SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The Notre Dame College Men's Soccer team came out on top in a battle between two Top-25 teams, with a 3-1 victory over The University of Charleston Golden Eagles.

Going into the game the Falcons (5-0) were ranked No.4 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top-25 Poll and the Golden Eagles were at No.20. As a result the game was selected by the NSCAA as the NCAA Division II Game of the Week to be broadcast online on NSCAA TV. 

As expected the game started quickly with both teams showing their strength early on. The Golden Eagles were having the better half out shooting the Falcons 10-3, beforeMartin Lange created some space in 18 yard box and placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner. Chris Fairley was credited with the assist, his second of the year, after he provided the cross to Lange.

The Falcons doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when a Phil Cutler ball forced an own goal by the Golden Eagles. With the Golden Eagles pushing for a break through the Falcons took the opportunity to score on the break away. A quick one two between Renan Troccoli and Adam Mitchell created an opportunity for the Brazilian which he coolly put away.

The game was still not over as Charleston continued to pressure the Falcons and they were rewarded in the 81st minute, when Brett Elliot showed real class in bending a free kick over the wall and in from 20 yards out.

The Falcons however, managed the remainder of the game and the clock wisely to complete the 3-1 victory.

The win is the Falcons third win over a ranked opponent this season, having defeated No.4 Mercyhurst, No.13 Gannon and now No.20 University of Charleston.

The Falcons will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they face the Bobcats from West Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday September 20th at 10 a.m. Saturday's game will be played on Normandy Field, the Falcons additional turf field on campus due to the home Football game that day.

Associate Head Coach Carl Nolan Post-Game Interview