[NOTRE DAME-LOUISVILLE] No. 15 Notre Dame won its fourth straight game with a 1-0 win over No. 6 Louisville thanks to DannyO’Leary‘s goal in the 4th minute in the Big East opener for both teams.
O’Leary’s goal was set up by a nice run down the right side of the field by midfielderAdam Mena.
The senior crossed the ball to O’Leary, who had his first shot deflected by Louisville goalkeeper Andre Boudreaux, but he deposited the rebound for his second goal of the season.
Mena has had a hand in Notre Dame’s last five goals. He has a team-high ninepoints on three goals and three assists.
“It was a great run by Adam Mena,” said Notre Dame coach Bobby Clark. “Adam justbombed up the line. He must have went about 50 yards. He put a cross over and Danny was on the spot. It was a great goal for Danny.”
Louisville outshot the Irish, 16-2, in thesecond half but could not beat Irish goalkeeper Will Walsh, who made seven saves.
Arguably, the Cardinals’ best scoring chance of the gameoccurred in the 85th minute when Walsh tipped Nick DeLeon’s shot away.
“This is a big win, there’s no question about that,” saidClark. “We were fantastic in the first half, but I was a little disappointed with our play in the second half because we didn’t play with the same composure. They hustled us out of ourgame. Full marks to Louisville. They are a hard-pressing team and they did that well. But I’m very happy with tonight’s result.”