Late Goal Lifts Wake Forest Past Oakland, 1-0

ROCHESTER, Mich. — Highlighted by a 78th minute goal from junior Liv Stowell, the Wake Forest women's soccer team (5-0-1) defeated Oakland (3-1-2), 1-0, Sunday at OU Soccer Field in Rochester, Mich.

Wake Forest and Oakland battled to a 0-0 ledger for 77 minutes before freshman Alex Wood found Stowell streaking down the left side of the pitch. On the pass from Wood, Stowell blasted a shot just past the goalkeeper towards the far post for her third tally of the season to give the Deacs a 1-0 lead.

Over the remaining 12 minutes, the stout Demon Deacon defense refused to relinquish the equalizing goal and went on to earn the 1-0 victory. For the match, Wake Forest held Oakland to a season-low four shots.

This season, the Deacs have allowed only one goal, while recording five clean sheets. Sunday's shutout marked the 17th of goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks' career.

Freshman Caiya Hanks led Wake Forest in shots and shots on goal with four and two, respectively. Midfielder Kristi Vierra came off the bench and logged critical minutes for the Demon Deacons controlling the middle third.

Wake Forest will return to action Thursday when the Demon Deacons travel to face Maryland at Ludwig Field in College Park, Md. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the match will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

How It Happened

Hanks attempted the first shot of the match 5:50 into the contest when she beat several Golden Grizzly defenders down the pitch and sent a shot just over the crossbar.
Eight minutes later, Parks recorded her lone save of the match when Sami Lopez of Oakland sent a shot to the bottom left of the net.
- Lopez's attempt was Oakland's only shot attempt in the first half.
The ensuing 23 minutes was a defensive battle as neither offense was able to create scoring opportunities. Despite not attempting a shot nor corner kick over the 20+ minute span, Wake Forest controlled the tempo of the match and applied pressure to the Oakland backline.
Wake Forest attempted three shots over the final six minutes of the half but was unable to break the scoreless tie. Overall, Hanks attempted three shots in the first half. Giovanna DeMarco joined Hanks as the only Deacs to attempt a shot in the opening frame.
The Demon Deacons and Golden Grizzlies entered the halftime break knotted up at 0-0.
Like the first half, the second half was a defensive battle as both teams refused to allow a goal before Stowell's 78th minute strike.
Wake Forest's strategic attack eventually wore down Oakland's backline, allowing Stowell the opportunity to beat the Golden Grizzly defense for the game-winning goal.
- Wood recorded her seventh point of the season and her first career assist on Stowell's goal. Stowell has now scored a goal in consecutive matches.
Over the final 12 minutes of the contest, Oakland used a variety of attacks in hopes of finding the equalizer, but Wake Forest's stingy defense refused to allow any significant scoring opportunities.
The Demon Deacons controlled possession of the ball for the remainder of the match to hold on for their fifth win of the season.

Demon Deacon Details of Note

For the first time this season, Wake Forest was held to single-digit shot attempts (9).
Through six matches, the Demon Deacons have allowed only one goal.
Wake Forest currently has a +14 goal differential this season.
Giovanna DeMarco tallied her 59th career start in her fifth season with the Deacs.

Tony Time with Coach da Luz
"I'm very proud of the team. We performed at a high level on our first away flight. Oakland is a well-coached and organized team. They were difficult to break down but we solved it with a bit of late brilliance from Alex Wood, Giovanna DeMarco and a precision finish from Liv Stowell. We can't undervalue another shutout defensive performance either. KP and the backline were outstanding. It seems someone new emerges every game, I thought Allie Schmidt came on and made a really positive impact. This team continues to improve and compete with Demon Deacon pride." - head coach Tony da Luz

Up Next

Wake Forest will continue its five-match road stretch Thursday when the Demon Deacons travel to face Maryland.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the match will be streamed live on Big Ten Plus.

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Team Stats

Liv Stowell

Alex Wood

Caiya Hanks

Malaika Meena

Players Mentioned

Giovanna DeMarco

Caiya Hanks

Allie Schmidt

Liv Stowell

Kristi Vierra

Alex Wood

Players Mentioned

Giovanna DeMarco

Caiya Hanks

Allie Schmidt

Liv Stowell

Kristi Vierra

Alex Wood

Wake Forest Athletics