Strong 2nd Half propels Pack!
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September 18, 2024
Raleigh, NC– On Tuesday night, the undefeated NC State Wolfpack (5-0-2, 1-0) brought their unbeaten men’s soccer team to Dail Soccer Complex to take on the Seahawks from UNC- Wilmington (1-3-3, 0-1) looking to improve on their 6-game unbeaten streak.
The Seahawks come in off a loss to Hofstra 3-0. The Wolfpack are fresh off a draw 1-1 to Stetson. The Wolfpack are 4-0-1 at home for the season. The overall record between the 2 teams is heavily in favor of NC State as they lead the series 6-1. The Seahawks did win the last meeting in 2018 3-0.
The Wolfpack came out in typical fashion with an aggressive and coordinated attack while suffocating the Seahawks offense to 0 shots through the first 30 minutes. The aggressive style of the Wolfpack led to 7 early shots and 5 on goal. The early pressure for NC State led to the first goal of the game in the 16th minute by Isaac Heffess. The goal by Heffess gave the Wolfpack a 1-0 lead early. The goal was assisted by Liam Bennett and was the first career goal for Heffess
The Wolfpack defense continued to be a force and kept the Seahawk chances to a minimum in the first half. The Seahawks would strike to get the equalizer by Josef Hefele with the assist to Jack Clarkson. The goal came in the 42nd minute and came on just the 3rd shot of the half. The Wolfpack would end the first half with 7 total shots and 5 on goal. The teams would split time possessing the ball as the Pack held possession for much of the beginning of the half while the Seahawks would take possession for much of the end of the half leading to the tying goal.
Both teams came out in the second half playing aggressive defense in the first 15 minutes. The Wolfpack were held to just 1 shot in the first 15 minutes. The Seahawks managed to muster just 2 shots early on. The teams were going back and forth on both ends and neither team was able to crack the opponents’ defense in the early going of the half.
The Wolfpack were finally able to break through in the 66th minute when Hakim Karamoko was able to net one off a strike from the center of the box. The goal was assisted by Donavan Phillip and gave NC State a 2-1 win. The Wolfpack would strike again in the 67th minute to take a 3-1 lead on the goal by Hakim Karamoko. Karamoko wasted no time getting his second goal of the night. Taig Healy was credited with the assist.
Taig Healy would serve up his own goal in the 81st minute to give the Wolfpack a commanding 4-1. The goal for Healy moved him into a tie for the team lead in goals with the other star of the night Hakim Karamoko. The Wolfpack continued to impress throughout the match proving why they deserved to be the 18th ranked team in the country.
Next up for the Wolfpack is a Friday Night matchup with UNC at 7 PM EST.
