Indiana Men’s Soccer advances to second round of the College Cup with 2-1 win over Lipscomb

by Skip Daley, South Central Indiana News Network

Indiana University (12-4-4) hosted Lipscomb (10-3-4) in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament on Thursday evening at Bill Armstrong Stadium. IU controlled the opening face-off which occurred just past 6pm. Up for grabs was the opportunity to take on Wake Forrest. IU would get through, winning 2-1.

The Hoosiers started off the first period attacking the Bison and applying pressure on their Goalkeeper. In the opening 8 minutes, Indiana had already presented 3 shots on goal.

Lipscomb is a 15 sport University of about 5,000 students, located in Tennessee. They have significantly grown their soccer program in recent years.

The Bison earned their 3rd consecutive conference championship, an unprecedented feat and their 5th title since 2017. That was accomplished by defeating Bellarmine University by a score of 1-0 in the ASUN Tournament Finals. Lipscomb has a high-powered offense, scoring 43 goals in their 17 matchups, averaging 17 shots each time they take the field.

Indiana was able to get on the board at the 31:08 mark, as Collins Oduro found the bottom left of the goal, putting the Hoosiers up 1-0, where the score would remain at the end of the first period.

When the action returned it was more back and forth, with the Bison holding tight with strong mid-field play. Lipscomb’s defense has been questionable throughout the season, giving up 30 goals in their 17 games. But the Hoosiers have done a great job maintaining control of the pace of this tournament game. The Bison have not been able to create the fast-paced tempo that has proven successful for them throughout the regular season.

After 15 minutes of play in the second period, IU maintained their 2-1 advantage in shots (12-6), and committed 4 less fouls (8-12).

At the 74:38 mark Indiana added a second score with the Hoosier Forward Maouloune Goumballe demonstrating his speed and prowess, placing the ball in the bottom right side of the goal beyond the reach of Bison Goalkeeper Harrison Gough.

Lipscomb made a game out of it with 6:15 to play, as Tyrese Spice found the top right of Indiana’s goal, but it was too little, too late.

With a 2-1 final score, the Indiana Hoosiers will advance to the second round of the 2023 NCAA College Cup.