SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – On a sunny Sunday afternoon, No. 5 Notre Dame College hosted No. 10 University of Charleston in the first ever Mountain East Conference game featuring two top-10 teams. The Golden Eagles grabbed the lead in the 40th minute and won by a score of 3-0.

Early in the game, Notre Dame (5-1, 3-1 MEC) and Charleston (5-0-1, 4-0 MEC) were very evenly matched, with neither defense allowing the opposing offense to get comfortable.

Notre Dame worked hard to keep the ball and made smart passes. They had their first, and possibly best chance at a goal in the 28th minute. A pass landed by junior Giulio Bellei, who was trailing the play, on the right side of the box. He took a shot that sailed high.

The first shot-on-goal of the game was taken by UC and it turned out to be a goal. David Achaerandio worked on the left side of field and used a nicely timed cross that William Clague kicked past junior Daniele De Angelis in the 40th minute. That marked the first goal allowed by the Falcons goalkeeper this season.

After halftime, Charleston played more physical than they did in the first half. In the span of ten seconds within the 53rd minute, two yellow cards were assessed to UC for a couple violent collisions.

In the first 20 minutes of action in the second half, the Falcons could only take two shots, both by junior Arthur Favero. Charleston took four shots in that span.

The Golden Eagles then put their second goal of the game on the board in the 66th minute. Gabriel Cabral executed another nice pass across the box to Nicolas Engelking who was in perfect position to sneak one into the right corner of the goal.

Two minutes later, the ball bounced around on the outside of the box and nobody on Charleston could get a leg on it with Notre Dame's defense playing tight.  However, the ball landed in front of Achaerandio who had an opportunity and took a shot that sailed past De Angelis.

The Falcons had two shots on goal in the final 16 minutes of play. Freshmen Connor Russo and Markus Hemioe both took shots that Charleston's goalkeeper Alvaro Dean grabbed.

"The game was much closer than the scoreline suggests. We played the reigning National Champions today and played against them in a way most teams won't," said head coach Carl Nolan. "I think we can do certain things defensively better and manage certain moments better, but I cannot fault the players attitudes, discipline and effort. This was a game we needed to see where we are, and we are doing just fine."

For Notre Dame, Favero led the team with three shots.

Cabral and Achaerandio had an assist for Charleston, the defending National Champions. Dean recorded two saves and has not allowed a goal yet this season.

The Falcons will hit the road for the first time this year and play Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, W.Va. on September 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.