Hoosier State split
NDC 1-1 in Bethel College Invite

NEWTON PARK, Ind. – Notre Dame split in two weekend matches at a four-team invitational Friday and Saturday (Sep. 14-15) in Newton Park, Ind.  The event was hosted by Bethel College (IN).  The Falcons defeated St. Ambrose (IA) on Friday by a final of 1-0 in a rematch of a 2-2 double-overtime tie the first weekend of the season (Sep. 2).  On Saturday, the Falcons suffered their first defeat of the season, dropping a taut 3-2 decision to Olivet Nazarene (IN).

On Friday, Jared Miller (Sr/Avon Lake, OH) scored the game’s lone goal 14 minutes into the first half of play.  A strong NDC defense would make the solo netfinder hold up with solid defense throughout the match.  The Falcons held the Fighting Bees to just one shot on goal, and that was turned away by goalkeeper Craig Pickering (So/Newcastle, England), who earned a shutout victory in Notre Dame’s fourth win of the season.

On Saturday, the Blue & Gold had their unbeaten streak snapped by the Olivet Nazarene Tigers in a physical 3-2 match.  The Falcons fell behind early, allowing a Tigers’ goal two minutes into play.  James Wood (Jr/Barnsley, England) knotted the match at 1-1 10 minutes later with a goal assisted by Miller.

Olivet Nazarene (3-1-1) scored to take the lead at the 40-minute mark and took a 2-1 lead into the intermission.

The Falcons would tie the match at 2-2 with a Greg Carroll (Jr/Dunfermline, Scotland) at 70:53.  But the Tigers answered just moments later, at 71:12, with the game-winner.

The loss sends Notre Dame (4-1-1) into their second week of a season-long four-game road trip.  The Falcons will take on Cleveland State on Wednesday, Sep. 19, at 7:00pm.  The squad then travels to Waynesburg, Penn., on Saturday, Sep. 22, before returning home Sep. 25 to host Mt. Vernon Nazarene.

Notes from the Nest…

Point-break(out): Jared Miller tallied a goal and an assist in Notre Dame’s two matches for the week.  Miller has now scored a point in four consecutive matches (2 G, 2 A).

Knock on Wood:  James Wood (Jr/Barnsley, England) scored the Falcons first goal Saturday against Olivet Nazarene.  The goal was Wood’s fourth of the season – he leads NDC in goals and in points (eight).  Wood also leads the Falcons in shots on goal (nine) and in SOG percentage (.529).

Madness approaches:  The Falcons’ upcoming home match on Sep. 25 will be the centerpiece of a promotion called “Floodlight Madness.”  Prizes, giveaway items,  and special events are planned for the event, which is slated for a Korb Field kick off at 7:00pm.