By: Daniel Hersh
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Riding a six-game unbeaten streak, the Wildcats (6-1-4), ranked No. 19 by College Soccer News and No. 24 by the NSCAA, will face one of their toughest tests Tuesday night in South Bend when they take on the reigning national champions, No. 6 Notre Dame.
The Northwestern attack has been clicking over the last week in wins over Maryland and Northern Illinois, with five goals from five different Wildcats. Joey Calistri, Cole Missimo, Henry Herrill, Eric Weberman and Sam Forsgren have all made their mark on the scoresheet in leading NU to victories over the Terrapins and Huskies.
Northwestern's calling card this season has been a stifling defense led by senior goalkeeper Tyler Miller and senior captain Connor Holloway. The Wildcats rank second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation surrendering just 0.50 goals per game through 11 contests this year.
Notre Dame (6-3-2) is coming off a 3-2 overtime victory over No. 16 Louisville in South Bend. The Irish feature a balanced attack, including some very dangerous bench players. The win against Louisville snapped a two-game losing streak in which the Irish fell to both Boston College and Michigan. The Wolverines are the only common opponent that Northwestern and Notre Dame have on their resumes this season, with the Wildcats earning a 0-0 draw with Michigan in their Big Ten home opener on Sept. 21.
Northwestern and Notre Dame last matched up last season in South Bend, with the `Cats earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw with the then-unbeaten and No. 2 ranked Irish. "We earned a very difficult point on the road at a place that not too many people have come in here and earned," said head coach Tim Lenahan.
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