Irish face pair of must-win games against Pittsburgh and West Virginia
By: JOE LICANDRO
Sports Writer
The phrase "must-win game" is an overused expression in sports. For the Notre Dame womens soccer team, there is no better way to describe this weekend games with its back against the wall after two home losses last weekend.
On Friday, Notre Dame plays Pittsburgh and on Sunday they travel to West Virginia in two critical Big East matchups.
The Irish are reeling right now after suffering two heart-breaking, one-goal losses last weekend against Villanova and Georgetown. Even worse, Notre Dame fell to fourth place in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the Big East Conference, putting their hopes for an unprecedented eighth straight Big East title in jeopardy. With an overall record of 6-4 and a divisional record of 2-2, the Irish desperately need to win this weekend to stay in the race for a berth in the Big East post-season tournament.
"This is a must-win for us. We've discussed the importance of this weekend as much as you could possibly discuss it," Notre Dame coach Randy Waldrum said. "We've had a really good week of practice, but we've had good weeks of practice before. The focus has been there. We're pleased, but it is not enough to do it just in practice. We have to do it on the field."
Pittsburgh historically has finished at the bottom of the Mid-Atlantic Division. This year is no different as the Panthers are winless in the division (0-4) and own an overall record of just 3-8. They have had some close contests with Notre Dame in recent years. The Irish only defeated the Panthers 1-0 the last time Pittsburgh visited Notre Dame during the 2000 season. Given the Irish's two upset losses last weekend Notre Dame is not treating any opponent lightly.
"They came here two years ago and almost beat us. I don't think we'll come into this game worrying about records. We can't afford to take anyone lightly," Waldrum said. "Last weekend, Villanova and Georgetown beat us for the first time ever. Our kids understand the importance of this game. We know we have to give our best effort."
While Pittsburgh might be the bottom-feeder of the Big East, no team has been hotter lately then West Virginia. After dropping their first game of the season to Auburn, the Mountaineers are in the midst of a nine-game winning streak, including a 3-0 start in conference play.
The Irish defense, which has had to replace injured starting defenders Vanessa Pruzinsky and Gudrun Gunnarsdottir over the past three weeks, must be able to contain the powerful West Virginia scoring attack — particularly forward Chrissie Abbott. Through 10 games this season, Abbott leads the Big East in scoring with 13 goals. Notre Dame will be relying upon their top defender Candace Chapman to keep Abbott in check.
"West Virginia is a very good team," Waldrum said. "Over the last three years, every game against them has been decided by a goal. I expect a really difficult game for us on Sunday."
Injuries have decimated the Irish since the beginning of this season and this weekend is no different. The midfield will be a major question mark heading into this weekend. Starting midfielder Ashley Dryer will not play again this weekend due to an ankle she suffered two weeks ago against Rutgers. Starting midfielders Randi Scheller and Katie Thorlakson did not practice this week either and their status remains uncertain
The Irish did receive a bit of good news when forward Melissa Tancredi and Gunnarsdottir returned to practice on Wednesday. Waldrum is hopeful that both players will see action this weekend. The Notre Dame defense will still be without Pruzinsky, who has seen action in only one game this year. Her future availability for the rest of the season remains highly doubtful.
"Every team has its injuries," Notre Dame forward Amy Warner said. "Ours might be worse than others, but we cannot use that as an excuse. At this level, you can't expect to have the same ten or eleven players healthy for each game. You need at least fifteen or sixteen to be a good team.
"We have to turn around our season this weekend. We don't have a lot of time left."
All Sports Stories for Friday, October 4, 2002
