Box Score
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Notre Dame Falcons scored a big road victory on Sunday afternoon, in a matchup that featured a pair of nationally ranked teams, as they dealt No. 6 Charleston (W.Va.) its first loss of the season, in a 3-0 decision.

The victory for the 15th ranked Falcons (10-3-0) was their fourth in their last five games, and their second in their last three on the road.  The loss for Charleston (8-1-3) was not only their first of the season, but it was their first loss in an entire calendar year. 

NDC scored three times in the contest on just six shots, against a Golden Eagle squad that had delivered four consecutive shutouts.  The loss snapped UC's 17-game unbeaten streak, and it was their first home loss since Sept. 21, 2011. UC was also one of just three unbeaten teams left in the NCAA-II ranks prior to Sunday's setback. 

The Golden Eagles had not surrendered a goal since Sept. 28, but Declan McGivern snapped that streak in the ninth minute of the opening half.  McGivern found the back of the net with a header, marking his second goal of the season.  Tom Owens was credited with the assist. 

Notre Dame was not able to get any other shots off during the half.  The Golden Eagles tested NDC goalie Jan Skorupinski in the opening half, sending six shots his direction, three of which were on goal.  Though they were outshot, 6-1 in the first half, NDC entered the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Owens assisted on NDC's second goal as well.  The Falcons used another header to take a 2-0 lead in the 58th minute.  This time, Owens found Jacob Sheppard on a short corner play, and Sheppard's header, his sixth of the year, gave the Falcons a commanding lead. 

NDC put the finishing touches on the big victory, as Owens delivered again.  Owens nailed NDC's third goal of the afternoon, on a free kick.  The goal, Owens's ninth of the season, came from 20 yards out in the 78th minute. 

"Our guys responded very well today against a very good team," said Associate Head Coach Carl Nolan. "It was by far our best team performance of the season."

Charleston had their chances to score, but Skorupinski was up to the challenge.  The Golden Eagles had five more shots than NDC (11-6) and six of their shots were on goal.  Skorupinski ended the day with a half dozen saves, and scored his fourth shutout of the season.

The Falcons are in action again on Friday, Oct. 19, when they head to Canton, Ohio, to take on Malone.  The contest is scheduled to kick at 12:30 p.m.