talented attacking group,” Lillard said. “It’s going to be another test for our defense.”
Players and coaches said the addition of Maryland and Rutgers makes the conference schedule stronger and allows teams to still have a chance at winning the league if they suffer an early loss.
“We’re playing eight games instead of six, which is huge because if you lose one game when there are only six teams in the Big Ten, it’s tough,” Thompson said.
The Hoosiers had several shots go off the post or just wide Wednesday.
Thompson said it was the story of the game for the second straight night, where IU dominated its opponent but couldn’t get a goal.
“Every game is going to be tough in the Big Ten,” redshirt sophomore defender Derek Creviston said. “It’s going to be a battle.”
