#3 Men's Soccer Hosts #4 Maryland

Sept. 26, 2002

Game #8

Deacons Prepare for ACC Showdown with #4 Maryland

Wake Forest's three-game homestand continues on Friday night as the third-ranked Deacons take on fourth-ranked Maryland. The Demon Deacons are an undefeated 5-0-2 through seven games, the second best start in school history. Maryland comes into the game with a 8-1 record (2-0 ACC), ranked fourth nationally by the NSCAA.
The Deacons look to improve to 2-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference action for the first time since 1991 when Wake Forest got road wins over two nationally-ranked teams, Clemson and Virginia.
On paper, Friday's game figures to be a contrast in styles. The Deacons have allowed fewer goals (5) than any other team in the ACC. Meanwhile, the Terps have scored more goals than any ACC team (31).
Wake Forest trails in the all-time series 11-10-3 but could even the all-time ledger with a win. The Deacons are 2-0-1 in the last three meetings, their last loss coming at Spry Stadium in 1998.

Best Starts in School History

Through seven games, the 2002 Deacons are off to one of their best starts in school history. It is just the third time in school history Wake Forest has stayed unbeaten to this point. Last time it happened was 1999 when the Deacons opened with a 4-0-3 record. That group keep its unbeaten streak intact for 16 games.
The last time Wake Forest started with a better record was 1991, a 6-0-1 start.
However, an argument could be made that the 2002 Deacons have played a tougher schedule as three of its first seven opponents have been ranked 11th or better.

Deacons Doing it With Defense

The secret to Wake's early success has been its ability to defend. In 690 minutes of play, the Deacons have allowed just five goals. That's less than one goal every two hours. Wake Forest has shutout two of its last thre opponents (Richmond, UNC Greensboro).
That has happened despite the fact the team's most experienced defender, junior Kelvin Jones, has yet to start a game. The group of Bobby Gehring, Wiggy Saunders and James Riley have pulled together in front of goalkeeper William Hesmer. At this point, Wake Forest can claim the ACC's best defense as the five goals are the fewest allowed in the conference. That claim will be put to the test on Friday against Maryland, the ACC's top scoring team (3.5 per gm).

Wake Forest Climbs to #3 in Soccer America Poll

For just the third time in school history, Wake Forest is ranked in top three. The Deacons check in at number three, behind Stanford and St. John's, respectively. Wake Forest, ranked fifth last week by the publication, defeated Richmond 2-0 and tied second-ranked St. John's on the road on Saturday night, 1-1, to stay undefeated.
At number three, the Demon Deacons equal their best ever ranking. In November of 1999, Wake Forest spent one week at number three in the NSCAA and Soccer Times polls. As pointed out recently by several alumni, the 1991 Wake Forest team was also ranked third.
Currently, six of the ACC's seven schools that sponsor men's soccer are ranked in the top 25.

Hesmer Cracks Wake Forest Goalkeeping Record Book

To become eligible for the Wake Forest record book, goalkeepers must play 2500 career minutes in goal. Last week, William Hesmer surpassed that figure and immediately found himself among the best goalkeepers to ever play for Wake Forest.
His goals against average (0.90) ranks number one and his save percentage (81.3%) is second. Hesmer was a second-team All-ACC selection last year and figures to be a strong candidate for first team honors this season.

Freshman Class Showing Early Returns

Without a doubt, the freshman class has played a major part in Wake Forest's 5-0-2 record. Both Justin Moose (Statesville, N.C.) and Ryan Alexander (Southfield, Mich.) are on the scoresheet -- Moose with three goals and Alexander with a two goals and two assists. Both Moose and Alexander found the back of the net against UNC Greensboro on Wednesday. Moose's three goals are tied for the most on the team. But perhaps the most valuable contributor has been central defender Michael Parkhurst. The native of Cranston, R.I., has been instrumental in the team's defense which has allowed an ACC low five goals.

Wake Forest Athletics