The Irish (2-2, 1-1 ACC) are headed to Blacksburg, Va. to take on Virginia Tech (0-1, 0-1 ACC). Notre Dame will look to build momentum off of their 1-0 win over Syracuse. Now 0.500 on the season, Notre Dame is out to make a statement at Thompson Field this Sunday.
When asked about what he wanted to improve upon following the win, head coach Chad Riley said, “When we go up by a goal, we should be a better possession team I think we could have done better with the ball in the last twenty minutes.”
Passing is also high on Riley’s priority list for practice.
“There were moments where we could have been a little bit sharper with our passing to create a few more chances,” said Riley.
At the time of publication, Virginia Tech has only played one game this season, taking a loss against No. 2 Pittsburgh last Saturday. Senior Kristo Strickler tallied the two points for the Hokies in the 2-4 loss to the Panthers. Virginia Tech will play Virginia this Wednesday before facing the Irish.
The Hokies hold a three-game win streak in their last three meetings with the Irish but are down 3-6-1 all time in the contest. The Irish are in desperate need of a win, not only to keep their momentum rolling, but also to legitimize a chance of earning a spot in postseason competition.
Riley mentioned Strickler when talking about the upcoming match, saying “he’s their player to watch.”
Riley also said this weekend’s contest is crucial in terms of Notre Dame’s chances of earning a coveted spot in the ACC Tournament.
The Irish will seek to repeat their strong defensive showing over Syracuse. Senior goalkeeper Keegan McLaughlin had four saves in the match, and junior midfielder Mohamed Omar was mentioned by Coach Riley as having a strong game.
Notre Dame faces off against Virginia Tech this Sunday at 11 a.m, the game will be broadcast live on the ACC Network.
