WEST CHESTER, Pa.- For the second year in a row, one goal was not enough to push West Chester through to the Third Round as it took two goals for the Golden Rams to win their second consecutive NCAA Tournament game. West Chester and Notre Dame locked in an intense battle for 90 minutes and West Chester prevailed winning by a final score of 2-1.
Doug Goitia (Mt. Pocono, Pa./Pocono Mountain East) opened the scoring just two minutes into the contest when he used a perfect pass across the middle of the box from Stephen Thompson (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) to give West Chester the early 1-0 lead. However, it quickly became evident that this early 1-0 lead would not withstand the offensive onslaught from Notre Dame as the Falcons answered back in the 22nd minute to even the score at 1-1. Each side threatened in the final 23 minutes of the first half but neither side could score the goal it was looking for, thus, sending the game to the half tied at 1-1.
Thompson continued his big day in the 53rd minute when he scored what would become the game-winner on a ball tipped over the defenses head to give West Chester the decisive 2-1 lead. Notre Dame applied heavy pressure but once again and the Falcons even had a late penalty kick that afforded them the opportunity to tie the game but the West Chester defense stood tall to hold on for the victory.
Will Marshall (North Versailles, Pa./East Allegheny) had three big saves while his counterpart Daniele De Angelis made three saves of his own in the loss.
Notre Dame ended the contest with a narrow 9-8 advantage in shots on goal although West Chester held a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal. Notre Dame also out cornered its host by a wide 6-1 margin although it was not enough for the third-seeded Falcons to pull the upset.
This victory sets up a rematch with 2017 National Champion University of Charleston (Wv.) at the home of the highest remaining seed in the East Region next week. More information regarding the Golden Rams next game will be posted as it becomes available.
