Disappointing finish for dominant Indiana squad

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — For the 2018 Indiana Hoosiers, their yearly campaign started like all the rest with a handful of goals. As the season went on, they hit milestone after milestone. They dominated opponents en route to a perfect season in Big Ten play (8-0), their 15th Big Ten regular-season championship, and won their 13th Big Ten Tournament. But the biggest goal was avenging their 1-0 loss in 2017’s NCAA College Cup final by winning the 2018 College Cup. Unfortunately, they fell two games short.

“It’s hard,” IU head coach Todd Yeagley said. “We can’t really reflect on the season at this point. Losing the last game when I was a senior, there’s nothing that a parent, a coach, anyone can say. You need time to let the emotions settle and then you’ll know what you’ve done. They left everything on the field. It’s a team we will continue to talk about for 10-15 years.”

IU’s senior class was dominant in their campaigns. Eight seniors led the club to back-to-back College Cups. Over the last five seasons, IU earned a 75-15-21 record. The last two seasons, especially, the club posted 32 shutouts while allowing only 20 goals. Looking at 2017-18, their combined two-season record was 38-4-7. The Hoosiers dominated opponents and once again have earned bragging rights as one of the top teams in the nation.

Tournament play began and Indiana was solid from front to back. They were a complete team. You could remove one player, place another one in his place and not miss a beat. There was no doubt this team was headed for greatness. As the No. 2 overall seed, IU received a first-round bye in their 32nd straight NCAA Tournament bid, 43rd overall.

IU dominated UCONN (4-0) and Air Force (2-0). In each game, the IU defense held the opponent to one shot on goal. Facing Notre Dame in the quarterfinal match, the Hoosiers had to regroup a bit. An even battle in the first half saw both teams post four shots. Second half, the Hoosiers turned up the offense, sending 11 shots at the net. Austin Panchot broke through with the game-winner in the 64th minute.

And then came the College Cup semifinal vs. Maryland. The teams faced off twice already in the season. They were familiar with each other. There were no secrets. They knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The Terrapins controlled play in the first half, limiting IU to just one shot. Maryland jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute when Matt Di Rosa found the back of the net.

Again at the half, IU regrouped. They didn’t fret since it wasn’t the first time they were down a goal. Soon enough, momentum switched. The Hoosiers were now in control. They threw everything they had at the Terrapins. Shot after shot, attempt after attempt, Maryland’s defense stepped up to the challenge. They couldn’t sneak anything past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. In the 79th minute, Donovan Pines knocked the wind out of the Hoosiers’ sails when he tallied Maryland’s second goal. Again, the Hoosiers pushed forward. But despite fighting their hardest, they dropped the 2-0 decision.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Hoosiers held their heads high after the match knowing they left everything on the pitch.

“They’ll go down as one of the best teams that ever wore this uniform,” Yeagley said. “I’m proud of this team, the seniors in particular. They’ve taken this team to new heights, which is difficult to do.”

With a disappointing finish to the 2018 campaign, the Hoosiers’ quest for their ninth national championship continues.

Follow Kathryn on Twitter: @Katknapp99.

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