North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State
3-3-3, 1-2-1
Wake Forest
6-2-1, 3-1-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| NC State | 0 | 1 | 1 |
NC State Falls to Wake Forest in Late Game Battle
9/25/2026 10:51:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State men's soccer (3-3-3, 1-2-1 ACC) fell to Wake Forest (6-2-1, 3-1-0 ACC) Friday night at Dail Soccer Field.
Wake Forest struck first in the 20th minute to get on the board and take a 1-0 lead.
The Wolfpack responded with consistent offensive pressure throughout the opening half, out shooting Wake Forest 9-5, making it the most shots Wake Forest has allowed in a first half this season.
NC State continued to apply pressure after halftime, recording another nine shots while holding the Demon Deacons to four.
After nearly 60 minutes without another goal, the Wolfpack finally found the equalizer in the 81st minute. Aidan Payne converted his second goal of the season off an assist from Ervin Cruz to level the match at 1-1.
Wake Forest answered just over five minutes later to put them in front 2-1.
NC State continued to push for another equalizer in the final minutes, but was unable to find the back of the net.
NC State finished the match with an 18-9 advantage in shots and an 8-6 edge in corner kicks. NC State also held 61% of possession.
Erik Peña earned his first start as a member of the Wolfpack.
UP NEXT
The Wolfpack will continue conference play in Kentucky against Louisville. The match is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Chandler Young (3)
Assisted By: Jeffrey White , Joby Reid
GOAL by WF Young, Chandler Assist by White, Jeffrey and Reid, Joby.
20:42
Aidan Payne (2)
Assisted By: Ervin Cruz
GOAL by NCSU Payne, Aidan Assist by Cruz, Ervin.
81:36
Jeffrey White (3)
Assisted By: Pariss Mitchell , Henry Rosenfeld
GOAL by WF White, Jeffrey Assist by Mitchell, Pariss and Rosenfeld, Henry.
86:45
