3 Takeaways From IU Soccer's Season Opener Vs. Clemson

A Quality Match Broke Out Between Two Bluebloods That Ended in A 2-2 Tie

Armstrong Stadium In Bloomington, Where The Match Took Place

IU Needs To Start Faster Than Past Seasons, But Tonight Will Not Dictate That

Bloomington-The past few seasons for IU Soccer ended short of the program’s ninth national title but with a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. However, the strong postseason results have not been because of how the year started.

Since COVID, Indiana has flirted with missing the postseason multiple times the last few autumns. However, nearly perfect Octobers sprang playing long into November and December in the end.

While tonight’s 2-2 tie was a start, it was not what will determine how 2025 goes early on. Indeed, Clemson looked like the national title contender it is, while the Hoosiers looked like a squad replacing over half of their starters, but with championship potential if they gel, as shown in their two-goal comeback.

After Thursday, it will be a measuring stick to see if IU can avoid the early pitfalls of the past. The runway gets quite soft for the next four matches, all at home, and anything worse than 3-0-1 could be cause for some panic (even if the typical success comes later).

While the Tigers are elite, San Francisco, Green Bay, Oregon State, and Saint Louis offer anywhere from struggles to solid back-end tourney teams. Indeed, the only potential matchups of Thursday’s caliber comes later in the season and on the road against bluebloods Notre Dame, Kentucky, and conference foe Maryland.

However, what was seen in front of the largest crowd in 12 years (6,395) and the third biggest ever was excellent soccer. The result in the end was a step towards strong results and perhaps a faster beginning to the season.

How Does IU Respond To The Roster Turnover

IU never truly rebuilds in soccer, but it does need to reload this season. While a few holdovers in Alex Barger, Josh Maher, and Collins Oduro offer familiarity, a combination of transfers and freshmen will determine the ceiling.

Moving over from other colleges and expected to contribute are Virginia’s Victor Akoum and Butler’s Palmer Ault, among others. While transfers have thrived under Yeagley, they often take a while to gel in the system.

With so many new faces, these new veterans don’t have the benefit that those in the past have. Indeed, how quickly they thrive will determine the team’s ceiling.

Early returns, though, are positive for the newcomers. Ault scored on a penalty to cut the deficit in half, while Evansville transfer Jacopo Fedrizzi equalized on a half volley late.

Fedrizzi said he was happy to be able to contribute his important score.

“It was a volley with my right,” Fedrizzi said. “I am a lefty, so it was actually exciting and big time helping the team.”

Goalie Change Offers Unknown, But Potential For Higher Ceiling

Departed goalie JT Harms was a fixture in goal the past few seasons. However, his eligibility expired after 2024.

While Harms’ steadiness and high floor created a formidable presence, his lack of size and athleticism presented limitations. A similar situation occurred after 2016 when Colin Webb graduated.

This led to a bit of an unknown for the following fall. However, current Portland Timbers goalie Trey Muse was signed at the last minute and started right away. He made an immediate splash and gave the Hoosiers arguably their best presence in goal (along with current Cincinnati FC goalie Roman Celentano) of the last decade, leading Indiana to back-to-back College Cups in 2017 and 2018.

What was a potential question mark turned into a massive strength as Muse’s length allowed for several miracle saves in his career and just 20 goals given up in 49 matches. Fast forward to 2025, and late freshman addition Judewellen Michel offers similar potential to Muse.

While it is a bit early to compare Michel to future pros, the ceiling is higher than in the recent past with Harms (although the floor is lower due to inexperience). However, if the past is any indication, the more athletic upside of Michel is much more intriguing than anyone since Celentano.

While two goals were scored by the opposition tonight, neither was Michel’s fault in the least. The first came on an error from the IU defense on a perfectly placed long shot from just outside the box. The second was a penalty kick, which is a complete guess for even the most elite goalies out there.

In the end, tonight’s result leads to intrigue, particularly in goal as IU moves forward. If Michel meets his potential, 2025 could be special.

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