No. 3 Wake Forest (12-3-2, 7-2-1 ACC) rolled over in-state rival NC State (4-10-4, 1-6-3) in a 3-0 win on Thursday evening to clinch their second-consecutive ACC Tournament appearance.
The Demon Deacons scored just 61 seconds into the match — the fourth-fastest goal in program history.
Senior midfielder Emily Colton fired a pass to senior forward Emily Murphy at the penalty arc. Murphy threaded the ball into the box to senior midfielder Nikayla Small, who made a move to her left and kicked a shot into the back of the net.
Small had to be helped off the field with what appeared to be a right leg injury. Senior midfielder Anna Swanson replaced her.
A few possessions later, sophomore forward Sierra Sythe delivered a beautiful pass across the field to senior defender Laurel Ansbrow. A header from Ansbrow missed the goal wide to the right.
The Wake Forest defense applied relentless pressure on the Wolfpack offense early on. NC State did not attempt their first shot until the 21st minute, which was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Valentina Amaral.
Junior forward Caiya Hanks drew a foul in the 49th minute to set up Murphy with a penalty kick. Murphy launched the ball into the bottom right corner of the net to double the Demon Deacon lead.
Murphy has been terrific in conference play, leading the Demon Deacons with seven assists and ranking third on the team with 15 total points.
NC State had an advantageous opportunity in the 50th minute when Wolfpack midfielder Mana Nakata intercepted a pass from Amaral who left the goal wide open. However, a duo of Demon Deacons recovered to block Nakata’s shot attempt.
In the 80th minute, senior defender Kristin Johnson kicked a left-footed pass into the box. Junior forward Hannah Johnson leapt into the air, using her head to knock the ball over the outstretched arms of the Wolfpack goalie to give the Demon Deacons a 3-0 lead.
Wake Forest dominated total time of possession, holding the ball for 63% of the match, while out-shooting the Wolfpack 17 to 4.
The Demon Deacons recorded their ninth shutout of the season and Amaral improved to a 8-2-1 record as a starter in her young career. She has only allowed seven goals over 1,125 minutes of action which translates to a .56 career goals-against average.
In addition, Wake Forest has set the record for most ACC wins (7) and points (22) in program history.
Wake Forest will enter the ACC Tournament as the No. 2 seed, earning a first round bye. The Demon Deacons will play No. 3 seed Florida State (12-2-2, 7-2-1) in the Semifinals at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 7.
