DURHAM, N.C. – It was a heartbreaker in overtime for the No. 15 Notre Dame women’s soccer team (12-3-1, 6-2-0), dropping a 1-0 affair to No. 6 Duke (11-2-1, 5-2-1) inside Koskinen Stadium. The Fighting Irish had the better chances in the match, which included a shot from Maddie Mercado that glanced off the post, or a Brooke VanDyck look at an open net that was thwarted by a last-second tackle.
Yet, the difference-maker was a through ball in overtime that just beat a sliding Ashley Naylor, which led to the 1-0 win.
How It Happened
It was a very physical game inside Koskinen Stadium tonight. In the first half alone, 16 fouls were called.
Notre Dame’s best chance in the half came in the 14th minute. Korbin Albert on the right side of the box dished to Brooke VanDyck who was at the top-middle. VanDyck then passed to a wide-open Kati Druzina on the left, but her one-timed shot sailed left.
On the defensive side, the backline of Eva Gaetino, Eva Wirtz and Waniya Hudson continued to be solid, allowing zero shots on goal.
The defensive highlight of the night came in the 52nd minute, when sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Naylor made a fully-extended diving save to her left to keep the Blue Devils off the scoreboard.
In the 66th minute, Sammi Fisher played a short corner to Korbin Albert who broke down her lone defender. Albert then found Maddie Mercado at the top of the box whose shot glanced off the top of the crossbar.
The stalemate extended into overtime, but that’s when Duke struck on a rare opportune moment. A through pass found Michelle Cooper who just beat Naylor to the ball, as her touch opened her up to an open net shot and goal.
Up Next
Notre Dame will remain in North Carolina and head down the road to No. 7 UNC. The Irish and Tarheels clash on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. ET on ACCNX.
— ND —