DURHAM, N.C. – The University of Delaware’s men’s soccer team suffered its second straight defeat with a 6-0 loss to North Carolina State Friday evening on the opening day of the John Rennie Nike Invitational held at Duke University’s Koskinen Stadium.

Delaware (0-2) fell behind 3-0 in the first half and the Wolfpack (3-0) added three more scores in the second half to take control. North
Carolina State’s Alex Martinez tallied one goal and two assists while Jonathan Ray scored two goals in the Wolfpack win.

“The folks and facilities have been first class down here at Duke and I want to acknowledge my University’s thanks publicly,” expressed Delaware head coach Ian Hennessy. “Tonight’s game was an experience that has some bright spots. In the end it will benefit the group as we move toward conference play now only three weeks away. Give credit tonight to N.C. State for the quality of some of their goals. They are a very solid team and one I feel will be an NCAA Tournament team come November.”

North Carolina State began its first-half scoring spree when Martinez tallied his first goal of the season at the 13-minute mark of the first half. Martinez punched in the first goal of the game around 12 yards out in the lower left corner of the field.

During the 29th minute of the first half, the Wolfpack’s Ray punched in his first goal of the season in the right side of the net when Martinez served a cross for an assist. It took North Carolina State less than one minute to add to their lead when Ray scored his second goal of the game off an assist by Martinez.

After a foul committed by Delaware, Danny DiPrima scored on a penalty kick at the 54:04 mark of the second half to put the Wolfpack up 5-0. Sonny Mukungu scored the final goal of the game for the Wolfpack at 78:48 off a header that was started by DiPrima.

The Blue Hens collected 12 shots during the game, three on the North Carolina State goal. Ben Raymond (at right), Mark Garrity and Kyle Nuel each had a shot on goal. Blue Hen sophomore goalkeeper Jay Lupas made six saves in the loss.

N.C. State starting goalkeeper Fabian Otte faced two shots during the 60:37 minutes he played while his substitute, Joe Mills ,blocked one shot over the final 29:23 to secure the shutout.

The Blue Hens will complete their weekend schedule with the final match of the Rennie Nike Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. against Duke.

Delaware begins its home schedule at Delaware Mini-Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. when the Blue Hens play the U.S. Naval Academy.