NC State
3-0-0, 0-0-0
FIU
1-1-1, 0-0-0
#8 Wolfpack Defeats FIU with Two Second-Half Goals
8/29/2025 10:37:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RALEIGH – Eighth-ranked NC State men's soccer improves to 3-0 after netting late second-half goals to defeat Florida International Friday night, 2-0.
The back of the net remained untouched on either side in the first half despite 17 shot attempts from the Wolfpack.
In the 75th minute, a breakaway ball chased after by Donavan Phillip led to him being tripped by the Panther goalkeeper, and after official review, a penalty kick was awarded to the Pack. Senior Drew Lovelace was designated to take the shot, which bounded off the crossbar down into the goal. The goal marks Lovelace's first of the season and gave momentum to his team for the game.
Georgia State transfer Justin McLean had a memorable night, collecting both his first starting nod and first goal as part of the Pack. He scored off a volley at the top of the box after Riley Moloney serviced a corner-kick that was then deflected by the goalkeeper towards McLean.
Off the bench, Frankie DeFrancesco and Aidan Payne both nailed shots on goal to keep the Panthers tested. In the end, FIU's goalkeeper was forced to make 11 saves.
In goal for NC State, Logan Erb recorded two saves and collected his third-straight clean sheet in goal to keep his goals against average at zero.
Up Next
The Wolfpack looks forward to its ACC opener against No. 15 North Carolina at home next Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m.
@PackMensSoccer || #CarryTheCulture
Team Stats
Drew Lovelace
NCSU Drew Lovelace PENALTY KICK GOAL.
74:20
Justin Mclean (1)
GOAL by NCSU Mclean, Justin.
77:24
