In the first meeting between the traditional men’s college soccer powers since 2015, the St. John’s University men fell to Indiana University, 1-0, on Tuesday night at Bill Armstrong Stadium in Bloomington, Ind.
The Hoosiers took a 4-3-2 advantage in the series history. Since 2001, St. John’s and Indiana have met three times in December: twice in the College Cup and once in the national quarterfinals.
For the third time in four games this season, St. John’s (1-3-0) controlled possession and outshot its opponent, but came out on the wrong end of a 1-0 result. The Red Storm outshot the Hoosiers (1-1-1) by an 11-9 margin, including a 9-4 edge in the second half.
Indiana recorded the opening half’s best scoring chance in the 20th minute off a corner kick, but Zenden Hart came up with a save to keep the contest level. Hart, a freshman, made three saves.
St. John’s began to turn the tables around the 30th minute of action, but was unable to produce a solid scoring opportunity over the remainder of the opening half.
Indiana scored in the 49th minute. Following two blocked shots, Indiana’s Tommy Mihalic waited patiently near the top of the box before sending a right-footed bicycle kick into the lower-right corner.
St. John’s will return to action on Friday at 7 p.m. at Belson Stadium when hosts to reigning Patriot League Champion Loyola Maryland.
