August 24, 2019

RALEIGH – The NC State men’s soccer team concluded the exhibition portion of its season on a high note Saturday evening, defeating visiting VCU by a final score of 2-1 at Dail Soccer Field.

The Wolfpack never trailed in the match and outshot the Rams by a final count of 12-5. In 180 minutes of exhibition play this season—including a 2-1 win at No. 6 UNC on Aug. 18—NC State did not trail either one of its opponents.

NC State took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute on a spectacular free kick from defender Jamie Smith. The junior struck a solid shot from 25 yards out past the outstretched arms of VCU goalkeeper Mario Sequeira and off the inside of the left post to give the Wolfpack a first-half advantage.

VCU evened the match in the 68th minute when Jared Valdes scored from close range following a corner kick by teammate Maverick McGann.

Neither team was content to end the exhibition at 1-1 and both pushed for a match-winning goal. In the 80th minute, NC State freshman Tonny Temple headed an attempt off the crossbar, nearly putting the Wolfpack ahead. The breakthrough came in the 88th minute following a well-placed corner kick by Gabriel Machado. The senior swung in a ball through the six-yard box that Jamie Smith was just able to keep in play. Smith redirected the ball with enough pace that it ricocheted off a VCU defender and into the back of the net.

NC State officially opens the 2019 season with three straight home matches. The Wolfpack begins its home stand against Loyola on Friday, Aug. 30. Kickoff from Dail Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 7 pm.

#GoPack // @PackMensSoccer

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