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Coming into Tuesday night’s contest with Notre Dame, Michigan had two unfortunate distinctions it was looking to change. The Wolverines were seeking their first road win of the season and first win over the Fighting Irish since 2019.
On Tuesday, the Michigan men’s soccer team (6-1-4 overall) defeated Notre Dame (5-3-3 overall). Thanks to relentless goalkeeping and defensive prowess, the Wolverines withstood the fight and earned their win. With a total of eight saves, Michigan senior goalkeeper Hayden Evans and the defensive line in front of him secured the 1-0 win over the Irish.
From the moment the game began, it was a defensive battle, as neither team could find the back of the net in the final third. Just seven minutes into the first half, graduate forward Beto Soto released two shots that were easily squashed by the Irish defense and goalkeeper. On the other end, Evans was continuously backed against a wall, managing several high-press situations and most notably saving a shot headed to the near post in the 13th minute.
In the first half, Evans stopped three shots to keep the half scoreless and ensure the Wolverine’s energy did not falter. While there were glimpses of solid possession for both teams throughout the half, the ball never seemed to remain with the same team for too long.
“When your goalkeeper keeper is having such a positive evening on the field, you don’t want to let him down,” Michigan coach Chaka Daley said. “There is a pep in everyone’s steps to protect the ball.”
Following a standstill first half, it was only a matter of time before one team would make its first defining move. And, the Wolverines made sure that they were that team. After 47 minutes of intense back-and-forth play, Soto broke through the last lines of Notre Dame’s defense. He forcibly dribbled the ball down the left sideline, providing fifth-year midfielder Bryce Blevins the opportunity to deliver the decisive blow. Despite deflecting off a Notre Dame defender, Blevins’ shot made its way into the back of the net, giving the Wolverines a moment of relief.
But this moment of peace didn’t last long.
This once stand-still game completely flipped as both teams brought on the pressure. Although the Irish were down 1-0, they began an intense attack to find their equalizer. But that equalizer never came for Notre Dame despite seven shots and several corner kicks. Evans was relentless in goal, stopping four of those attempts. As the clock wound down, Michigan maintained its composure, regained possession and sealed the 1-0 victory that kept Michigan on top.
“A win like this is an important one, especially against a team like this,” Daley said. “Now, it’s time to get back to business.”
In this fierce battle, Michigan not only survived the might of the Irish but proved they do in fact have what it takes to emerge victorious – largely due to Evans and the defense.
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