NC State Men’s Soccer Pursues National Title Near Home

For the first time in 35 years, the NC State men’s soccer team is competing in the NCAA College Cup. This significant event is happening close to home, with the semifinal match against Saint Louis scheduled for Friday night at First Horizon Stadium in Cary, North Carolina. NC State, the No. 15 seed, boasts an impressive record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws, while their opponent, Saint Louis, holds a record of 14 wins, 2 losses, and 7 draws.

Upcoming Semifinal Details

The semifinal featuring NC State and Saint Louis adds an exciting highlight to the tournament. The first semifinal match will occur earlier in the evening, showcasing Washington versus No. 16 Furman at 6 p.m. The winners of these matches will advance to the national championship on Monday.

Home Advantage for the Wolfpack

Defender Nikola Markovic, named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, believes playing in Cary offers a significant advantage. “It’s something that we’ve been working for all year,” he stated. The enthusiasm among fans is palpable, with the tickets sold out, and secondary market prices soaring above $350.

Program’s Historical Context

NC State has a storied history of NCAA Tournament appearances but faced challenges in recent years. The program reached the Round of 16 five times from 1986 to 1994 and made it to the 1990 College Cup. However, they lost in the semifinals against UCLA. A notable setback came in 1991 when Saint Louis triumphed over NC State in the quarterfinals.

Coach Marc Hubbard’s Impact

Marc Hubbard, in his second year, has transformed the team’s performance since his arrival from New Hampshire. He previously led New Hampshire to seven consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Under his guidance, the Wolfpack’s performance has significantly improved, with a strong 2022 season ending with a 10-5-5 record.

Team Performance Highlights

• NC State ranks ninth nationally in goals per game.
• They hold the second position in goals against average.
• The team has secured 15 shutouts in 21 games.

Key Players Making Their Mark

The roster has seen considerable changes, with only six of the original 26 players remaining. Notably, Logan Erb, a transfer and the ACC Goalkeeper of the Year, contributed to this year’s successful campaign. Forward Donovan Phillip, who is second in the nation in goals with 17, believes in Hubbard’s vision for the program.

Chasing the National Championship

As the Wolfpack prepares for this crucial match, they aim to achieve their first NCAA title. Phillip expressed the team’s commitment to making history and enhancing NC State’s legacy. “It’s a national championship we’re all chasing,” he noted. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with a strong home crowd backing the team.