Wake Forest Facing Syracuse in Regular Season Finale

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest men's soccer will conclude the 2021 regular season on Friday night, as the Demon Deacons host Syracuse at Spry Stadium.

Prior to the start of the match, seniors Kyle Holcomb, Holland Rula and Aristotle Zarris will be honored for their contributions to the program over the last four years.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the match will air live on ACC Network Extra.

Fan Information
A number of new fan experience enhancements are planned for the 2021 season. This includes expanded food and beverage options, including availability on Walt Chyzowych Alumni Hill, an enhanced in-game experience, featuring an expanded video board production with additional cameras, replay, and fan-engaging elements, as well as new immersive experiences to promote the unique culture that is known around professional and collegiate soccer.

Parking is encouraged in lots A, B, Q, W1 & W2. A complete parking map of campus is here.

Gates open at 6 p.m., or one hour prior to kickoff for all future home matches.

Wake Forest Athletics is committed to providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina within a safe and fan-friendly environment.

Complete fan information can be found here.

Ticket Information
The best way to enjoy Demon Deacon soccer throughout the 2021 season is through the purchase of Season Tickets. Packages start at only $45 for adults or $25 for youth and seniors.

For those wishing to purchase single-game admission for Spry Stadium, advance purchases are highly encouraged. Single game chairback seats are available for only $25, while bleacher admission is $15.

The quickest and most efficient way to order tickets and take advantage of these new seating experiences is to visit GoDeacs.com/Tickets and purchase online or call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Complete ticket information for the season can be found here.

Health & Safety Protocols
Wake Forest Athletics works closely with Wake Forest University, Forsyth County and state officials to follow COVID-related guidelines for the safety of fans in attendance at Truist Field and all venues. While proof of vaccination is not currently required for spectators, we encourage vaccinations for all. We are proud that nearly 100% of Wake Forest Athletics student-athletes, staff and coaches are vaccinated, as required under University and Athletics policy. Currently, all academic buildings are closed to visitors, and masks are required in all indoor spaces. For additional information regarding steps the University is taking to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus, we strongly encourage you to review the University's COVID-19 Notice.

Wake Forest has several gameday guidelines and strategies. First and foremost is required face coverings for all unvaccinated fans in attendance. Additionally, all fans must wear a mask indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status. Wake Forest Athletics also requires all non-team personnel to be masked at all times inside the field enclosure.

The Matchup

Wake Forest and Syracuse will meet for the ninth time ever on Friday night to conclude the 2021 regular season.
The most recent meeting between the two sides came in 2019 when the Demon Deacons earned a 1-0 win over the Orange at Spry Stadium.
The Demon Deacons enter this match with a 9-5-1 record following a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Boston College last Saturday.
The Orange, meanwhile, hold a 8-6-2 record. Their most recent result was a 2-0 upset win over then-No. 6 Clemson.
The Demon Deacons have a 3-3-1 ACC record while the Orange are 2-4-1 in ACC play.
Wake Forest has won five of its seven appearances so far in the month of October. The Deacs have outscored their opponents 22-7 during the month.
The Demon Deacons hold an undefeated record of 4-0-1 against Syracuse at Spry Stadium.

Last Time Out

Wake Forest had its bid for a sixth-straight win denied by Boston College on Saturday night, as the Deacs fell to the Eagles 3-2.
Boston College capitalized on two opportunities in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Senior Kyle Holcomb earned his seventh goal of the season off a cross from freshman Roald Mitchell to open second half scoring.
Mitchell has recorded at least one point in five of his last six matches. The freshman has scored four goals and provided one assist over that span.
Just four minutes after Holcomb's strike, however, the Eagles would add a third goal. The goal gave Boston College a lead it ultimately would not give up.
In the 87th minute, Wake Forest got one goal back through redshirt junior Jake Swallen. Swallen dispatched a penalty kick for the team's second goal.

Thank You Seniors

Wake Forest's senior class will be honored prior to the start of the match.
Both Kyle Holcomb and Holland Rula have been integral parts of the Deacs' success over the last four years.
Aristotle Zarris, a 2018 All-ACC Freshman Team selection, will also be recognized for his contributions to the program.
During their time with the team since the start of the 2018 season, the Deacs have a 56-16-5 overall record, a 40-8-3 record at Spry Stadium and a 19-4-2 record against ranked opponents.
The Deacs' 56 wins since the beginning of the 2018 season are second-most in the country.
During their four years representing the Old Gold and Black, the Deacs have been ranked in the top-25 54 total weeks and have sat at the No. 1 spot for 17 of those weeks.
As sophomores in 2019 they helped lead Wake Forest to its sixth appearance in the College Cup.

Scouting the Orange

Syracuse enters the regular season finale with an overall record of 8-6-2. The Orange are 2-4-1 in ACC play as well.
Last Saturday, the Orange scored a 2-0 upset victory over then-No. 6 Clemson. Their other conference win came on Sept. 10 when they defeated Virginia 3-1.
Syracuse ranks 25th nationally in goals per match (2.19) and has been led in scoring this season by Deandre Kerr's nine goals.
Russell Shealy has kept four clean sheets in net this season including the victory over Clemson.

Looking Ahead

Wake Forest will turn its attention to postseason play, as the ACC Tournament begins on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Kyle Holcomb

Roald Mitchell

Holland Rula

Jake Swallen

Aristotle Zarris

Wake Forest Athletics