LYNDHURST, Ohio -- Falcon Women's Soccer kicked off its 2008 home schedule in style Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over No. 19 Houghton (N.Y). The American Mideast Conference (AMC) match marked the home opener for the Falcons, who are now tied atop the league standings with a 2-0 record. The win over the Highlanders is Notre Dame's first in eight tries.
With the win, NDC runs its early-season record to 3-2, while Houghton drops to 4-2 (1-1). The Highlanders, ranked No. 19 in the Sept. 9 NAIA Coaches' Poll, came into Tuesday's match on a 3-match winning streak. With the win, Notre Dame has now knocked off two ranked teams this season.
The Falcons got on the Korb Field scoreboard at 14:51, when midfielder Katie Christensen scored from short range. Christensen, a freshman from Sandy, Utah, connected on an Anic McKay (Fr./Orleans, Ont.) pass in close quarters. Christensen's kick from the left side found nylon behind Houghton goal keeper Erin Asquith (Fr./Arcade, N.Y.).
Emilie Lamarche (So/Rockland, Ont.) played all 90 minutes in goal for the Falcons, making seven saves for the win.
Houghton's Erin Asquith (Fr./Arcade, N.Y.) was credited with 3 saves.
"This was a great victory for us," said head coach Mike Shiels. "Houghton has had our number in the past. I'm pleased with our effort today on both ends of the field."
Houghton out-shot Notre Dame, 13-8, for the match, but the Falcons were able to hold on with tight ball movement in the second half to secure the victory. NDC posted four shots on goal to Houghton's seven.
With the shutout victory, NDC has blanked opponents in all three of their 2008 wins. Last year, the Falcons posted 11 total shutouts.
Notre Dame plays next on Saturday, Sept. 20, when they host Carlow (Pa.) at 4 p.m.
NOTES FROM THE NEST…
POINT WELL TAKEN: Falcon freshman Anic McKay currently leads the team in total points in her collegiate debut season. McKay has tallied one goal and two assists for four points. Both of her assists this season came on the game-winning goals over ranked teams- then No. 9 St. Xavier-Ill. (Sept. 6) and Tuesday's win over No. 19 Houghton.
FALCON FIRSTS: Notre Dame reached two milestones in the last week of play. In the Sept. 9 NAIA Top-25 poll, the Falcons received votes for the first time in program history after a 1-0 win over ranked St. Xavier.
