With its first loss of the season this past Monday on the road against Davidson, the NC State men’s soccer team faces a crucial home test and the start of ACC play tonight against Boston College.
The Wolfpack (3-1-0, 0-0 ACC) looked unstoppable in wins against Furman, College of Charleston and Liberty but slipped to a 2-1 defeat against the Wildcats, a stark reminder of the fickle nature of college soccer. The Pack must regroup if it wants to start the ACC season off right and prevent another disappointing conference season.
The Eagles (3-1-0, 0-0 ACC) make the trip south boasting a matching record to the Wolfpack but are coming off a Sunday loss to Loyola Marymount.
BC has shown off a prolific, if inconsistent, offense so far this season, scoring eight times in four games. However, BC was shut out in its last game against the Lions, and the defense has been underwhelming, with five goals conceded in four matches.
Last season, the two schools played out a dull 0-0 double overtime draw in Boston, but significant roster turnover and the scheduling of this season’s game should make for a much more lively contest.
Freshman forward/midfielder Simon Enstrom leads the Eagles with three goals and an assist in four games, so he’ll be watched carefully by NC State’s senior led defense.
For the Pack, scoring has been spread around the team. Sophomore midfielder Zach Knudson notched his second goal of the campaign against Davidson, but five other Wolfpack players have gotten off the mark in the 2015 regular season.
NC State head coach Kelly Findley will look for his young group of forwards to improve on the season. So far, only freshman Tanner Roberts has found the back of the net, but sophomores Ade Taiwo and Ryan Peterson and graduate student Phil Carmon all bring qualities to the team that improve its attacking intent.
Peterson’s clever runs and smart linkup play involve others in the attack, while Taiwo’s size, power and playmaking skills offer an outlet when the team needs to relieve pressure. Carmon’s speed and dribbling ability make him a constant threat in behind the opposing team’s defense.
However, NC State’s biggest strength this season is its midfield. Junior attacking mid Yanni Hachem already has a goal and an assist this season and has looked sharp. Zach Knudson continues to be the team’s attacking catalyst and will likely break his scoring total from last season (4). Sophomore Cameron Steele has looked comfortable in the defensive midfield role usually occupied by Holden Fender, and it’s vital he carry his good form into ACC play.
Either freshman Julius Duchscherer or sophomore Nick Retzlaff will occupy the fourth spot in midfield, and both offer energy and tremendous technical skill on the ball. Duchscherer is the bigger goal threat and scored against College of Charleston, but Retzlaff is more comfortable controlling play and spraying passes around the field.
Regardless of who gets the starting nod, NC State’s priority of keeping a disciplined team shape, attacking through transition opportunities and preventing counter attacks won’t change.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Dail Soccer Stadium and the match will be broadcast on ESPN3.
