Soccer Set for Duel with Fighting Irish
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A year ago when the Hurricanes took on ACC newcomer Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish were ranked No. 3 nationwide and carrying a seven-game unbeaten streak into Cobb Stadium.
Two second-half goals from Hurricanes striker Ashley Flinn helped Miami topple the Irish, who had lost just one of its first 11 matches prior to that 2-0 decision.
While Notre Dame’s current stretch might not be quite as eye-popping – wins in three of its past four matches and five of its last seven – the Irish are ranked No. 19 and sure to provide a challenge at home.
Kickoff is set for the match is set for noon this Sunday, Oct. 12 at Alumni Stadium.
“I think they’re prepared for Notre Dame, they’re excited to go up there,” head coach Mary-Frances said. “We beat them last year on our field when they were ranked highly, and I know we’re excited about this game.”
The match against the Fighting Irish marks the beginning of a four-match road swing – the second stretch of such length this season. Miami will face Notre Dame, Clemson (Oct. 18), NC State (Oct. 23) and North Carolina (Oct. 26) on the road before its final game of the regular season on Nov. 2 against Wake Forest at Cobb Stadium.
Despite the challenges of playing on the road in a conference as deep as the ACC, Monroe says her team has taken a game-by-game approach to the season. The Hurricanes fought hard but eventually fell to No. 9 Virginia Tech 2-0 Thursday night at Cobb Stadium to end a four-match homestand.
“We take every game one at a time,” she said after the loss to the Hokies. “It’s hard after a game like that thinking you could have come out with a win if you finish some of those opportunities. The thing I’ve asked our team is to come invested into training.”
Despite the end result, Monroe says her team executed its gameplan against Virginia Tech, but just did not convert on its scoring chances.
“I don’t think there’s much we need to improve on, we just need to capitalize on our opportunities and make sure some of these goals don’t end up in the back of the net,” Monroe said after the match.
When asked about the team’s goal for the next match, Flinn said it’s about staying plugged in.
“Staying focused for a full 90 minutes,” Flinn said. “I think once we get a goal, we can turn this around and finish this season strong.”
