The Hoosiers are back on the pitch tonight at 8pm
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On site at Bill Armstrong Stadium for No. 2 Indiana’s matchup with Kentucky. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. The Hoosiers enter at 9-0-2 after Friday’s 3-1 win over No. 4 Maryland, while Kentucky is 1-5-3 but coming off a 4-2 win over No. 23 Old Dominion.
A couple of Hoosiers picked up honors heading into tonight: Stephane Njike was named College Soccer News Offensive Player of the Week, and Michal Mroz earned Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week (His second this season).
I'll have updates throughout the match and halftime thoughts here at the break.
We are underway
The Wildcats get two offensive chances back to back and take the first shot of the game, from outside the box this one sails high 1'
Indianas first offensive look comes in the 9th minute, good ball movement leaves Nolan Kinsella and OMJ in a 2v1, Moller-Jensen leads Kinsella to a spot, he shoots low and straight to the goalies hands
Kentucky has had plenty of offensive opportunities, IU has had 2-3
Kentucky steals a ball at midfield and quickly takes the opportunity to rush down the field and score off a great assist, only the second time Indiana has been scored on first this season 18’
Kentucky leads 1-0
Halftime Thoughts
Kentucky leads 1-0
Indiana took a while to get going offensively, while Kentucky created early chances and looked dangerous in transition. A midfield turnover gave the Wildcats room to break forward for the opening goal in the 18th minute.
IU responded well after conceding, putting together better passing sequences and creating several chances. Easton Bogard had a great opportunity on a 1-on-1 with the keeper in the 22nd minute but missed the net.
Nolan Kinsella has helped get Indiana’s attack moving, combining with Oliver Moller-Jensen and finding space to create opportunities. The Hoosiers have gotten into good positions but haven’t made the final shot.
Indiana settled down defensively as the half went on but needs to be more careful with the ball around midfield. Kentucky has been quick to turn those giveaways into opportunities.
The chances are there for IU to get back into this. A cleaner finish and fewer opportunities for Kentucky to counter will be important after the break.
Indiana has come out this half looking a lot better, opportunities are rising
Team Totals 60', Indiana clearly leading in opportunities, just cannot capitalize
A handball by Kentucky leads to a penalty shot for Indiana's Oliver Moller-Jensen who buries it 62'
1-1 Tie ball game
Stephane Njike, beats his man and sends a cross up for OMJ who finds it and buries it on the right side of the goal
Indiana now leads 2-1 in the 71’
And another goal Indiana, Nolan Kinsella assists Easton Bogard who buries this one bottom left in the 74th minute
IU leads 3-1