BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA — Notre Dame defeated Virginia Tech 5-0 on Thursday evening at the Virginia Tech Soccer Complex, extending the Fighting Irish's unbeaten streak to 12 consecutive matches while delivering a decisive statement in ACC play. The dominant performance showcased Notre Dame's offensive firepower and defensive organization against a Virginia Tech squad struggling through a five-game losing streak.
Izzy Engle emerged as the offensive catalyst for Notre Dame, scoring three goals to lead the rout. Engle opened her scoring account in the 23rd minute, followed by another goal in the 24th minute to give Notre Dame a commanding 2-0 advantage early in the first half. Annabelle Chukwu added a third goal in the 16th minute, extending Notre Dame's lead to 3-0 before halftime. Morgan Roy capped the scoring in the 65th minute with Notre Dame's fifth goal, while Engle added her third goal in the 61st minute to cement the dominant victory. The five-goal performance demonstrated Notre Dame's depth in attacking options and clinical finishing throughout the 90 minutes.
The first half established Notre Dame's dominance from the opening whistle. The Fighting Irish controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, with Engle testing Virginia Tech's defense repeatedly. Notre Dame's attacking movement proved too much for the Hokies' backline to manage, as the visitors consistently found space in dangerous areas. By the 23rd minute, Engle's breakthrough goal reflected Notre Dame's sustained pressure. Virginia Tech struggled to generate offensive momentum, with limited chances created against Notre Dame's organized defensive structure. The Hokies' best opportunity came from Ella Valente in the 86th minute, but the shot sailed high. Notre Dame's first-half dominance was reflected in shot attempts, with the Fighting Irish significantly outshooting their hosts while maintaining defensive shape throughout the period.
The second half saw Notre Dame continue its aggressive approach despite the substantial lead. Multiple substitutions from both teams altered the match's rhythm, but Notre Dame's quality remained evident. Engle's 61st-minute goal extended the advantage to 4-0, and Morgan Roy's 65th-minute finish sealed the comprehensive victory at 5-0. Virginia Tech made tactical adjustments throughout the second half, introducing fresh players in an attempt to generate offensive opportunities, but the deficit proved insurmountable. The Hokies managed limited chances, with Taylor Price and Natalie Mitchell registering shots that failed to trouble Notre Dame's goalkeeper. Notre Dame's substitution strategy allowed the team to manage player workload while maintaining control throughout the final 45 minutes.
Notre Dame outshot Virginia Tech 16-11 overall, with 8 shots on target compared to Virginia Tech's 5. The Fighting Irish earned 3 corner kicks to Virginia Tech's 5, though Notre Dame converted their opportunities more effectively. Yellow cards were issued to Madi Boutot for unsporting conduct in the 23rd minute and Christine Eiblmeier in the 80th minute for Virginia Tech, while Notre Dame received one yellow card for dissent. Notre Dame's goalkeeper recorded 5 saves, while Virginia Tech's keeper made 3 saves in a losing effort.
Izzy Engle's three-goal performance highlighted Notre Dame's attacking prowess, with the forward demonstrating clinical finishing and intelligent movement throughout the match. Annabelle Chukwu contributed a crucial early goal that set the tone for the dominant display. Morgan Roy's late goal showcased Notre Dame's depth in attacking options. For Virginia Tech, goalkeeper Kylie Marschall faced relentless pressure but made several important saves to prevent an even larger margin of defeat.
Notre Dame's tactical approach emphasized quick transitions and exploiting Virginia Tech's defensive vulnerabilities through the flanks. The Fighting Irish's midfield controlled tempo effectively, dictating play and limiting the Hokies' ability to build attacking sequences. Virginia Tech attempted to compress space defensively but struggled against Notre Dame's movement and technical quality. The Hokies' inability to generate sustained pressure in the attacking third left their defense exposed to counterattacking opportunities.
This dominant victory reinforces Notre Dame's status as a national championship contender. The Fighting Irish improved to 13-0-1 overall while extending their winning streak to 12 matches. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, fell to 4-10-3 overall, extending their losing streak to five consecutive matches. The result underscores the significant gap between the nation's elite programs and struggling ACC squads.
Notre Dame's comprehensive victory demonstrated the Fighting Irish's ability to control matches from start to finish while maintaining offensive efficiency. The five-goal performance, led by Engle's hat trick, showcased the depth and quality that has defined Notre Dame's exceptional season. Virginia Tech faces significant challenges moving forward, with the Hokies scheduled to face Miami on October 30. Notre Dame continues its pursuit of an ACC championship, traveling to face Wake Forest on October 26.