No. 18 NC State men’s soccer dropped its first game of the season in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of No. 6 North Carolina.
For the first time since 2009, both the Wolfpack (5-1-2, 1-1 ACC) and the Tar Heels (5-0-2, 2-0 ACC) entered the rivalry game undefeated. With a win, NC State could put an exclamation point on an impressive start to head coach Marc Hubbard’s first season with the red-and-white and mark the first in Chapel Hill for the Wolfpack since 2013.
With the spotlight at its brightest and history on the line, NC State wasn’t ready for primetime. In a recurring theme throughout the night, the Wolfpack stumbled offensively time and time again. By the end of the game, the Wolfpack only managed a single shot on goal — a recipe for a loss in the ACC.
Facing a relentless offense, the Pack found itself on the defensive early. Nevertheless, NC State held up, only surrendering two goals, one in each half. The offense doomed the Wolfpack’s chances, struggling to create shots throughout the night, only taking six total shots.
North Carolina forward Luke Hille, who donned the red-and-white last season, made sure to strike against his former squad. Hille took two early shots, drilling the second for an opening punch and giving the home team a 1-0 lead over the Pack.
Following the quick score, the Wolfpack tightened up its defense. Junior goalkeeper Logan Erb made an impressive save to keep the game within range. North Carolina was unable to extend its lead beyond one in the first half.
A major issue for NC State was its tendency to commit fouls. In the first half alone, the Wolfpack racked up 10 fouls. The Pack cleaned up its play in the second half, but still picked up multiple yellow cards.
In the second half, NC State did a much better job controlling the ball, severely limiting the Tar Heels’ opportunities to score. The strategy kept the game close, but the Pack could not capitalize and score. NC State outpaced North Carolina 5-4 in corner kick opportunities, but couldn’t convert any.
Meanwhile, UNC found itself struggling to break open the second half against the stingy Pack defense. However, 73 minutes into the game, the Tar Heels delivered a dagger into NC State’s comeback hopes when forward Ahmad Al-Qaq snuck a goal past Erb. The late score left NC State scrambling with little time until the clock hit zero.
Despite taking its first loss of the season, the Wolfpack can use this game as a building block. The red-and-white showed strong resolve, despite trailing almost the entire game. Additionally, Hubbard showcased his ability to make halftime adjustments, guiding his squad to an improved defensive showing in the final 45 minutes.
Next up, the Wolfpack will face another rival, hosting the Duke Blue Devils on Friday at 6 p.m. The Blue Devils, who are currently undefeated on the road, will be an excellent litmus test for the Wolfpack.
