The men’s soccer team has a tough task ahead as it prepares to take on No. 3-ranked rival UNC Tar Heels Saturday at 7 p.m.. The Heels have gone 2-0-1 so far this season. N.C. State is currently ranked No. 18 in the nation and its record is 3-0.

According to senior defender Romulo Manzano, this matchup against UNC will be a critical measuring stick as to how the squad will fare against ACC opponents.

“Because of the heated rivalry, and also because it’s our first ACC game, everyone’s focused on it,” Manzano said. “Of course it’s [going to] be very difficult.”

The team recognizes every game from here on out will be critical to its success as it continues to reach toward its goals.

Head coach George Tarantini said the Pack is seeking revenge for last year’s close loss to Carolina.

“The 3-0 record goes out the window because we have to play Carolina next. We lost 2-1 in overtime to them last year,” Tarantini said. “We need to be better.”

Manzano said he and his teammates recognize that the top-20 ranking means little unless they keep on winning and continue their success into the postseason.

“We have decided to face the season [with the mindset that] every game is important as any other game,” said Manzano.

The team also recognizes the fact that it plays in the one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, as six of the nine competing schools in the ACC are ranked in the national top-25.

“It’s a good thing that we will play [UNC] because we are measuring quality against the best. Any team in the ACC will be as tough as UNC. We’re in the best conference in the entire nation,” said Manzano.