Aug. 30, 2003
The University of Notre Dame men’s soccer team (1-0-1) scored the first two goals of the 2003 regular season to come-from-behind and defeat #11/17 California 2-1 in double overtime at the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic on Saturday evening. Senior Devon Prescod provided both goals for the Irish.
Notre Dame fell behind 1-0 when Cal’s Carl Acosta beat goalkeeper Chris Sawyer with a header 2:42 into the second half. Notre Dame stepped up the offensive pressure, led by Prescod. Prescod finally got the game-tying goal at the 80:07 mark off an assist from classmate Justin Detter. He followed up with the game winner just 1:10 into the second overtime, sending an assist from Kevin Goldthwaite past California goalkeeper Brian Walker.
Even though the Irish waited 197:07 to notch their first goal of the season (after going scoreless in a tie against Alabama-Birmingham Friday night), the defense was stellar all weekend. Notre Dame locked down in overtime against California, not allowing a single Bear shot in the two extra periods. Notre Dame out shot California 13-8 in the contest, including seven shots in the second half.
The Irish held the edge in corner kicks 6-2. California’s Walker made five saves in goal, while Sawyer stopped three shots for Notre Dame. Prescod led all players in the contest with five shots, including three on goal.
Notre Dame, currently ranked third in the Soccer America poll and 12th in the NSCAA rankings, are set to host their first game of the season at Alumni Field next week against #5 St. John’s at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.