Women’s soccer fell for the first time in ACC play this season to in-state rival NC State in Raleigh last Thursday night.
The Demon Deacons were down two goals throughout the first half after the Wolfpack scored back-to-back goals in the ninth and 10th minutes.
“We started the game negatively and without confidence,” Head Coach Tony Da Luz said of the first half. “We did respond very well to get to 2-1 before halftime.”
After aggressive back-and-forth play from both sides, Wake Forest got one back two minutes before the break as sophomore Amaya Dawkins played a perfect looping cross into the box, which found freshman Elliana Ramirez, who headed it in for her first career goal. Wake Forest continued to showcase its depth, as Ramirez is the 11th different Demon Deacon to score this season and the fourth freshman.
The Demon Deacons had a stellar scoring opportunity in the 70th minute off a corner as Maxwell directed a header high, but the Wolfpack goalkeeper stopped the chance, keeping it out for her seventh save of the night.
Both keepers made big plays and remained composed throughout the defensive match. Redshirt sophomore keeper Valentina Amaral finished the night with five saves. Thursday was her third game of the season with at least five stops. Additionally, the standout keeper surpassed 40 saves on the year and is now eight shy of 100 for her career.
This loss is a small setback in the Demon Deacons’ campaign to return to the national championship game. They will hope to bounce back at home against Louisville on Oct. 9, after a three-game road stretch.
“Going down 2-0 early on the road is not the way to win,” Da Luz said after the game. “We created so many good chances and passed the ball well. We have to be more precise in our finishing going forward.”
