FIGHTING IRISH WOMEN'S SOCCER NETS THIRD NATIONAL TITLE
From the opening whistle of the College Cup Championship, it was anyone’s game. Despite the seeming edge of a #1 ranking, Stanford held little advantage over our Irish; who fought and clawed their way to even standing with the Cardinal. As stated by coach Waldrum, “Please have the courage to write that this was the best team in the country, that this wasn’t an upset.” This was the fifth consecutive College Cup appearance for Notre Dame and the third for Stanford; the pressure was on for both teams to finally secure the title. The teams’ performances didn’t disappoint.
Throughout the first 62 minutes the Irish and Cardinal each traded quality looks, only to hit the pipes, send a shot just wide, and witness a few miraculous saves. In the sixty-third minute, the Irish were finally able to capitalize. Junior Melissa Henderson initiated the play with a hard-changing attack up the left side, but got caught up in a few defenders and found herself near the left post without a shot. Trusting her teammates, Henderson dished the ball back near the penalty mark. Freshman forward Adriana Leon pulled out of her run to the far post and looped back to hit a left-footed strike over the outstretched hands of Stanford’s helpless keeper; finding the top of the net with a satisfying swoosh.
Prior to the match, coach Waldrum prophetically told Leon she would get the game-winner and the team would win the National Championship for the first time since 2004. With the only goal of the match, Leon proved her coach correct and established the Irish as the top team in the nation once again. What did it feel like for the freshman? "I don't think words can describe the feeling," she said. "Best feeling in the world."
With three freshmen in the starting lineup (including Leon) this young, skilled Irish squad has the potential to not only appear in the championship to defend their title next season, but in the many years that follow. Notre Dame Women’s Soccer has officially become one of the strongest, most consistent, and talented programs in the NCAA. With coach Waldrum remaining at the helm, it’s likely to remain that way, with this title being only the third of many to come. -IrishGirl10
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