No. 13 NC State women’s soccer came out on top, 2-0, in a hard-fought game against George Washington on Thursday night at Dail Soccer Stadium. Freshman midfielder Anna Toohey recorded both goals, which were the first two of her collegiate career.
The Wolfpack (6-0-1) broke the scoreless tie in the 12th minute of the second half when Toohey scored off an assist by junior forward Kia Rankin. Rankin hit Toohey with a perfect through ball and then the freshmen used her speed to get past the last defender and score under the outstretched arm of the Colonials’ (4-2) goalkeeper.
“We know what she brings, she’s fast, she’s a good dribbler,” head coach Tim Santoro said. “She plays off the cuff attacking-wise which is hard for defenders to figure out. Everyday she’s showing signs of dangerous attacking and she got rewarded tonight.”
NC State was sloppy with its passing in the first 20 minutes, but settled down as the game progressed. Both the Pack and the Colonials had a share of fast-break opportunities in the first 45 minutes, but neither capitalized.
With 26 minutes left in the first half, a big opportunity came for the Pack as junior midfielder Tziarra King was able to get the ball in to the box. With two defenders crowding the area, the shot was wide left, just missing the post.
The Wolfpack was certainly aggressive, with three offsides penalties called, but had nothing to show for it as the second half started.
George Washington created the first chance of the second half just seven minutes in, with a shot that was knocked away by senior goalkeeper Sydney Wootten. The ball was gathered by the Colonials who tried once more, but again Wootten was on the receiving end to keep it scoreless.
With 33 minutes left in the game, the Pack scored the first goal of the game off the foot of Toohey who bounced it off the far post and in to break the tie.
“I was hoping that I would [have an impact],” Toohey said. “It’s good to see that play through and I’m really happy with how I’ve been progressing.”
Just moments after the first goal, junior midfielder Paige Griffiths had an opportunity, but her shot went off the crossbar and straight down. There were two Pack players in position for the second-chance shot, but the ball bounced right over them and was knocked away by George Washington.
With 11 minutes left, Toohey added her second goal of the night from the middle of the box off an assist from King. King has had a goal or an assist in all seven games this season.
“It’s a really good start to the year and every game we’ve been improving,” Toohey said. “We’re just working really well together on and off the field, but there are definitely things we need to work on, so tomorrow we just need to get back on the grind.”
The shutout marks the 20th in Wootten’s shutout, moving her into fourth all-time in program history.
“My goal coming in was just to play,” Wootten said. “Getting my 20th shutout today was awesome. Definitely have the team in front of me to thank. I guess the next goal is to push for third.”
No. 13 NC State will continue the season at home on Sunday when it takes on Nebraska at 1 p.m.
“We are going to have to be tougher,” Santoro said. “The compete stats are what we’re going to have to be better at. We showed it last Sunday, but we’re going to have to show it again.”
Senior defender Ella Bonner wrestles for control of the ball on Thursday, Sept. 6 at Dail Soccer Stadium. The Wolfpack beat George Washington 2-0.
