The game was delayed and eventually ended due to lightning in the 78th minute. It was considered official, according to NCAA rules.
As a result of the lightning delay, No. 12 IU will now play Dartmouth at 1 p.m. today, after the game was originally scheduled for Sunday.
Entering the season, a topic of discussion was how well the 10 IU freshmen and three transfers would cope with the Big Ten.
After three games, the freshmen are still the topic of conversation but for a different reason.
Two of IU’s (2-0-1) three goals this season have come off the feet of freshmen. The first came from Michael Riedford against Marquette, the only goal in a 1-0 win.
“We knew it was going to be committee, and we knew that some of these freshmen were going to have to step in,” IU Coach Todd Yeagley said. “And it’s played out like that. The freshmen are playing a big part of this young team.”
Swartz’ goal Friday was assisted by sophomore Tanner Thompson, whom Swartz played club with in California’s Central Valley.
The kids have been all right in the back as well, especially Grant Lillard.
Lillard played every minute of the IU Credit Union Classic and was only forced off in the first half against Kentucky due to sickness.
He would return to play all 45 minutes of the second half to ice the victory.
“He just didn’t feel well,” Yeagley said. “His stomach was pretty bad. He might have gotten sick. Something was bothering him, but he bounced back pretty quick and was able to help us in the second half.”
Overall, however, Yeagley said he felt that his team’s performance was subpar in the first half. He said his team looked sluggish against a Kentucky team who Yeagley said fought and played hard.
It was the Hoosiers’ first game since the IU Credit Union Classic, a game Yeagley said his team always struggles in.
“This has always been a tough bounce-back game from the Classic,” Yeagley said. “I told our guys you have to be ready for Kentucky, and I thought we were a little sluggish.”
Another reason for the sluggish play was the muggy conditions.
Game-time temperature was 88 degrees with a fair amount of humidity, causing the pitch to slow down the ball.
Yeagley credits his player’s ability to get a win despite not being in top form.
“They’re able to keep zeroes and get a result,” Yeagley said. “We can build on that as we continue to get better.”
