“The Zip’s men’s soccer team lost its first game of the preseason in an exhibition match with Indiana by a score of 2-0. The team outshot Indiana by a count of 14-13 but it was not enough to stop Indiana, who scored a goal in each half of the game. In the first half the game was tight early on.”
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The Zip’s men’s soccer team lost its first game of the preseason in an exhibition match with Indiana by a score of 2-0.

The team outshot Indiana by a count of 14-13 but it was not enough to stop Indiana, who scored a goal in each half of the game.

In the first half the game was tight early on. Both teams had five shots a piece, including two shots on goal.

The lead went to Indiana at the 15:53 mark as Indiana player Eric Alexander found the net.

The second half started out with the Zips pressuring the Hoosiers. Redshirt freshman Thomas Schmitt sent a shot that was saved by IU’s freshman goalkeeper, Luis Soffner.

Soffner racked up six saves on the day.

Early in the second half, Indiana’s Will Bruin sent a shot that was saved by freshman goalkeeper David Meves. Indiana took advantage of a rebound and sent in the goal in the 56th minute.

Bruin had assists on both goals scored in the game.

To beat the best teams, individually players have to make plays and we didn’t do that enough on either sides of the ball, Porter said. This is a good time to learn these lesson and we will grow more from falling short than thinking we can win without putting in the intensity and effort that is necessary to win these types of games.

On the offensive side of the ball, Ben Zemanski and Yoram Mwila both had 4 shots. Mwila had two shots on goal.

Mwila was making his spring debut in the match vs. Indiana.

We have proven what we are capable of when we have all the pieces together and play to our potential, Porter added. But I think it was important for this young team to understand that it doesn’t happen automatically though. We have to grind and fight every game or we can lose just as easily.

The loss may have been due to the fact that the Zips were shorthanded.

Starters Kofi Sarkodie, Chad Barson and Scott Caldwell are currently training with the U.S. U-18 National Team.

Anthony Ampaipitakwong and Michael Nanchoff missed out on the game due to minor injuries.

Obviously we weren’t at full strength but neither was IU, said UA head coach Caleb Porter. Most teams aren’t in the spring so there are no excuses. The bottom line is IU fought us hard and deserved to win. We pride ourselves on being a team that defends with energy and high pressure and tonight we looked passive.

With the loss to Indiana, the Zips record now stands at (3-1-1), ending the games played against NCAA opponents.

The final game of the preseason will be against the reigning Major League Soccer champions, the Columbus Crew.

The game is to take place on April 26th at Lee Jackson Field. Game time is set for 5 p.m.

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