Aug. 25, 2006

Final Stats

Raleigh, N.C. - Playing the teams' 2006 season opener, the N.C. State women's soccer team scored two second half goals to defeat Western Carolina, 2-0 Friday afternoon at Method Road Soccer Stadium. The Catamounts will stay in the Triangle to face 12th-ranked Duke on Sunday at 5:00 pm.

Freshman Briana Cunningham and sophomore Lindsay Vera each tallied a goal for the Wolfpack.

In the first half, NC State out shot the Catamounts, 2-1, which included a goal scoring opportunity from sophomore Lindsay Vera. The forward posted the shot with just three minutes remaining in the first half, but Western Carolina's goalkeeper, Alesha Row was there to make the save near the center of the box. One minute later, sophomore Tami Krzeszewski tallied the Wolfpack's second and final shot of the half. The midfielder's shot was blocked near the left side of the half circle. Her shot was blocked. WCU's attack was limited to just one shot. Heather Dittmer turned off a free kick nearside in the 12th minute. Wolfpack keeper, Megan Connors was quick to make the save nearside about five yards off the post.

The second half saw N.C. State posted five shots in the period, including two on goal. Cunningham put the Wolfpack on the board as Chantalle Dugas played the ball to Cunningham at 69:30. The `Pack's second goal came from Vera with eight minutes left in the contest. Dugas once again had a part in the scoring opportunity. She dumped a pass to Vera near the Wolfpack endline, setting the striker up for a shot on goal. Vera's first shot was blocked, but she connected on her second try, and provided the insurance goal from about 13 yards near the left post.

Western Carolina had five shots in the half, which included a strong shot from Shannon Fowkes with 1:37 to play. NC State's Connors was there to make one of her three saves as she pushed the ball to her right and out of bounds for the save.

To follow the Catamounts' second game versus an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent in three days, visit GoDuke.com for live stats.