SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The No. 17 Notre Dame women’s soccer team (11-2-0, 4-2-0) made yet another emphatic statement inside Alumni Stadium, this time dominating No. 3 Florida State (9-1-1, 5-1-0), 4-0.
Today’s win marks the first time in program history the Irish have beaten two top-three teams during the regular season (previously beating No. 2 Virginia). In addition, it marks the first time Notre Dame has beaten both Virginia and Florida State in the same season since joining the ACC in 2013.
The Irish handed the Seminoles its first loss in almost a year (their last defeat was to Duke on Oct. 24, 2021). For Notre Dame, it was its largest win against a top-3 program since Sept. 8, 2000 (6-1 win over #2 Santa Clara).
Wingate (x2), Albert, Mercado!
ND now boasts a 33-8 goal aggregate on the year. #GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/dB3xCK2B0i
— ND Women's Soccer (@NDSoccer) October 9, 2022
The 4-0 victory was the largest win over FSU in the series history between the two. Furthermore, the last time Florida State lost by 4 goals in an ACC matchup was on Oct. 15, 2002 against #2 UNC by a score of 5-1.
It was the usual suspects scoring for Notre Dame. Olivia Wingate notched an impressive five-point game with two goals and assist. She now owns a team-best nine goals and 23 points on the year.
Korbin Albert and Maddie Mercado each scored as well as they move their season goal totals to five and eight, respectively.
How It Happened
The Irish jumped out on the front foot and surprised the Seminole defense with its speed and press. In fact, Notre Dame scored two goals within the first 10 minutes of the match. It marked the first time FSU has given up two goals in a first half since UCLA scored 3 on Nov. 29, 2019 in the Elite 8.
First, it was Albert, who stripped Florida State’s right-back from the ball then took it all the way into the box and delivered it low far-post and into the net.
Then just four minutes later, Leah Klenke cleared a ball up to Wingate, whose great first touch allowed her to spin past the defender and then off to the races. Wingate then hit a rocket from about 25 yards out that flew to the upper-90 and in.
The Seminoles did receive a great chance to get on the board in the 13th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick, but Jenna Nighswonger’s shot went wide left. Thus, Notre Dame took a 2-0 lead into the half.
Fast forward to the 72nd minute and Wingate has the ball in the offensive third on the right side. She nutmegs a defender and dribbles into the box. Wingate then dishes to Albert, who fortunately misses her shot and ultimately dummies the ball to Mercado, whose left-footed blast beat the keeper to the right side.
The final goal came in the 84th minute. It was the classic tale of Wingate getting behind the FSU backline, coupled with a great through ball from Sophia Fisher. Just a couple of touches from Wingate then she buried it far post.
Up Next
It’ll be a one-match week for the Irish, traveling to Louisville on Saturday, Oct. 15, for a 7 pm ET first touch under the lights.
— ND —