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August 28, 2024
Raleigh, NC– On a hot summer night at the Dail Soccer Complex, the NC State Wolfpack (2-2-1) hosted the Charlotte 49ers (0-4-1) in a hotly contested interstate non-conference match. The Wolfpack came in fresh off their first win of the season with after a 5-0 outpouring at VCU on Sunday.
The Wolfpack wasted no time striking quickly in the 5th minute on a swift off the foot of Annika Wohner. The early goal continued an offensive outburst from the Wolfpack that carried over from the VCU match. The goal was Wohner’s 3rd goal in her last 2 games and quickly gave the Wolfpack an early 1-0 lead.
12 minutes later the Wolfpack would strike again off the quick strike from graduate senior Jaiden Thomas. The goal was assisted by Annika Wohner who continued to stay hot with her 4th point in the last 2 games. The lead would balloon to 3-0 in the 25th minute when Annika Wohner notched her 3rd point of the night and 2nd goal of the night. Wohner beat the goaltender on a free ball and landed a ball in the back of an empty net to give the Pack a commanding lead.
The teams would take a brief break for a hydration and after the timeout the 49ers would find the back of the net themselves in the 31st minute. The goal was scored by Payton Patrick and came on a rocket from outside the box. The goal cut the lead to 3-1 as the teams entered the half. NC State finished the first half with 12 shots and 7 shots on goal. The 49ers finished with 4 shots and 1 shot on goal.
The second half pace was much slower as the Wolfpack continued to carry their 3-1 lead and maintained long possessions in order to keep the 49ers chances to a minimum. The 49ers were held to a total of 11 shots with only 4 of those coming on goal. Goaltender Olivia Pratapas continued her stellar play in the net for the Wolfpack. Pratapas has only allowed 4 goals in her last 4 games and has anchored the position with her stellar saves and leadership. The combination of Alivia Kelly and Pratapas on the back end of the defense has been crucial to the turnaround for the Wolfpack.
The lead would remain 3-1 throughout the entirety of the second half as the Wolfpack defense clamped down to hold the 49ers in check after taking the commanding 3-1 lead. The 49ers had a prime scoring chance in the 82nd minute off a great centering pass that led to a quick strike and a sprawling save by Pratapas.
Next up is a Sunday Showdown at the Dail as the Wolfpak take on Colorado at 7PM EST.
