August 23, 2024
Raleigh,NC– Thursday night marked not only the start of a new season, but the start of a new era of NC State Men’s Soccer. Led by new Head Coach Marc Hubbard, the Wolfpack (1-0-0) didn’t waste much time putting their new playing style on full display.
Coach Hubbard joined the Wolfpack in December and immediately went to work putting together a rebuilt roster ready to compete in his new home in the ACC. Hubbard amassed an excellent 115-32-21 record in his 9 seasons at New Hampshire including 7 straight NCAA tournament appearances.
Having won a national championship and coming off an Elite 8 appearance in 2023, his history of success of turning programs around has been a staple of his success and Thursday night was no different.
In a match filled with intensity and drama, NC State’s was able to use their new coach’s aggressive style to notch a 3-2 victory over High Point University(0-1-0.) The win for the Wolfpack came on a game winning goal in the final minutes of the match as Vusumzi Plamana broke a 2-2 tie with the game winner with under 2 minutes to go.
A Fast Start
High Point was able to strike first in the first half to take an 1-0 lead in the 31st minute, but the Pack would strike back in the 41st minute on an equalizer by senior Will Buete to to tie the match at 1-1 going in to the half.
The Decisive Second Half
As the second half began, both teams came out with renewed energy. High Point managed to take the lead with a quick strike in the 54th minute giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead. The Wolfpack found themselves trailing 2-1, but the deficit only seemed to ignite their aggressive style. The Wolfpack would quickly strike back in the 64th minute to tie the match up at 2-2. Taig Healey, a transfer from New Hampshire, netted the tying goal.
A Dramatic Finish
In the final minutes of the game, NC State continued its aggressive approach as they tirelessly fought for the winning goal. Their efforts were rewarded when senior Vusumzi Plamana planted one in the back of the net for the game-winning goal. It was his first goal of his career but it came at the right time. After the High Point defense failed to clear the ball from the box, Plamana calmly struck quickly catching the goalkeeper off guard to secure the dramatic 3-2 victory for the Wolfpack.
Next up for the Wolfpack is a Sunday Matchup with Florida Gulf Coast. Gametime is set for 4 PM EST at Dail Soccer Complex.
