Indiana could not string together enough quality at-bats against Oregon State starting pitcher Matt Boyd, forcing coach Tracy Smith to try the running game. That did not work either.
HOOVER, Ala. — Nikita Kotlov scored off a header pass from Eriq Zavaleta midway through the second half to give Indiana a 1-0 victory over Georgetown on Sunday to win the NCAA men's soccer championship.
It is the eighth championship for the Hoosiers (16-5-3), their first since 2004.
Indiana midfielder Patrick Doody lofted a crossing pass to the right of the goal that brought Georgetown goalkeeper Tomas Gomez out from the net.
Zavaleta got to the ball before the Hoyas' Jimmy Nealis, sending a header to Kotlov that he easily kicked into the open net.
The best scoring opportunity for Georgetown (19-4-3) came in the first half when Tyler Rudy sent a straight-on shot that diving Indiana goalkeeper Luis Soffner barely stopped with his fingertips.
It was the third consecutive 1-0 victory for the Hoosiers. Indiana allowed a total of two goals in its five NCAA tournament games.
