Indiana University’s soccer program received good news last week when it was announced that Andrew Oliver, the nation’s second-ranked player in the 2012 recruiting class, has verbally committed to play for the Hoosiers.
Oliver, from Indianapolis, has been compared to Landon Donovan and recently led the United States’ U-17 team to the CONCACAF tournament championship in Jamaica, scoring four goals.
Oliver told TopDrawerSoccer.com that playing collegiately close to home was a big attraction.
“I just thought being close to home was a big plus,” Oliver said. “And Indiana definitely has lots of young talent coming up that’s looking really good for the program. It was the right fit for me.”
However, the 5’ 9” striker, who plays his club soccer with Westside FC, may not even make it to IU if he impresses at the upcoming U17 World Cup in Mexico, which starts in June.
A good performance there could see him end up with an MLS Generation Adidas contract, which encourages early entry into Major League Soccer without college graduation. Notable GA graduates include current internationals Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley.
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