NC State Soccer's Historic Run to the Top

NC State's men's soccer team made history by reaching the NCAA National Championship match for the first time ever. They beat Saint Louis 2-1 in a thrilling game at First Horizon Stadium. The stadium was packed with nearly 11, 000 fans, the biggest crowd for a College Cup game in Cary since 2012. The Wolfpack's season record is now 16-2-4, the most wins they've had since 1990. Senior midfielder Carlos Santamaria played a big role, stepping in for Tyler Caton and playing 77 minutes. In the first half, NC State had 8 shots but couldn't score. Things got interesting in the second half when a handball by Saint Louis gave NC State a penalty kick. But the goalkeeper, Jeremmi Abonnel, saved it. He's saved four out of five penalties this season. Finally, in the 69th minute, NC State scored. Calem Tommy passed to Isaac Heffess, who crossed the ball to Donavan Phillips. Phillips headed it in, making it his 18th goal of the season. That ties him for the most goals in the country this year. Senior midfielder Taig Healy has been on fire, scoring in three straight games. Three of his four goals this season came in the NCAA Tournament. Saint Louis scored a goal in the 81st minute after a foul and yellow card against Isaac Heffess. But NC State held on to win the game. Next, NC State will play Washington in the championship match on Monday at 7 p. m. The game will be on ESPNU.