NOTRE DAME, Ind. — For the seventh straight season the Irish are heading to the ACC quarterfinals. Notre Dame advanced with a thrilling 2-1 win in double overtime over Boston College on Tuesday afternoon inside Alumni Stadium.
The game-winning goal came off the foot of a Boston College defender after junior Aiden McFadden whipped in a dangerous cross into the box. Notre Dame’s first goal of the day was scored by forward Ian Aschieris in the 62nd minute to level the match at 1-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish started on the front foot to start the match, generating four shots in the opening 10 minutes.
However, despite the early chances, the visitors were the first team to get on the scoreboard on Tuesday. Boston College’s Stefan Sigudarson’s shot from outside the box found the back of the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
Notre Dame nearly leveled the match in the 35th minute, as Michael Pellegrino collected a punch from the Boston College keeper and saw his shot deflect just wide of the post to give the Irish a corner.
The Irish came out of the second half searching for the equalizer and found it in the 62nd minute to tie the score at 1-1. Jack Casey sent a dangerous cross into the box and Aschieris perfectly tucked his header inside the near post.
Notre Dame had a golden opportunity in the 81st minute as Felicien Dumas played Jack Lynn in on goal but his effort was saved by the Boston College keeper who came off his line to keep the score even at 1-1.
In the first overtime session the Irish had the best chance to claim the winner. Dumas had a free kick at the edge of the area with 10 seconds remaining in the period but Notre Dame was unable to convert, sending the match to a second overtime.
Less than two minutes into the second overtime, the Irish found the winner in unorthodox fashion. Dumas played Aiden McFadden into space along the left flank with a beautiful ball over the top. McFadden then got to the endline and cut a cross inot the box, which was turned into the net by a Boston College defender to send Notre Dame into the ACC quarterfinals.
NOTRE DAME STAT OF THE MATCH
The Irish improve to 7-1-0 in ACC Tournament matches played at Alumni Stadium in program history.
HEAD COACH CHAD RILEY’S TAKE
On the team’s performance…
“Overall it was a deserved victory. Give credit to BC, the made us really earn it. They knocked us back with a goal in transition in the first half but I loved our team’s response in the second half. Ian Aschieris did a great job on the equalizer and it was a good ball from Jack Casey.
“Then what I love was our response to some frustrating moments. We kept positive and kept pushing for the victory. It was a great play that led to the winning goal. It was great service from Aiden and unfortunately for the BC player it resulted in an own-goal. I am really proud of the way the group handled the game.”
On Ian Aschieris’ goal…
“It’s huge for him. He’s been very close to scoring and creating good chances but now to get one in the back of the net this is a great time to heat up.”
NOTRE DAME NOTES
- The Irish are now 10-4-1 against the Eagles in the all-time series and improve to 6-2-0 in the matchup when playing at home.
- Notre Dame has now reached at least the quarterfinal round of the ACC Tournament in all seven seasons as a league member.
- The Irish have outscored the opposition by an aggregate score of 17-4 when playing matches at Alumni Stadium in the ACC Tournament.
- Aschieris scored his first goal of the season and sixth of his career.
- The assist from Casey was the senior’s first of the season and 12th of his career.
UP NEXT
The Irish travel to Clemson for a quarterfinal matchup against the top-seeded Tigers at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 10. The match will air live on ACCN and be available to stream on the WatchESPN app (subscription required).
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