September 15,2024
Raleigh, NC– The NC State women’s soccer team (3-4-1,0-0) returned to the pitch on Sunday as they hosted the George Washington Revolutionaries (2-4-2,0-0) in a makeup of the rainout against Colorado. The Revolutionaries entered play winning their last match with Drexel in a 2-1 win. The history between these two teams has been very favorable to the Wolfpack as they own a 6-0-1 record against George Washington with all 6 of the wins coming via the shutout. The Wolfpack has earned both of its wins this season by scoring multiple goals in the first half. The Wolfpack have thrived in games under Coach Santoro during his tenure as they own a 68-4-5 in matches when they score multiple goals.
The first 15 minutes proved to be tough for both teams as both teams managed just 3 total shots and with 2 of them being on goal. The Pack’s best chance came in the 15th minute when Alivia Kelly shot a beautiful pass to her teammate in the corner who had a beautiful touch pass to the box for the shot. The save was made but some early pressure from the Wolfpack was encouraging for a team that excels when they get off to a fast start.
Both teams were still searching for their first goal of the match as the score remained 0-0 through the first 30 minutes. The Wolfpack managed just the 1 shot and 1 shot on goal while the Revolutionaries managed just 3 total shots with 1 on goal in the first 30 minutes. NC State would earn another great opportunity in the 38th minute as the Pack hit a well-struck ball from outside the box that had to be saved.
The Wolfpack would find the back of the net just minutes later though when Jade Bordeleau struck from the middle of the box to hit the back of the net for her first goal of the day. The goal came in the 39th minute after Bordeleau had been hunting her shots and finally struck. The goal gave the Pack a 1-0 lead that they would carry to the half.
The Wolfpack wasted no time extending the lead as just 50 seconds into the second half Jade Bordeleau would notch her 2nd goal of the match. The goal would give the Pack a 2-0 lead quickly. Just 2 minutes and 20 seconds later, Bordeleau would strike again to net her 3rd goal of the match earning the hat trick. Bordeleau was aggressive throughout the match hunting her shot and it paid off in a big way. Her efforts gave the Wolfpack a 3-0 lead and momentum heading into ACC play. Bordeleau gave us her thoughts on the performance after the game:
” I mean it feels good. I don’t know what unlocked in me, but I think it was a team effort today. We felt good before the game, and I just think that everybody contributed.”
The Wolfpack would continue to pour it on as they would net their 3rd goal of the second half in the 60th minute. Yuna Aoki would notch her first career goal to give the Wolfpack a 4-0 lead. The goal was assisted by Paige Tolentino and Rosalie Olou. The Wolfpack were aggressive throughout the match and that proved to be vital to their success.
NC State was able to notch 18 total shots and 7 on goal through the first 75 minutes. The Revolutionaries only had 4 total shots including only 1 in the second half up to that point. The Wolfpack defense proved to be too much for George Washington as the offense for the Revolutionaries stalled under the pressure of the fantastic defense and goaltending. NC State would finish the match with 21 shots and 9 on goal. George Washington was held to just 5 shots total and only 1 on goal.
Head Coach Tim Santoro met with the media following the match to give his thoughts on his team’s commanding win over the Revolutionaries:
“I mean did what we had to. I think we have games with three, four, and five and then we have games with zero and so we just got to find consistency when we attack and pass the ball, and when we do it, we’re not a bad team.”
Next up for the Wolfpack is California on Thursday night September 19th in the ACC Opener at Dail Soccer Complex at 7PM ET.
