Forwards Come Alive for UNCG Men’s Soccer in 3-1 Win over NC State
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Two second half goals powered the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s soccer team (4-1-5) to a 3-1 win over the NC State Wolfpack (3-5-3) on Wednesday evening, the Blue & Gold capitalizing on a red card to tilt the game at UNCG Soccer Stadium.
A thrilling first half saw both teams enter halftime knotted at 1-1 before the Spartans took full use of the man-advantage in the second frame, eventually breaking through twice in quick succession just after the 70th minute to pull away.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UNCG struck first, Head Coach Chris Rich’s side showing no signs of rust to start after having not played since Sept. 26. An expertly flicked pass from Malo Jungling sprung Lasse Dahl down the right flank, and the Dane’s low cross would be smashed home by Pablo Torre to put the Spartans ahead in the fifth minute.
An errant pass at the back allowed NC State right back into the game shortly after, Austin Bush pouncing to slot home the equalizer in the 14th minute.
Both teams ended the first frame with five shots apiece, Seth Wilson producing one save while Gabe Lamphere kept efforts from Dahl and Mohammed Sumaila out at the other end.
With both teams jockeying for an advantage to start the second half, the break came UNCG’s way just before the hour mark. Streaking behind the Wolfpack back line after a through ball, Dahl was hauled down by Riley Moloney, who was subsequently sent off with a straight red card for denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Dahl forced a big stop from Lamphere on the resulting free kick, but the Wolfpack would still be forced to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men.
Steven Hernandez ultimately broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, connecting sweetly on an attempted clearance of a Spartan corner kick to drive home from just outside the 18-yard box. The low, volleyed strike was the Preseason All-Conference selection’s first goal of the season.
Filipe Matos delivered the finishing blow just minutes after entering the game in the 77th minute, latching onto a lofted through-ball from Torre and deftly chipping the ball over the outstretched glove of Lamphere for a 3-1 lead.
UNCG outshot NC State 8-4 in the second half, Wilson only needing to make one stop over the final 45 minutes to close out the game.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
Hernandez’s goal makes him the 10th Spartan this season to find the back of the net and the fourth to notch a game-winner. It’s his 11th in Blue & Gold overall.
Torre and Matos returned to the scoresheet for the first time since the 4-1 opening win over VCU on Aug. 20.
The pair become the first Spartans this season to achieve multiple goals and assists, now both on two and two for the season.
In limiting NC State to just three shots on target, UNCG has now held opponents to that mark or fewer in each of the last four games and five times overall this season.
Hernandez’s game-winner was the second of his career, after delivering in the 89th minute against Dayton on Sept. 6, 2025.
Wednesday night marked UNCG’s first win over NC State since Oct. 27, 2002.
Rich improves to 4-4-5 against ACC programs as Head Coach at UNCG.
UP NEXT
The Spartans remain at home for another midweek tilt, welcoming the Marshall Thundering Herd to UNCG Soccer Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Kickoff in Greensboro is set for 6:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
Courtesy of Davis Fields
Strategic Communications Coordinator
UNC Greensboro