No. 1 Wake Forest Bounces Back with 2-0 Victory Over Oral Roberts
Demon Deacons snap two-game losing streak with efficient performance at home
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The top-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons snapped their two-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, defeating Oral Roberts 2-0 at Home Stadium on Wednesday evening. The victory improved Wake Forest to 2-2-0 on the season while dealing the Golden Eagles their second loss in four matches.
After suffering consecutive defeats to open their campaign, the Demon Deacons looked like a team determined to justify their preseason No. 1 ranking. Wake Forest controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting Oral Roberts 12-3 and maintaining constant pressure throughout the 90 minutes.
The breakthrough came through midfielder Jose Perez, who found the back of the net to give Wake Forest the lead they would never relinquish. Perez's clinical finish capped off a sustained period of pressure from the Demon Deacons, who had been probing for an opening against a stubborn Oral Roberts defense.
Wake Forest's second goal came courtesy of Tate Lorentz, who made an immediate impact after being introduced as a substitute. Lorentz's strike effectively sealed the victory and provided the cushion the Demon Deacons needed to close out the match with confidence.
The tactical battle showcased contrasting approaches, with Wake Forest's possession-based style gradually wearing down Oral Roberts' more defensive setup. The Golden Eagles, coming off a draw and a win in their previous two outings, struggled to create meaningful chances against a reorganized Wake Forest backline anchored by goalkeeper Jonah Mednard.
Oral Roberts' best opportunities came through midfielder Ronardo Burgher, who managed two shots including one on target, but the Golden Eagles couldn't generate the sustained pressure needed to trouble Mednard consistently. Forward Emilio Cazares was withdrawn after just 38 minutes as head coach made tactical adjustments, bringing on Juan Moreno to try and spark the attack.
The match statistics told the story of Wake Forest's dominance. Beyond the significant shot advantage, the Demon Deacons managed their substitutions effectively, with Ryan Belal providing an assist during his 39-minute stint before making way for fresh legs. The depth of the Wake Forest squad was evident as they made numerous changes while maintaining their intensity and tactical structure.
Defensively, Wake Forest looked much more organized than in their previous outings. Travis Smith Jr. anchored the backline for 82 minutes, while Mason Sullivan provided stability on the flank. The clean sheet will provide significant confidence for a defense that had conceded four goals in their opening three matches.
For Oral Roberts, the defeat drops them to 1-2-1 on the season, though their overall goal difference remains positive at +1 following this setback. Goalkeeper Joao Mesquita made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable, while defender Enzo Gindro completed the full 90 minutes in a disciplined defensive performance.
The Golden Eagles will need to regroup quickly as they face a challenging stretch ahead, with matches against Southern Methodist and Louisiana Tech both scheduled for Saturday. Meanwhile, Wake Forest will look to build on this momentum when they host St. John's on Saturday, hoping this performance marks the beginning of a run that validates their lofty preseason expectations.
This victory represents exactly what Wake Forest needed – a comprehensive performance that showcased their quality while providing the foundation for future success in what promises to be a demanding season.
Key Players
- Jose Perez (Wake Forest) - Scored the opening goal and provided the clinical edge Wake Forest needed - Tate Lorentz (Wake Forest) - Made immediate impact as substitute with second goal, two shots total - Joao Mesquita (Oral Roberts) - Kept scoreline respectable with several saves despite the defeat