RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — #15 NC State controlled the tempo and clinical finishing to dispatch Marshall 2-0 on Sunday afternoon in an NCAA Division I Championship match. Playing in front of 1,678 fans at home, the Wolfpack dominated possession and limited the Thundering Herd to just three shots on goal while converting their opportunities when it mattered most.
Donavan Phillip broke through in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on a setup from Riley Moloney to give NC State an early advantage. The goal came after the Wolfpack had spent much of the first half probing Marshall's defense without finding the back of the net. Phillip's finish proved the breakthrough the home side needed, and Moloney added his own goal in the 58th minute to put the match beyond doubt. The two-goal burst within six minutes essentially decided the contest, leaving Marshall chasing the game for the remainder of the second half.
The first half saw NC State dictate play but struggle with the final pass. Ibrahim Conde and Justin Mclean tested Marshall's defense with multiple attempts, though none found the target. Taig Healy and Drew Lovelace also created chances that went begging as the Wolfpack's attack misfired despite clear territorial advantage. Marshall, meanwhile, offered little going forward, with Joao Roberto and Momo Diop unable to generate meaningful scoring opportunities against a composed NC State backline.
After halftime, NC State emerged with renewed intensity. The substitutions made at the break—including fresh legs for Thomas Lamaille, Aidan Payne, and Carlos Santamaria—seemed to energize the home side. Marshall countered with changes of their own, but the adjustments failed to stem the tide. Within minutes of the restart, Phillip's goal arrived, and the floodgates appeared open when Moloney struck just minutes later to effectively end the contest.
Marshall never recovered from the two-goal deficit. The Thundering Herd managed a few late chances, with Larry Noel and Louie Salkeld testing NC State's goalkeeper, but the Wolfpack's defense remained resolute. NC State goalkeeper made three saves while Marshall's keeper was called upon five times, a statistical reflection of the one-sided nature of the match.
Moloney's two-goal performance highlighted NC State's attacking depth and ability to capitalize on set pieces and open play. His involvement in both goals—scoring one and assisting on another—underscored his importance to the Wolfpack's offensive scheme. Phillip's composure in front of goal also stood out, as he converted his chance with clinical precision when the opportunity presented itself.
The Wolfpack controlled the match with 15 shot attempts to Marshall's seven, while earning four corner kicks compared to the visitors' two. The possession-based approach allowed NC State to dictate the rhythm and prevent Marshall from establishing any rhythm of their own. Despite the lopsided statistics, the Wolfpack's execution in the final third—particularly in the second half—proved the decisive factor.
NC State's victory demonstrates the team's ability to break down organized defenses and capitalize when opportunities arise. The Wolfpack's attacking prowess and defensive stability combined to produce a convincing performance that advances their tournament aspirations, while Marshall's inability to generate scoring chances proved costly in a knockout competition where margins are razor-thin. NC State now plays UNC Greensboro.