LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Notre Dame women’s soccer team (4-5, 0-1 ACC) dropped its ACC opener 2-0 to RV Louisville (8-1, 2-0 ACC) Thursday night at Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium. After a scoreless first half, the Cardinals stuck twice in the second half to claim the win.
How it Happened
In the opening minutes, the Cardinals pushed the ball up into the attacking third and got the first shot of the game. Rivers sent a low shot towards the far post but Mattie Interian was right on the spot and dove to her left to corral the shot and make the save.
The best chance for the Irish in the first half came shortly after the Cardinals opening shot. Sabrina Flores made a run into the attacking third and took a shot just outside the box that was blocked. Eva Hurm followed the rebound and got a great chance on goal but a Louisville defender was able to get in front of the shot and send it outside of the box.
The Irish looked to strike early in the second half when Flores lofted a cross towards the far post. Hurm tracked the ball and got her foot on it for the shot but Kouzelos was able to make the save.
Notre Dame kept the offensive pressure up and had another great chance in the 57th minute. Flores played a ball up into the box for Jennifer Westendorf who fired a shot on goal but the Cardinals were able to deflect the shot away.
Moments later, the Cardinals took advantage on the counter attack. Rouse got the ball up the right side and sent a cross towards the far post. Brooklyn Rivers was first to the ball and connected on the header for the first goal of the game.
In the 69th minute, Flores and Olivia Wingate worked into the attacking third after some great back and forth passing. Wingate got the ball to Flores just inside the box and she sent a shot towards the far post but the Cards were able to make the save.
The Cardinals added to their lead in the 78th minute following a 2-v-1 situation right outside of the box. Emina Ekic fed Maisie Whitsett into the box and Whitsett tucked the shot inside the right post for the goal.
Coming Up Next
The Irish will continue ACC play to close out the weekend as they travel to Winston-Salem to face off with Wake Forest. Sunday’s match with the Demon Deacons will kick off at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the ACC Network Extra.
For behind-the-scenes coverage of the Irish women’s soccer program, follow @NDSoccer on Twitter and @NDWSoccer on Instagram. For tickets to a Notre Dame women’s soccer match, click here.
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