August 25, 2024
Raleigh,NC– The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (0-2-0) made the flight North on Sunday to take on host NC State (2-0-0) in an early season non-conference matchup. The Wolfpack fresh off Coach Marc Hubbard’s first win as the new head coach earned their 2nd win of the season.
The first half started slowly as both teams spent the early moments of the first half trading possessions and splitting time on each end of the field with just a total of 3 shots between both teams with 0 shots on goal in the first 22 minutes. NC State had a chance after earning a corner kick after a yellow card in the 24th minute. The shot would sail just wide though and the match would remain scoreless.
The Pack earned another chance off a free kick in the 30th minute but the header sailed high and over the crossbar. In the 36th minute, the Pack had its best scoring chance of the half off off a corner kick that lead to a header off the crossbar by Donavan Phillip. NC State ended the first half with 10 total shots and 3 shots on goal. The Eagles ended up with just 4 shots and 0 on goal. Full stats below provided by Statbroadcast:
The Wolfpack came out in the second half and in the 48th minute nicked a 3rd chance off the crossbar with a header by Vusumzi Plamana. The score would remain tied at 0-0 until in the 89th minute, the Eagles made the critical mistake by gathering a red card in tbe box. An additional red card was issued to the bench. Will Buete, who earned his 2nd goal in as many games, was chosen to take the shot and he delivered the winning goal.
When asked after the game if the goaltender gave any tells as to which direction he was going Buete reaponded with:
“Yes I saw he was leaning in that direction (right) and so I decided to go left.”
Buete is the returning captain and Coach Hubbard had full confindence in Buete:
“You want a guy who is a confident kicker and who has taken one before. He’s been a guy who’s consistently gotten it done since I got here. I’m proud of him for nailing it.”
NC State was seemingly on the net with shots all game long finishing with 24 total shots including 8 on goal. 4 of those shots went off the crossbar and out. The win is the 2nd in as many tries for the Wolfpack and the 2nd in a row in which the game-winning goal was scored in the final 2 minutes of the game.
Next up for the Wolfpack is a matchup with James Madison in Harrisonburg, VA on Saturday August 31st at 7PM EST.
