McCauley Shutout Preserves Scoreless Draw

Friday, August 29

Raleigh, N.C.

7:00 PM

NC State

Valparaiso

8/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Aug. 29, 2014

Box Score | Box Score


Deborah A. Yow and HC Kelly Findley honored the life of former Wolfpack captain Farouk Bseiso by presenting his jersey to the Bseiso family. Farouk's number was painted on the field, and the Wolfpack wore armbands to remember the Pack's fallen captain. (All photos by Greg Mintel)
NEXT GAME: SUNDAY	HOME* vs. Cal Poly*, 8/31, 5 p.m.
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NC State men's soccer settled for a 0-0 draw with Valparaiso in Friday night's opener at Dail Soccer Stadium after 110 minutes of stellar goalkeeping on both ends.

Alex McCauley provided the Pack's clean sheet, denying four Crusader chances. The Wolfpack offense generated 22 shots, landing seven on target, including a handful of strikes off the frame.

FINDLEY'S REACTION

"We started slow, we lacked energy at home, which is not okay," said NC State head coach Kelly Findley. "The positives are, we got better as the game went on. I thought we deserved to win in the end. Soccer's a hard game. We learned some good lessons tonight. One of those is, we have to start strong. The other is, no one's going to let you win a game."

MOMENTS OF THE MATCH

The Wolfpack recovered from a slow start to generate offense early and often in the second half, but came out unlucky each time. In the 62nd minute, Caleb Duvernay raced down the left sideline to receive a pass from Reed Norton. Duvernay's cross found Travis Wannemuehler, whose header ricocheted off the left post.

Duvernay would spark another chance in the 64th, dishing to Ade Taiwo. His shot from close range was smothered by Valpo keeper Nico Campbell, one of seven saves on the night.

In the 82nd minute, McCauley would return the favor with a brilliant save tipped over the crossbar to preserve the shutout. Conor Donovan followed that sequence with a header in the 84th minute on a well-played corner from Reed Norton, which wound up over the crossbar by a fraction.

Ryan Metts saved the result for State in the 90th minute. Valpo countered after a flurry of activity in the Crusader box. The attack resulted in numbers for the opposition, but Metts blocked the shot to force overtime.

The Wolfpack scored the would-be winner in the 109th minute, but were called offside after an incredible run by Taiwo, who slipped a pass forward to Nick Surkamp. The redshirt senior delivered the potential golden goal, but a raised flag sealed the 0-0 tie.