12th-ranked NC State men's soccer (8-3-5, 3-2-2 ACC) drops final regular season match on the road to Wake Forest (8-4-5, 4-2-2 ACC) Friday night by a 0-1 score.
The Pack nearly snuck in a goal in the 16th minute when
Taig Healy struck a low shot to the bottom right corner off of a deflection by Wake's defense on a free kick.
No serious attempts on goal were made for each team until the final five minutes of the frame when the Demon Deacons broke away towards goal past the red-and-white's defense, forcing
Logan Erb to make a save and create a corner.
The first half of the game closed out scoreless on either side.
The Wolfpack was successful in outshooting the Demon Deacons 18-12, however, they were unable to surpass them in shots actually on frame, recording five compared to Wake's six.
Erb made a vital save in the 75th minute when Wake Forest was awarded a free-kick just outside the top of the box and used the opportunity for a set shot on goal. The shot targeted towards the upper right corner but was knocked away by the keeper's top hand to the sidepost to clear out.
Only a few minutes later was when the Demon Deacons were able to recollect themselves and create another opportunity resulting in their goal from a failed clear attempt by the Pack's back lines.
Healy continued to apply pressure to goalkeeper, as he got a free shot attempt from a set piece in the 78th minute that soared just over the cross bar.
Both teams' goalkeepers played crucial roles in the highly-competitive game, tallying six saves apiece.
Up NextThe Pack is set to compete in the ACC Tournament, starting on Wednesday, November 6 at campus host sites. They will await to find out their seeding to determine who they face and where.
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