North Carolina State University Athletics
Men's Soccer To Host Big Four Tournament This Weekend
10/23/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 23, 2003
Raleigh, N.C. - The NC State men's soccer team will look to remain undefeated at Method Road this season when the Wolfpack plays host to the annual Big Four Tournament this weekend. The Wolfpack (6-6-1, 2-3-1 ACC) will host Charlotte this Friday at 3:30 p.m., and also host UNC Greensboro this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Duke will also be hosting those two teams in Durham, N.C. over the weekend. NC State is a perfect 5-0-1 at Method Road this season, most recently notching a tie with No. 3 North Carolina 1-1 last Sunday.
The Wolfpack has had great success playing on its home field this season. Not only does the Pack sport a 5-0-1 overall record, more impressive is the fact that NC State finished its home ACC schedule at 2-0-1. NC State defeated two ranked ACC opponents, and tied another. The Wolfpack defeated No. 24 Clemson 2-0, then No. 7 Virginia 1-0 ,in back-to-back weekends. Last weekend, NC State tied No. 3 North Carolina with a goal from senior Chris Gannon and five saves by keeper Jorge Gonzalez. NC State also had a string of four consecutive shutouts at Method Road earlier this year.
Leading the way for the NC State offense are sophomore Aaron King and Federico Peria. King currently ranks second in both points (17) and goals (7) in the ACC. After missing four games with a thigh injury, Peria has returned to the Wolfpack lineup. Peria is tied for first in the ACC with seven assists (in only nine games played), and also ranks fourth in points per game (1.22). The Wolfpack's defense has also been a strong point for the Wolfack, with the back four of juniors Justin Branch and Chris Catlett and sophomores Kyle Fragakis and John Queeley helping Gonzalez protect the Wolfpack net. NC State ranks four in goals allowed this season, and the has four shutouts on the year. Gonzalez is third in the conference in GAA with a 1.38 mark.
The Pack's opponent on Friday will be the 4-7-2 Charlotte 49ers. Charlotte is winless in its last four games, 0-3-1, but recently pulled off a tie with #20 UAB. Offensively Charlotte is led by Floyd Franks' 13 points and Mira Mupier's 12 points. Keeper Lucas Mackanos sports a GAA of 1.66, and a record of 4-5-2.
On Sunday the Wolfpack will turn around and play the 7-4-2 UNC Greensboro Spartans. The Spartans are coming off of a 5-2 win over Winthrop, and will be looking for back-to-back wins for the first time since early September. The Spartans have a potent offense, with four players already in double-figure points. Randi Patterson leads the way with his eight goals, while James Goodman and Scott Jones each have over 15 points on the season.
NC State will host Charlotte on Friday at 3:30, then host UNC Greensboro Sunday at 2:00 p.m., both games at Method Road.
