The Basics

• Score: VCU 0, #1 Notre Dame 1 OT 
• Records: VCU (3-6-1), ND (5-1-2) 
• The Short Story: VCU was just three minutes away from tying the top-tanked team in the land, but a late goal in overtime dashed those hopes and gave Notre Dame a 1-0 victory. 

How it Happened:

• The game's only goal came in the 107^th minute. A corner kick for Notre Dame found the head of Nick Besler, who put it past the VCU defense to end the game. 
• If it weren't for goalkeeper Garrett Cyprus, the game would have ended much earlier in overtime. After a handball was called on VCU in the box, the Fighting Irish had a chance for a penalty kick, but Cyprus made a great save to his right to keep the game going.
• The play of Cyprus really kept the Rams in the game all night; forward Kharlton Belmar had VCU's only shot on goal of the game, and it occurred in the sixth minute. Cyprus made seven saves and helped defend 10 corner kicks to keep his team in the game.
• Overall, Notre Dame outshot VCU 23-8, and did not allow a Ram shot during overtime.
• Despite their incredibly difficult non-conference schedule, the Rams have kept it close when playing highly-ranked opponents. Tonight was the second time this season that VCU has taken a ranked opponent into overtime, and the fourth time that a game with a ranked opponent has been scoreless heading into halftime.

Quotable:

• "We had another good amount of growth this week in training, we traveled 12 hours in a bus and gave the #1 team in the country all they could handle, but unfortunately came up just a little short. I've been so proud of the guys for their tremendous effort and growth so far this season. Our record is not an indicator of this team's quality. I put the guys in an incredibly challenging situation in our out of conference schedule by playing the most challenging schedule that I possibly could. Although it has been a bitter pill to swallow thus far in terms of results, I've been incredibly pleased with our team growth and performances as the non-conference schedule has gone on. Now we open A-10 play on Saturday with George Mason who is off to a great start and has a very good team. I have a ton of confidence in this group, and know that as the season continues on, we will just keep getting better and better in our performances. My experience has been that results will follow close behind." –Head coach Dave Giffard

Up Next:

• VCU returns home on Saturday, October 4 to begin conference play. VCU's first Atlantic 10 opponent will be #20 George Mason, and that game will kick off at 7 pm. On Wednesday, October 8, the Rams will travel to play the Maryland Terrapins to round out their non-conference schedule.