NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Notre Dame women’s soccer team (4-0-1) remained unbeaten on the season after downing Purdue (2-1-2) on Thursday night by the score of 1-0. Senior forward Olivia Wingate recorded the game-winner off of a set piece, while sophomore goalkeeper Kaylin Slattery notched her first career shutout.
How It Happened
Notre Dame’s first chance in the match came in the ninth minute. Kati Druzina took the ball down the left side and hit a low cross that just missed a sliding Wingate. However, Mercado collected up the ball from about 30 yards out and fired a shot to the upper-90, forcing the Purdue goalkeeper to make a tough save.
Brooke VanDyck looked to make some magic in the waning seconds of the first half, slotting a through ball past the Boilermaker defense; yet the pass was just too hard, skirting by Kiki Van Zanten.
Later on in the 55th minute, Bri Martinez’s low cross from the right side met Wingate on the upper right edge of the six-yard box. Wingate connected on a one-time shot but directed it right at the keeper.
However, Wingate found her opportunity in the 59th minute off of a Sammi Fisher corner kick. The ball was sent deep to the far side of the six-yard box, where it was met by Eva Wirtz. The sophomore then headed it back to the middle where Wingate buried it with her head into the corner for the goal. It marked Wingate’s second goal of the season and the first assist for Wirtz.
With 12:30 left in the contest, Brooke VanDyck almost gave the Irish some cushion. Druzina took the ball deep down the left side before sending a cross into the box. Fisher then one-timed a pass to VanDyck who lined a shot right at the keeper.
Up Next
The Irish hit the road to take on Missouri on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. ET. That match will air on SECN+.
— ND —