NC State
3-3-1, 1-2-0
Virginia Tech
1-6-1, 0-3-0
NC State Notches 1-0 Win Over Hokies in ACC Home Opener
9/23/2022 9:31:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RALEIGH – Wolfpack forward Luke Hille secured the first goal of his sophomore campaign to lead NC State men's soccer (3-3-1, 1-2-0 ACC) to the 1-0 victory over visiting Virginia Tech (1-6-1, 0-3-0 ACC) in the team's ACC home opener.
The Wolfpack picked up its first league win of the 2022 campaign in front of a home crowd of 1,691. This match was the team's second crowd of 1,500+ this season and stands as the fourth-highest attended game in six seasons of the George Kiefer era.
Hille opened his scoring account for the season in the 31st minute with a beauty of a header into the left side of the net. NC State earned a free kick, and Conor Kelly sent a beautiful ball into the box that Hille was able to flick in past Virginia Tech's keeper.
LET'S GO, LUKE.@hille_luke notches his first of the year off the set piece feed from @Conor_kelly9 👏
— NC State Men's Soccer (@PackMensSoccer) September 23, 2022
Wolfpack 1, Hokies 0#GoPack // #90MinuteParty pic.twitter.com/PLMUMxeP2h
The assist marked the 11th point of the season for Kelly, who netted five goals in the Pack's first three matches.
The Wolfpack owned the edge in possession and prevented the Hokies from generating any scoring opportunities in the opening half. The squad out-shot Virginia Tech 4-0 in the first 45 minutes and did not allow the Hokies to tally a shot until the 48th minute. Both teams found a few additional chances to put the ball in the back of the net in the second half, but Hille's 31st-minute goal remained the only score.
NC State goalkeeper Lucas Hatsios and senior defender Kendall Edwards preserved the Pack's lead in the 65th minute, making a joint save at the goal line, and Hatsios also made a save in the 89th minute in a scrum in front of the net.
Hatsios' shutout was his second of the year.
NC State will take advantage of another week between games as it preps for next Friday's home match against Louisville. That Sept. 30 contest is set for a 7 p.m. start on ACCNX.
#GoPack | @PackMensSoccer
Team Stats
Luke Hille (1)
Assisted By: Conor Kelly
GOAL by NCSU Hille, Luke Assist by Kelly, Conor.
30:20
