SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The No. 12 Notre Dame women’s soccer (7-0-0) fought off both rainy weather and the visiting Ohio Bobcats (3-2-1) on Sunday, posting a 3-1 victory inside Alumni Stadium. Heading into today’s matchup, the Irish were 1-of-5 remaining undefeated teams in the country.
With the victory today, the Irish completed its first perfect non-conference slate since 2008, winning all seven games, no ties. For reference, the 2008 squad went 27-2 and made it to the NCAA title game.
Olivia Wingate, Kiki Van Zanten and Eva Gaetino all scored goals, much to the delight of 1999 alumna Shannon Boxx who was honored at halftime.
Wingate scored her team-best sixth of the goal of the season to give the Irish an early lead. Wingate’s career best was seven goals scored last season, and now seven games in she’s just one away.
Kiki Van Zanten produced a three-point day for the Irish with an assist and goal. It marked her second consecutive match finding the back of the net.
Next, Eva Gaetino tallied her first goal of the season off a Korbin Albert corner kick. Both of Gaetino’s two career goals have come via headers.
How It Happened
It took just two minutes and 19 seconds for Wingate to find the back of the net and give the Irish an early lead. Van Zanten registered her second assist of the season as she sent a through ball into the box to Wingate who poked it past the keeper for the goal.
Notre Dame went on to post numerous chances throughout the half, outshooting Ohio 15-5. Despite the Irish boasting most of the possession, Ohio got one back and tied the game in the 21st minute. The Bobcats were awarded a free kick a few yards outside the top of the box and Abby Townshend delivered a ball into the upper-90.
Sunday marked another game in which the Irish were tied with its opponent coming out of the half and another example of them firing out of the gate in the second half as well.
In the 48th minute Notre Dame struck. Kati Druzina recorded her third assist of the season after firing a cross to the top of the six, forcing the Ohio keeper to dive. The deflected ball found Van Zanten’s foot, barely beating Mercado’s.
Notre Dame got its third goal in the 53rd minute off a beautiful corner kick from Korbin Albert. Gaetino, who’s always dangerous in the air, delivered a header with pace past the keeper.
The final shot count ended up 28-8 in Notre Dame’s favor, with a 10-3 shot on goal differential. The Irish boasted 10 corners to their one. In addition, Ashley Naylor received the start in net and picked up two saves.
Up Next
The Irish look to carry their momentum into ACC play which starts on the road at Clemson on Thursday, Sept. 15. First touch is scheduled for 8 pm ET and will air live on the ACC Network. Notre Dame is 1-of-5 ACC teams currently ranked in the top-12.
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