After a huge 3-2 comeback win against nonconference opponent Elon, the NC State men’s soccer team will go on the road to face Syracuse on Saturday.
The Wolfpack (8-3-3, 3-2-1 ACC) is sitting at third place in the ACC Atlantic with 10 points, while the Orange (6-4-4, 1-3-2 ACC) is sitting in last place with five points. Despite its poor conference record, Syracuse has had a number of signature wins and draws throughout the season, including a win against then-No. 18 UNC-Chapel Hill, a tie against then-No. 20 Louisvilleand a tie against No. 14 New Hampshire.
The Syracuse offense has been potent throughout the season, averaging 1.45 goals per gameand putting up 13.7 shots per game compared to its opponents’ 10.9. The attack is led by midfielder Ryan Raposo and forward Massimo Ferrin. Raposo leads the team in points with 17 by way of seven goals and three assists on a very accurate shot percentage of 0.233. Ferrin has put up 10 points this season coming from three goals and four assists. Raposo’s scoring efficiency and Ferrin’s ability to create chances has been deadly for the Orange offense this season.
However, the Syracuse defense has been the weak link for the team throughout the season, conceding 1.64 goals per game. The Orange also gave up seven goals in its last ACC match against Clemson. The defense is led by goalkeeper Christian Miesch, who has done his best to try to hold the defense together with a 0.659 save percentage.
The Wolfpack offense seems to have found its groove again, scoring three goals against Elon after only scoring one in the three games prior. NC State has averaged 1.29 goals scored per game while putting up 11.6 shots per game compared to its opponents’ 7.5. The offense is led by sophomore forward Kuda Muskwe and junior midfielder David Loera. Muskwe leads the team in points with nine, which consists of four goals and an assist. Loera has been brilliant on the ball all season and created many chances for the Wolfpack. He has put up nine points coming from three goals and two assists.
The NC State defense has also performed well, only allowing the opponents to score 0.86 goals per game. NC State’s redshirt senior goalkeeper Vinnie Durand has not had many opportunities for saves this season because of the impressive play by the defenders. However, he still has 24 saves on the season with a 0.667 save percentage and six clean sheets.The back line of defenders, which usually consists of junior Jamie Smith, freshman Pablo Pedregosa and senior David Norris has been a brick wall this season, holding opponents to only 7.5 shots per game.
The Wolfpack offense will need to produce Saturday if the Pack wants to pull out a win and keep up with the strong Syracuse offense. The defense needs to continue to limit scoring opportunities, which is important against Syracuse that consistently creates several every game.
The match will kick off at 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 26at SU Soccer Stadiumand will be televised on the ACC Network Extra.
