A late penalty kick awarded to NC State allowed the Wolfpack to break through 1-0 in the 89th minute Sunday in Raleigh, NC. The officials decided not to go to VAR to review the penalty despite doing so earlier in the game.
"I'm unbelievably proud of our team to fight through all elements of that game," head coach
Jesse Cormier said. "They deserve better from this experience. If we continue to play like this, we're going to have a special year."
The Eagles were flying defensively all match long.
Oliver Weng saved eight shots, many fully stretched to stop an ongoing Wolfpack attack.
The entire team was joined together in the defensive effort as the backline of
Lucas Windschauer,
Victor Hugo de Oliveira Lopes and
Sebastian Soriano would not allow an uncontested shot towards goal. In the 54th minute, NCSU looked to have a clear angle at the goal with the ball just outside the six-yard box, but de Oliveira Lopes slid in to block the ball with an extended leg.
FGCU applied pressure in the second half offensively as both of its shots on target were earned.
Pablo Brimeux put the first Green and Blue shot on target in the 67th minute that the outstretched NC State keeper barely got to. The ball trickled out in front of the goal before the recovery was made.
Luke Barforosh made an attempt from about 25 yards out in the 85th minute that forced the keeper to make a save but was ultimately saved.
Barforosh was on the passing end of another key chance when he crossed the ball in the direction of
Jose Escobar who headed the ball just wide of the net.
Lucas Sperner was also in the area, but couldn't get a foot on the ball for the tap-in.
The game was officiated tightly. Eight cards were issued against FGCU, mostly after players came to talk to officials about calls. In the 89th minute, two red cards were issued.
Alon Drey received his second yellow for questioning the PK decision, and coach Cormier was issued a straight red card for the same reason.
The Eagles defensive resilience in spite of pressure from everywhere can not be understated. FGCU did not allow a goal in the run of play despite NC State getting 24 shots off and being awarded 11 corners.
The Green and Blue continue their season-opening road stretch at Georgia Southern on Friday at 7:30 p.m. FGCU's home opener is on Sept. 8 against Utah Valley. Tickets can be purchased at the link above.
