Michael Nesci is no stranger to the big moment.
The freshman forward has delivered for Indiana men’s soccer in big time moments early in his career. A winner in the 85th minute against the University of Kentucky and an equalizer against the University of Notre Dame were two of the biggest moments not just for him, but for the entire squad last season.
While Sunday afternoon against Oakland University was just a spring match, Nesci continued to show the same promise and drive that he brought to the team this past fall. The Hoosiers defeated the Golden Grizzlies 4-1 at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington.
As soon as the final horn sounded, cheers rained down from the stands of Bill Armstrong Stadium. Those cheers were present for most of the afternoon as Indiana men’s soccer gave the Hoosier faithful a lot to cheer about.
From the opening whistle to the final horn, Indiana was in control. Nesci was the leading force of the Hoosiers’ attack.
Within the first possession, freshman forward Easton Bogard took a through ball deep in Oakland’s box from junior forward Palmer Ault and drew a penalty.
Nesci netted the penalty to put Indiana up 1-0 in just the second minute of game action.
The Hoosiers were looking to score every time they had possession. By the 18th minute, Indiana had taken five shots on the goal.
The first 30 minutes of action ended with the score still sitting at 1-0. Indiana had forced seven shots on the goal and created numerous offensive opportunities, it just couldn't capitalize.
The Hoosiers continued to be aggressive on the offensive side of things in the second period but couldn’t convert on any of the chances. The second period of action was sloppy for both squads, but Nesci continued to push the pace to give Indiana chances.
In the short break before the third period began, the Hoosiers huddled up along the sideline. Nesci and fellow freshman Charlie Heuer were visibly and audibly sending a message to the rest of the squad — the intensity and effort needed to take a step up.
The message seemed to resonate with each of the Hoosiers, as Indiana took control in the third period. Within the first minute of the period, Indiana was on the attack and Nesci played a perfect through-ball to sophomore midfielder Jacopo Fedrizzi, who delivered a strike to the far-right corner of the net to extend the Indiana lead.
Oakland had a chance to cut into the lead with a corner kick in the 62nd minute. The ball sailed high, and Nesci headed it away and out of danger. Not only did the header clear the ball, but it was also a perfect set up pass for Heuer, who beat the keeper on a 1-on-1 breakaway to extend the Hoosier lead.
Less than a minute later, Nesci finished a goal of his own. The ball flew off his right foot and bent around the Oakland defender, clipping the right post before finding its way into the back of the net.
A celebratory jump and embrace with his teammates capped off Nesci’s day. He was later subbed off to end the match.
Nesci’s impact was apparent as he scored or assisted on three of Indiana’s four goals and contributed on 12 of the 17 shots on the goal.
The 4-1 victory over Oakland improved the Hoosier’s record to 2-0 in the spring season.
Indiana will return to the pitch at 3.30 p.m. April 5 against Saint Louis University at the Worldwide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, Missouri.
