For the third consecutive game to begin the 2019 season, No. 2 IU forced overtime and scored a golden goal to down the University of Denver, 2-1.
IU’s junior forward Ian Black played the hero this time around as he netted the game-winning goal in overtime, giving the Hoosiers their third victory of the season and keeping their undefeated record intact.
Once again, IU’s resilience was tested in a scrappy, sloppy game that saw Denver commit 10 fouls and receive four yellow cards in addition to a costly red card.
The scoringstarted quickly as the Pioneers’ sophomore midfielder Liam Johnson scored the first goal of the game in the sixth minute, catching the Hoosiers’ defense playing far too relaxed to begin the game.
Trailing in the first half for the third straight game, the Hoosiers managed to regroup and mount a comeback by taking advantage of Denver’s hyper-aggressive style of play.
In the 17th minute, Denver’s junior midfielder Jacob Stensson received his first yellow card of the game that would spur a highly physical match from that point on.
A foul inside the goalie box in the 28th minute set up IU for a crucial penalty kick that would eventually prove to be the equalizer. Black was sent to the line and capitalized on the opportunity, finding the back of the net for the first of his two goals on the night, tying the game at one apiece.
Two more yellow cards in the 30th and 33rd minutes gave IU multiple chances to move the ball down the field, but missed shots wide of net allowed Denver to stay competitive.
Coming out of halftime still tied at one, IU freshman midfielder Aidan Morris and Denver’s Stensson got into a heated skirmish that resulted in Stensson being shown a red card, effectively ending his day on the field and forcing Denver to play down a man the rest of the way. Morris also received a yellow card for his role in the scuffle.
Squandered chances by IU junior defender A.J. Palazzolo and IU sophomore midfielder Joe Schmidt late in the second half furthered IU’s inability to score when presented with open looks on the net.
A total of 15 shots and 10 corner kicks were taken by the Hoosiers on the day, but only two of them went for goals, both from Black, who only played 75 minutes.
Without the craftiness of IU junior midfielder Spencer Glass and Morris — who were both credited with assists — to set up Black in overtime, the Hoosiers inefficiency could’ve given way to the Pioneers.
The growing pains have been evident for IU's young squad since the season started, and while they have been costly at times, the team has still found ways to escape victorious. Friday night was no exception.
