Davidson Holds Off NC State, 2-1

Monday, September 7

Davidson, N.C.

7:00 p.m.

Davidson College

2-0-1

NC State

3-1-0

NC State

Davidson

Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com

9/7/2015 9:28:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Highlights
Spear Postgame Interview
Rotunda Postgame Interview
Photo Gallery

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson extended its home-unbeaten streak to 13 straight with a 2-1 win over NC State Monday evening in front of 1,374 fans at Alumni Stadium.

"The environment was awesome," said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. We really appreciate the big crowd and we trust a huge win will keep them returning. It's a really special environment, and it's become a real fortress the past couple seasons."

The win was the third for the Wildcats over an ACC opponent the last two years as they improve to 2-0-1 on the young campaign.

"One of the gratifying parts about these wins is that lots of guys chip in. We played six subs vs. NC State's three."

It was the first setback of the season for NC State (3-1-0), which had only given up one goal in its first three matches. The Wolfpack entered No. 23 in the latest Top Drawer Soccer Top-25.

Matt Reinikka put the Wildcats up 1-0 with a header in the 22nd minute. The sophomore's first career strike came off a short corner combination from Cort Coxhead and Christian Fechter.

Alec Rotunda, who added an assist in Friday's draw against Wofford, scored tonight's eventual game-winner with under 13 minutes to play off a Valeriy Sviderskiy through ball.

"Since it was the second tight game in three nights, I knew our bench would need to make an impact tonight. Alec scoring the game-winner off the bench is just one example," Spear said.

"Nathan Marder had to suddenly jump in at center back for a bit and he made a crucial recovery run to block a 1v1. Jess Smith gave us a big lift on the right side too."

Trailing 2-0, Zach Knudson scored the Wolfpack's lone goal in the 86th minute of action.

Davidson's Matt Pacifici was impressive in goal, including big stops down the stretch, as the senior finished with a game-high three saves.

Up Next
Davidson will travel to former conference-rival and in-state foe Elon Saturday evening for a 7 p.m. contest.