Wolfpack Knocks Off UNC WIlmington, 2-0

Sunday, August 27

Raleigh, N.C.

4:00 PM

NC State

2-0

UNC Wilmington

1-1

UNC Wilmington

NC State

8/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C. -- NC State women's soccer (2-0) captured its second straight win after a 2-0 victory over visiting UNC Wilmington (1-1) on Sunday, Aug. 27.  The Wolfpack used two second half goals to earn the second shutout of the season, including one each from junior Jessica O’Rourke and sophomore Mallory Schmidt.  Senior goalkeeper Megan Connors collected a season-high five saves en route to her 11^th career shutout and second this year.  UNC Wilmington dropped to 1-1 with the loss, while NC State improved to 2-0.  The Pack will host two more home games next weekend, beginning with Wyoming on Friday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m.  

“We played better today,” said NC State head coach Laura Kerrigan.  “We dominated 50-50 balls in the first half.  We are playing hard, but we need to play smarter.  In the second half we did that.  We came out sharper and then we started finding players when they were open.”

The Wolfpack used a dominating offensive presence to put forth a 9-4 shot lead heading into halftime.  Unfortunately, none of those shots led to a score, despite a solid shot from sophomore Lindsay Vera in the 29^th minute.  The forward’s strike landed directly in the hands of UNCW’s Emily Pratt for the save.  UNC Wilmington looked to be on the hunt to score the first goal of the game after Kelly Renkin posted a shot on goal after just 2:28 had ticked off the clock, but Connors was there to make the save for NC State.   With just over 10 minutes remaining in the first period, the Seahawks looked to score again after Erica Rodgers posted a shot on goal.  But, once again, Connors was there for the stop.

It took a little longer for the Wolfpack to get into synch in the second half, but once that happened, NC State positioned itself for the win.  The Pack used two of its four second half shots to record the win, despite being outshot 8-4 in the period.  UNCW tallied two shots within the first two minutes, looking to take advantage.  Neither was on frame, in fact, the Seahawks posted three shots before playing into the hands of Connors just inside the 69^th minute.  NC State battled back and used its aggressive midfield play to string together some offensive sets.  At 75:41 junior Jessica O’Rourke collected a well-played free kick from freshman Katie Ruiz to net the game-winner for the Wolfpack.  Ruiz took a free kick from five yards behind the midline near the NC State bench and launched it directly into the box in front of UNCW’s Pratt.  The Seahawks’ keeper came out to make a play, but fumbled and O’Rourke was there to push it into the top of the net.  The Wolfpack’s second goal came from sophomore Mallory Schmidt from the far side just inside the box at 88:02. 

NC State hosts Wyoming on Friday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m., at Method Road Soccer Stadium.   

 UNC Wilmington (1-1) vs. NC State (2-0)

 Date: Aug 27, 2006  Attendance: 231

 Weather: 90 and sunny, slight wind

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot

 -------------------------------

 UNC Wilmington......  0  0 -  0

 NC State............  0  2 -  2

 SCORING SUMMARY:

  1.  75:41 ST Jessica O'Rourke (1) (Katie Ruiz) - free kick, inside box

  2.  88:02 ST Mallory Schmidt (1)

 Shots: UNC Wilmington 12, NC State 13