The women’s soccer team dropped its first game in ACC play, falling to Miami 2-1.
It was the program’s first-ever loss to Miami after winning each of the three previous match-ups. N.C. State had also been unbeaten in its last five games, stretching back to early September.
The only goal for the Wolfpack came with under a minute to play, as sophomore forward Chantalle Dugas kept the ball alive long enough for senior midfielder Jessica O’Rourke to send in the close-range header.
“She battled the keeper for the ball and managed to get a piece of it, and I was able to put it away,” O’Rourke said.
At that point, it was a meaningless goal, but the team was left thinking about what could have been because of an earlier shot by junior forward Lindsay Vera that ricocheted off the crossbar.
It was one of several chances the Pack had to make a run at the Hurricanes.
“We just couldn’t get it to go in the goal for us,” coach Laura Kerrigan said. “Both teams had their opportunities.”
State also had seven corner kicks, but found the net on none of them.
“We definitely missed some opportunities to score,” Kerrigan said.
The game’s first goal was finally put away after State struggled to clear the ball out of the box in time.
Goalkeeper Sydney Little dove for a free kick attempt, but couldn’t hold onto the ball and it bounced free. Little made an effort to stop the rebound, but the shot was sent home.
“I made the first save, then there was a jumble in the box, then I tried to get up to make the second save,” Little said. “I’m not really sure what happened because it all happened so quickly.”
The shots were about even for both teams, with the Hurricanes attempting just one more shot than the Pack, but Miami found the net more after taking advantage of State’s young back line.
“They found the gaps,” Little said. “They capitalized on our breakdowns.”
The team will remain in the state of Florida for a Sunday game at Florida State. The Seminoles are ranked No. 10 in the country, while State’s overall record is now 5-2-2.
