BLACKSBURG, Va. — In a crucial matchup for ACC Tournament seeding Thursday night in Blacksburg, the Notre Dame women’s soccer team (7-9, 3-5) comeback bid fell short as they dropped a 2-1 decision to Virginia Tech (8-5-3, 4-4). The Hokies scored twice in the first 12 minutes but the Irish did not quit. They controlled much of the possession in the second half and got on the scoreboard in the 78th minute but couldn’t get the equalizer to come all the way back.
How it Happened
In the opening minutes, the Hokies pushed forward into their attacking third and took advantage of an early opportunity. With a free kick from 30 yards out, Emily Gray lofted the kick into the box. Kelsey Irwin headed the kick just under the bar and inside the left post for the first goal of the game.
Moments later, the Hokies added to their lead after Karlie Johnson jumped on a back pass and got past Littman for the goal.
The Irish had a couple opportunities following the two goals from Hokies. Their best look came in 24th minute after the Hokies keeper punched out a free kick. The Irish recovered and got the ball to Karin Muya inside the box. She quickly put a shot on net but McGlynn got a hand on it for the Hokies and it deflected off the post and out of play.
At the half, the Irish trailed 2-0 although holding a 9-2 advantage on shots.
In the second half, Jennifer Westendorf intercepted a goal kick and was fouled just outside the box. She fired a shot around the wall towards the right post but McGlynn was positioned well and made the save.
In the 68th minute, Westendorf forced another foul call at the top of the box after she made a move past a Tech defender. Westendorf sent another shot past the wall with pace but McGlynn was there again to make the save.
The Irish kept the pressure up in the second half and it paid off in the 77th minute. Sammi Fisher got the ball deep in the box and turned to put a shot on goal. A Hokie defender slid to block the shot but the rebound came back out to Muya. Muya wasted no time and slotted it inside the right post to cut the deficit to 2-1.
In the final 10 minutes, the Irish pushed up into the attacking third looking for the equalizer to send the match to extra time. They sent a number of crosses in but were unable to connect and ultimately fell 2-1.
Coming Up Next
The Irish will travel to Pittsburgh for their final road game of the regular season this weekend. Sunday’s match with the Panthers will kick off at 1 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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