Wolfpack Tops Western Carolina, 2-0

Friday, August 25

Raleigh, N.C.

5:00 PM

NC State

1-0

Western Carolina

0-1

Western Carolina

NC State

8/25/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State women’s soccer scored two second half goals to defeat Western Carolina, 2-0 on Friday, Aug. 25, at Method Road Soccer Stadium. Freshman Briana Cunningham and sophomore Lindsay Vera each tallied a goal in the Wolfpack’s season opener. Senior goalkeeper Megan Connors recorded three saves on the night en route to her 10th career shutout. With the win, the Wolfpack improved to 1-0 on the year, while Western Carolina dropped to 0-1. NC State will host UNC Wilmington on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m.

“We played too so-so in the first half,” said NC State head coach Laura Kerrigan. “We played too narrowly and not enough pressure. We created more opportunities to score in the second half and really went after our attack with intensity. Megan Connors really stepped up in the net today. She made a great save at the end to keep the score at zero for a strong Western Carolina team, one that is the defending Southern Conference Tournament champions.”

In the first half, NC State out shot the Catamounts, 2-1, which included a goal scoring opportunity from sophomore Lindsay Vera. The forward posted the shot with just three minutes remaining in the first half, but Western Carolina’s goalkeeper, Alesha Row was there to make the save near the center of the box. One minute later, sophomore Tami Krzeszewski tallied the Wolfpack’s second and final shot of the half. The midfielder’s shot was blocked near the left side of the half circle. Her shot was blocked. WCU’s attack was limited to just one shot. Heather Dittmer turned off a free kick nearside in the 12th minute. Wolfpack keeper, Megan Connors was quick to make the save nearside about five yards off the post.

The second half saw a much more aggressive Wolfpack squad. NC State posted five shots in the period, including two on goal. Freshman Briana Cunningham put NC State on the board not long after NC State had already tallied two shots. She sprinted down the middle of the field, while Chantalle Dugas rounded a loose ball on the far side. Dugas played the ball to Cunningham as she neared the frame. Western Carolina’s keeper stepped up to cut into the open space, Cunningham struck from eight yards center and sent the ball strongly into the net at 69:30. The Pack’s second goal came from the foot of 2005’s leading scorer, Lindsay Vera with eight minutes left. Dugas once again had a part in the scoring opportunity. She dumped a pass to Vera near the Wolfpack endline, setting the striker up for a shot on goal. Vera’s first shot was blocked, but the Houston, Texas native pursued and connected on her second try, and provided the insurance goal from about 13 yards near the left post.

“The difference in this game was the second half play of midfielders Tami (Krzeszewski), Meredith (Parilla) and Jessica (O’Rourke). They won the 50-50 balls for us which resulted in better scoring chances.”

Western Carolina had five shots in the half, which included a strong shot from Shannon Fowkes with 1:37 to play. NC State’s Connors was there to make the save as she pushed the ball to her right and out of bounds for the save.

NC State will host UNC Wilmington on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m.

Scoring Summary
69:30 NC State, Briana Cunningham from Chantalle Dugas
82:00 NC State, Lindsay Vera from UA

For the complete box score and play-by-play go to next page.