Notre Dame Rallies Late to Earn Draw with No. 8 Saint Louis

SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame used a late goal from freshman Tristan Tropeano to earn a 1-1 draw against No. 8 Saint Louis Friday night at Alumni Stadium.

Saint Louis struck quickly, taking the lead in the sixth minute. Tanner Anderson finished from close range following a cross from Theo Franca to put the Billikens ahead 1-0. It was Anderson’s second goal of the season.

The Billikens carried the one-goal advantage into halftime despite Notre Dame creating several opportunities. The Irish had three shots in the opening 45 minutes and held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Saint Louis had chances to extend its advantage after halftime. Jackson Delkus and Alander Soares each put attempts on target, but Notre Dame goalkeeper Blake Kelly made the saves to keep the Irish within a goal.

Notre Dame finally broke through in the 84th minute. Michael Capretto delivered a cross into the penalty area from the right side, where Tropeano connected on a diving header and found the back of the net to tie the match at 1-1. The goal was the first of Tropeano’s collegiate career, while Capretto picked up his first career assist.

The Irish nearly found a winner in the closing minutes when Nate Zimmermann put another shot on goal in the 88th minute, but Saint Louis goalkeeper Lucas McPartlin made the save and the teams settled for the draw.

Notre Dame finished with an 8-5 advantage in shots and a 4-2 edge in corner kicks. Kelly made two saves for the Irish, while McPartlin recorded two for Saint Louis.

The draw moves Notre Dame to 0-1-2 on the season, while No. 8 Saint Louis moves to 1-1-1.
Notre Dame returns to action Monday, August 31, when the Irish host Harvard at 7:30 p.m. at Alumni Stadium. Saint Louis returns home Wednesday, September 2, to face Green Bay.