SOUTH BEND, Indiana - Notre Dame (7-2-3) secured a 4-2 victory over Green Bay (4-5-1) on Tuesday evening at Alumni Stadium, with KK Baffour's 74th-minute strike proving decisive in front of 2,847 spectators.
Alex Rosin opened the scoring for Notre Dame in the 8th minute, firing a low shot to the left corner. Green Bay's Chris Album equalized in the 15th minute off a Noah Lechelt assist. Wyatt Borso restored Notre Dame's lead in the 18th minute from Nolan Spicer's setup, before Stevie Dunphy extended the advantage in the 45th minute. KK Baffour made it 4-1 in the 74th minute, while Noah Madrigal pulled one back for Green Bay in the 89th minute.
The first half showcased Notre Dame's attacking prowess, with the Irish recording 11 shot attempts. Wyatt Borso was particularly active, testing Green Bay's defense with four attempts including his goal. Green Bay's defensive unit, anchored by Jeloni Murray-Powell, struggled to contain Notre Dame's fluid attacking movements. Murray-Powell received a yellow card in the 12th minute for an unsporting challenge.
Second-half substitutions shifted the momentum temporarily, as Green Bay introduced fresh legs with Noah Madrigal and Dennis Nyame at the restart. The Phoenix showed improved organization, limiting Notre Dame's chances early in the second period. However, Baffour's clinical finish in the 74th minute effectively sealed the result, though Madrigal's late consolation goal demonstrated Green Bay's persistence.
The final statistics reflected Notre Dame's dominance, as they outshot Green Bay 20-12, with eight shots on target compared to Green Bay's nine. The Irish earned four corner kicks to Green Bay's five, while the visitors committed more fouls and collected the match's only yellow card.
Individual performances highlighted Notre Dame's depth, with Nolan Spicer recording two assists before being substituted in the 75th minute. Alex Rosin demonstrated his finishing ability with his early goal, while Wyatt Borso's constant movement created numerous chances. For Green Bay, Noah Madrigal's late goal capped a determined individual display, while Chris Album showed clinical finishing with his first-half strike.
Tactically, Notre Dame's high-pressing approach disrupted Green Bay's build-up play, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The Phoenix attempted to counter through quick transitions, particularly utilizing Justin Arias and Giovanni Cruz on the flanks, but struggled to maintain consistent possession against Notre Dame's organized midfield.
The victory extends Notre Dame's unbeaten run to three matches, following their win over Hope and draw with Virginia Tech. For Green Bay, the defeat marks their second consecutive loss, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that have resulted in seven goals conceded in their last three matches.
Notre Dame's superior technical quality ultimately proved decisive, with their ability to maintain possession and create quality chances throughout both halves wearing down Green Bay's resistance. The four-goal performance continues their strong offensive form, having now scored multiple goals in six of their last eight matches.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame travels to Virginia for a crucial conference matchup on October 10, while Green Bay faces regional rival Milwaukee on October 11, seeking to snap their losing streak.