Caleb Duvernay, a sophomore defender, carries the ball upfield against Wofford on Sept. 15. The Wolfpack took the contest, held in Dail Soccer Stadium, by a score of 2-1." />
Brandon Lang
Caleb Duvernay, a sophomore defender, carries the ball upfield against Wofford on Sept. 15. The Wolfpack took the contest, held in Dail Soccer Stadium, by a score of 2-1.
The NC State men’s soccer team looks to take a big step forward as a program this upcoming season. The Wolfpack has had some success in the past, but has not been able to capitalize on it as the team has missed the NCAA tournament for six straight years. Many believe the Pack will be more focused than ever this season due to the disappointment of just barely being left out after looking destined to make the field the previous season.
Last season’s Wolfpack (8-6-3) spent six weeks in the top-25 polls and even climbed as high as No. 20. The team played hard against quality opponents, drawing No. 1 Wake Forest, No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 24 Louisville. The Pack also defeated two ranked opponents in No. 15 South Carolina and No. 16 Boston College. The season concluded with the Wolfpack finishing with the No. 33 RPI in the country and 2-3-3 record against top-25 teams. However, the Pack’s inability to prove itself with more big wins ultimately kept them out of the 48-team NCAA tournament field.
“As we look forward as a program, the lessons from this season are clear and distinct,” head coach Kelly Findley said after last season in an interview with GoPack. “Our players know firsthand how important each moment in, how slim the margin can be. I believe they will be more prepared for the challenge of 2016 and play with a focus due to the disappointment of being left out.”
The team lost nine players from last year, the most notable of these losses being forward Zach Knudson. Knudson was a sophomore last season who transferred to Georgetown. Knudson led the Pack in goals made with six, four of the six goals being match-winners. The soccer standout was also a perfect 1 for 1 from the penalty spot, and was second on the team in assists with three. Another key loss to the roster will be the absence of Philip Carmon, who was a redshirt senior last season. Carmon was a key veteran contributor off the bench and scored two goals and one assist last season for the Wolfpack.
Although these key losses will undoubtedly impact the group, this is a Wolfpack team that returns a lot of its talent. Knudson’s scoring ability will be missed; however, sophomore midfielder Julius Duchscherer should pick up a lot of the slack. Duchscherer made the All-ACC freshman team last season and was second on the team in goals made with five. The soccer star also went a flawless 2 for 2 from the penalty spot and hit one match-winner. Another player who should help the Wolfpack with scoring and defense is junior defender Caleb Duvernay. Last season, Duvernay showed off his ability to be a clutch performer with two match-winning goals, making him fourth in scoring on the team. Duvernay was also second on the team in assists with three, and an above average defensive contributor. Senior forward Travis Wannemuehler should also play a pivotal role in the Wolfpack’s success this season, as he hopes to end his collegiate career on a great note. Wannemuehler is excellent at creating opportunities for his teammates and led the Pack with five assists last season.
With the amount of talent returning and roster continuity fans hope the team can build on some of last year’s success to take the next step and clinch an NCAA tournament bid this season. However, the ACC is no easy conference, and the Wolfpack will have to play five top-15 ranked conference opponents this year. A lot of the team’s success will depend on how capable some of the younger players can be of playing a bigger role and stepping up in critical moments.
“I was proud of the team’s effort, attitude and commitment throughout the season,” Findley said. “I look forward to seeing us build on this progress.”
The NC State men’s soccer team will open the regular season against Radford in the JMU Invitational Aug. 26 in Harrisonburg, Virginia.