Wake Forest University
4-0-0, 0-0-0
Youngstown State
0-3-0, 0-0-0
Wake Forest Downs Penguins, 5-0
8/29/2021 4:37:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Sofia Rossi’s brace helped lead the Demon Deacons past Youngstown State, pushing the Deacs to a +11 goal differential on the season.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Four different Demon Deacons found the back of the net on Sunday afternoon as Wake Forest grabbed a 5-0 win over Youngstown State Penguins at Spry Stadium.
The Deacs (4-0-0) have yet to concede a goal this season as they hold a four-game shutout streak, during which they have remained unbeaten. Dating back to last season, Wake Forest has gone 385 minutes without conceding a goal.
The Deacs have outscored their opponents, 11-0.
Redshirt junior Sofia Rossi notched her first brace of her career, starting the scoring in the 18th minute. Rossi found the top corner with a curling effort that sailed over the Youngstown State (0-3-0) goalkeeper.
The second goal came in the 25th minute with a bullet to the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
Freshman Nikayla Small punched in her first collegiate goal on a second effort after the Penguin keeper denied the first attempt in the 21st minute. It pushed the Wake Forest advantage to 3-0 at that point.
In the 37th minute, Ashley Frank earned the nod at a penalty kick and notched her second goal of her Demon Deacon career.
Rounding out the scoring, Kristi Vierra knocked in the fifth goal for the Deacs, the first of her career.
Tony Time with Coach da Luz
"We were good right from the whistle on the attack and we tried to finish in the final 25 yards," head coach Tony da Luz said after the win. "Sofia Rossi was the difference maker for us. She opened up the game with the brace and was the focal point. Now, it's on to the next one as we have two tough games this week. It all starts on Tuesday as we prepare hard."
How It Happened
- The Deacs took an early lead when Rossi scored her first goal of the season in the 19th minute.
- Two minutes later, Small attempted a shot that was blocked by the keeper, but it deflected back to her and she knocked in for her first career goal.
- In the 25th minute, Rossi earned her first collegiate brace, hitting the right corner with a rocket from the top of the box.
- Frank capitalized on a penalty kick to put the Deacs up 4-0 at half.
- The Deacs did not allow a shot in the first half while taking 22 of their own.
- Vierri netted her first collegiate goal on a penalty kick taken in the 69th minute.
- Howard and Raben combined to earn the Deacs' fourth-straight shutout.
- Wake Forest finished the match with a 30-1 shot advantage.
Up Next
The Demon Deacons stay home to host Loyola-Maryland on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m and the game will be streamed on ACCNX.
The Deacs will also honor 50 Years of Women in Sports at Wake Forest, Presented by Blue Cross NC as a part of the game. Be on the lookout for more details on the upcoming events.
For the most up-to-date information on Wake Forest soccer, follow @WakeWSoccer on Twitter.
Wake For Women Tailgate
In celebration of 50 Years of Women in Sports at Wake Forest, Presented by Blue Cross NC, the Women's Center is partnering with Athletics to host pre-event tailgates with free food, music, activities, and tee shirts before Thursday's match vs Loyola-Maryland at 7 p.m.
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Team Stats
Sofia Rossi (2)
Assisted By: Emily Morris
GOAL by WFU Rossi, Sofia Assist by Morris, Emily.
19:48
Nikayla Small (1)
GOAL by WFU Small, Nikayla.
21:09
Sofia Rossi (2)
GOAL by WFU Rossi, Sofia.
25:34
Ashley Frank
WFU Ashley Frank PENALTY KICK GOAL.
37:58
Kristi Vierra
WFU Kristi Vierra PENALTY KICK GOAL.
69:01
