After an undefeated Big Ten regular season, the IU men’s soccer team finally experienced a loss at the hands of a Big Ten foe. The battle between the No. 9 Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 18 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Tournament championship game ended in a scoreless tie in regulation, but was decided in favor of OSU after penalty kicks, 5-4. Though the game will officially go down in the books as a 0-0 tie, the Buckeyes receive the Big Ten’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The regular season matchup of the two teams also ended in a tie.
Brad Ring and the Hoosiers came up just short.
In the shootout, both teams made their first kicks, but IU took the lead, 2-1, after Andy Adlard shot past goalkeeper Casey Latchem before Roger Espinoza of OSU sent his attempt wide. In the third round of shooters, however, IU’s Brad Ring had his shot saved Latchem while OSU’s Danny Irizarry tied the shootout 2-2. The next two shooters for both teams scored, so the shootout moved to sudden death. Kevin Noschang’s shot for IU was saved by Latchem, but IU goalkeeper Chay Cain followed with a save of his own. In the seventh round, however, Latchem saved Daniel Kelly’s shot while OSU’s Doug Verhoff put away the game-winner.
Though the match ended in a 0-0 tie, both teams had opportunities to score. Ohio State had nine shots on goal, while the Hoosiers had five. Among the Buckeye’s misses was a very dangerous penalty shot by Big Ten player of the year Xavier Balc. The Hoosiers, likewise, missed out on a one-on-one breakaway by Kevin Noschang. Brad Ring and Greg Stevning were named to the all-tournament team for the Hoosiers. Ring and Eric Alexander were also unanimous choices for the All-Big Ten first team for the regular season. The Hoosiers now have a week off to rest before the NCAA Tournament selection on Monday, Nov. 19. The 48-team bracket will be announced live between 5:30-6 p.m. on ESPN News.
Go Hoosiers
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