September 3, 2018

 

RALEIGH – The fourth-ranked NC State men’s soccer team (4-0-0) continued its perfect start to the 2018 season Monday evening at Dail Soccer Stadium, defeating William & Mary 2-1 in double overtime.

 

Senior defender Christoph Schneuwly scored in the 103rd minute to end the match and give the Wolfpack its third consecutive victory over a team that won its conference during the 2017 season.

 

Postgame Notes

-NC State now leads the series with William & Mary 5-4-0.

-Ryder Bell’s goal in the sixth minute marked the first time NC State has trailed an opponent all season. The Wolfpack has only been in a trailing position for 41 of 373 minutes (10.9 percent).

-Schneuwly’s 2OT goal was the first in his NC State career (22 matches).

 

Bell put visiting William & Mary (1-3-0) in the lead in the sixth minute of the match after teammate Antonio Bustamante forced a Wolfpack defensive turnover and poked the ball ahead. The forward took full advantage of a short breakaway opportunity, hitting a hard shot to the near post that just beat NC State goalkeeper Leon Krapf.

 

NC State had two great chances to equalize in the first half. In the 10th minute, Cjay Sparks received a very nice ball from the midfield and was in on goal alone. He put a low shot with pace on target, but Tribe goalkeeper Connor Andrews made a very good save to keep his side in front.

 

Tyler Gabarra won a penalty for his team in the 39th minute when he was brought down inside the area while trying to get his head on a cross following a corner kick. Sophomore David Norris stepped up to the penalty spot, but his attempt was saved by Andrews.

 

The Wolfpack found the back of the net almost immediately after the second half began. Reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Week Gabriel Machado bent in a terrific free kick that 2017 ACC Freshman of the Year Manny Perez was able to get on to the end of. The sophomore was able to finish a volley past Andrews to even the score and net the sixth goal of his young Wolfpack career.

 

NC State pinged three shots of the woodwork in the second half, coming inches from taking the lead on attempts by Perez (65’), Machado (78’), and Ivy Brisma (85’).

 

Schneuwly, the Wolfpack’s senior from Switzerland, scored the winning goal following a set piece in the 103rd minute. Machado whipped in a corner and Sparks headed it into a dangerous area. David Loera hit a shot towards the target that was blocked and came right to Perez. He then hit a shot towards goal that was also blocked, but fell right into the path of Schneuwly. The senior hit an impressive first-time volley with his right foot into the back of the net for the Wolfpack victory.

 

NC State begins ACC play on the road at No. 1 Wake Forest Friday evening. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm from Winston-Salem, N.C., with live video coverage provided by ACC Network Extra.

 

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