Tennessee
Women's Soccer
Wisconsin
Northwestern
| NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals: | #4 Notre Dame (14-3-4) |
|---|---|
| Opponent: | #3 Stanford (15-4-2) |
| Where: | Stanford, CA | Maloney Field at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium |
| When: | Friday, Nov. 29 | 5 pm ET |
| Watch: | ESPN+ |
| Social: | NDWSOC Twitter NDWSOC Instagram |
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Notre Dame women’s soccer team is off to its best start under Doug & Lisa Jones Family Head Coach Nate Norman, and they’ll look to continue their hot start when they travel to Coral Gables on Thursday, Sept. 23. The Fighting Irish (7-1-1) will kick off against the Miami Hurricanes (3-4-0) at 5 p.m. ET on RSN (Regional Sports Networks). For those in the South Bend area, the contest will air on the Marquee Network.
SAVED BEST SEASON FOR LAST
Sammi Fisher is making the most of her graduate season and is off to a blazing start. In fact, it’s the best of her career already, achieving a career-best seven goals through nine games. Her previous high was six goals in 2019.
Her seven total goals this year ranks 15th in the country and 3rd in the ACC. In addition, her 0.78 goals per game ranks 31st in the nation.
Yet, the impressive note lies in her game-winners. Four of Fisher’s goals are game-winners, which ranks her first in the entire country. Fisher has scored game-winners against Syracuse, Brown, Wisconsin and Bowling Green.
IN THE RANKINGS
After achieving a top-25 ranking from Top Drawer Soccer heading into ACC play, the Irish moved up two spots to No. 22 heading into this weekend’s slate. In the United Soccer Coaches poll, the Irish are receiving votes.
In the updated Women’s Soccer RPI, the Irish checked in at No. 19. They are 2-0 against top-25 RPI squads.
LAST TIME AGAINST MIAMI
The Notre Dame offense came out in full force in its 6-0 win over the Miami Hurricanes on Sept. 20, 2020.
It was the biggest conference win since the Irish joined the ACC in 2013. It was also the largest margin of victory in a conference game since 2012 when they were in the BIG EAST and defeated Cincinnati 7-0 on Sept. 16.
The six goals marked the most scored in a road game since 2008 when the Irish defeated Cincinnati 6-0 on Sept. 28.
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
The Irish have enjoyed a dramatic advantage in corner kicks vs its opposition, 61-17. Notre Dame’s 6.78 corners/game ranks 34th in the nation.
The Irish scored off of a Sammi Fisher corner kick against Purdue, as Olivia Wingate headed it past the goalie and into the net.
BEST START
The Irish are now 7-1-1 on the year, marking Coach Norman’s best start at the helm of the Irish. The 2019 Irish started 6-0-0 but dropped three straight right after.
Furthermore, Notre Dame’s 23 total goals ranks 31st in the nation.
COYLE STARTS AND DELIVERS
Making the start at ring-wing midfield in place of the injured Bri Martinez, freshman Katie Coyle certainly made the most of it against Syracuse. Coyle registered her first career goal and assist.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
On top of Korbin Albert and Katie Coyle impressing, fellow freshman Sophia Fisher is starting to make some waves. Fisher, who scored her first collegiate goal and game-winner at Marquette, found the net once again in the ACC opener vs. Syracuse. Fisher boasts five points on the year with two goals and one assist.
DEFENSE STARTS STRONG
Sophomore Eva Gaetino has anchored the Irish back-line (as center-back) to a solid start, allowing just two goals through the first five games before suffering the 3-2 OT loss at Mizzou. All-in-all, the Irish defense has allowed just six goals with 34 shots on goals through nine games. Total shots wise, they are only allowing 7.3 per game.
The first two goals allowed were both off of free plays – one being a free kick taken just outside the 18-yard box and the second being a penalty kick.
Interian started the first four games in net but was injured late in the Marquette game. She was averaging 3.25 saves per game.
Sophomore goalie Ashley Naylor has started the last three games for the Irish, allowing one goal and recording two shutouts.
— ND —