RALEIGH, N.C. – The No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-0-1) finished with a 2-1 win on the road against the NC State Wolfpack (1-6-2) to open up ACC play.
It was a battle all night as the Wolfpack defense was relentless in their efforts. The Irish found a way to get the job done on the road as the sophomore duo of Izzy Engle and Annabelle Chukwu each scored a goal a piece for Notre Dame to clinch the road win.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica was great defensively down the stretch as she had four big-time saves in the second half for a season-best five saves on the night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Chukwu was the early offensive aggressor to start the night as she had two good looks with two shots on goal in the first five minutes of play.
The Wolfpack offense ultimately struck first despite Notre Dame’s early efforts, as an NC State corner kick led to a goal to put the Wolfpack up 1-0 in the ninth minute.
Grace Restovich looked to even the score in the 21st minute as she fired a shot from just outside the top of the box, sending it high just above the crossbar.
The Irish had a flurry of chances late in the half, but in the 38th minute, Notre Dame would finally find the back of the net. Laney Matriano whipped in a dangerous cross from the right wing to Engle, who hit a sensational right-footed volley into the upper 90 for the equalizer.
Tied at 1-all, Lily Joseph had a penalty kick opportunity, but a Wolfpack diving save on the right side would make it an even match heading into the second half.
The two squads continued to battle and play a physical second half. NC State had some looks, but four saves in the 45-minute shutout from Kasica ultimately gave the Irish an opportunity late to take the lead.
In the 86th minute, Roy sent a perfect delivery into the box, connecting with Chukwu on the cross. Chukwu’s clinical finish found the back of the net, securing all three points for the Irish in the 2-1 win over the Wolfpack in the league opener.
UP NEXT
The Irish host No. 2 Duke on Thursday, Sept. 18 at Alumni Stadium at 7:00 p.m. for Notre Dame’s Cheer Her Name game, celebrating 50 years of women’s varsity athletics at Notre Dame.