Team Effort Lifts Duke to ACC Victory at NC State

Friday, September 30

Raleigh, N.C.

7:00 PM

Duke University

4-3-2, 1-2-1

NC State

3-7-0, 0-4-0

Duke

North Carolina State

Team Effort Lifts Duke to ACC Victory at NC State

9/30/2016 11:10:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score

By: Duke Sports Information

RALEIGH, N.C.—Duke rookie Suniel Veerakone struck a free kick to perfection in the 75th minute to lift the Blue Devils to a crucial 2-1 victory over NC State in ACC men's soccer action this evening at Dail Soccer Stadium. Robert Moewes was outstanding in goal for Duke with four saves.

Duke grabs its first ACC win and improves to 4-3-2 overall and to 1-2-1 in ACC play. NC State drops to 3-7-0 and 0-4-0 in conference action.

“I just thought our resiliency showed tonight,” said head coach John Kerr. “We weren't just going to give up an easy goal. I think we were determined not to give away an easy goal and it showed tonight. We bounced back from being down 1-0 as well. We held on and we just weren't going to give up a goal in the second half.”

Jared Golestani scored the Blue Devils' first goal as Duke extends its unbeaten streak against the Wolfpack to seven games.

NC State grabbed the early lead with Tanner Roberts heading home a curling service from Simon Blotko on the right flank just over five minutes in.

The Blue Devils, somewhat against the run of play, answered three minutes later when Carter Manley slipped a beautiful through ball to a streaking Brian White in the penalty box. The junior striker calmly slotted the ball across the goal for Golestani at the back post to tap home and tie the game 1-1.

The Wolfpack controlled much of the possession in the next 35 minutes, but had nothing to show of it at the break. Goalkeeper Robert Moewes came up with a huge one-on-one save in the 36th minute, making himself big and kicking the ball away for his second save of the half.

Cameron Moseley nearly got in behind the NC State backline but was whistled for offside as the Blue Devils managed just two shots in the opening 45 minutes.

Duke's possession was better in the second half as the Blue Devils kept the ball and when able to get into the final third were distinctly more dangerous. The Blue Devils' increased time of possession also kept the Wolfpack from getting forward as successfully as it did in the first 45 minutes.

In the 69th minute Cameron Moseley nearly put the Blue Devils ahead after a through ball from Veerakone, but NC State goalkeeper Alex McCauley cut the angle well and made the diving stop. Rookie Brandon Williamson, stepping on for an injured CC Uche, had a header just sail over the bar moments later as Duke continued to pressure NC State's backline.

Five minutes later, Veerakone, after a deft touch around a defender, drew a foul 20 yards from goal on top of the 18-yard box. Just like he did on his previous two goals this season, Veerakone curled the ball in for the highlight-reel score and go-ahead goal.

The Wolfpack, however were not going to make it easy on the Blue Devils. NC State attacked with fury in those final 15 minutes, creating a handful of dangerous looks on frame. Moewes and the Duke backline did well to remain organized and the entire Blue Devils squad fought tooth and nail in those final minutes to come away with the win.

NC State outshot Duke 14-6 for the game and had five corner kicks, while the Blue Devils had none. McCauley finished with one save in the setback.

Duke returns home to Koskinen Stadium Oct. 4 against Davidson. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

#GoDuke