Deacons Advance To ACC Semifinals
11/12/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 12, 1999
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The third-seeded Wake Forest Demon Deacons came from behind in the second half to defeat the sixth-seeded NC State Wolfpack 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Men's Soccer Tournament at Spry Stadium Thursday night.
The Deacons had two chances to take the lead in the first half, when they scored two apparent goals, but both were called back for being off-sides. The game went to halftime scoreless.
The Wolfpack took the lead at the 54:24 mark with a goal by Marcus Johnson off an assist from Matt Tabor. Wake Forest answered to tie the game when Aaron Thomas scored a goal off assists from Jaron Barbee and Bobby Gehring at the 71:02 mark. The Deacons took the lead for good when Gehring scored off an assist from Matt Thompson at 76:26 in the game.
The Deacons are now 12-1-5 with the win while the Wolfpack is 7-7-3. Wake Forest advances to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament and will face the Virginia Cavaliers at 8 p.m. Friday night.
GOALS: Marcus Johnson (NCSU), 54:24 (Matt Tabor), Aaron Thomas (WFU), 71:02 (Jaron Barbee, Bobby Gehring), Bobby Gehring (WFU), 76:26 (Matt Thompson).
CORNER KICKS: WFU: 10 NCSU: 2
WAKE FOREST HEAD COACH JAY VIDOVICH
This was just another typical ACC tournament soccer game. One that shows the parity in this conference and the quality of play. It was a battle. Once again, it shows the character of our team to come back from a goal down and get a goal.
I felt we had some quality opportunities, the balls weren't falling in the back of the net like we had hoped.
The coaching staff felt that we were taking the game to them. We made a mistake but since again we felt confident that our players could execute and there was no panic and I think that was evident on the field. I think we showed even more focus Instead of being like 'who's going to win?', we had to win now.
NC STATE HEAD COACH GEORGE TARANTINI
I think that Wake Forest is an excellent team. We did everything that we could. We had our chances. Wake Forest found a way to win.
I'm very proud of my team. I don't want to use any excuses but I am very proud of my team and I think that my freshmen are the basis of our future.
I think that the difference in the game was that the team needs to learn to play with a lead- we need to learn to win. We are going through a process. We tried and I believe in my heart that we'll be back. The only way to get back is to work. Its not because we didn't try, its because Wake Forest is very good.
