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| IU vs. U-20 Mexican National Team Sunday, April 29th at 3 pm |
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 Story Courtesy of Indiana University
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - For the third straight spring, championship traditions collide on the pitch as the seven-time national champion Indiana men's soccer team hosts an international friendly against the U-20 Mexican National Team on Sunday, April 29, at 3 p.m. on Yeagley Field at Armstrong Stadium.
"It's an honor to have the opportunity to play such a talented team in the U-20 Mexican National Team," head coach Mike Freitag said. "They have a good group of young professionals which will be a stern test for us. It is always fun to play a team that brings a different approach to the game, as the Mexican team will. Hopefully the game will draw fans from both sides and bring a passion and energy to the crowd. It should be a fiesta."
General admission for the game is $5, while IU student and youth tickets are $3. Children age two and under are free. Groups of 20 or more will receive a discounted rate of $3 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling the IU Athletic Ticket Office at 866-IUSPORTS. The first 1,000 fans will receive a commemorative pennant.
Although this is the third year that Indiana has faced Mexico, this is the first time IU has squared off against its under-20 rivals. In previous meetings, the Hoosiers played the under-17 team. A number of players who were on the U-17 team in 2005 now play for the U-20 team.
The series between the two teams is tied 1-1. Mexico won the first game in 2005 by the score of 2-1, with Heriberto Beltran scoring the game-winner in the 82nd minute. The Tricolores' would go on to win the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup that summer.
Indiana got its first win of the series in 2006, a 2-0 victory, behind goals from John Mellencamp and Kevin Robson.
Indiana returns 10 players who all saw significant action in starting roles in 2006, as well as a solid core of reserves. The team finished the 2006 campaign with a 15-4-3 record, winning the Big Ten championship and reaching the third round of the NCAA Tournament before a heartbreaking elimination in penalty kicks to Santa Clara. Notable players for Indiana include defender Ofori Sarkodie, who helped the United States' U-20 National Team qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and midfielder Dan Kelly, who has played with both the U-17 and U-18 National Teams.
Others include Darren Yeagle, who scored seven goals with two assists last year up front. Sophomores Brad Ring and John Mellencamp, as well as freshman Eric Alexander, all play significant roles in the midfield. In goal, Chay Cain ended the year with a 0.57 goals against average, good for eighth in the country. Charley Traylor is also a key defender for Indiana.
Mexico is currently preparing for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Canada in July. El Tri is led by Barcelona player Giovani dos Santos, who won the adidas Silver Ball at the U-17 World Cup in 2005. Others who are playing professionally include Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, Dos Santos' Barcelona teammates Efrain Juarez and Jorge Hernandez, and team captain Patricio Araujo, who is a member of Chivas Guadalajara.
When: Sunday, April 29th 3pm
Where: Yeagley Field
Special: The first 1,000 fans will receive
a commemorative pennant courtesy of adidas!
Tickets: Adult $5 Youth and Groups of 20 or more $3 per person
Contact: 866-IUSPORTS · IUHoosiers.com
Web Site Link
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