The excitement that was etched across his teammates' faces showed the experience Butler University transfer junior forward Palmer Ault had already brought to his new team.
Ault made an instant impact in Indiana men’s soccer’s 3-1 victory over the University of Evansville on Saturday at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington. He scored his first two goals as a Hoosier within his first 10 minutes on the pitch including an acrobatic bicycle kick shot that netted the first goal of the match.
The last time these two teams faced off, the match ended in a 1-1 draw last season at the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl in Indianapolis. Although Saturday’s meeting was merely a spring exhibition game, the energy of the match increased with Indiana attacking the Evansville defense more effectively. This was evident as the Hoosiers scored three total goals in the second period.
However, to kick off the match, both teams’ intensity was low. Each squad was sloppy, especially the Hoosiers, who turned the ball over often in the first period. Indiana also struggled to move the ball down the field, often falling short of Evansville’s defensive structure. After the first 30 minutes of action, the match was still a scoreless tie.
During the brief break, Indiana made a couple of substitutions. One of the major changes was Ault. As soon as the Noblesville, Indiana, native came onto the pitch, the game’s momentum flipped.
While it didn’t necessarily render immediate success, Ault’s ability to find open space with his dribbling opened the field for his teammates. Pushing the pace, Ault constantly found small ways to put his teammates and team in a position to thrive.
Indiana’s offense started early in the second period. Led by Ault, its first chance to push against Evansville was on a breakaway in the 34th minute.
Heading toward the goal on Evansville’s side of the pitch, the Hoosiers looked to break through. Freshman midfielder Charlie Heuer’s through ball set up Ault with a chance to give Indiana a 1-0 lead. However, Ault was unable to put Indiana on the board, but his fast-paced energy sparked the team.
Indiana’s first goal of the game came just five minutes later.
With his back facing the net and defenders closing on both sides of him, Ault settled junior midfielder Jack Wagoner’s pass in the middle of Evansville’s box. Ault then fired a bicycle kick to the bottom left corner of the net, opening the scoring for the game.
The elite-level touch on Ault’s bicycle kick was the major turning point in the game for Indiana. After their first goal, the Hoosiers seized control of the game.
In the five-minute span of game time, Ault and the Hoosiers scored two quick goals as the transfer made his skillful presence known.
The Cream and Crimson’s second goal came just four minutes later off Ault’s right foot, finding the same right corner of the net once again. After receiving a pass from freshman forward Easton Bogard, who appeared in seven games last year, Ault notched his second goal.
Indiana continued its domination in the latter half of the second period. In a favorable offensive attack position, Ault launched a shot that hit the crossbar. The rebound trickled back out to Bogard, who scored the Hoosiers’ third goal of the game.
In spite of the fact Ault couldn’t convert on a couple of prime scoring opportunities, he still provided a boost of energy to his teammates.
Although Evansville scored a goal toward the end of the game, Indiana held on to secure the win
In the first of five spring matches on the schedule, Ault showcased his elite versatility he brings to his new team. Indiana will look to keep the energy level high at 3 p.m. March 9 against Oakland University at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington.
