WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - No. 3 Notre Dame (13-0-2) and Wake Forest (10-3-4) played to a 1-1 draw in Atlantic Coast Conference women's soccer action on Sunday afternoon at Spry Stadium. The match featured intense back-and-forth action between two of the ACC's top programs.
Izzy Engle put Notre Dame ahead in the 18th minute, firing a shot that found the upper left corner. Wake Forest responded through Elliana Ramirez, who equalized in the 34th minute to level the score at 1-1, which would hold through the final whistle.
The first half saw Notre Dame control much of the early possession, with Laney Matriano recording the first dangerous chance in the 3rd minute with a blocked shot. Wake Forest's defense, anchored by Dempsey Brown who received a yellow card in the 13th minute for an aggressive challenge, held firm against the Irish attack. The Demon Deacons created their own opportunities, with Lola Ressler testing the Notre Dame goalkeeper in the 15th minute.
The second half intensity increased as both teams pushed for a winner. Notre Dame's Annabelle Chukwu had multiple dangerous attempts, including a close shot in the 81st minute that just missed the target. Wake Forest's tactical adjustments showed in their improved attacking presence, with Allie Flanagan forcing a save in the 86th minute. The match saw both teams make numerous substitutions to maintain fresh legs, with Wake Forest making key changes including removing Carly Wilson in the 74th minute.
Final statistics reflected the even nature of the contest, with Notre Dame recording 15 shot attempts to Wake Forest's 8. The Irish held a slight advantage in corners (4-2), while both teams finished with two yellow cards each. Notre Dame goalkeeper recorded two saves, while Wake Forest's netminder made three crucial stops.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. Notre Dame's Ellie Hodsden was particularly active, creating multiple scoring opportunities including a shot off the woodwork in the 86th minute. Wake Forest's Lola Ressler showed both skill and intensity, though she eventually received a yellow card in the 85th minute for an unsporting challenge.
The tactical battle showcased both teams' defensive organization, with Notre Dame's Leah Klenke and Wake Forest's Sophie Faircloth anchoring their respective backlines. The match featured strategic substitution patterns, with both coaches utilizing their benches extensively to maintain defensive shape while seeking attacking opportunities.
For Notre Dame, the draw maintains their unbeaten record this season, though it marks just their second non-victory of the campaign. Wake Forest's resilient performance against a top-ranked opponent demonstrates their competitive strength in the ACC, particularly their ability to adjust tactically mid-match.
Both teams created enough chances to claim victory, but strong defensive performances and tactical discipline resulted in a fair draw. Notre Dame's Clare Logan had a final opportunity to break the deadlock in the 88th minute, but her shot sailed high, epitomizing a day where both teams' finishing just slightly lacked the required precision.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame travels to Pittsburgh for their next match on October 30, while Wake Forest faces a tough road test at Florida State on the same date. Both matches carry significant implications for ACC standings and postseason positioning.