RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NC State (3-6-4) secured a crucial 2-1 victory over ninth-ranked Wake Forest (9-2-2) on Thursday evening in Atlantic Coast Conference women's soccer action. The match, played before a crowd of 1,247 at Dail Soccer Stadium, saw the Wolfpack hand the Demon Deacons just their second loss of the season.
The scoring opened early when NC State's Jade Bordeleau tested the Wake Forest defense with a low drive in the 9th minute. Wake Forest's Kylie Maxwell responded with a dangerous attempt in the 10th minute, setting the tone for an intense attacking display from both sides.
The first half featured aggressive play from both teams, with Wake Forest's Lola Ressler receiving a yellow card in the 8th minute for an unsporting challenge. The Demon Deacons controlled much of the possession, generating five corner kicks before halftime. NC State's Mana Nakata created several dangerous opportunities, including a promising shot in the 14th minute that narrowly missed the target.
The second half saw Wake Forest increase their offensive pressure, with Amaya Dawkins forcing a save in the 46th minute. NC State's defensive unit, anchored by Mary Frances Symmes, weathered multiple attacks including dangerous attempts from Sophie Faircloth and Hannah Johnson. The match's intensity peaked when Wake Forest's Dempsey Brown received a yellow card in the 83rd minute for an unsporting challenge.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with Wake Forest outshooting NC State 17-9, including a 9-7 advantage in shots on goal. The Demon Deacons also held a significant edge in corner kicks (10-5), though NC State's defensive organization proved decisive. Both goalkeepers were kept busy, with NC State recording 8 saves to Wake Forest's 5.
Individual performances highlighted the evening, with NC State's Jade Bordeleau recording three shots, including a blocked attempt in the 73rd minute. Wake Forest's Kylie Maxwell proved dangerous throughout, testing the Wolfpack defense with multiple attempts, including a blocked shot in the 87th minute. Sierra Sythe and Elliana Ramirez also created several promising opportunities for the Demon Deacons.
Tactically, NC State's approach focused on absorbing pressure and striking on the counter, evidenced by their efficient conversion rate despite fewer shooting opportunities. Wake Forest's possession-based strategy generated more chances but struggled to break down the organized Wolfpack defense, particularly in crucial moments late in the match.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for NC State, who entered the match with just two wins in their previous twelve games. For Wake Forest, the loss interrupts a strong run of form that had seen them lose just once in their opening twelve matches of the season.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with upcoming conference matches. NC State travels to Boston College on October 9th, while Wake Forest returns home to host Louisville on the same date. The Demon Deacons will look to bounce back from just their second defeat of the season, while the Wolfpack aim to build on this momentum-building victory.
The match featured several key substitutions that impacted its flow, including Wake Forest's removal of Taryn Chance at halftime and NC State's strategic use of their bench, with Yuna Aoki and Antonella Mazziotto providing fresh energy in the second half. The Wolfpack's defensive discipline, particularly in the final twenty minutes when Wake Forest mounted significant pressure, proved crucial in securing the victory.