Irish Fall in Battle Against Ohio State

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The Notre Dame women’s soccer team (4-2) concluded their two-game homestand with a close 1-0 loss against Ohio State (3-2). Both teams had chances throughout the game but the Buckeyes netted a shot in the 80th minute to break the scoreless tie. After the game, head coach Nate Norman noted the amount of chances and that they need to be better in the final third.

“We might have done some really good things today but it wasn’t enough,” said Nate Norman. “We have to be better in certain areas, we created far too many chances to not have scored a couple of goals in this game. Credit to Ohio State they had a great build-up play and had a great cross and finish. We will continue to work and get better.”

How it Happened

In the first half, the Irish had their best opportunity in the 38th minute, shortly after two other scoring chances. Senior Sabrina Flores sent a cross from the left side to Kelly Moss in the box, but the Buckeyes’ keeper was able to make the save.  

Ohio State totaled four shots on goal in the first half, but freshman keeper Mattie Interian had a great half and saved all four chances.

Interian continued her strong play into the second half, coming up with a big save to keep the game level. Eleanor Gabriel got past the Irish defense and was 1-on-1 with Interian heading into the box. Gabriel fired a low shot towards the near post but Interian got her leg out and deflected the shot away.

In the 67th minute, Sabrina Flores received an excellent pass from sophomore Eva Hurm and fired a shot on goal, but a Buckeye defender blocked the ball and cleared it out.

Moments later, Olivia Wingate broke away from the Buckeye defenders and created an opportunity for the Irish, but the shot went just wide of the net.

The Buckeyes broke through 79th minute to break the 0-0 tie. Buckeye midfielder Blair Cowan slotted a shot just beyond the reach of Interian to give Ohio State a 1-0 lead and the victory.

Coming Up Next

The Irish are heading off for a two-game West Coast swing next weekend. Notre Dame opens the road trip against the reigning national champion and top-ranked Stanford on Friday, Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. ET. Notre Dame will finish the trip with No. 9 Santa Clara on Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. ET.

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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