LYNDHURST, Ohio – Third-ranked (NAIA Coaches' Poll) Notre Dame kept what is now a ten-game unbeaten streak alive in grand fashion on Wednesday, defeating Houghton (N.Y.), 1-0, in a battle of two teams that hadn't yet lost in conference play.

A #Steven Kane# goal on an assist from #Mohamet Sougoufara# in the 50th minute would be enough for junior goalkeeper #Alex Klein# and a Falcon defense that has now pitched eight shutouts. The NDC back four were under pressure throughout the game, with the Falcons outgunning the visiting squad, 20-11 in shots and 7-5 in shots in goal.

The game marked a battle between two squads without a loss in the AMC. Houghton came into the match in first-place among the conference's nine teams. The Highlanders had been 2-0 in AMC play coming into Wednesday night's game. Notre Dame came into the game as the third-ranked team in the NAIA, with a 9-0-0 record all non conference tilts.

With its 1-0 victory at Korb Field, Notre Dame (10-0-0) now stands one game behind Houghton and Roberts Wesleyan with a game in hand for the top spot in the league standings. Houghton (6-5-0, 2-1) now has one loss in conference play; the Highlanders had gone 4-0 since their last loss, to Mercyhurst (Pa.) Sept. 8. Over that stretch, HC had outscored foes, 8-1.

On Wednesday, Houghton was undone by Steven Kane's goal at 49:42. The senior forward's 12th goal of the season came off an assist from AMC Offensive Player of the Week, Mohamet Sougoufara's pass through the penalty area and found Kane waiting outside the six-yard box. A quick strike by Kane beat the NAIA's Defensive Player of the Week, Houghton's keeper, Steve Zacchigna. The goal marked Kane's second game winner on the season and his 36th career goal.

The first half ended level with neither team able to break the deadlock. The Falcons outshot their guests 11-5 through the opening period. A Houghton attack that relied on set pieces and the long throw-ins by Zach Wise generated several quality scoring opportunities.

In the second, Notre Dame outshot Houghton, 6-5, but Klein made one save and spoiled several corner kicks, and Wise throw-ins through traffic to thwart the visitors' aerial attack. For the game, the Frankfurt, Germany, native went 5-for-5 on save attempts, upping his season save percentage to .857 (18-for-21).

"We met a very good opponent in Houghton tonight. Houghton do what they do very well indeed, and that is testament to their coaching staff. They're unquestionably the best team we've faced this season, and are more than deserving of their #17 national ranking (NAIA RPI Rating)." Said coach McBride.


NOTES FROM THE NEST … 

POW: After earning AMC Offensive Player of the Week for his goal and two assists vs. NCAA DII #15 Ashland on Sept. 22, Mohamet Sougourfara resumed his high form, picking up the game winning assist. The assist marked his ninth point in the last four games (2g, 5a) for the 2005 Brush High School graduate.

HOME SWEET HOME: Wednesday's game marked Notre Dame's second home match this season. The Falcons are 2-0 in those contests. The Blue & White went 5-1-1 at home last season en route to posting an overall mark of 16-4-2 and their third NAIA National Tournament appearance. The Falcons are 59-15-2 at home since the program's inception in 2001.

HIGH AND DRY: The Falcons have now shutout the Highlanders four of their past five meetings. Holding an all-time record against Houghton of 8-3-0, the Falcons have not lost to their AMC opponents since Oct. 28, 2006 when the Falcons dropped a 2-1 decision.

BLANKET COVERAGE: Notre Dame hasn't allowed a goal in eight matches this season, after opening the season with seven straight. The Falcons defense creeps ever closer to the 2005 squad that kept a record nine shutouts on their way to a first NAIA National Tournament appearance; they posted seven in 22 matches a year ago.