From the first touch, it was clear that Indiana women’s soccer walked over the white lines looking to take control early.
That’s just what it did.
Indiana retained possession, early and often, pinning non-conference opponent University of Evansville in its half for virtually the entire first half. The occasional matchup between the two teams has been a one-sided affair. The Hoosiers haven’t lost to the Purple Aces since 1994.
The fireworks started early with three corner kicks in the first four minutes that consisted of multiple shot attempts. Freshman forward Layla Sirdah created havoc against Evansville’s defense, placing one in the back of the net off a Purple Aces turnover in the fourth minute
That was a consistent theme for Sirdah all night, who finished the game with six shots, one goal and two assists. Indiana head coach Erwin van Bennekom was pleased with Sirdah’s performance to begin the season but believes there’s more in store for the freshman
“She’s been good, but has shown 50% of what she can do,” van Bennekom said postgame. “She’s getting to understand the college game more. She has so much potential, and everyone can see what quality she has.”
The early action continued for the Hoosiers after sophomore midfielder Elle Britt perfectly placed a lofted shot from outside of the 18-yard box above the goalkeeper’s gloves. Britt continued to make an impression in just her second start, and she finally got her first goal of the season after leading the team in shots on goal to start the season.
“She can strike the ball, and as an attacking player, confidence and feel is important, and today she showed that,” van Bennekom said. “She’s been getting closer ... I think she just needs to be more consistent.”
Britt also believes she has made significant strides in the last two games after being put in the starting lineup.
“I felt some nerves and pressure, but I took that pressure and tried to use it to my advantage,” Britt said. “ I was long overdue for a goal.”
The Hoosiers built a two-goal lead early and did not look back, and the Purple Aces failed to ignite a spark. The Hoosiers were having their way with the ball, trying their luck from outside the box throughout the half. Britt scored from deep once again, somehow sneaking one behind the goalkeeper on the bounce. The Hoosiers were able to cruise into the half with a comfortable three-goal lead.
The second half was more of the same, with the Hoosiers continuing to maintain possession and attack the goal. They finished the game with 11 corners to Evansville’s zero, and 34 shots to Evansville’s four. Indiana tacked on two more goals in the second half for a final score of 5-0.
With one more non-conference game against Lawrence University on Sept. 8 before conference play, van Bennekom discussed making adjustments to retain the ball and improve their attacks as they look forward to stronger opponents.
“We got to get better with the ball, we want to play forward and direct, but we also want to keep the ball, and I thought that was a big improvement today,” van Bennekom said. “We’ve kind of solidified who’s playing where, the shape we’re playing. It helps build chemistry.”
The Hoosiers will look to build off their dominant win with a match against Division III opponent Lawrence at 1:00 p.m. Sept. 8 at Bill Armstrong Stadium. They’ll turn the page to Big Ten play against Ohio State on Sept. 12.
Follow reporters Sam Elster (@samelster1) and Matt Rudella (@mattrudellaIDS) for updates throughout the Indiana women’s soccer season.
