The University of Michigan men's soccer team will embark on its first road test of the season on September 6, traveling to South Bend, Indiana to face Notre Dame at 3:30 p.m., a matchup that marks the 24th meeting between the two programs and the Wolverines' second‑most‑played non‑conference rivalry in school history.
A Promising Start
Michigan enters the contest with a 2‑0‑1 record after two wins and a draw in its opening three games, a start that has propelled the squad to third place nationally in average corner kicks per match, a statistic that underscores the team's attacking vigor as it prepares to open Big Ten play against Indiana the following week.
Offensively, senior forward Grayson Elmquist has been a catalyst, recording three goals and an assist in the two victories for a total of seven points that earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. Goalkeeper Alen Bean has steadied the defense, posting nine saves across three matches and capturing Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week recognition on August 25, while first‑year transfer Nico Pendleton contributed early by scoring his first goal as a Wolverine and adding his initial assist in the win over SIUE.
The historical rivalry between Michigan and Notre Dame spans 24 encounters, making it the Wolverines' second‑most‑played non‑conference series, and the two teams split their meetings last season with a 1‑1 draw in the opener before Notre Dame edged a 1‑0 victory in the NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, the Wolverines will turn their focus to conference action, opening Big Ten competition the week after the Notre Dame clash with a home matchup against Indiana, a schedule that could build on the early‑season momentum and set the tone for a competitive year.