Jared Watts’ 110th Minute Golden Goal Lifts Deacs Over Hokies, 1-0

Sophomore midfielder nets first career goal as Wake Forest wins third straight

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Sophomore Jared Watts struck for a golden goal with just 18 seconds left in double overtime to send the Wake Forest men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday, October 1 at Spry Stadium.

Though the Demon Deacons dominated the stats over the course of regulation, the two teams were still knotted at nil through 109 minutes. As time slowly ticked away, a Virginia Tech foul set up a long-range  free kick opportunity for the Deacs. Junior midfielder Ben Newnam lined up his shot and launched a high-arcing rocket which found sophomore Tolani Ibikunle in the box, who headed the ball toward Watts. Watts latched onto the pass and snuck it past Hokie keeper Kyle Renfro to end the match in the 110th minute.

“This group has been working very hard for a long time and Virginia Tech came in prepared to absorb and defend the game, it was very difficult,” head coach Jay Vidovich said. “So for us to come out to win and battle all the way through – we’re very happy. We stayed in the game, we found a way to win. I hope it’s another big step in where we’re trying to go.”

Newnam was credited with his second assist of the season on the sequence, while Ibikunle notched his first.

It was not only a significant goal because it was golden, but it also happened to be Watts’ first career tally and came on a special night for the Wake Forest program – the Genna Wiley Memorial Match. The annual event honors the late wife of former Wake Forest trainer Steve Wiley, who lost her battle with breast cancer shortly after Wake Forest won the NCAA Championship in 2007. It was a moving evening for many as Wiley and his children were among the 2,104 in attendance.

“It’s a special moment to be able to remember Genna and to be able to do something positive for those affected by breast cancer,” said Vidovich. “And for us to come out ahead is just very satisfying. Steve and the boys were very happy.”  

In the match, Wake Forest wore pink Nike jerseys, which were auctioned off during a silent auction throughout the first half. Along with other items, the silent auction fetched more than $2,000 to benefit the North Carolina Triad affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. A multitude of giveaways and special promotions dotted the action on a crowded, slightly chilly night at Spry Stadium.

On the field, Watts was in the middle of the action all night and led the team in shots, with six, and also had two other quality opportunities requiring Renfro to make a play on the ball to avoid a score.

Wake Forest dominated the stat sheet, outshooting Virginia Tech 25-3 and 8-1 in quality opportunities, as well as taking a 12-4 edge in corners. Junior net minder Michael Lisch and the back line were tremendous as they combined for a third shutout. Lisch picked up one save and went the distance, while the Hokies’ Renfro made seven stops and kept his team in the match until the bitter end.

With the result, Wake Forest improves to 5-4-1 overall and 2-2 in the ACC. The Deacs will have another opportunity to make a move in the conference standings on Tuesday, October 7 at Boston College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Chestnut Hill, Mass.