IU's No. 4-ranked men's soccer team will hit the road against Butler University after its first regulation victory of the season.
“We know they’re a quality team, it’s an instate rival so it’s going to be a packed house,” freshman defender Daniel Munie said. “We’ll be ready for sure.”
IU’s recent 3-1 victory over the University of Wisconsin was marked by three freshman goals and a defense that is improving as the season progresses.
With that, here are some things to know for Tuesday’s match at the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl.
1. Butler has dropped three of its last four
Wisconsin is the only team Butler has taken down in the last few weeks. The Bulldogs are 2-4 since winning their first two games.
Butler’s recent 3-0 loss at the hands of Georgetown University exposed a struggling defense and a low-production offense. The Bulldogs surrendered 14 shots compared to the four they took while also having their sophomore goalkeeper Gabriel Gjergji save five shots on goal.
Butler is one of the bottom three in the Big East for goals, shots, corner kicks and assists.
2. IU holds the record against Butler
The Hoosiers are 23-4-4 against the Bulldogs all time and have not lost to their northern competitors since 2013 when Butler won 3-2 on its home turf.
August 1991 was the first time these teams squared off and it ended in a 5-0 IU victory. Since then the Hoosiers have shutout the Bulldogs 18 times.
Last season’s 3-0 win against Butler was one of 12 solo shutouts for IU alumnus Trey Muse. That game also featured goals in the first half from alumni Timmy Mehl and Justin Rennicks with IU junior midfielder Spencer Glass sending home another goal in the second.
For the last five years the scoring between these instate rivals has been even.
In games against the Bulldogs since their 2013 loss, the Hoosiers have outscored them by a margin of just three goals. They out-shot Butler by three and had one less corner kick taken.
3. IU’s Offense is becoming more aggressive
IU coach Todd Yeagley’s offense has launched 40 shots in its last two games against Wisconsin and No. 16 Notre Dame. That tally is larger than IU’s previous three games combined.
Yeagley, however, doesn’t get too interested in statistics and said Butler’s defense will present difficulties for the younger Hoosiers.
“They have some new attacking pieces that are dangerous, it’ll be a tough challenge for us,” he said.
Freshman forward Herbert Endeley found his way into the starting 11 for Friday’s Big Ten win and terrorized the Badger defense with his speed. His presence on the right side of the field along with senior defender Simon Waever will give Butler’s attackers plenty to keep an eye on.
The Hoosiers are having longer possession times with the ball, setting up their defenders around midfield and their midfielders arced around the goal box.
Endeley and the forwards are positioning themselves for right and left cross headers from junior midfielder Spencer Glass’ corner kicks. Although IU doesn't always convert on the corner kick opportunities, its play setups and offensive positioning are setting them up for more shots on goal.
“We’re going to need the Hoosier army to be strong and hopefully get a great group to make their way to the Butler Bowl,” Yeagley said.
