College Cup: Nto Punches Irish Ticket

by Victor Olorunfemi

December 9, 2023

Eno Nto’s early second-half strike stands as the game-winner as Notre Dame advances to its first College Cup final since winning the championship in 2013. It was the lone goal on the night, but that was all the Irish needed, with the defense standing tall once again as it has all season.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡

📺: ESPNU#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/vjP3xIq2mk
— Notre Dame Men's Soccer (@NDMenSoccer) December 9, 2023

The moment came as Wyatt Lewis found the substitute in open space inside the 18, as Nto touched and volleyed home with a lunging effort in the 51st minute. The British forward hadn’t scored all tournament but was there when it mattered most to land his team-leading 11th goal of the season. From that point on, it was always going to be a tall task for Oregon State to net an equalizer against a Notre Dame team that has conceded just one goal all tournament, particularly with head coach Greg Dalby serving a suspension for the incidental use of an illegible player in the Elite Eight.

But while Nto may have scored the game-winner, the play of the game goes to Joshua Ramsey, as the Junior center-back made a goal-line clearance with his chest, followed by two courageous sliding tackles to block the Beavers from equalizing in the 68th minute. That moment took the life out of the Oregon State attack as the Beavers managed just two shots the rest of the way. It was an outstanding feat of bravery, anticipation, and Soccer IQ, with the Texas native showcasing why he has started 60 of 62 games for the Irish since coming in as a highly-rated recruit and making the Freshman All-American team.

😤

Ramsey with one of the best defensive plays of the year to keep the lead intact!

📺: ESPNU pic.twitter.com/SB75jWRiZg
— Notre Dame Men's Soccer (@NDMenSoccer) December 9, 2023

Despite the conclusion and the controversial suspension, Dalby will be proud of the team as the first-year head coach led Oregon State to its first-ever College Cup appearance in program history, pointing to a bright future.

The result sets up an All-ACC National final as the Irish, who won the regular season, will play Clemson, who won the conference tournament, for the second time this season after defeating the Tigers 3-2 in early September.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast