Men’s soccer upsets Notre Dame 2-1

By Haley O’Shaughnessy–

Last Saturday, the men’s soccer team defeated Big East competitors, the University of Notre Dame, handing the Fighting Irish their first loss of the season.

The “fighting” part of Notre Dame’s name proved to be no exaggeration in this game- the Irish received two yellow cards during the game. The first card was given early on in the first half to Notre Dame midfielder Eric Tilley, after he brutally fouled U of L freshman midfielder Marlon Hairston; he had to temporarily leave the game as the result of a shoulder injury. Fighting Irish defender Grant Van de Casteele received Notre Dame’s second yellow card later on in the second half.

Louisville showed aggression throughout the game both defensively and offensively. Despite a close header attempt by the Cardinals in the 10th minute, the first goal was not scored until the 33rd minute when sophomore midfielder Dylan Mares headed the ball in after a shot was deflected from Notre Dame’s goalkeeper.

Notre Dame got the opportunity to tie the game in the second half after getting a penalty kick from a trip in the box in the 62nd minute. Ryan Finney shot the ball and scored, tying the game at 1-1.

A little over ten minutes later, the Cardinals responded. Louisville got its own penalty kick opportunity, which was shot and scored by junior defender Andrew Farrell. This was the last goal of the game, making the final score was 2-1 and giving U of L another victory.

“This was a huge game,” said freshman defender Luis Ramirez. “It was very important because they were undefeated. We need to keep working and keep playing together as team, but it gives us a lot confidence going forward.”

The University of Louisville men’s soccer team now possesses a record of 5-3-0 this year. They travel next to New Jersey on Sunday, Sept. 30 to battle Rutgers University at 1 p.m.

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Photos: Austin Lassell/The Louisville Cardinal