‘The Maher Effect’: Josh Maher emerges for Indiana men’s soccer in draw against Notre Dame

The match between Indiana men’s soccer and the University of Notre Dame featured many firsts. The first home game for the Hoosiers this season; the first goal of Indiana’s season; and the first start for two players: graduate student midfielder Luke Jeffus and freshman defender Josh Maher. 

But for Maher, it was more than just a first start in the cream and crimson. It was his emergence. 

Following its lackluster 2-0 loss at the hands of Saint Louis University a week ago, Indiana looked to rebound against another top opponent in Notre Dame. Despite the match being an unranked bout, both teams were ranked in the top 7 in the preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll. 

Under the lights against top competition, Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley presented a substantial challenge for Maher, placing him, instead of fellow freshman Jack Lindimore, in the starting center back position next to veteran fifth-year senior Jansen Miller. 

But Maher stepped up to the challenge. 

“It’s tough as a center back, as a freshman, to get thrown in this big of a game in this environment,” Indiana senior forward Tommy Mihalic said postgame. “For him to step up and be confident is great.” 

Maher’s confidence was on full display from the opening whistle. Even as a freshman, the Caseyville, Illinois, native was not afraid to point, gesture and talk to his teammates from the backline, something Yeagley noted made his performance less like a freshman’s. 

As the game wore on, Maher maintained a level head, winning numerous long balls out of the air and producing critical challenges in key attacking situations for Notre Dame. But for all his work defensively, it was his efforts on offense that provided the biggest contribution for Indiana. 

After passing the ball around the back, Maher received a pass from sophomore left back Alex Barger with no pressure from Notre Dame’s attackers. As he moved the ball forward near the halfway line, he spotted freshman forward Michael Nesci and delivered a sharp pass that bypassed both the Fighting Irish’s forward and midfield lines. 

Nesci did the rest, turning Maher’s key pass into the first assist of Indiana’s 2024 campaign. 

The following two minutes and 13 seconds produced a relentless, hectic few moments, culminating in another Indiana goal from Mihalic and a Notre Dame equalizer just after. But despite the flip-flopping nature of the game, Maher continued to display why he is, in fact, a Maher. 

“He’s got the Maher effect,” Yeagley said postgame. “It’s amazing how all those kids are incredibly, naturally, composed leaders.” 

Entering the season as a Top Drawer Soccer four-star recruit, Maher was no stranger to the Indiana men’s soccer fanbase. His eldest brother, Jack, excelled for the Hoosiers in 2018 and 2019, leaving as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after his sophomore season. In the 2020 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Nashville SC selected Jack with the second overall pick, and he still plays for the club today. 

Next on the list was Joey, who played for the Hoosiers from 2020 to 2023. He accumulated 83 starts in 85 matches for the Hoosiers and earned All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2023, but his era ended after transferring to Saint Louis in February. 

Now, for the seventh consecutive season, Indiana features a Maher. And after his performance against Notre Dame, Yeagley has the utmost confidence in Josh, just like his brothers before him. 

“It's hard to play at that position, at center back, as a true freshman,” Yeagley said. “His two brothers have been able to do it, and he certainly showed tonight he’s more than capable.” 

It’s not just Yeagley who trusts Josh — it’s the team too. 

“I’m happy for Josh, he’s obviously earned that spot through training,” Mihalic said. “The team has a lot of trust in him, and I’m confident he’ll be good for this team.”