August 18, 2024
Raleigh, NC- On a night in which NC State honored 4 of its seniors, the Wolfpack(0-1-1) played host to the visiting East Carolina Pirates(1-0.) The Pirates, playing their opening match, come to Raleigh 0-3-1 against Head Coach Tim Santoro and the Pack. The Pirates went 9-5-5 (4-2-3) in 2023. That was good for second in the American Athletic Conference’s East Division.
The Pirates opened the match with an early scoring chance in the first minute. Junior goalkeeper Olivia Pratapas was able to make a beautiful save to keep the score tied at 0-0. The Pirates would break through with the first goal of the night to take a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute. The goal was scored off the foot of Abby Sowa. The Pirates were rewarded for their first half pressure as they tallied 9 shots and 2 shots on goal in the first half. The Wolfpack were not without their chances forcing 3 corner kick opportunities on their way to 4 shots and were saved twice. Full Stats from the 1st half:
The second half began much of the same way as the first as the pressure was still high on the offensive attack by the Pirates. They continued to hound the Pack attackers until the Pack was able to finally put together a great stretch of offense midway through the second half and nearly put one in the net after several more shots. They added 2 shots on goal by the midway point of the second half but the score remained 1-0 Pirates. The Pirates would hold off the Pack to earn a hard fought win on the road.
Next up for the Pack is a Thursday night showdown in Buies Creek with Campbell at 7PM.
