Notre Dame soccer schedule: What Most People Get Wrong

Notre Dame soccer schedule: What Most People Get Wrong

If you’re trying to keep up with the notre dame soccer schedule, you've probably realized it's a bit of a moving target. Honestly, between the men’s and women’s programs, the ACC gauntlet, and those random non-conference matchups that pop up, it’s easy to miss a kickoff. Most fans just glance at a ticker. But there is a lot more going on under the hood this season.

The Irish are basically a juggernaut right now.

Last season, the women's team was essentially a "youth movement" that forgot they were supposed to be inexperienced. We're talking about a squad that was ranked No. 1 for a good chunk of the year. They ended up 15-2-3, which is kinda ridiculous when you look at how many freshmen were playing meaningful minutes.

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The Women’s Slate: Heavy Hitters and Heartbreaks

Looking back at the recent notre dame soccer schedule, the fall was a total rollercoaster. They started out hot, beating Western Michigan 2-1 and then blanking Cincinnati 4-0. But the real meat of the schedule is always the ACC.

You’ve got to admire the grit they showed against Duke. That 3-2 win in mid-September was probably the game of the year. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Then they followed it up by taking down North Carolina 4-4 (winning in a high-scoring affair) and smashing Clemson 5-1 on the road.

  1. The Stanford Rivalry: The ACC Championship match against Stanford ended in a 2-2 draw, but the Irish lost the shootout 5-4. It was gut-wrenching.
  2. NCAA Tournament Run: They handled UIC 4-0 at home but then hit a wall against Ohio State, losing 1-0 in a double-overtime heartbreaker.
  3. The Engle Factor: You can’t talk about the schedule without talking about Izzy Engle. She led the team with 19 goals. Nineteen! As a rookie.

If you’re planning to catch them in the spring or looking ahead to the 2026 cycle, keep an eye on the exhibition matches. They usually play teams like Northwestern or Wisconsin in April to keep the legs fresh.

Why the Men’s Schedule is a Brutal Grind

The men’s side had a bit of a different vibe. They finished 9-7-4, which sounds modest until you realize they play in arguably the toughest conference in the country. Seriously, every Friday night in the ACC is like a mini-war.

Their notre dame soccer schedule was packed with tight finishes. They had draws against Michigan and IU Indy early on. Then they hit a rough patch in October, losing to NC State and Northern Illinois back-to-back. It felt like the wheels were coming off, but then they went into the NCAA Tournament and pulled off a 1-0 stunner against Michigan on the road.

  • Key Win: The 2-0 victory at Pitt in September.
  • The Low Point: A 0-3 loss to Wake Forest at the end of October.
  • Star Power: KK Baffour and Matthew Roou (before his departure) have been the names on everyone’s lips.

Checking the Calendar: What’s Next?

If you want to see the Irish in person, Alumni Stadium is the place to be. But here is the thing: the notre dame soccer schedule for the upcoming 2026 season usually drops in late spring for the women and early summer for the men.

Most people wait for the official PDF, but you're better off checking the ACC Network listings. A lot of the big games—like when Florida State or Virginia come to town—get flexed for TV.

"The level of contribution from the freshmen on the women's side isn't normal," says J.J. Post, a local expert who follows the team closely. He’s right. When you have players like Grace Restovich racking up 11 assists, the schedule becomes a highlight reel.

Practical Steps for Fans

Don't just wait for the local news to tell you when the game is. If you actually want to follow the notre dame soccer schedule properly, here is what you should do:

  • Download the "Fighting Irish" App: It's the only way to get real-time score alerts that aren't delayed by five minutes.
  • Watch the ACCNX: Most of the home games are streamed there. If you have a cable login, you're set.
  • Check the Weather: South Bend in October is... unpredictable. If the schedule says a 7:00 PM kickoff, bring a parka. I'm not kidding.

The reality is that Notre Dame has turned into a soccer school. While everyone is looking at the football stadium, the real drama is happening over at the pitch. Whether it's Annabelle Chukwu breaking out or the men's team trying to climb back up the ACC standings, there isn't a boring week on the calendar.

Actionable Insight: Bookmark the official Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) soccer page rather than generic sports sites. The conference page updates for weather delays and TV time changes much faster than the national outlets. If you're looking for tickets, buy them at least 48 hours in advance for the Duke or North Carolina matchups, as those are the only ones that legitimately sell out the grass berms.