The NC State men’s soccer team notched a second win in preseason play, downing an energetic Campbell side by a score of 2-0, Wednesday night in Raleigh.

Despite a prolonged lightning delay, the game kicked off under near-flawless conditions and was a highly contested match through the 90 minutes.

NC State head coach Kelly Findley used the match to test a variety of tactical ideas and to challenge his starting group with up-tempo pressing and riskier attacking.

“I think we did a good job pressing as a group,” Findley said. “Against UNC-Wilmington, we tried to drop our line and sit in so we’re comfortable defending deep. So I thought we did a good job tonight being on the front foot and defending in [Campbell’s] half.”

Throughout the first half, Findley’s team tactics were noticeable and worked as intended. Campbell struggled to build out from the back under the energetic defending of Wolfpack outside midfielders Travis Wannemuehler and Zach Knudson.

Offensively, the Wolfpack targeted the flanks and pinpoint long balls from sophomore midfielder Michael Bajza, junior midfielder Holden Fender and senior defender Clement Simonin routinely found teammates in space.

Over the first 45 minutes, State peppered the Camels’ goal. Starting strikers Nick Surkamp and Ade Taiwo consistently dragged defenders out of position while crosses were whipped in from both flanks.

The addition of a second striker, a new wrinkle in Findley’s team, adds greater danger to the Pack’s attack.

“We’re playing with two forwards because we have the quality up there to do it,” Findley said. “It pins one extra defensive player back and as a pair the forwards can work together. We also have quite a bit of pace with players like Ade, Phil Carmon and Nick Surkamp, so that adds danger.”

Additionally, the double threat of junior Reed Norton at left back and Knudson at left midfield continually caused the Campbell defense problems. Both players were able to attack off the dribble, confidently taking on defenders to create chances.

It was one such dribble from Knudson which earned the Pack its first goal of the game in the 33rd minute. The former Players Development Academy standout spun his defender a few yards inside his own half and exploded into space, dribbling past two Campbell players before getting hauled down in the box.

The referee had no doubts and pointed to the penalty spot, where Bajza stepped up and cooly dispatched the penalty kick into the lower corner.

With the lead, Findley made big changes to the side, removing most of his starters to test his second string.

Campbell grew in strength at this point, as the deficit fueled the players’ desire to find the back of the Wolfpack net.

Although a few bobbled shots from sophomore goalkeeper Jonathan Davis forced the defense into a few saving clearances, the Pack back four kept the clean sheet intact. 

In the second half, Findley primarily tested his depth and experimented with younger players. While Campbell produced a fine spell of play through the second period and tested freshman goalkeeper Marius Heislitz, the team remained resolute.

The game seemed to be heading for a narrow 1-0 victory for the Pack until the 80th minute, when a State free kick rebounded to senior Matt Ingram, who smashed the ball into the far corner via a small deflection to secure a 2-0 victory.

Post-game, Findley was quick to recognize the few mistakes his side made.

“There were a few moments when we lost our shape and got penetrated,” Findley said. “I think we can improve that part of play a little bit and we were a little sloppy at the end but I think the guys did a really good job overall.”

However, he was more than impressed with the depth and quality at his disposal, particularly at the back.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the back four and we have good depth there this year,” Findley said. “Clement and Conor showed their quality. Moss [Jackson-Atogi] is part of the rotation and Caleb [Duvernay] has done a great job at left back so we’ve got a nice group.”

Perhaps the most pertinent praise came from freshman center back and U.S. U-20 National Team defender Conor Donovan, who spoke highly of the 1,630 people in attendance for a midweek exhibition.

“It was awesome,” Donovan said. “I knew there would be a good crowd and despite the lightning delay a ton of people came out and didn’t disappoint at all. In these kinds of games you don’t get tired and I was absolutely buzzing around the whole time. I felt like I could play two games with that kind of crowd. The fans were amazing.”