The Pack looks to rebound from a tough overtime loss to the Clemson Tigers against the Georgia State Panthers.
In its previous match against the Tigers, Clemson scored the winning goal with 29 seconds left. Wolfpack coach Kelly Findley still believes that his squad had a great showing despite the loss.
“I think we’ll rebound strong,” Findley said. “I think the guys are a little frustrated, and sometimes you have to lose to remember how much you hate it. I’m expecting us to come out and play very well tonight.”
According to coach Findley , its previous loss also fueled redshirt freshman Nazmi Albawadi’s fire for the upcoming match.
“I think [ Nazmi ] is having a great season,” Findley said. “He’s really worked hard on his fitness and he made himself into a really good athlete. He’s doing a great job for our team. I think he’s motivated. I loved his quote in the Technician when he said ‘It was hard to watch Clemson celebrate on our field’, so I expect big things from him, not only against Georgia State, but for the rest of the season.”
After redshirting his freshman year, the local product of Raleigh has emerged as a leader this season and has served as a catalyst for the Wolfpack offensively. Albawadi has scored two goals on the season, including the Pack’s sole goal against Clemson, and has assisted on three goals. He has also led the Wolfpack in shots attempted with 27 and shots on goal with 12.
Georgia State is currently carrying a 5-2-1 record. Its conference opener against Deleware broke a two-game winning streak and a streak of four games without a loss. The Panthers lost 1-0 off of a goal in the 89th minute. N.C . State will be its final non-conference match until they continue play in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Sophomore forward Evan Scott will be a key player to watch for the Panthers. He leads a balanced Georgia State offense with 3 goals and 3 assists on the season. Four other players for GSU – Ayokunie Lumpkin , Jordan Welse , Yasser Majluf , and Peter Vania – have two goals in the young season.
According to Findley , the pressure of coming off a streak-ending game and playing an ACC opponent will lead to the Pack going up against a highly motivated Georgia State team.
“Anytime a team has to play on the road and play against an ACC team they’re going to come out highly motivated,” Findley said. “I think we have a great facility and a great following, so we expect them to come out and play physical, and we know that we have to match that and play well.”
With an up-and-down start to the season, including a win against No. 9 Southern Methodist, the Pack will have its opportunity to regain its focus and turn its luck around before delving deeper into its conference schedule.
