NC State
10-4-5, 3-3-2
(#24/No. 4 seed) Georgetown (2nd Round)
11-5-5, 5-2-1
NC State Advances to Sweet 16 for First Time in 30 Years
11/24/2024 3:01:00 PM | Men's Soccer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A commanding 2-0 win over fourth-seeded Georgetown on the road sends NC State men's soccer to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1994. Coming out victorious, the game marked the 10th win of the season, 2018 was the last time the program has posted 10 wins in a season.
In its first season with Marc Hubbard as head coach, NC State continues to add to its history book. After having its best start to a season since 1992, it now is having its best final leg of a season since 1994. Hubbard was one of only two coaches to make it to the postseason national tournament in their first season at their school. The other coach, at the helm of North Florida, fell in the first round, leaving the leader of the Pack the solo first year leader in the Sweet 16.
After defeating Charlotte at home in a double overtime thriller on Thursday night, the Wolfpack went on the road for a Sunday matinee that resulted in a 2-0 upset over Georgetown, the four seed of the tournament, giving them just their second loss at home this season.
The Hoyas nearly scored first shortly into the opening of the game but their shot was denied by the defending Wolfpack's goal side post.
Junior midfielder Drew Lovelace searched for the back of the net with several close opportunities back to back. He ultimately took to the scoreboard first in the 27th minute with his second goal of the season when Isaac Heffess fed Taig Healy who one-touched a quick ball to Lovelace outside the box who then sailed past his defender for a low strike to the corner of the net.
The team carried strong with their one goal lead into halftime but coming out into the second frame it was Georgetown that took a large portion of possession and potential scoring chances.
Logan Erb in goal and Niko Markovic at centerback both accumulated goal-saving plays to keep the Pack in front of the Hoyas.
In transition in the 66th minute, Healy tagged another assist when he passed the ball on to Donavan Phillip who nailed a missile above Georgetown's goalie on the near post. Phillip continues to display his dominance on the front line now that he accounts for a goal in both rounds of the tournament.
Up Next
NC State awaits the winner of 13th-seeded Marshall vs. Furman to figure out who and where they will play the next round of the tournament.
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Team Stats
Drew Lovelace (2)
Assisted By: Taig Healy
GOAL by NCST Lovelace, Drew Assist by Healy, Taig.
26:09
Donavan Phillip (6)
Assisted By: Taig Healy , Isaac Heffess
GOAL by NCST Phillip, Donavan Assist by Healy, Taig and Heffess, Isaac.
65:23
