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Early surge puts Wofford on the back foot
RALEIGH, N.C. — Wofford men’s soccer opened its 2025 season with one of the toughest assignments possible: a road trip to nationally ranked NC State. The Terriers showed fight but couldn’t slow down the No. 14 Wolfpack, falling 6-0 Sunday night at Dail Soccer Field.
NC State wasted little time finding its rhythm. In the 19th minute, forward Tyler Caton broke through with the opening goal, sparking a dominant stretch. Just four minutes later, Donavan Phillip doubled the lead with a clinical finish. From there, the floodgates opened. Phillip completed his hat trick in a 10-minute span, striking again in the 26th and 29th minutes. By the 33rd minute, the Wolfpack held a commanding 5-0 lead after Max Ogawa buried the team’s fifth goal.
The Terriers regrouped after halftime and held their shape better defensively, conceding only a second-half own goal. But the first-half deficit proved too steep to overcome.
Hinterschuster makes Wofford debut
One bright spot for the Terriers came in goal. Senior goalkeeper Pepe Hinterschuster, a transfer from Oklahoma Christian, made his Wofford debut and finished with two saves while facing constant pressure from the Wolfpack attack.
Hinterschuster’s quick reflexes helped prevent the score from growing even larger in the second half. Though it was a challenging first outing in black and gold, his leadership and communication with a young back line stood out.
Newcomers get first taste of Division I soccer
The opener also served as a trial by fire for a Wofford roster that has undergone significant change. Ten newcomers saw their first action, with six breaking into the starting lineup.
That infusion of new talent reflects the direction head coach Joel Tyson is steering the program — emphasizing player development while testing the squad early against elite competition. Playing a ranked ACC opponent provided immediate lessons for players adjusting to the speed, physicality, and technical precision of Division I soccer.
Sophomore midfielder Franklin Spires recorded Wofford’s lone shot of the night. While it didn’t find the net, it highlighted the Terriers’ ability to transition and create occasional chances even against a high-pressing NC State team.
Lessons learned against elite competition
Facing NC State, which entered the season with legitimate NCAA Tournament ambitions, was never going to be easy. For the Terriers, the game became less about the scoreline and more about building chemistry and confidence.
“Matches like these give you a clear picture of where you are as a team,” Tyson said during preseason interviews. “It’s about how we respond, how we improve, and how we compete moving forward.”
That mentality will be crucial as Wofford prepares for a balanced nonconference schedule before diving into Southern Conference play. Learning to defend as a unit, minimize costly turnovers, and maintain shape against high-level opposition are all takeaways the Terriers can carry into their next matches.
Looking ahead to Snyder Field
Wofford (0-1) will not have long to wait before its next test. The Terriers return home to Snyder Field on Thursday, Aug. 28, when they host Georgia Southern at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The home opener provides an opportunity for Wofford supporters to see a new-look squad in action. For the players, it’s a chance to reset after a difficult start and showcase what this group is capable of when playing in front of its own fans.
Building for the long season ahead
While the scoreboard in Raleigh told a harsh story, Wofford’s season will not be defined by a single match against a nationally ranked opponent. The Terriers know the Southern Conference schedule offers a more level playing field, and early lessons against powerhouse programs can pay off later in the year.
The opener also highlighted areas of promise — from Hinterschuster’s composure in net to Spires’ willingness to push forward in attack. With 10 newcomers already integrated into the rotation, depth will be a strength as the season progresses.
The road to improvement is long, but Sunday’s match provided a foundation. The Terriers now turn the page, focusing on growth, resilience, and the opportunity to make Snyder Field a difficult place for opponents to play.
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