Mens Soccer: Solid play, no results not enough to satisfy Irish
By: JOE HETTLER
Associate Sports Editor
The No. 16 Notre Dame mens soccer team played well on the road last weekend but didn't win either of its games. They don't want that happening again this weekend when they face Pittsburgh and Akron.
Coach Bobby Clark's team looks to improve their Big East record on Friday before traveling to Ohio to face the Zips in a non-conference game on Sunday.
"Last week we played really well, they were probably two of our better games but we didn't get the results we wanted," midfielder Justin Detter said. "We're just catching some bad luck right now, but that's ok."
The Irish hope to turn that luck around by taking advantage of their home game against the Panthers.
"Our big philosophy is no one comes in our house and outworks us," Detter said. "So we have to work hard against Pittsburgh because they're big, they're strong and they start all seniors. I think if we just go out and play our game and out work them then we'll be fine."
One of the positives that came from last weekend's games was the confidence the Irish received from playing well against two for the best teams in the country.
"My freshman year [the team was] like `We're going to pack the box and just hope we maybe get a breakaway or something,' " Detter said. "But now it's like we go into these places and we expect to win. I think we just know that we're there now and just progress that last step and win big games when the chance is there."
Notre Dame has only beaten Pittsburgh one time in their seven previous meetings. That lone victory was a 3-0 Irish shutout in 1996 at Alumni field. The Irish have never beaten Akron, losing six games and tying two others. But the two teams have not met since 1989.
The Irish offense is led by Erich Braun's six goals and Detter's four. Defensively, goalie Chris Sawyer has been solid in the box allowing only 1.12 goals per game.
The major disadvantage for Notre Dame may be the amount of games they have played lately. Playing two games over the weekend, especially on the road wears players and coaches down.
"It's starting to get a little old, but that's one thing coach Clark talks about," Detter said. "He always refers to the Premier league overseas, they play so many games that your bench players are going to have to step up every once in a while. It's getting harder but coach Clark is really big on preparing us."
The Pittsburgh game begins at 7:30 p.m. at Alumni Field.
All Sports Stories for Friday, October 4, 2002
