BLOOMINGTON, Ind.- Wednesday night, the #6 ranked Indiana Hoosiers hosted the #7 ranked, Butler Bulldogs at Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium. A highly anticipated game, Hoosier fans could not have scripted a better game if they tried. Indiana is down 2-0 with roughly 20 minutes remaining in regulation; how easy it could have been for Indiana to admit that it just was not their night. However, the Hoosiers continued to battle, and on their 12th corner kick attempt of the night, Tanner Thompson found the back of the net off a cross from Trevor Swartz. 12th time must be the charm for the Hoosiers.
Momentum shifted to Indiana, and, five minutes later, a handball in the box set up a penalty kick for Indiana. In the 79th minute, Trevor Swartz scored from the right side off the second rebound. Trevor Swartz, with an assist and a goal on the night, filled up the stat sheet. Finally able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, the Hoosiers rallied to tie the game by the end of regulation. Despite every reason to quit, the Hoosiers managed to create their own luck and force extra time. The golden goal overtime would be a defining moment for this Hoosier team.
Pouring rain was the only missing part of this dramatic, movie-like game. The Hoosiers took the field ready to go to war for this win, and that battle mentality showed through Indiana’s overtime domination. Austin Panchot scored off of a perfectly delivered cross from Phil Fives in the 96th minute followed by a booming “HOOOOOOOOSIERS WIN,” “YOUR HOOOOOOOOSIERS WIN.”
The 3-2 score is so much more than another win added to Indiana’s record. The score represents a resiliency in the Hoosiers that simply cannot be taught; that resiliency comes from within. Indiana’s victory over Butler is arguably the Hoosiers most significant win of the season thus far; not only does Indiana have momentum going forward into their next game against top-ranked Notre Dame, but Indiana also has a new sense of belief in themselves and their ability to win under the toughest circumstances.
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Lauralys Shallow-WIUX Sports
