North Carolina State University Athletics
Men's Soccer Claims Shutout Win Over Columbia, 1-0
9/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
DURHAM, N.C. – The NC State men’s soccer team recorded its third straight win to start the 2009 campaign, as the Pack downed Columbia 1-0 in the Duke Classic on Sunday afternoon. The Wolfpack (3-0) scored the game’s lone goal in the 53rd minute, and claimed its second shutout victory of the weekend.
NC State would claim first place honors at the 2009 Duke Classic. The Pack and Duke both went 2-0 on the weekend, but NC State had a better goal differential. Junior Tyler Lassiter was named MVP, as his two goals helped beat Denver and he anchored the defense to two shutouts. Also named to the All-Tournament team were Ronnie Bouemboue, Korede Aiyegbusi, Alan Sanchez and Romulo Manzano.
Against Columbia, neither team got on the scoreboard in the first half of play, but both squads and some close calls.
Senior Ronnie Bouemboue had a couple of chances early in the half. Just 20 seconds into the contest, Bouemboue blasted a shot just wide of the left post, and again 17 minutes in, he tried for the far left post just missing the goal. Senior Alan Sanchez had control of the ball inside Columbia’s penalty box in the final minute, but his shot ended up just to the left.
Columbia’s best chance in the opening half came when a shot from distance made its way all the way to the goalline, only to be cleared at the last season by the Pack’s Federico Nachmann.
Columbia held a slight 9-8 advantage in shots in the opening half, with each squad recording just one shot on goal each.
NC State would score the game’s lone goal early in the second half of play. Bouemboue started the play at midfield, slotting a ball into space along the left sideline that freed junior Chris Zuerner for a one-on-one with the keeper. Zuerner took a couple touches and tucked the ball into the far corner of the net at the 52:09 mark.
The Pack defense was once again stout throughout the game, as NC State held Columbia to just one shot attempt in the second 45 minutes and just two shots on goal for the game. Christopher Widman recorded his second straight shutout with just two saves.
NC State returns to action next weekend, as the Pack begins ACC play with a trip to No. 1 North Carolina Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
NC State 0 1 -- 1
Columbia 0 0 -- 0
Scoring: Zuerner from Bouemboue at 52:09
Shots: NCSU 15, Columbia 10
Saves: NCSU 2 (Widman 2), Columbia 4 (Aurrochio 4)
Corner Kicks: NCSU 5, Columbia 2
Fouls: NCSU 8, Columbia 8
Records: NCSU 3-0, Columbia 0-2
