MEN'S SOCCER: Irish defense records shutout
BRYAN KRONK
Sports Writer
Judging from the scorers for Notre Dame in its match on Sunday, it seemed like history was repeating itself.
Just like in Thursday's match against West Virginia, Devon Prescod struck first for the Irish and Erich Braun added a nail in the Hokies' coffin, as the Irish defeated Virginia Tech 2-0.
The win marked the third consecutive victory for the Irish, whose record improved to 4-2 in the Big East and 6-4 overall.
With the victory, the Irish move ahead of Big East foes Syracuse and Georgetown, which both lost their weekend games. The Irish are now right in the middle of the race for a spot in the Big East conference postseason tournament.
The Irish broke the scoreless tie with 10 minutes remaining in the first half, as Prescod took a lead pass from midfielder Filippo Chillemi and chipped a shot past Virginia Tech goalie Colin Kibler to give the Irish a one-goal advantage into halftime.
The goal was the third in two games for Prescod, who had only one goal in his collegiate career prior to the West Virginia game.
The Irish lead did not go uncontested, however, as the Hokies had several shots deflected off the post. However, none of them managed to cross the goal line.
Late in the match, it appeared as though the single goal by Prescod would stand up. With just two seconds remaining in the match, however, Braun received a nice pass from Prescod and knocked in the finishing touch.
Braun leads the Irish in scoring, with eight goals on the season.
Irish freshman goalie Chris Sawyer racked up his second straight shutout, saving four shots.
Once again, the Irish defense held its opponent scoreless, marking the third shutout for Notre Dame.
In its six victories, the Irish defense has allowed only four goals while scoring 19 times . In its four losses, the defense has given up 11 goals.
Both the Irish and the Hokies recorded 11 shots on goal for the game.
Next up for the Irish is in-state rival and nationally- ranked Indiana on Wednesday at 7 p.m. In their 20-game series with the Hoosiers, the Irish have only taken one victory, a 4-3 overtime win in South Bend on Sept. 13, 1987 and a tie the following year in Bloomington.
All Sports Stories for Monday, October 15, 2001
