SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1-1) finished with a 1-1 draw against the Northwestern Wildcats (1-0-1) in the home opener at Alumni Stadium on Sunday evening.
Freshman forward Michael Capretto scored Notre Dame’s sole goal of the night for his first collegiate goal in just the second game of the season. Senior defender Sean McDowd finished with an assist and junior goalkeeper Blake Kelly secured four saves on the night.
Notre Dame’s freshman duo of Capretto and Tristan Tropeano were looking to push the pace early. The front line had an opportunity in the 17th minute as they were looking for a fastbreak goal on the go-ahead ball from McDowd. Tropeano tapped it off his back heel to Capretto, who had a chance, but was deflected by the Wildcat defender for another Irish corner kick.
The Irish continually looked to stretch the field and their efforts finally paid off in the 22nd minute as McDowd launched it downfield to a Capretto for a fastbreak opportunity. Capretto’s cheeky shot was sent just over the Northwestern goalie who was coming off his line. The freshman’s first collegiate goal gave the Irish the 1-0 lead.
THE IRISH STRIKE FIRST.
— Notre Dame Men's Soccer (@NDMenSoccer) August 24, 2026
Michael Capretto scores his first collegiate goal!#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/emX4FSgb2T
Notre Dame had a chance to double their score before heading into halftime in the 39th minute. Vlad Walent attacked into the six yard box, where he dished it to Nico Bartlett whose shot fired off the crossbar and into the back of the net. However, the goal was called back for offsides.
Despite the Wildcats outshooting the Irish 6-4 in the first 45 minutes of play, Notre Dame would keep the one-goal advantage heading into the second half.
Still in search of their first goal of the night, Northwestern had an opportunity in the 58th minute that was taken away by McDowd. The Wildcats' right side attack went just past the diving efforts from Kelly, but was saved on a valiant effort from McDowd on the weak side to keep Northwestern scoreless.
SAVED BY SEAN❌#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/guKWMgm5xZ
— Notre Dame Men's Soccer (@NDMenSoccer) August 24, 2026
The Wildcats eventually found the back of the net on a rocket to the upper left corner from the right side of the box in the 76th minute to make it an even 1-all.
Capretto would get one last chance to score in the 89th minute on a ball from Ian Shaul, but the diving Northwestern save would keep the slate at an even 1-1 for the Irish’s first draw of the season.
McFARLAND FAMILY MEN’S HEAD SOCCER COACH CHAD RILEY’S TAKE
On the match…
“Obviously disappointed with the draw, but credit to Northwestern – they’re a good team and really pushed us. We knew they were good at set pieces and overall, we handled them well. We were a little unfortunate with a clearance, and then their kid hit an amazing, amazing goal. After that, I think we created some really good looks that we couldn't quite get over the line. So overall, we know there's room to grow, but pleased with the progress so far.”
UP NEXT
The Irish are back at Alumni Stadium this Friday, August 28, as they host the No. 4 Saint Louis Billikens (1-0-0) for Irish Wear Green at 7:30 PM.