NC State
9-4-5, 3-3-2
Charlotte (1st Round)
11-3-5, 3-2-2
Double OT Golden Goal Advances Wolfpack in NCAA Tournament
11/21/2024 11:38:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RALEIGH – Freshman, Niko Markovic, scored his first collegiate goal over Charlotte in double overtime of the Pack's opening round match of the NCAA Tournament Thursday night at Dail Soccer Stadium to secure its advancement the second round of the championship.
Despite closing out the first half scoreless on both sides, NC State thought it sealed the deal in the 86th minute when Liam Bennett and Taig Healy connected with Donavan Phillip to find the back of the net. However, Charlotte responded with a goal of their own just moments later in the 89th minute. With less than two minutes left on the game clock, the teams were forced to move into the first 10 minute overtime period.
The Wolfpack was granted its 11th and 12th corner-kicks of the match in the first overtime period, making it the highest amount of corner-kicks the squad has taken in a game all season. Despite having those opportunities, NC State wouldn't be able to score while holding off Charlotte, guranteeing a second overtime period.
Centerback, Isaac Heffess, has consistently created scoring opportunities for his teammates throughout the entire season off of his long distance throw-in capabilities. In the 103rd minute, his throw-in would connect with Donavan Phillip's head to flick on to Niko Markovic who would head the ball into the back of the net, ending overtime and securing his team's victory.
Markovic recently earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors for his season defensive performance on the back line and two assists but this marked the first collegiate goal of his career.
The last time the Pack played in the NCAA Tournament, in 2019, the team fell in double overtime at home, meaning that the last time the program reached the second round of the championship was in 2018.
Up Next
NC State travels to Georgetown to battle the Hoyas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday afternoon at 12 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
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Team Stats
Donavan Phillip (5)
Assisted By: Taig Healy , Liam Bennett
GOAL by NCS Phillip, Donavan Assist by Healy, Taig and Bennett, Liam.
85:47
Abubacarr Fofana (2)
Assisted By: Jaedon Richardson
GOAL by CHA Fofana, Abubacarr Assist by Richardson, Jaedon.
88:56
Nikola Markovic (1)
Assisted By: Donavan Phillip , Isaac Heffess
GOAL by NCS Markovic, Nikola Assist by Phillip, Donavan and Heffess, Isaac.
102:26
