Notre Dame Battles Michigan to 1-1 Draw in Women’s Soccer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — No. 25 Notre Dame remained unbeaten Thursday night, battling Michigan to a 1-1 draw at U-M Soccer Stadium.
The Fighting Irish struck first in the 24th minute behind another goal from junior Lily Joseph.

Freshman Reese Canada forced a Michigan turnover and helped start the Notre Dame attack in transition. The ball eventually found Joseph on the left side, where she worked past a pair of defenders and beat the Michigan goalkeeper to the back post for a 1-0 advantage.
It was Joseph’s fourth goal of the season, and she has now scored in three of Notre Dame’s first five matches.

Notre Dame carried the 1-0 advantage into halftime after outshooting Michigan 6-3 over the opening 45 minutes. Each team earned two first-half corner kicks.

The complexion of the match changed early in the second half.

Notre Dame was shown a red card in the 55th minute, and Michigan converted the ensuing penalty kick to tie the match at 1-1. The Irish were forced to play with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.

Michigan applied significant pressure while playing with the advantage, generating 10 second-half shots, but Notre Dame goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica and the Irish defense kept the Wolverines from finding a game-winner.
Kasica finished with eight saves, tying her career high.

Michigan was also shown a red card during the final minute, giving Notre Dame one last opportunity on a free kick from just outside the penalty area. The Irish attempt sailed high, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Notre Dame moves to 1-0-4 on the season and remains unbeaten through its first five matches. Michigan moves to 0-2-1.

The Irish return home Thursday, Sept. 3, when they host Michigan State at Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.