Indiana Hoosiers
Overall Rank: #42
#7 Big Ten
Indiana Team Page
Just when we thought the streak would end at 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, Indiana went ahead and beat Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament to earn the conference’s automatic bid. The Hoosiers lost in the first round to Akron, but at least kept their streak alive. But all is not well and that streak is not safe. This is a team that suffered some major losses and was a team that obviously disappointed in 2013.
2013 Record: 8-12-2, 2-4-0
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Todd Yeagley
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Femi Hollinger-Janzen, F/M, 5
Assists: Tanner Thompson, M, 4
Shots: Femi Hollinger-Janzen, F/M, 31
Saves: Michael Soderlund, GK, 51
Other Key Returnees: D Patrick Doody, D Kerel Bradford, GK Colin Webb
Key Losses: F Tommy Thompson, M Nikita Kotlov, M A.J. Corrado, M Dylan Mares, M Harrison Petts, D Matt McKain, D Jacob Bushue
Strengths:
If Indiana wants to get back to the postseason, the defense must improve. On paper, they should get much better after allowing 1.64 goals per game. Keeper Michael Soderlund had some very rough stretches and Colin Webb stepped in and did not look much better. Soderlund, now a junior, and Webb, a sophomore, should benefit from their experience. They will want to benefit from a stronger defensive unit in front of them as well. Patrick Doody and Kerel Bradford are returning senior starters and will anchor the unit. Sophomore Billy McConnell showed promise in 2013 and Coach Todd Yeagley will hope for consistent production from Akron transfer Phil Fives and freshmen Jack Griffith, Grant Lillard and Francesco Moore.
Weaknesses:
By the end of the 2014 season the IU offense will likely be better than the defense, but for now there are more questions than answers. The Hoosiers did have seven players score three or more goals in 2013, but nobody netted more than five. They lack a top flight goal scorer. At times last year it looked like Tommy Thompson could turn into that player, but he is off trying his luck in the professional ranks. That leaves Femi Hollinger-Janzen as the top returning scoring threat. Juniors Andrew Oliver and Kyle Sparks are other striker options. The midfield has some massive losses as well, most notably Nikita Kotlov, A.J. Corrado, Dylan Mares and Harrison Petts. Sophomore Tanner Thompson and Akron transfer Matt Foldesy should turn into leaders in the middle in the middle of the pitch.
Final Projection:
Indiana has talent and a decent enough recruiting class to get an impact player or two out of the freshmen, yet considering the talent they lost, it is hard to believe that this group can be much better than last year. As always, the Hoosiers will be tested early and often and a few bounces the right way could get their momentum rolling and have this team looking like the Indiana we expect. Early home games against Georgetown and Marquette could set the tone for the rest of the season, much like overtime losses to UCLA, UAB and West Virginia set the tone in 2013.
Projected Postseason: None
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.64 (44th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 1.64 (170, 7)
Shutout Percentage: 0.18 (145, 7)
Save Percentage: 0.686 (172, 6)
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