The No. 26 NC State men’s soccer team won 2-1 over the VCU Rams in its final exhibition match of the season.

In the background of the festivities of Packapalooza, the Wolfpack secured the victory thanks to a pair of goals, including a clutch goal in the fleeting minutes of the match. In the 88th minute, junior transfer Jamie Smith found the back of the net for the second time that evening, to put the Pack back ahead and finish off the preseason undefeated.

After a deluge of shots in the opening quarter of the match, with five in the first 20 minutes, the Wolfpack scored the opening goal with Smith scoring off a free kick from outside the box in the 30th minute.

The Pack held onto the lead through the first half, outshooting the Rams 6-1 in the opening 45 minutes. 

VCU eventually found the equalizer in the 68th minute as Jared Valdes finished in close after the feed from a corner kick found its way to him. Despite having the edge in shots, NC State was finding trouble in beating the VCU goalkeeper.

With the match seemingly headed to a draw, the late-game heroics of Smith secured the win for the Wolfpack as it now heads to official play. The Pack outshot the Rams 12-5. NC State had not given up a lead in either of its exhibition matches and has shown solid play.

Along with its earlier 2-1 victory on Sunday, August 18 over No. 6 UNC-Chapel Hill, the Pack has established itself as a capable contender this season. With a strong signing class, the Wolfpack looks poised to make a splash this year.

The Pack will return to action Friday, August 30 as it officially begins its season against Loyola at Dail Soccer Field.