NC State men’s soccer lost 3-0 to No. 6 Wake Forest, extending the Pack’s ACC losing streak to four games. 

The Wolfpack (6-6, 1-4 ACC) has played exceedingly well at home this season, winning its first six games at Dail Soccer Stadium this year. However, after facing two talented ACC opponents, the red-and-white have been awakened to a harsh reality — if the team is going to succeed in conference play, something needs to change. The Demon Deacons (8-1-3, 3-1-1 ACC) took advantage of an NC State squad that seems to have grown too comfortable on its home field and proved why they’re considered one of the best teams in the country. 

“When you have a performance like that you feel like the world is ending,” said head coach George Kiefer. “I’m experienced enough to know that the world’s not coming to an end… sports can be tricky and they can break you, but if you have winners in your locker, you can deal with some ups and downs.” 

NC State’s downfall was its inability to push the ball into the attacking third, forcing the Pack’s defenders to work extra hard to keep Wake Forest away from the goal. Initially, the defense held firm, but eventually, it gave in. 

“[During] ball possession moments we weren’t good enough,” said graduate defender Kendall Edwards. “In key moments I don’t think there were enough good possessions.”

The Demon Deacons’ first goal came courtesy of midfielder Cooper Flax in the 24th minute. After falling behind, the Wolfpack never looked the same. Meanwhile, Wake Forest appeared to have settled in and played with confidence the rest of the way.

“In the first half, I don’t think we came out with the mentality to be in a battle,” Edwards said. “We couldn’t play any worse… from the start it has to be tighter and it has to be more intense.”

Shortly after seizing the lead, the Demon Deacons doubled the deficit when midfielder Hosei Kijima snuck a goal past freshman goalkeeper Ben Voase. Down by two goals, the wind was taken out of the Pack’s sails for the rest of the match. 

“We have players that are much better than they performed in the first half,” Kiefer said. “You’re playing a senior group so their reactions were really quick… you play in battles like this to keep getting better.”

After the break, the Demon Deacons focused on ball control, keeping the ball away from the red-and-white. Wake Forest did take its chances a few times to go after goals, but Voase tightened up and made a pair of impressive saves.

With the game firmly in hand, the Demon Deacons eventually added one final goal to make the final tally even more lopsided. Forward Julian Kennedy scored from very close, punctuating the win. With the loss, NC State’s midseason slide continues and the Pack drops to .500. 

“We can’t get too caught up in this because we’re going to play another [ACC] team on [next] Friday and another great team next week,” Edwards said. “Good teams in the country, that’s who we want to play against, but we have to find ways to get [better] results.”

The Wolfpack will look to rebound on Tuesday, Oct. 10 against American in a potential get-right game before taking on more ACC competition. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.