WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA — Wake Forest dominated Notre Dame on Friday night, earning a convincing 3-0 victory that showcased the Demon Deacons' defensive prowess and clinical finishing. Playing at home, Wake Forest controlled the second half and added two goals after the break to seal the result in front of a solid crowd at Spmon Soccer Complex.
Vlad Walent opened the scoring in the 36th minute, giving Wake Forest a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The Demon Deacons extended their advantage in the 59th minute when Cooper Flax found the back of the net. Jeffrey White capped the dominant performance with a goal in the 63rd minute, assisted by Tate Lorentz and Flax, putting the match firmly out of reach for the visiting Irish.
The first half remained tightly contested, with both teams creating chances but neither able to break through until Walent's breakthrough. Notre Dame had opportunities to equalize, with Wyatt Borso testing Wake Forest's defense early on. The Demon Deacons' backline, anchored by their defensive unit, weathered the initial pressure and gradually seized control of the midfield as the half progressed.
Wake Forest emerged from halftime with renewed intensity, immediately putting pressure on Notre Dame's defense. The Demon Deacons' attacking movement became more fluid and purposeful, creating space in dangerous areas. Flax's goal in the 59th minute reflected Wake Forest's improved execution in the second half, as the team capitalized on the momentum shift to take a commanding two-goal lead.
White's insurance goal just minutes later essentially decided the contest. The combination of Lorentz and Flax setting up White demonstrated Wake Forest's ability to move the ball effectively in transition. Notre Dame, struggling to generate consistent attacking chances, found itself chasing the game with little to show for its efforts.
Wake Forest finished with six shots on goal compared to Notre Dame's three, while both teams earned three corner kicks. The Demon Deacons' defense recorded three saves, while Notre Dame's goalkeeper made three stops in a losing effort. Wake Forest's superior shot conversion proved the difference, as the home side made their opportunities count when it mattered most.
Flax and White emerged as standout performers for Wake Forest, combining for two goals and an assist. Their movement off the ball and finishing quality kept Notre Dame's defense under constant pressure throughout the second half. Lorentz's playmaking also contributed significantly to Wake Forest's attacking success.
The victory improves Wake Forest to 7-3-6 overall after a stretch of inconsistent results, including recent draws against Wofford and Pittsburgh. Notre Dame, meanwhile, drops to 8-5-4 following the shutout loss, snapping a one-game winning streak after defeating Boston College last Friday.
Wake Forest returns to action with its next conference matchup, while Notre Dame will look to bounce back quickly and regain its footing in the ACC standings. Friday's dominant performance gives the Demon Deacons momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.