For the first time since 2006, the Indiana Hoosiers men’s soccer team beat the Mexican Youth National team.

A strong and compact defense stayed solid throughout the ninety minutes of action, and two counter attacks led to two goals for the Hoosiers.

The Hoosiers finished the spring schedule with a 2-0-3 record, with their lone other win coming in their first game of the spring over the University of Louisville, a 2-1 win.

The game started off with plenty of possession for Mexico, who were very patient in finding the open man and looking for an offensive opportunity.

Gil Cordero, the diminutive 18 year old from Veracruz, played creator in the center of the midfield, and along with the 3-5-2 formation that Mexico played, Indiana had few spells of possession.

However, Indiana was more effcient on converting their chances, and after a turnover to Hoosier midfielder Andy Adlard, Adlard slipped a great pass to Tyler McCarroll before he placed a shot past the keeper into the bottom left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The rest of the half saw Indiana gain back more possession, as well as a couple of opportunities for each team, but Hoosier keeper Luis Soffner played very well in goal, as did Israel Cano during that period.

The second half saw Indiana come out as the agressors, and although they didnt score immediatly, the team soon began to dominate all aspects of the game.

Mexico was trying to force their way through the Hoosier defense, which wasn’t happening with a rock solid back line of Tommy Meyer, Matt Wiet, Chris Haffner, and Daniel Kelly.

At the same time, Indiana midfielder Cameron Jordan was constantly sending balls down the wings towards Adlard on the right and McCarroll on the left.

Finally, in the 69th minute, McCarroll latched on to a through ball down the left side, put a perfect inswinging cross into the penalty box, where it met the head of Hoosier forward Will Bruin, whose glancing header carromed into the goal off the right post. 2-0 Indiana.

Bryan Leyva, who stepped up for Mexico after Cordero was replaced by Jesus Leal, created many chances with his quickness and excellent dribbling skills, but the Mexican forwards were unable to finish.

In the 87th minute, Mexico was awarded a penalty after a handball in the box. This awoke the Mexican supporters from their slumber they had been in since the second Indiana goal. But Hoosier keeper Soffner dived well low to his right to make the save on Diego De Buen’s shot, before stopping De Buen’s rebound attempt as well.

After a last few minutes of scrambling and tough Hoosier defending, the final whistle blew, and the Hoosiers celebrated their impressive 2-0 win over the Mexican Youth National team.

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