Children roamed the sphere, operating round underneath the lights, and kicking a number of soccer balls. 

Accompanying them had been Indiana males’s soccer alumni, who had simply witnessed the staff’s 800th win in program historical past — a dominant 4-2 victory over Penn State Friday evening. 

Actually, Indiana had now turn into the quickest Division 1 college to succeed in the 800-win mark. That is fairly becoming for a staff that boasts 21 Faculty Cup appearances, and eight nationwide championships. 

Now sure, Indiana may have hit that milestone final Sunday, however tied with Rutgers on the highway. Buying a number of additional factors would have been useful with the convention title race nearing the end line. 

However hey, that left the door open for the Hoosiers to rejoice historical past on their house turf. And alumni who traveled far to witness this landmark fortunately caught sight of an offensive frenzy. 

“A few of them (alumni) got here again tonight, however they had been out of state, they usually have younger youngsters out on the sphere simply now kicking round,” Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley stated submit match. “That is enjoyable. [It’s] actually enjoyable to see that. These are guys that got here after I performed… they usually love see our program nonetheless doing properly.” 

Friday evening was the second time this season that Indiana scored 4 objectives in a single match, led by 4 distinctive aim scorers — Joey Maher, Brett Bebej, Ryan Wittenbrink and Herbert Endeley. Maher’s aim got here inside 5 minutes from the beginning whistle. And regardless of conceding quarter-hour after that, the Hoosiers stored urgent, and responded with an extra three objectives. Indiana completed the competition sustaining a 17-7 shot benefit, 9 of which had been on track. 

“I assumed the protection performed nice,” Yeagley stated. “That is what’s tough. I informed the blokes, ‘Hey, that is a superb aim they scored.’ Though we talked about that motion, that ball, that was fairly properly defended. And generally you simply should go ‘good aim’, OK, let’s transfer on, [and] not analyze and get paralyzed by giving up the aim.” 

After two consecutive attracts in convention play, Indiana lastly re-entered the win column. And the Hoosiers did so with their backs in opposition to the wall — Friday evening could possibly be deemed a must-win. Certain, Indiana now sits in second place within the standings behind Maryland. However a number of groups are scorching on their heels, and have extra matches to play, which means extra alternatives to assemble factors and climb the desk. 

There are some convention matches that Indiana may (and maybe ought to) have received earlier this season. Take Michigan State and Rutgers as two examples. However now, Indiana has to win these convention matches, with the season coming right down to the wire. And maybe, enjoying together with your again in opposition to the wall may not be the worst spot. 

“Clearly, the mathematics, I have not checked out it, however I am certain it is all jumbled up round proper now… we acquired to get factors in each sport and let the desk play out,” Yeagley stated. “However whenever you mathematically have an opportunity, it is clearly actually enjoyable for the group.” 

Suppose again to early September, and Indiana blanking No. 9 Akron 2-0 within the staff’s second consecutive shutout. That evening, this system welcomed again, and honored, alumni from the 2012 championship staff. Thus far, that was Indiana’s most well-rounded efficiency of the season. And Friday evening was one in every of Indiana’s most dominating wins since then — additionally enjoying in entrance of alumni. 

Following the Akron match, Indiana achieved a top-25 comeback win on the highway over Butler. And look who’s subsequent after the staff’s win over Penn State: Wisconsin on the highway this upcoming Tuesday evening. Although not thought to be a top-25 staff, that is one other must-win match for Indiana. If the Hoosiers desire a shot at hoisting the convention title, they have to win their subsequent two, and ultimate, convention matches to realize an extra six factors. 

Attaining this milestone, and welcoming a morale increase, arrived on the most pivotal level within the season. 

“It is particular anytime you will be a part of historical past right here,” Wittenbrink stated. “Clearly, there is a deep historical past and tradition that is actually particular. So anytime we are able to maintain progressing that ahead and maintain it going, it is fairly cool for coach, the alumni, and the followers.”

Extra