Sophomore forward Brittany Stanko scored twice and N.C. State survived a tough test from UNC-Wilmington on Sunday with a 2-1 win over the Seahawks at Dail Soccer Stadium.
It was Stanko’s third multi-goal game.
The Wolfpack won for the fifth time in six games and next faces No. 6 Notre Dame on Thursday at home. It will mark the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams and the first ACC action for the Fighting Irish, a new addition to the conference.
Wolfpack head coach Tim Santoro was not satisfied with his team’s performance on Sunday but was happy with the win.
“We did not play well,” Santoro said. “It was a very lethargic performance, but we found a way to get the win, so that is a positive for us.”
State went up 1-0 in the 12th minute on Stanko’s first goal as both junior forward Jennie Krauser and junior defender Shelli Spamer picked up assists on the play.
“[Krauser] sent me a really good ball from the left side, and I just sent it into the left corner,” Stanko said.
But the lead did not last long into the second half.
The Seahawks responded in the 52nd minute with a game-tying goal by UNC-W sophomore midfielder Lindsey Byrne, her first of the year
The Wolfpack’s persistence paid off in the 80th minute as Stanko gave State the lead for good. It was her third goal of the season, once again assisted by Spamer this time via a free kick.
“[Spamer] sent me a great ball over top of me, and I just headed it into the back of the goal,” Stanko said.
Stanko missed a hat trick on the night after being called offsides just as her shot ripped into the Seahawks’ net later in the game
“[Stanko] was dangerous near the goal,” Santoro said. “On the other end of the field, she could have caused a little bit more problems for the other team and be a little more consistent within the game, but for the most part, she has been a dangerous player for us.”
Wolfpack freshman goalkeeper Mackenzie Stelljes made eight saves against the Seahawks.
“[Stelljes] has had a good run here,” Santoro said. “That is why she has been in the goal for us. I think she definitely wanted that goal back. She made about three or four saves she probably should not have made, so that evened itself out.”
Stelljes was busy against the Seahawks, who blasted 21 shots, including nine that were on target.
“[The Seahawks] definitely gave us some trouble,” Stelljes said. “We were not as organized as we should have been, but we know that we will work at it in practice this week.”
State’s performance was plagued by numerous fouls throughout the game. The Pack was called for 12 fouls, while the Seahawks were only charged with nine.
