Wake Forest University
0-1-0, 0-0-0
VCU
1-0-0, 0-0-0
Wake Forest Drops 2021 Season Opener
8/26/2021 9:53:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Although Wake Forest pressured VCU’s defense throughout the opening night of the 2021 season, the Demon Deacons were unable to score a victory.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest's (0-1-0) No. 7-ranked men's soccer team dropped the regular season opener 2-0 to VCU (1-0-0) on Thursday night at Spry Stadium.
Despite the Demon Deacons being on the front-foot with the attack outshooting (20-10) and taking far more corner kicks (15-2) than the Rams, it was VCU who struck twice in the first half to earn the victory.
Wake Forest will return to action on Sunday night hosting Bucknell for a match that begins at 7 p.m. and will air nationally on the ACC Network.
How It Happened
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While Wake Forest created early chances, it was VCU who scored first in the 10th minute off a flurry in the box following a corner kick.
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Then in the 21st-minute, the Rams struck again off a miscue by the Deacs.
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Wake Forest went into the break down, 2-0.
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In the second half, Wake Forest collected nine shots, including a near make by junior David Wrona in the 46th minute but were unable to deliver a goal.
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The Demon Deacons spent the last 20 minutes of the match up a man, as VCU's Celio Pompeau was sent off with a second yellow card.
Demon Deacon Details of Note
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Six freshmen made their college debuts: Babacar Niang, Leo Guarino, Roald Mitchell, Julian Kennedy, Nicolas Mancilla and Bo Cummins.
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Niang made his first career start in his collegiate debut.
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Junior Nico Benalcazar made his 35th career appearance.
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Freshman Ryan Fessler -- who played in the spring portion of the 2020-21 season -- made his 10th career appearance.
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Redshirt sophomore Cole McNally made his 10th career start.
Muuss' Musings
"Obviously disappointed, it's not ever the way you want to start a season. It was a decent student turnout and we weren't able to score a goal. We created good goal scoring chances, not half chances. I think their goalkeeper made some really good saves. VCU did a really good job at times breaking us, but were really organized when they were really, really deep."
Up Next
Wake Forest will remain at home for the second of three-straight home matches to open the 2021 season, as the Demon Deacons will host Bucknell on Sunday at Spry Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will air on the ACC Network.
Team Stats
Simon Fitch (1)
Assisted By: Damian Gallegos , Celio Pompeu
GOAL by VCU Fitch, Simon Assist by Gallegos, Damian and Pompeu, Celio.
09:25
William Hitchcock (1)
GOAL by VCU Hitchcock, William.
20:01
