LOUISVILLE — The Notre Dame men’s soccer team’s run for a second national title fell one win short in what was a magical season, suffering a 2-1 loss to the Clemson Tigers on Monday night at Lynn Family Stadium. The Tigers recorded goals in the 27th and 70th minute to take a 2-0 advantage while the Irish dominated most of the possession and opportunities in the second half. Notre Dame got one back in the 90th minute when Paddy Burns converted a penalty kick opportunity. Yet, the Irish ran out of time and fell a goal short despite outshooting the Tigers 15-9, including a 5-3 shots-on-goal advantage.
The Irish finished the season with a record of 13-3-6. Notre Dame made its second College Cup Final in program history along with advancing to its third College Cup ever, including second in three years. The Irish claimed the ACC Atlantic division crown after recording their first undefeated conference season (6-0-2) in program history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish had the first good look at goal in the contest, as KK Baffour hit a perfect diagonal ball to Daniel Russo in the box. The senior fired a shot on goal but the Clemson goalkeeper made the save to set up the first corner of the night.
Clemson scored the opener in the 27th minute, as a ball that was cleared from a corner fell to Brandon Parrish, who scored from a deflected shot from outside the box to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
Notre Dame nearly responded instantly, as Matthew Roou chested down a ball in the box and turned and fired on frame but the keeper made a diving save in the 29th minute.
Just two minutes later the Irish had another golden opportunity, as a perfect free kick was floated in and Russo got behind the Clemson backline, unfortunately for Notre Dame, his header went just over the bar.
The Irish kept pressing forward for the final 15 minutes of the half, controlling possession in the final third but the Irish couldn’t find the back of the net and trailed 1-0 heading into the halftime intermission.
Notre Dame continued on the front foot out of the break and Roou earned a free kick right outside the right corner of the box. Russo caught the Clemson defense switched off and took it quickly but it was right at the Tigers’ goalie who made a comfortable save.
Then in the 56th minute the Irish created another great opportunity, working the ball to the left side of the box where Paddy Burns strike rattled the woodwork but stayed out.
Just three minutes later Roou had a shot from close range saved off the line in the 59th minute as the Irish attack continued to come in waves.
Clemson managed to double its lead in the 70th minute, as the Tigers caught the Irish on a counter and capitalized to push their lead to 2-0.
The Irish nearly pulled one back in the 78th minute, as Eno Nto fired a cross that was almost put into the back of the net by a Clemson defender but the Tigers’ goalie made the stop.
Notre Dame continued to push and kept fighting and ultimately got one back in the 90th minute when Boneau won a pen off a handball and Burns buried it to cut the Clemson lead to 2-1. With the seconds dwindling, the Irish had one more attempt with a free kick into the box with seven seconds left, but couldn’t convert.
— ND —