SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women’s soccer team held No. 13 Notre Dame scoreless for more than 65 minutes of play, but ultimately suffered a 2-0 loss on Saturday night at the SU Soccer Stadium. Junior midfielder Cari Roccaro tallied the game-winning goal for Notre Dame in the 69th minute of play. 

“I thought Notre Dame was organized defensively,” head coach Phil Wheddon said. “We knew their midfield was exceptionally talented. Two of their players played in the U20 World Cup. I thought our blocker four took care of them for the most part in the first half. We were our own worst enemies in possession.”

Despite a large shot advantage for Notre Dame (10-4-1, 5-2-0), Syracuse (5-8-3, 2-5-0) was able to keep its opponent in check for the majority of the match. Freshman goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan turned away seven of nine shots that came on net.

Brosnan and the SU defense locked down on the Fighting Irish in the first 45 minutes of play. The Short Hills, N.J. native recorded four shots in the opening frame, including four in the first 28 minutes of action.

Syracuse had a great opportunity to take a lead late in the first half. Freshman defender Jessica Vigna sent a shot on goal in the 41st minute. Notre Dame sophomore goalkeeper Kaela Little made a diving stop to keep the game square.

Notre Dame came out firing in the second half, but could not find the back of the net. The visiting Fighting Irish finally broke through in the 69th minute. Sophomore forward Kaleigh Olmsted sent a cross in from the left side. Brosnan punched the cross away, but it landed in the hands of Roccaro, who placed it in for the game-winner.

The Fighting Irish added an insurance goal with 11 minutes to play in regulation. Olmsted collected a pass from senior forward Lauren Bohaboy at the left post and scored to give Notre Dame a 2-0 victory.

Syracuse returns to the pitch on Thursday, Oct. 23 when it hosts Virginia Tech. The match is slated to begin at 7 p.m. at the SU Soccer Stadium.

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