Sept. 5, 2004
The ninth-ranked University of Notre Dame men’s soccer team (2-0-0) finished off a perfect weekend at the 2004 adidas/IU Credit Union Classic with a 2-0 victory over Boston University (0-2-0) on Sunday afternoon. Senior Jack Stewart scored his second goal of the weekend to provide the game winner for the Irish, beating the Terrier defense at 32:59. The Notre Dame defense was solid again, holding Boston University to just six shots – including none in the first half of the game. “We played a lot calmer today,” Irish head coach Bobby Clark said after the contest. “It was a good performance and a good win. This has been a great weekend to come in here and get two wins. It was truly a team performance as well, since the weather was warm and we used a number of substitutions.” Sophomore Nate Norman added an unassisted insurance goal at 60:42 by drilling a shot from 18 yards out. The goal is the first of Norman’s career. Notre Dame’s defense was stifling in the first half and did not allow the Terriers a single shot on goal in the period. Stewart put the Irish ahead with a shot from eight yards out after beating the defense following a solid pass from John Stephens (credited with his first career assist). Irish goalkeeper Chris Sawyer picked up his first shutout of the season and 21st of his career. He was asked to make three saves in the contest, all coming in the final minutes of the contest. The 2-0-0 start for the 2004 season is the best for head coach Bobby Clark in his four years at Notre Dame. The Irish started the 2001 season 1-1-0, the 2002 slate 1-0-1 and the 2003 campaign 1-0-1. The one goal surrendered over the weekend (in a 2-1 victory over Oregon State) is also a best for Clark’s defense in the first two games of the season. 2004 adidas/IU Credit Union Classic Champion: Indiana University (2-0, Won tie-breaker on goals scored 6-4) Runner-up: University of Notre Dame (2-0) Participants: Oregon State (0-2), Boston University (0-2) All-Tournament Team Senior Midfielder Danny O’Rourke, Indiana Junior Midfielder Brian Plotkin, Indiana Sophomore Forward Jacob Peterson, Indiana Sophomore Back Julian Dieterle, Indiana Senior Goalkeeper Chris Sawyers, Notre Dame Senior Midfielder Jack Stewart, Notre Dame Sophomore Forward Justin McGeeney, Notre Dame Sophomore Goalkeeper Chad Comroe, Boston University Junior Midfielder Jamie Johnson, Boston University Sophomore Forward Robbie Findley, Oregon State Junior Forward Brett Gardner, Oregon State Fair Play Award – Senior Goalkeeper Jay Nolly, Indiana Offensive MVP – Sophomore Forward Jacob Peterson, Indiana Defensive MVP – Sophomore Goalkeeper Chad Comroe, Boston University