Sept. 23, 2007
VILLANOVA, Pa. – A goal from Jeb Brovsky (Lakewood, Colo./Green Mountain) in the 51st minute proved to be the difference as the third-ranked Notre Dame men’s soccer team defeated Villanova 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the VU Soccer Complex. The win improves the Irish to 5-1-1 on the season and gives Notre Dame its first 3-0 start in BIG EAST play since joining the league in 1995.
The Fighting Irish controlled possession in the first half and out shot Villanova (6-2-0, 1-1-0) 14-3 in the period. Notre Dame had two good looks at the goal after free kicks from Jack Traynor (St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell North). The first was sent in and Cory Rellas (Plano, Texas/Plano West) headed it just over the crossbar. The second was punched out by Wildcat goalkeeper Jason Friel and the rebound attempt from Joseph Lapira (Lake Charles, La./Saint Louis Catholic) was saved.
Notre Dame’s attack paid of with just over 35 minutes remaining in the match as Lapira played the ball to Dave Donohue (Reading, Mass./Cushing Academy) and the sophomore fed Brovsky, who netted his first goal of the season.
Villanova upped the pressure late in the game, yet the Irish defense held tight to post its third straight shutout and its fourth of the season. Senior goalkeeper Chris Cahill (Louisville, Ky./DeSales) earned his fourth win of the season by notching his second straight shutout. He made three saves on the afternoon.
Friel made six saves for the Wildcats, who had their six-game winning streak snapped.
The Irish are back in action when they open up a four-game homestand against Cincinnati on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:00 p.m. (ET).
To stay up-to-date on the Notre Dame men’s soccer team, log on to und.com or call the official Notre Dame athletics hotline at (574) 631-3000.
#3 Notre Dame (5-1-1, 3-0-0) 0 1 – 1
Villanova (6-2-0, 1-1-0) 0 0 – 0
ND: Jeb Brovsky (Dave Donohue, Joseph Lapira) 50:54
Shots: ND 14-9 – 23, VU 3-7 – 10
Corner Kicks: ND 2-3 – 5, VU 0-1 – 1
Saves: ND 3 (Chris Cahill 3), VU 6 (Jason Friel 6)
Fouls: ND 11, VU 15
Offsides: ND 0, VU 3