BEWARE HUSKIE FANS: Wednesday’s forecast calls for possible on-the-ground lightning at Huskie Soccer Field.

Sunny skies could be overshadowed by the expected-to-be thunderous match-up between the Indiana Hoosiers and the NIU Huskies.

Wednesday’s showdown versus the 9th-ranked Hoosiers is perhaps the biggest game of the season for NIU.

“Without a question,” NIU coach Willy Roy said, “it is the biggest game since I’ve been coaching here at NIU. The game has special meaning because we’re playing IU.”

It doesn’t take a soccer genius to figure out what’s so special about this Indiana team and the tradition behind it.

Indiana is a team that won the Superbowl of NCAA soccer just two seasons ago; placed in the Final Four in 1989 and comes to DeKalb riding an 11-game winning streak.

“They have everything,” Roy said. “They have a lot of talent, individual scoring and are well-coached.”

Led by three-time All-America Ken Snow and midfielder Chad Deering, Indiana boasts a solid offensive attack. Snow and Deering have combined for 18 of IU’s 31 goals this season.

Defensively, the Hoosiers field Juergen Sommer in the net. The 6-4, 210 pound Sommer is yielding a 1.01 goals against average this season, while mustering up 48 saves in the process.

Apparently, the Hoosiers are no strangers when it comes to physical play either.

In a recent victory over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2-1), a Milwaukee Journal reporter described the Indiana win as especially intense.

“The first half was very physical, almost violent,” David Schwabe from the Journal staff said.

Talented UW-M freshman Manuel Lagos expressed some dismay at the over-aggressiveness by the Hoosiers.

“I really didn’t expect them to be as physical as they were,” Lagos said following the game. “They really came out more physical than most other teams.”

In other words, Indiana coach Jerry Yeagley’s opinion on the style of the NIU-IU match contrasts popular belief.

“I know Willy likes to play an attractive passing game,” Yeagley said. “We like to attack the opposing goal just like NIU. It’s going to be a great showcase of our sport.”

Roy is aware of the physical abilities of the Big Ten powerhouse, but hopes it doesn’t get out of hand.

“They are not afraid to play physical,” Roy said. “I hope it stops at that though.”

Playing at home should be an advantage for the Huskies. A large turn-out coupled with direct concentration will be necessary for NIU to overcome the IU tradition, said an anxious Roy.

“It’s as big as a game as your going to get on the collegiate level,” Roy said. “I’m glad IU is over here.

“They have a fully funded soccer program and the best program in the country,” Roy said. “And we’re just beginning to walk.”

A victory over the Hoosiers would be a huge step in the right direction for an eager NIU soccer team.

Without a question, it is the biggest game since I’ve been coaching here at NIU. The game has special meaning because we’re playing IU.”

Willy Roy, NIU soccer coach