The Indiana and Notre Dame men’s soccer programs met back in September, but the stakes will be much higher when they meet again in late November.
The Hoosiers and Irish battled into overtime in South Bend more than two months ago before Justin Rennicks scored the match winner in the 93rd minute to give IU the hard fought victory.
When they meet this Friday night at 7:00 pm. eastern in Bloomington, it will be about more than just a regular season victory and in-state pride. The College Cup is on the line.
It will be a tall task for the No. 13 ranked Irish (11-6-3) to avenge their early season loss to the Hoosiers. Indiana is unbeaten (23-0-2) in the team’s last 25 home matches at Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium, including a mark of 11-0-0 this season. IU’s last loss at home came on Nov. 27, 2016 to Virginia Tech, 2-1.
That loss to the Hokies came in overtime in the third round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. IU will have to knock out a familiar foe on Friday if it wants to avoid another home loss in the tournament.
Back in September, Notre Dame’s Jack Lynn gave the Irish the 1-0 lead in the 71st minute. The Hoosiers were able to get the equalizer just eight minutes later.
In the 79th minute, Trevor Swartz found space on the right side of the 18-yard box after a Notre Dame mistake. Swartz sent a cross to the far post that A.J. Palazzolo was able to head in from three-yards out for his third goal of the season.
The teams carried that 1-1 tie into overtime, setting up Rennicks’ heroics.
Off a corner kick, Swartz sent the ball to the far side of the 18-yard box. Jordan Kleyn was able to head the ball towards the goal line, where Rennicks back-heeled it past the Irish keeper for the golden goal.
Notre Dame led that September contest in shots (11-9) and shots on goal (5-3). The Irish were called for two more fouls (10-8), while the Hoosiers held the edge in corner kicks (11-6), including the corner that set up the game-winner.
The Hoosiers will be seeking to expand on their NCAA all-time best 19 College Cup appearances. This year’s final four of college soccer is being held in Santa Barbara, California.
You can view the official updated NCAA tournament bracket here.
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