NEWTON, Mass. — Down a goal and a man, Notre Dame’s Matthew Roou scored his second career goal just before the half in what ended up being a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw at Boston College to open conference play.
The Irish had a man sent off in the 35th minute after already trailing 1-0 and managed to escape with a draw behind a gutty team defensive performance on Friday evening.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish nearly found the opening goal in the 15th minute, as a shot off a corner from inside the box from Mohamed Omar was saved and the follow-up chance from Roou found the post. Unfortunately for Notre Dame, just minutes later Stefan Sigurdarson scored to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Notre Dame was unable to capitalize on two chances from throw-ins around the 30th minute and then were reduced to 10 men after Tyler Shea was sent off for a sliding challenge that earned a red card.
The Irish dug in and leveled the score at 1-1 right before the half off the goal from Roou in the 44th minute. Fellow freshman Josh Ramsey picked out the winger with a perfect ball over the top. Roou cut onto his left foot and placed his shot inside the far post to send the Irish into the half level at 1-1.
Playing with just 10 men, the Irish got stuck in for the second half, not allowing Boston College to score the go-ahead goal. Notre Dame defenders put in blocks all over the final third to send the match to overtime.
Notre Dame continued to limit the Boston College opportunities in the two overtime sessions and managed to complete the 110 minutes level at 1-1 to earn the draw.
McFARLAND FAMILY MEN’S HEAD SOCCER COACH CHAD RILEY’S TAKE
On the performance…
“I am very proud of the team’s response. Scoring a goal quickly after going a man down doesn’t happen very often. You never want to go down a man but you hope the team responds like we did tonight. We fought hard and fought smart and showed this group has a special mentality.”
ND STAT OF THE MATCH
The Irish outscored Boston College 1-0 when playing a man down over the final 75:39 of play.
NOTES
- The Irish are unbeaten against Boston College over the last four meetings (3-0-1) and now are 10-4-2 against the Eagles in series history.
- The goal is Roou’s second of the season.
- Ramsey picked up his first point in his collegiate career, recording the assist on the goal from Roou.
UP NEXT
The Irish return home from the two match road swing to host Michigan State at Alumni Stadium at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 14. The game will be broadcast on ACCN.
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