PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NC State secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Thursday evening, extending their winning streak to three matches while handing the Panthers their fourth consecutive defeat. The Wolfpack improved to 5-6-4 on the season, while Pittsburgh fell to 5-8-2 in a match that showcased defensive resilience and clinical finishing.
Mana Nakata provided the decisive moment in the 61st minute, converting what proved to be the game-winner for NC State. The goal came at 60:19, shortly after Jade Bordeleau's blocked shot created a second opportunity. Nakata's low shot to center of goal beat the Pittsburgh goalkeeper and stood as the match's only score, despite both teams generating multiple chances throughout the 90 minutes.
The first half unfolded as a tactical chess match, with both teams probing for openings without managing to break through. Pittsburgh created the match's first significant chance when Margaret Wilde tested the NC State defense with a low shot to the left side of goal in the 19th minute. The Panthers continued to press, with Katie Ellermeyer forcing a blocked shot in the 20th minute before Wilde threatened again moments later with another attempt on frame. NC State responded through Jade Bordeleau, who saw consecutive efforts blocked and saved in the 31st and 32nd minutes, demonstrating the balanced nature of the opening period.
The second half began with increased urgency from both sides, but it was NC State who found the breakthrough just past the hour mark. Bordeleau initiated the sequence with an aggressive shot that was blocked by Pittsburgh's defense, but the ball fell kindly for Nakata, who made no mistake with her finish. The goal shifted the momentum decisively in the Wolfpack's favor, though Pittsburgh refused to concede defeat quietly. The Panthers mounted several dangerous attacks in the final half-hour, with Antonella Mazziotto testing the NC State goalkeeper twice in quick succession at the 64th and 66th minute marks.
The statistical ledger revealed a closely contested affair, with Pittsburgh actually holding the edge in overall offensive production. The Panthers recorded nine shot attempts compared to NC State's seven, while also managing four shots on target to the Wolfpack's three. However, NC State's superiority in set pieces proved telling, as they earned four corner kicks to Pittsburgh's zero. The disciplinary count favored Pittsburgh, who avoided any cards while NC State's Yuna Aoki received a yellow card for unsporting behavior in the 54th minute. In goal, the NC State keeper was the busier of the two, making four saves compared to two for her Pittsburgh counterpart.
Individual performances highlighted the match's competitive nature. For NC State, Jade Bordeleau was a constant threat in the attacking third, recording four shot attempts including three that were blocked by Pittsburgh's organized defense. Nakata's clinical finish proved the difference, while goalkeeper Alex Mohr or Emily Wong made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. Pittsburgh's Margaret Wilde led the home side's offensive efforts with three shots, showing persistence despite the lack of end product. Mariama Dabo worked tirelessly in midfield, though she committed four fouls in her aggressive pursuit of possession. Late substitute Magali Gagne nearly provided an equalizer with a dangerous effort in the 88th minute that tested the NC State goalkeeper.
Tactically, NC State demonstrated superior game management after taking the lead, effectively controlling possession and denying Pittsburgh clear opportunities. The Wolfpack made intelligent substitutions at halftime, withdrawing Sofia Doheny, Sophia Hernandez, Erica Roberts, and Antonella Mazziotto as part of a triple change that refreshed their lineup. Pittsburgh attempted to alter the match's trajectory with their own substitutions, removing key players including Hannah Minogue, Mariama Dabo, and Mya Archibald, but struggled to create the quality chances needed to equalize.
For NC State, this victory represents significant progress, building on recent wins against Wake Forest and Boston College to establish genuine momentum as the season reaches its critical phase. The Wolfpack's defensive organization has been particularly impressive during this three-match winning streak, conceding just two goals while claiming seven points. Pittsburgh's struggles continue to mount, with the four-match losing streak including heavy defeats to Duke (0-5) and North Carolina (1-3) raising questions about the team's ability to compete with quality ACC opposition.
The match ultimately turned on NC State's ability to capitalize on their opportunity when it arrived and their defensive discipline in protecting the narrow advantage. While Pittsburgh generated more overall chances, the Wolfpack demonstrated the clinical edge and composure required to secure three points on the road. The victory keeps NC State's postseason aspirations alive while Pittsburgh faces mounting pressure to reverse their disappointing form.
NC State will look to extend their winning streak to four matches when they host Louisville on October 23 at 7:00 PM. Pittsburgh, desperate to end their losing skid, travels to Wake Forest on the same evening at 7:00 PM, seeking to recapture the form that saw them competitive earlier in the season.