Indiana boys soccer offseason outlook: Defense finds identity as new players enter

It's been more than three months since Indiana State's football team lost to Notre Dame in the Elite Eight, but the Hoosiers certainly aren't quiet about their offseason plans.

Shortly after the MLS SuperDraft, midfielder and current junior Patrick McDonald officially announced on January 2 that he would be returning to Indiana for his senior season. This began a (relatively) newsworthy two-month period for Hoosier football.

new face

In the final days of January, Indiana announced that two players will be transferring for the fall 2024 season. The first is outside back Quinton Elliott, who spent his first two years at Louisville.

Elliott started all 21 games for the Cardinals, scoring 10 points (two goals, six assists) and helping Louisville advance to the NCAA Tournament with a surprising run in the ACC Tournament.

Elliott will have no shortage of experience at the top level this season, representing the Cream and Crimson, as the ACC sends the NCAA's best eight teams to the tournament.

Northwestern's Justin Weiss becomes the second transfer, as IU head coach Todd Eagly appears to have found him as a striker.

Weiss totaled 21 points with goals (seven) and assists (seven) for the Wildcats, en route to being named to the All-Big Ten First Team. In a season in which Indiana struggled to find the back of the net for long stretches, Weiss is looking to shore up an offense that has a lot of potential.

Weiss did not participate with the team during the spring season.

Nine freshmen round out the freshman list, with Josh Maher, the younger brother of former IU standouts Jack and Joey, grabbing the spotlight. Seven of the nine ranked in the top 25 in their specific region, and Mr. Maher ranked his No. 35 recruit nationally.

“This group has some personalities that I think you’ll like,” Eagly said.

Myself and fellow football writer Austin Pratt had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Eagly in mid-February to talk about the state of Indiana football.

Spring schedule and observations so far

Indiana announced in late January that five spring games would be played, including a trip to Lexington to face Kentucky and a rematch of the season finale against Notre Dame on April 19.

“I don't really pay attention to the score,” Eagly said when asked what he's looking for in a five-game schedule.

The Hoosiers defeated Evansville 1-0 at home, then traveled to Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana to face St. Louis, where they lost 1-0. The latter was more pronounced in the storytelling due to Joey Maher's decision to move to St. Louis for his fifth season.

Eagly is correct in that the score doesn't matter, but there were some notable aspects of the gameplay throughout the first two games.

As far as I'm concerned, McDonald is the driving force behind this team through his voice, leadership and overall play. After being named first team All-Big Ten last year, I wouldn't be surprised if McDonald takes it back and further increases his draft stock in the 2024 season.

In the game against St. Louis, McDonald was sent off midway through the second half to get some rest and gain experience from sophomore Seth Stewart. Stewart did not play in the fall 2023 season, but has appeared in both spring games so far.

The game changed immediately, with St. Louis scoring immediately after the substitution and controlling the tempo throughout the midfield.

Another play of the game was a Hoosiers attack that forced left back Elliott to rush into the attacking third as Indiana lost possession and was out of position. It was none other than McDonald who stopped the counter and fought back. SLU responded with a counter attack that exploited the gap.

The defense has been an interesting eye test through just two spring games, as I've been really impressed with Elliott's IQ, quickness, and ability to provide offense.

Elliott made some great physical tackles, set up counter-attacks and even found himself in position to send in crosses on several occasions.

Defensively, the most notable thing is the gap at center back alongside Jansen Miller. With Joey Maher gone, there will be a void to fill at his position, and Indiana will have to dig to find it.

Breckin Minsey started at center back in both spring games against Miller, and there is some talent on the roster, but it's hard to give an eye test with only two games played so far.

“There's going to be some competition for that spot,” Eagly said, noting that freshman Josh Maher is one of the candidates to compete for the starting center back role alongside Minsey.

The last star to watch for the spring season is JT Harms.

The damage in these two games was severe, especially against SLU, where they took multiple shots and only allowed one goal in two games.

This defender will find out who it is, but it will take time. Harms has stepped up in many ways throughout his Indiana career, especially when the light shines the brightest. Haams will have to serve as the anchor at the goalie position, especially throughout this offseason.

I believe they will be good defensively because they have the talent, but they don't have a lot of experience, especially together.

Miller and Alex Berger started together for just over half of last season, as Berger was also a freshman. Elliott is in his first year at Indiana University, and the position that has since been vacated will likely be filled by a player who has never previously played in a fall game for the Hoosiers.

final thoughts

The season opener is about five months away, which may feel like an eternity, but this team's progress will be made throughout the offseason.

With spring break, three more spring games, and offseason training continuing all summer long, there's no doubt that Indiana football will be in full swing as the Quest for Nine moves beyond the fall season.

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