Photo by: C. Morgan Engel/Clarkson Creative Photography
Wolfpack’s Second-Half Comeback Falls Short at Denver
9/3/2023 4:06:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DENVER – NC State women's soccer dropped its Colorado road trip finale 4-2 at Denver on Sunday afternoon.
NC State's comeback fell just short as the Wolfpack netted back-to-back goals within a three-minute span late in the second half. Jameese Joseph and Alexis Strickland recorded goals in the 77th and 80th minutes, respectively, to trim the Pack's deficit to 3-2 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the match.
Joseph outraced the Denver backline to slot home her first goal of the season to cut into the Pioneers' 3-0 lead. Brianna Weber logged her second assist of the year as her long pass played Joseph in on goal. Strickland then blasted a header past Denver goalkeeper Molly Wissman to draw the score to 3-2. Mackenzie Smith logged the assist for her pinpoint cross to the back post, inviting Strickland to nod home her second goal of the season.
Denver halted the Wolfpack's momentum when McKenna Dannenhauer netted a solo goal in the 84th minute, bringing the score to its final margin at 4-2.
The Wolfpack (1-2-2) allowed two goals in the opening half as the Pioneers (2-0-4) remained unbeaten on the season. Denver's Kaitlyn Glover scored the opening goal with a strike in the eighth minute. DU doubled its advantage in the 35th minute when Michaela McGowan notched an unassisted goal to make it 2-0 Pioneers.
Denver added its third goal in the 54th minute when Lily O'Grady's header found the back of the net.
NC State goalkeeper Olivia Pratapas and midfielder Rosalie Olou made their first-career starts for the Wolfpack in Sunday's setback. Emika Kawagishi also made her first start since the 2021 season after missing this past season due to injury.
Early in the second half, Pratapas denied Glover from the penalty spot to keep the Wolfpack within two. Pratapas made a career-high eight saves in Sunday afternoon's setback.
UP NEXT
NC State returns to Raleigh for a matchup against Michigan State. The Pack's second match against a Big 10 opponent this season is set for Thursday night at 7 p.m.
NC State's comeback fell just short as the Wolfpack netted back-to-back goals within a three-minute span late in the second half. Jameese Joseph and Alexis Strickland recorded goals in the 77th and 80th minutes, respectively, to trim the Pack's deficit to 3-2 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the match.
Joseph outraced the Denver backline to slot home her first goal of the season to cut into the Pioneers' 3-0 lead. Brianna Weber logged her second assist of the year as her long pass played Joseph in on goal. Strickland then blasted a header past Denver goalkeeper Molly Wissman to draw the score to 3-2. Mackenzie Smith logged the assist for her pinpoint cross to the back post, inviting Strickland to nod home her second goal of the season.
Denver halted the Wolfpack's momentum when McKenna Dannenhauer netted a solo goal in the 84th minute, bringing the score to its final margin at 4-2.
The Wolfpack (1-2-2) allowed two goals in the opening half as the Pioneers (2-0-4) remained unbeaten on the season. Denver's Kaitlyn Glover scored the opening goal with a strike in the eighth minute. DU doubled its advantage in the 35th minute when Michaela McGowan notched an unassisted goal to make it 2-0 Pioneers.
Denver added its third goal in the 54th minute when Lily O'Grady's header found the back of the net.
NC State goalkeeper Olivia Pratapas and midfielder Rosalie Olou made their first-career starts for the Wolfpack in Sunday's setback. Emika Kawagishi also made her first start since the 2021 season after missing this past season due to injury.
Early in the second half, Pratapas denied Glover from the penalty spot to keep the Wolfpack within two. Pratapas made a career-high eight saves in Sunday afternoon's setback.
UP NEXT
NC State returns to Raleigh for a matchup against Michigan State. The Pack's second match against a Big 10 opponent this season is set for Thursday night at 7 p.m.
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