News Summary
The Notre Dame women’s soccer team defeated Mississippi State 2-0 in the NCAA Sweet 16, advancing to the Elite Eight for the 17th time. The Fighting Irish improved to 14-3-4, while Mississippi State concluded a historic season with a 19-3-0 record. Key players included Izzy Engle, who scored the first goal, and Grace Restovich, who sealed the victory with a second goal. Notre Dame dominated the match with 24 shots, showcasing their strength as they continue their pursuit of a national championship.
South Bend, Indiana – The Notre Dame women’s soccer team achieved a decisive victory over Mississippi State, winning 2-0 in the NCAA Sweet 16 on November 18. This win propels Notre Dame, seeded No. 4, into the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament for the 17th time in the program’s history.
The Fighting Irish improved their season record to 14-3-4 with this win, while Mississippi State concluded their season with a remarkable record of 19-3-0. This defeat marks the end of a notable season for the Bulldogs, who recorded their first SEC Regular Season Championship, finishing with a perfect 10-0-0 conference record. Additionally, they set a program milestone with the most wins in a single season.
This win is particularly significant for Notre Dame, as it represents the first time they have defeated a No. 1 seed in the tournament since their last national championship in 2010. Furthermore, they became the first team to score against Mississippi State at home all season, breaking the Bulldogs’ impressive home record.
Key Players and Performance
Leading the Fighting Irish offense was Izzy Engle, who scored the first goal in the 25th minute, bringing her season total to 19 goals, which ties her for the most goals in the nation. Her teammate, Lily Joseph, provided the assist on this goal, marking her sixth assist of the season and raising her overall points total to 22. The second goal was scored by Grace Restovich, who connected in the 30th minute with a powerful shot from 25 yards out, increasing her season tally to five goals.
All three players, Engle, Joseph, and Restovich, are freshmen and have each surpassed 20 points in the current season, showcasing the future strength of the Fighting Irish program.
Game Analysis
The match began with Notre Dame demonstrating dominance, outshooting Mississippi State 14-1 in the first half. The Irish continued to apply pressure, finishing the game with a total of 24 shots compared to Mississippi State’s 8 shots, and achieving a 7-1 advantage on shots on goal. Additionally, Notre Dame had an 8-0 lead in corner kicks, allowing them to control the game’s pace and flow effectively.
Mississippi State struggled offensively, not registering their first shot on goal until the 81st minute of play, indicating the strong defensive performance of the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame’s coach, Nate Norman, is leading the team to their second Elite Eight appearance in three years, signaling a successful strategy and execution on the field.
Season Highlights for Mississippi State
Despite the loss, Mississippi State had a historic season under coach James Armstrong, who became the all-time winningest coach in the program’s history. The Bulldogs enjoyed an outstanding home record, with a 16-match unbeaten streak and 14 consecutive victories. Their Sweet 16 match attracted the second-largest attendance in program history, with 3,772 fans supporting the team, illustrating a strong connection between the athletes and the Starkville community.
As Mississippi State reflects on their achievements this season, Coach Armstrong highlighted the resiliency of the team and the positive impact they made within their community and the student body, emphasizing the shared journey they embarked on during the 2024 season.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame will prepare for their next challenge as they continue their quest for a national championship, building on the momentum of this significant victory in the NCAA tournament.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky Wildcats Triumph Over Mississippi State Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcats Triumph Over Mississippi State Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcats Triumph Over Mississippi State Bulldogs
Additional Resources
- Hail State: Izquierdo Signs Pro Contract in Mexico
- Go Huskies: Women’s Soccer NCAA Round of 32
- Fighting Irish: Notre Dame Women’s Soccer Victory
- Google Search: Mississippi State Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
