Although last year’s men’s soccer team emphasized its elite players, the 2014 iteration of this team is attempting to build its success on a different foundation: partnerships.

With the departure of players such as Nazmi Albadawi, who now plays professionally for the Carolina Railhawks, and Alex Martinez, who was drafted by Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, head coach Kelly Findley has restructured the team into a truly cohesive unit.

On-field relationships were crucial in wins over UNC-Wilmington (1-0), Campbell (2-0) and Elon (1-0) in the preseason. With this in mind, the Technician has taken a look at four partnerships vital for success this season.

Senior Nick Surkamp and freshman Ade Taiwo: center forward

Of the Pack’s three games in preseason play, Taiwo and Surkamp have started together twice as the forward pairing in Findley’s 4-4-2 formation, a strong indication both will take the field vs. Valparaiso on Aug. 29.

In past seasons, Surkamp was mostly isolated up front, tasked with holding the ball to relieve pressure, sprinting behind defenses to create chances and forming the first line of pressure when defending.

The addition of Taiwo eases the offensive burden on Surkamp and, according to Findley, pins another defender back when the Wolfpack doesn’t have the ball.

Though the former Cardinal Gibbons high school standout’s size and athleticism draw the eye, his intelligent positioning, movement and combination play are most important.

Against Campbell, Taiwo continually dragged defenders out of position to create gaps for Surkamp to sprint through, came toward the ball to combine with midfielders and popped up around the box to create chances.

Findley will likely use senior Phil Carmon and freshman Ryan Peterson off the bench in a strong four-man rotation, but expect Surkamp and Taiwo to snatch goals as the main partnership.

Junior Holden Fender and sophomore Michael Bazja: center midfield

Running the center of midfield this season will most likely fall to team captain Holden Fender and Mike Bazja.

Fender, an intelligent, deep-lying playmaker, will play slightly deeper as a distributor, allowing Bajza more positional freedom to get forward to attack.

The aforementioned Bajza is a true all-purpose midfielder, fully capable of dribbling the ball forward from deep positions, playing long balls to the flanks or operating around the box in support of the forwards.

Together, Bajza and Fender will look to protect the back four when without the ball, quickly directing passes to the flanks and providing support when in possession.

They are functional rather than flashy — key cogs in a machine that are vital operation and at their best when they are not noticed.

Junior Reed Norton and freshman Zach Knudson: left back and left midfield

Two new players comprise NC State’s left side this season: Georgia Southern transfer Reed Norton and former Players Development Academy standout Zach Knudson.

Unlike senior captain Ryan Metts, his more reserved teammate on the opposite flank, Norton has tremendous offensive concentration, continuously running from deep positions unmarked by defenders.

A former left midfielder, Norton possesses extreme pace, while Knudson, an attacking midfielder, prefers to cut into the center of the field when dribbling.

The combination is fearsome. Knudson drifts inside, allowing Norton to sprint down the line into an attack. Both are capable and quick with the ball, combining well to get forward.

This overload on the left side will cause considerable trouble for opposing defenses as the two improve their understanding and chemistry. 

Senior Clement Simonin and freshman Conor Donovan: center defense

No other position on the field depends as heavily on a partnership as center back. 

Simonin and Donovan, who share a natural understanding of each other, were not breached during the preseason, and will look to continue their strong play through the regular season.

Both players are excellent on the ball, read plays well and are complementary. Simonin provides leadership and experience, while Donovan provides outstanding quality and intelligence.

When Simonin steps forward, Donovan covers behind him. When Donovan is forced to chase a swift attacker to the sideline, Simonin positions to intercept a potential pass or cross.

Senior Moss Jackson-Atogi and freshman Matias Fracchia will provide stiff competition and excellent depth, but Donovan and Simonin will anchor the Wolfpack’s run toward a spot in the NCAA tournament.