Wolf FactsMen’s SoccerSoccer team continues tough schedule
When the men’s soccer team takes the field at the SAS Soccer Complex tonight, it will play against a ranked opponent for the fourth game in a row.
After knocking off top-ranked North Carolina on Sept. 6, N.C. State has dropped two conference games against teams ranked in the top 10 – Virginia and Maryland. But junior goalkeeper Tom DeStefano said playing such a tough schedule keeps the team sharp.
South Carolina is ranked 11th in this week’s NSCAA/adidas poll and is 6-1 on the season. “We know we’re going to have to play to our strengths,” DeStefano said. “And not let them do what they want to do. We’re going to have to play hard.”
As for a scouting report on the Gamecocks, DeStefano said he did not know much about them other than their forward play.
“They have two good forwards who we will have to key on,” he said. “We should have our hands full with them.”
DeStefano will make his second consecutive start in goal Wednesday – his second career start for the Wolfpack – after replacing redshirt freshman Chris Widman, who started the season in goal. DeStefano allowed three goals in his starting debut, but said getting another opportunity to start is a confidence builder.
“I’ve been playing hard,” DeStefano said. “And after last game, coach [George Tarantini] told me I did a good job, which helps. Every night in goal gives you more confidence. And if a goalkeeper is in goal with no confidence, then he’s not going to have much success.”
The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.
–Dennis Burton