The #2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the #3 Duke Blue Devils 2-1 before a crowd of 1,077 at Alumni Stadium, with Annabelle Chukwu scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute.
The match began with both teams feeling each other out, with #2 Notre Dame riding a one-game winning streak, looking to build on their 14-1-2 record. #3 Duke, fresh off a loss, was determined to bounce back against their highly ranked opponent. In the 26th minute, Izzy Engle scored, finishing a through ball from Charlie Codd to give #2 Notre Dame the lead.
Both teams created scoring opportunities in the first half. Just before halftime, Kat Rader doubled #2 Notre Dame's advantage, converting an assist from Julia Saunicheva and Elle Piper in the 40th minute. #3 Duke pushed hard to find a consolation goal before the break but were unable to breach the #2 Notre Dame defense.
In the second half, #3 Duke pressed high up the pitch and created several promising chances. Their efforts were rewarded in the 73rd minute when Olivia Migliaccio netted a well-taken goal, assisted by teammate Sophie Jones. Despite #3 Duke's pressure, #2 Notre Dame held firm. Goalkeeper Mattie Interian made several crucial saves, while the defense, led by Sammi Fisher and Gabby Kouzelos, limited Duke's shots on goal to five. Annabelle Chukwu scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute off a play involving Morgan Roy and Abby Mills.
Notre Dame dominated in possession and shots (17-13). Duke goalkeeper Emily Boyd made two crucial saves, while Interian made four saves for Notre Dame. The victory marked Notre Dame's eighth conference win of the season.
Notre Dame remains in second place while Duke stays third. Notre Dame will look to build on this momentum, while Duke aims to regroup. Both teams remain strong conference title contenders. The victory extends Notre Dame's winning streak to two games.
Izzy Engle, Kat Rader, and Annabelle Chukwu led Notre Dame's effort. For Duke, Olivia Migliaccio and Sophie Jones showed promise but came up short.