The NC State men’s soccer team beat Belmont 3-0 in a non-ACC soccer matchup at Dail Soccer Stadium Tuesday night.
The Wolfpack (5-4-1, 1-3-0) was able to shutout the Bruins (3-4-2) with strong offensive pressure that resulted in 13 shots for NC State versus only one for Belmont. State’s defense was strong in limiting the Bruins chances.
“It’s been a focus for us,” head coach George Kiefer said. “We have a goal to get shutouts. If we can just keep getting little things better within the D, I think that’s helpful. It was important to win this game tonight.”
In the first half, Belmont exhibited strong defensive play as possession was held predominantly by the Wolfpack, but State couldn’t break through. NC State mustered up six shots while the defense left the Bruins without a shot despite two corner kicks. The game remained scoreless as the first half expired.
Senior midfielder Julius Duchscherer shined in the first half with three shots including a shot on goal that was saved by Belmont goalkeeper Alex Seeley. Junior forward Tanner Roberts came into the game about midway through the first half and recorded a shot. It was his first game back since an injury that has kept him sidelined since Sept. 10.
The Pack started the second half fast as Roberts scored his fourth goal of the season in the 51st minute off a corner kick and a great assist from junior defender Simon Blotko.
“The goal was a very good goal he scored,” Kiefer said. “I love when forwards get goals, but I also love the other stuff he brings. His work rate, putting backs under pressure. Even if the ball isn’t played perfectly to him, making players make plays with their hips facing their own goal. The intangibles he brings are what we’re looking for. Very glad to have him back.”
The Pack kept the momentum going in the 59th minute with a score off a deep shot from outside the box by freshman forward David Loera, his first goal of his young career.
“It was unbelievable,” Loera said. “I’ve been working hard every single game trying to get one, and I finally got one. The hard work pays off.”
After tight play by the defense and consistent shot attempts, senior forward Ade Taiwo added the third goal for the Wolfpack in the 86th minute just a possession after he had a good look blocked away by the Belmont goalkeeper.
It was Taiwo’s first goal of the season, and first since suffering a season-ending knee injury in September of last year. His injury last season was the third time in his career that Taiwo has had to have a major knee surgery. The forward exploded in celebration after finding the back of the net.
“I’ve been out for a while,” Taiwo said. “It’s been a lot of patience. A lot of hard work. I finally got a goal. I’ve been working hard this season, coaches have been working with me. Teammates have kept me strong and confident. It feels good to do that for myself, and to do that for them.”
NC State will return to action Friday on the road at ACC opponent Syracuse, and will be back in Raleigh on Oct. 10 versus USC-Upstate.
