The Wolfpack men’s soccer team opened its season with a 3-1 win over Winthrop Eagles at a Dail Soccer Park on Monday night. The cool, pristine night provided a backdrop in which the Wolfpack dominated most of the game with an aggressive offensive style of play and poise and patience on defense. 

The young Winthrop squad came out with solid defense to begin the game. N.C. State coach George Tarantini commented positively on the tough Winthrop squad.

“It’s a good team. Last year they won the championship in their conference,” Tarantini said. “It’s a good team.”

Chris Byrd scored the first goal of the regular season at 29:28 in the first period. r.

Byrd said the team’s pre-season conditioning was on display during the first contest of the year.

“I thought we came out really hard,” Byrd said. “We came out fighting. All the fitness we’ve been doing in the preseason and last year caught them off guard.”

The next goal, tallied at the 14:19 mark, came from Ronnie Bouemboue on a cross strike.

The second half started out conservatively for the Wolfpack as it nursed a comfortable lead to start the half. The Pack managed to turn up the intensity about midway through the second period, but the Winthrop back end cleaned up in front of its goaltender, who made several crucial saves.

Akil DeFrietas experienced firsthand the skill of the opposing goalie as he attempted shot after shot before finally breaking through with 3:42 left in the contest.

“[It was] just confidence,” Akil said. “After a couple of shots the confidence was there.”

The second half ended with a free kick goal scored by Winthrop, spoiling a Pack shut-out.