SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The No. 20 Fighting Irish men’s soccer team secured its third straight clean sheet to remain undefeated on the season with a 1-0 victory over Detroit Mercy on Tuesday evening at Alumni Stadium. The win pushes Notre Dame’s record to 3-0-1.
Matthew Roou was once again the difference maker for the Irish, as the junior scored his team-high fifth goal of the season to give Notre Dame the win.
HOW IT HAPPENED
For the third consecutive match the Irish struck first within the opening 20 minutes of play. The visitors attempted to build out of the back on a goal kick and Bryce Boneau picked the defender’s pocket and played the ball to an open Roou, who slotted his right-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net to put the Irish on top 1-0.
The Irish controlled the majority of possession the rest of the first half but couldn’t add to their lead, taking a 1-0 advantage into the halftime intermission.
Notre Dame came out of the break on the front foot, pushing for a second goal but the Titans’ backline stood up to the task in the opening phases of play of the second half.
Daniel Russo nearly doubled the lead in the 58th minute after a beautiful diagonal ball from Josh Ramsey found the senior’s foot. Russo then cut inside and curled an effort that was headed for the far post before the Detroit Mercy keeper made a diving stop.
The Irish had another golden opportunity in the 85th minute, as Kyle Genenbacher’s throw in played Eno Nto in on goal but his effort was saved to keep it a one-goal game.
Notre Dame’s defense did its job in the final moments of action, seeing out the match to secure the shutout victory.
McFARLAND FAMILY MEN’S HEAD SOCCER COACH CHAD RILEY’S TAKE
On the performance…
“I’m proud of the group. From the first half to the second half we improved and you could see that in the chances we created and the corners we were able to get. We did a good job of staying aggressive throughout the second half and keeping our composure to keep a shutout.”
On three straight clean sheets…
“The defense is coming together. When we don’t have the ball the whole team defends. Matthew Roou scored the goal and then did a great job blocking a cross with 10 seconds remaining in the match. It’s a mentality that when we don’t have the ball we all defend.”
ND STAT OF THE MATCH
Notre Dame is off to its best start since the 2018 season, Riley’s first year with the Irish, when the team also started 3-0-1. Also, the Irish defense has allowed just one goal over the first four matches, the best start since 2016 when they gave up just one through the first four contests.
ND NOTES
- The Irish improve to 12-2 against Detroit Mercy in the all-time series
- Notre Dame finished with a 15-8 shot advantage, including 6-1 for shots on frame
- Roou leads the team with five goals on the season, all coming in the last three matches
- With an assist, Boneau has two assists on the year and five in his Notre Dame career
- Dowd’s clean sheet is his third of the season and 16th of his career
UP NEXT
The Irish open up ACC play against Clemson at Alumni Stadium at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 9. The match will air on ACCNX.
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