Indiana kept creating chances Tuesday night. In the second half, the Hoosiers finally found the finishes.
Oliver Moller-Jensen scored twice and Easton Bogard added another as No. 2 Indiana erased a halftime deficit to beat Kentucky 3-1 at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Three goals in just over 12 minutes turned a frustrating night in front of goal into another win for the unbeaten Hoosiers.
Indiana improved to 10-0-2 overall, while Kentucky fell to 1-6-3.
The Hoosiers finished with a 22-6 advantage in shots, putting 11 on target to Kentucky’s one. Indiana also earned 12 corners, including seven in the second half, while limiting the Wildcats to four.
Kentucky looked comfortable early, finding opportunities in transition while Indiana fought to get its attack going. The Wildcats took the first shot of the match and earned three corners within the opening 15 minutes.
Indiana’s first shot came when Moller-Jensen played Nolan Kinsella into space, but Kentucky goalkeeper Benjamin Rasmussen stopped Kinsella’s low attempt in the 10th minute.
The Wildcats broke through in the 18th minute after taking possession near midfield and quickly moving forward. Agustin Lopez finished with his left foot into the bottom-left corner, with Bernardo Bucci and Eric Onos credited with assists.
Indiana responded with better ball movement and a series of chances. Charlie Heuer had a shot blocked following a corner, and Westin Carnevale forced Rasmussen into a save moments later. Bogard then had a one-on-one opportunity after a through ball but sent his shot off target in the 23rd minute.
Kinsella and Moller-Jensen helped the Hoosiers find more rhythm, but the final touch continued to escape them. Another attacking sequence produced three shots in quick succession, with Rasmussen denying Moller-Jensen before Kentucky blocked attempts from Bogard and Alex Barger.
Indiana settled down defensively but went into halftime trailing 1-0 despite outshooting Kentucky 9-4.
The Hoosiers increased the pressure immediately after the break. Carnevale shot outside the frame, and Moller-Jensen forced another save after a cross from Barger.
Rasmussen continued to protect Kentucky’s lead. Nick McHenry’s free kick from just outside the box required a diving save in the 53rd minute, and Bogard forced another stop shortly afterward.
Indiana’s breakthrough came after a lengthy video review resulted in a handball call against Kentucky’s Thomas Nielsen. Moller-Jensen converted the ensuing penalty In the 62nd minute to tie the match.
The equalizer did not slow Indiana’s attack. Rasmussen denied Carnevale and Kinsella, and Moller-Jensen struck the post with a powerful attempt from the right side of the box.
Stephane Njike then helped create the goal that put Indiana ahead. After beating his defender, Njike sent a cross to Moller-Jensen, who finished into the right side of the net in the 71st minute for his second goal of the night.
Just over three minutes later, Bogard extended the lead. Kinsella supplied the assist, and Bogard took a touch inside the box before finishing with his right foot into the bottom-left corner at the 74-minute mark.
Indiana held Kentucky scoreless after halftime, allowing just two second-half shots. Michal Mroz did not need to make a save, while Rasmussen finished with eight for the Wildcats.
After struggling to finish its chances in the first half, Indiana’s sustained pressure produced three second-half goals and preserved its unbeaten start.
The Hoosiers return to Bill Armstrong Stadium on Friday, Oct. 9, to host Hanover College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m ET.
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