NCAA TOURNAMENT: Wolfpack Blanks Hoyas to Advance to Men's Soccer Sweet Sixteen

Congrats! Go Pack!!

A commanding 2-0 win over fourth-seeded Georgetown on the road sends NC State men's soccer to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time since 1992. Coming out victorious, the game marked the 10th win of the season, 2018 was the last time the program has posted 10 wins in a season.

In its first season with Marc Hubbard as head coach, NC State continues to add to its history book. After having its best start to a season since 1992, it now is having its best final leg of a season since that same year.

After defeating Charlotte at home in a double overtime thriller on Thursday night, the Wolfpack went on the road for a Sunday matinee that resulted in a 2-0 upset over Georgetown, the four seed of the tournament, giving them just their second loss at home this season.

The Hoyas nearly scored first shortly into the opening of the game but their shot was denied by the defending Wolfpack's goal side post.

Junior midfielder Drew Lovelace searched for the back of the net with several close opportunities back to back. He ultimately took to the scoreboard first in the 27th minute with his second goal of the season when Isaac Heffess fed Taig Healy who one-touched a quick ball to Lovelace outside the box who then sailed past his defender for a low strike to the corner of the net.

The team carried strong with their one goal lead into halftime but coming out into the second frame it was Georgetown that took a large portion of possession and potential scoring chances.

Logan Erb in goal and Niko Markovic at centerback both accumulated goal-saving plays to keep the Pack in front of the Hoyas.

In transition in the 66th minute, Healy tagged another assist when he passed the ball on to Donavan Phillip who nailed a missile above Georgetown's goalie on the near post. Phillip continues to display his dominance on the front line now that he accounts for a goal in both rounds of the tournament.

Up Next
NC State awaits the winner of 13th-seeded Marshall vs. Furman to figure out who and where they will play the next round of the tournament.

@PackMensSoccer || #GoPack || #90MinuteParty


https://gopack.com/news/2024/11/24/mens-soccer-nc-state-advances-to-sweet-16-for-first-time-in-over-30-years

On to the Sweet 16 after a 2-0 win at Georgetown!!! https://t.co/g3eXqmz54o

— Jeff Gravley (@JGravleySPORTS) November 24, 2024

I have been watching the games on ESPN plus and following the team this season and the transformation from seasons past is remarkable. I am so impressed by what Hubbard has been able to achieve. After reading up on his track record up in N.H. I was excited about the hire and felt that he was the man to wake up this sleeping giant of a soccer program, but I did not think he would be able to do this much this fast!

Me too.