The last time Boston College women’s soccer beat No. 16 Notre Dame was in 2003. The Eagles looked to break that streak on Thursday night but failed to do so, allowing three unanswered Notre Dame goals and falling to the Fightin Irish for the 15th consecutive time.
BC (4–5–3, 0–4–0 Atlantic Coast), failed to create any scoring opportunities against the Fighting Irish (9–2, 2–2) and went scoreless for the fourth consecutive game, losing 3–0.
The matchup marked BC’s third annual Pink Card game, aiming to raise awareness for breast cancer and honor those whose lives have been affected by the disease.
BC’s offense has struggled to control possession this season, leading to 360 consecutive minutes of play without a goal. The Eagles’ defense held down the fort in the back the best that it could, but each time BC cleared the ball up the field, the Fighting Irish halted BC’s offense.
“We just need to have more possession down their end,” BC head coach Jason Lowe said at halftime.
Failing to control possession has been the Eagles’ downfall lately, forcing their defense and goaltender Wiebke Willebrandt to pick up the slack in order to have a chance against ranked opponents.
BC’s defense was the Eagles’ only bright spot. The unit played together, cutting off numerous scoring opportunities and blocking shots, preventing Notre Dame from extending its lead even further.
After 22 minutes of play, the ball slipped through BC’s back line, and Notre Dame logged its first goal.
As the second half opened, the Eagles spent more time on Notre Dame’s half of the field but couldn’t overcome their scoring drought. BC took four shots in the second half, only one of which was on goal.
Notre Dame, on the other hand, found its footing offensively and made use of its possessions, totaling 10 shots in the second half and outshooting BC 16–7 in the game.
Two back-to-back goals, scored just 52 seconds apart, secured the Fighting Irish’s victory and left the Eagles with their fourth straight loss.
