In 2023, the Indiana defense was one of the strongest in the country, only conceding 11 goals across its 17 regular season matches. However, the backline took a step back in 2024, allowing 21 goals in 18 matches.
But so far this spring, the Indiana defense has shown flashes of its 2023 self.
Indiana men’s soccer faced off against Oakland University on Sunday in its second matchup of the spring season. After limiting the University of Evansville attack to one goal and six shots March 1, the Hoosier defense built upon its success, allowing just three shots on goal in their 4-1 win over Oakland in three 30-minute periods.
Freshman midfielder Charlie Heuer and junior midfielder Cristiano Bruletti intercepted through balls and executed aggressive plays on the ball to make life difficult for the Oakland attack in the first period. Throughout the first 30 minutes of play, Oakland had limited opportunities to push the ball past midfield as the Cream and Crimson maintained control and applied constant pressure near the opposing net.
It was a quiet start to the match for redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Cooper Johnsen as the Golden Grizzlies got off zero shot attempts, while the Hoosiers generated seven shots on goal and scored one in the opening period.
Oakland came out in the second period more aggressive offensively, finally generating its first shot on target. However, Johnsen was quick to react, as he made a diving stop near the bottom left corner of the goal to maintain the 1-0 lead.
Throughout the game, the Golden Grizzlies struggled to push the ball into the opposing penalty box. When they were successful in establishing an attack, the young Hoosier backline — consisting of freshman Drew Gaydosh, freshman Nolan Kinsella, sophomore Alex Barger and redshirt sophomore Breckin Minzey — stood firm and remained ready to start a counterattack.
Facing a 2-0 deficit heading into the third and final period, Oakland’s offensive approach was more potent. With a corner kick and an opportunity to close the gap in the 65th minute, the Golden Grizzlies played the ball straight to the Hoosier backline, who headed it forward to the speedy Heuer. The Elmhurst, Illinois, native outraced the entire Oakland squad down the field to score and extend the Hoosier lead.
Oakland remained scoreless until the 67th minute. Kinsella tracked back in position to make a sliding play on the ball inside the penalty box and send the ball out of bounds, resulting in a Golden Grizzly corner kick.
The ball was again deflected by Hoosier defenders, but this time it ended up in the possession of Oakland sophomore defender Markus Wienerroither, who sailed the ball towards the net. Johnsen seemingly lost track of the ball in the air, as it took one bounce and ended up in the back of the net to end the Hoosiers’ shutout.
Through two spring games, Indiana has allowed only two combined goals. The Hoosiers aim to continue their defensive dominance when they travel to Fenton, Missouri, to take on Saint Louis University at 3:30 p.m. April 5. In their last matchup on Aug. 23, 2024, the Billikens defeated the Hoosiers 2-0.
