SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The No. 10 Fighting Irish men’s soccer team suffered its first defeat of the season in a hard-fought 1-0 decision against Michigan State at Alumni Stadium on Tuesday evening.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Notre Dame nearly grabbed the opening goal in the 13th minute as Eno Nto found space on the edge of the box but his effort went just over the bar to keep the match scoreless.
The Irish created another chance six minutes later. Paddy Burns sent in a low-driving cross from the left flank and Nto made an acrobatic attempt at a finish but the contact was off and the Michigan State goalie made the save.
Notre Dame continued to dictate play and kept pressing forward for the opener. In the 32nd minute KK Baffour fired a shot just wide of the near post.
Just three minutes later the Spartans scored against the run of play. A Notre Dame pass deflected off a Spartan player and the visitors capitalized on the counter to go on top 1-0 in the 35th minute of action.
Notre Dame tried to level the match in the second half, with a number of Daniel Russo attempts either going just wide or saved, but were unable to find the equalizer, as Michigan State held onto its 1-0 victory.
McFARLAND FAMILY MEN’S HEAD SOCCER COACH CHAD RILEY’S TAKE
On the performance…
“Credit to Michigan State, they played a good game and in a lot of ways they executed their game plan and we didn’t. Our performance wasn’t far off but we have to take a hard look at ourselves and see where we can improve and be ready for Friday’s game at North Carolina.”
UP NEXT
The Irish hit the road for the first time this season with an ACC showdown in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as they take on the Tar Heels at Dorrance Field for a 7 p.m. ET match. The contest will air on ACCNX.
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