For the second year in a row, Indiana will return a group of soccer alumni to Cary, N.C. to compete for $1 million dollars in “The Soccer Tournament”.
Known as the soccer counterpart to the longer running TBT (The Basketball Tournament), the TST consists of 7-on-7 soccer matches on a much shorter field and with smaller goals. The TST follows the popular Elam Ending, similar to its basketball counterpart. Following the end of the second half, a target score is set by adding one goal to the leading team’s goal total at that time. The team to reach the target score is credited with the win.
The tournament consists of many college alumni teams, as well as international pro teams and celebrity teams. The international pro teams are no pushover either, with popular European clubs such as Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Villareal FC bringing their own teams.
Due to the overwhelming popularity in the TST’s inaugural tourney, soccer legends Sergio Aguero and Nani also have their own squads. Former Indianapolis Colt turned sports media professional Pat McAfee has also announced he will bring a team to the TST.
Indiana returns to the TST following a loss in the group stage to the eventual champions of the tournament Newton Pride FC last year. Hoosier Army, which is the team’s official name, finished the group round 2-1, but was eliminated due to a tiebreaker. Indiana’s most notable win came against German powerhouse club Borussia Dortmund, in which they won 5-2.
The team is coached by Kevin Robson, who is a current associate head coach for Indiana men’s soccer. Head coach Todd Yeagley has the general manager title on the TST website. Todd’s wife Suzy is also an assistant coach.
Hoosier Army boasts multiple former national title winners, as well as some highly-notable alumni that spent time in the professional ranks on their roster. Multiple players on the roster are also former All-Americans, and have won trophies at the professional level as well.
Hoosier Army will have a 2012 NCAA Championship rematch with Georgetown in the group stage, as well as facing off against Freedom United SC and Trident FC. Play will begin on June 5th and last until the 10th.
Those wanting to view the games can go to TST’s official website, or view marquee matches on ESPN+.
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