Women's Soccer Shuts Out Miami, 1-0

Thursday, September 21

Raleigh, N.C.

4:00 PM

NC State

6-1-2, 1-0ACC

Miami

6-2, 0-1ACC

Miami

NC State

9/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Raleigh, N.C. The NC State women’s soccer team (6-1-2, 1-0 ACC) shut out Miami, 1-0, for the third year in a row in the season’s ACC opener on Sept. 21. Junior Jessica O'Rourke scored the Wolfpack’s winning goal. Senior goalkeeper Megan Connors had six saves en route to her sixth shutout this season and her career 15th. With the win, the Pack improves to 6-1-2, 1-0 ACC, and Miami falls to 6-2, 0-1 ACC.

“The first 20 minutes, our possession was strong,” said NC State head coach Laura Kerrigan. “We had lots of chances to score, and even though we kept hitting the posts, we didn’t stop. Their keeper made some great saves, but that fantastic header by Jessica really put us on top.”

NC State’s offense controlled the game in the first half, out shooting the Hurricanes, 11-6. In the 13th minute, freshman Katie Ruiz looked to score with a shot from 20 yards out, but Canes goalie Lauren McAdam punched the ball out. Both teams scrambled in front of the net as senior Carol Tognetti shot and hit the post. In the 36th minute, Miami attempted to be the first with a goal when Rebecca Tweneboah tried to break away from the NC State defenders, but was unsuccessful. The match was scoreless going into halftime.

Seven minutes into the second half, freshman Briana Cunningham pulled ahead of the Canes defenders and was looking to score, but hit the post. At the 56:32 mark, Ruiz took a free kick from the right side of the net. O’Rourke was able to head the ball over the keeper’s hands to give NC State a 1-0 lead that they would never relinquish. The goal is O'Rourke's seventh this season. Miami’s Bryn Heinicke headed the ball in an attempt to tie the game with six minutes left, but Connors was there for the save.

NC State continues ACC play this weekend when they host No. 1 Florida State on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. at Method Road Soccer Stadium.