NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The youth was on full display for No. 14 University of Notre Dame women’s soccer in their 3-1 season opening victory over Central Michigan. The Irish utilized two goals from sophomore Eva Hurm and one from freshman Brooke VanDyck to not only garner win No. 1 on the year, but also the first at Notre Dame for head coach Nate Norman.
How it Happened
The Irish were the first to get on the scoreboard for the 2018 season, thanks to forward Eva Hurm. The sophomore streaked up the left offensive third of the field with the ball before slotting an eight-yard shot into the back right corner of the net just 8:15 into the match.
However, Central Michigan bounced back with the equalizer at 19:12. Madison Costner sent a long cross from outside the right side of the box to the far post, as the ball found the deep corner of the net.
Still tied 1-1 starting the second half, Notre Dame’s Olivia Wingate looked to push the Irish ahead just five minutes in. The freshman worked past two defenders before her shot ricocheted off the right post back into the keeper’s possession. The Irish had another opportunity with 34 minutes left in the game as a loose corner kick ball found an open Sammi Fisher at the top of the box, yet the sophomore’s strong strike went just high.
Yet, in the 62nd minute, the Irish broke through via a great play from Brooke VanDyck. The freshman juked a defender, streaked into the box before dishing to Karin Muya on the right side. Muya then dribbled the endline before slotting a pass back to VanDyck who finished the play with a goal.
Next, the Irish extended their lead to 3-1 in the 73rd minute on Hurm’s second goal of the evening. Hurm outraced the Chippewa defense and slipped the ball inside the near post for the finish. Hurm doubled her goal total from last season, as she scored once in 10 games during her freshman campaign.
By the time of the final buzzer, Notre Dame outshot Central Michigan 28-10 and owned a 10-1 advantage on corner kicks.
Coach Norman Said…
“We started the first half off a little slow but I was so proud of how the team responded after halftime,” Notre Dame head coach Nate Norman stated. “They showed great urgency and we put together some very nice attacking sequences in the second half. A ton of credit has to go to a Central Michigan though. They were organized and well coached and difficult to break down. Overall, it was a solid first game for us and I’m excited to watch us grow from here.”
Stat of the Match
- Notre Dame improves to 26-3-2 (.839) in season openers in the program’s 31-year history. The Irish are undefeated in their last six openers.
Coming Up Next
The Irish will continue their non-conference slate Sunday when Loyola (IL) comes to Alumni Stadium. Sunday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets by following the link here.
For behind-the-scenes coverage of the Irish women’s soccer program, follow @NDSoccer on Twitter and @NDWSoccer on Instagram.
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