LYNDHURST, Ohio – First seeded Notre Dame Falcons defeated Walsh University 3-2 in a physical, hard-fought battle that crowned the host Falcons the Ohio Independent Championship Cup champions. (Box)
 
No. 1 seeded Notre Dame (18-0-0, 4-0-0 OIC) played host to fourth seeded Malone University (10-9-0, 2-2-0 OIC at Korb Field on Thursday at 7 p.m. Notre Dame dominated the match winning 2-0.
 
No. 2 seeded Walsh (15-5-0, 2-2-0 OIC) opened the Ohio Independent Championships at Milazzo Field on Thursday against third-seeded Cedarville University (12-5-0, 2-2-0 OIC). The Cavaliers had to battle from behind to defeat the Yellow Jackets.
 
The Falcons came out of the gate playing aggressive and physical. Walsh turned away numerous scoring attempts by Notre Dame until Christian Earnest scored – his thirteenth of the season – in the 26^th minute of the match -- on a pass from Martin Lange.
 
The Blue and white tacked on another first-half goal when Martin Lange scored – his fourteenth of the season – in the 33^rd minute of the match.
 
Through the opening half the Falcons held a commanding 17-5 advantage in shots and 5-2 lead in corner kicks.
 
Walsh came out of halftime determined for a shot at the OIC title. George Moga scored – in the 51^st minute – on an assist by Nathaniel Milhoan. That goal brought new life to the rivalry match and kept the Cavaliers within striking distance.
 
 
Notre Dame regrouped and answered the Cavalier's goal just one minute later when Erik Beattie scored – his thirteenth of the season – in the 52^nd minute of the match. The Falcons earned a free kick that got the play started. The ensuing kick struck the left post and rebounded into a mix of players. Earnest headed the lose ball across the goal to a crashing Beattie.
 
Un-phased by the Falcon's intensity, Walsh netted another goal when Cavaliers junior forward Jordan Semple scored – his sixth of the season – in the 54^th minute of the season. A miss played pass was intercepted by the speedy winger who charged past his mark to slot home the goal.
 
From there on the game got physical. Both teams were whistled for multiple fouls and players from both teams received yellow cards.  For the game Notre Dame and Walsh accounted for 22 fouls and four cautions. However, the Falcons did an excellent job of keeping their composure and were able to capture the OIC crown on their home field in front of a passionate 580 fans with a final score of 3-2.
 
Senior goalkeeper Alex Klein made three saves to earn his eighth win of the year. In the loss Mike Kelley made eight saves for the Cavaliers.
 
The Falcons will be in action next week in the ECAC Division II Championships at Korb Field. More information will be available on NotreDameFalcons.com early next week.
 
 
NOTES FROM THE NEST….
 
ALL MY MATER: Head Coach Michael “Mac” McBride has never lost to his alma mater, Walsh. The 2001 graduate of Walsh University has led the Falcons to a 7-0-1 record against the Cavaliers.
 
MOVING ON UP…TO THE TOP: Senior defender Dan Knight moved into a tie for third in program history for games played (83) with Chris Logan. Knight also moved into sole possession of fourth in games started (81). The Abergele, Wales, native surpassed Steven Kane in games played and Andy Carr, Shane Clegg, Kevin McDowall, and Jonathan Morris for games started. Jacob Child ranks first in both categories with 85 games played and started.
 
STREAKING FALCONS: Notre Dame has now scored in 81 consecutive games since being held scoreless on Sept. 12, 2008. During that stretch the Blue & White have won 90.1 percent (72-7-2) of their games. Over those 81 games Notre Dame has scored 313 goals. The defense has also kept 34 shutouts throughout the streak.
 
REGULAR PERFECTION: The Falcons concluded their second straight perfect regular season with their 3-2 win over Walsh on Saturday night at Korb Field. NDC has not lost a regular season match since Oct. 27, 2009. During that stretch the Blue & White have won 36 straight regular season contests. Over the last five seasons, the Falcons are 77-7-4 through 86 regular season games, for a .897 winning percentage.