NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The Notre Dame women’s soccer team (6-8, 2-4) dropped its final game of the homestand 3-0 to eighth-ranked Virginia (11-2, 4-2) Sunday afternoon at Alumni Stadium. The Cavaliers scored early in the 18th minute and added two second-half goals to secure the win.
How it Happened
A slow start for both teams in the opening minutes as much of the play was in the midfield without many opportunities.
Virginia received a free kick just outside the box and quickly took advantage in the 18th minute. Brianna Westrup ran over the ball before Montana Sutton took the kick and sent a pass up to Sydney Zandi. Zandi turned, took one touch and sent a shot inside the left post for the opening goal of the match.
Virginia looked to increase its lead in the waning minutes before halftime. Lorato Sargeant got the ball at the top of the box, immediately turned and fired a shot on goal. Brooke Littman was ready for it as she corralled the shot for the save and kept the deficit at one going into the break.
In the second half, the Cavaliers added to their lead in the 46th minute. Alexa Spaanstra got the ball with her back to the goal in the box. She played the ball back to Sutton who one-timed it off the crossbar but the ball ricocheted down and into the net for the goal.
Virginia added another goal in the 65th minute coming off a corner kick. Sutton headed the corner forward to Spaanstra who slotted home her third goal of the season.
Coming Up Next
The Irish will head out on the road next weekend to kick off a three-game road trip. The Irish start the trip off Saturday night when they take on Syracuse on Oct. 13. Saturday’s match with the Orange will kick off at 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the ACC Network Extra.
For behind-the-scenes coverage of the Irish women’s soccer program, follow @NDSoccer on Twitter and @NDWSoccer on Instagram. For tickets to a Notre Dame women’s soccer match, click here.
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