Our now #1/#1/#2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) convincingly beat the now #12 Georgetown Hoyas (1-1) 15-9 this past week.

With the lack of a broadcast, we aren’t 100% sure how it went down, but a 6 goal win over a team who came into the match-up in the top 3 is nothing to complain about. With the Irish win, the #1, #2 and #3 teams all went down last weekend, elevating the Irish to a split #1 ranking.

Georgetown

There is nothing in the box score, highlights, or radio broadcast to suggest this was anything other than a convincing win over a top-ranked opponent.

The separation point that ultimately led to the win was the second quarter, which the Irish won 6-2. Adding this with a dominant 4-1 4th quarter close out, and momentum wise the Irish know what they are doing.

Offensively, Josh Yago led the team with 5 points (3 goals and 2 assist) being named ACC offensive player of the week. The Air Force transfer has definitely cemented himself as a top threat in this offense.

Supporting Yago was midfielder Angrick and freshman attackman Lally with 4 points each. Nine total Irish found the back of the net. Notre Dame continues to spread the wealth on offense to start the season.

Defensively, tons of caused turnovers remain the theme, Lyght leading the team with 3. Combining this with a near perfect clearing day and it was a great day defensively. The boys were relentless on the ride, forcing seven failed clears!

Ricciardelli seems to have had a slight bit of trouble between the pipes, with 6 saves at 40%. This can probably be written off as a result of the lack of shots he faced. At the end of the day, the Hoyas had 2 or less goals in 3 of the 4 quarters so it couldn’t be bad. Goalies need to get into a grove, too. 

Maryland

Looking forward to Saturday, the Irish will take on the #9 Maryland Terrapins(1-2). It is very important to note that this game is coming off two Maryland losses. They haven’t lost three in a row in nearly twenty years! The Terps will be coming into this game with a vengeance to prove they are still title contenders. The Irish will need to shut down any hope they have.

The Maryland offense is led by Eric Spannos (again) and Yale transfer Leo Johnson. These two have a supporting cast of Elijah Stobaugh and Chris Lyons. This match-up will be another where the opponent is not very assist heavy, a style which the Notre Dame boys have dominated so far. Let’s make sure they keep up that trend.

Will Shaller and Michael Alexander lead the defense for the Terps. Behind them between the pipes is Brian Ruppel who is just below .500 at 46.7% so far this year. This defense is filling a lot of holes from last year, especially between the pipes with the loss of McNaney. With the match-up being early in the season the boys can take advantage of the lack of cohesiveness.

And of course, we can’t forget to shout of Atlanta native and teammate from Atlanta youth league powerhouse Team Mac-N-Cheese, Oli Skeean. Skeean has hit the field in one game so far this season, but we expect amazing things from this next Maryland LSM great. If he announces himself by taking over this game please blame ND-ATL 1.0 for being the coach who put a pole in his hands.

The game will be Saturday at Noon on BigTen+. It’s shaping up to be a good one!

 

#GoIrish

 

Luke Burgar

ND-ATL 2.0