North Carolina State Wolfpack
Overall Rank: #31
#8 ACC
North Carolina State Team Page
With wins in four of its last five games, including a 1-0 takedown of in-state rival North Carolina in the finale, the Wolfpack salvaged what had been a mediocre season up to that point. Before the 4-1 finish, North Carolina State was an even 4-4-4 across the board. Two of the top four scorers are back on the team this season, so there is some potential for a good season.
2013 Record: 8-5-4, 3-5-3
2013 Postseason: None
Coach: Kelly Findley
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Nick Surkamp, Senior, F, 8
Assists: Clement Simonin, Senior, D, 3
Shots: Nick Surkamp, Senior, F, 41
Saves: Alex McCauley, Junior, GK, 7
Other Key Returnees: M Michael Bajza, M Holden Fender, F Travis Wannemuehler, D Moss Jackson-Atogi, D Ryan Metts
Key Losses: M Alex Martinez, D Gbenga Makinde, F Nazmi Albadawi, GK Fabian Otte, M Danny DiPrima
Strengths:
With Nick Surkamp and Clement Simonin back to help out the team, North Carolina State will be strong in terms of scoring goals and helping teammates get on their own. Both players were double-digit point earners last fall and would love to make the NCAA Tournament as seniors.
Weaknesses:
Goalkeeper Fabian Otte’s departure could be a problem, as he scarfed up much of the playing time and many of the saves. McCauley will have two seasons in net to prove himself, but the reality is Otte’s departure leaves a gaping hole that the Wolfpack will have to plug early on.
Final Projection:
Five of the first seven games are home games at the NC State field in Raleigh, and the Wolfpack venture out of state just four times in the entire season. After three exhibition contests the Wolfpack play nine of 11 at home prior to October 7th. North Carolina State was above .500 at home last year, and if the Wolfpack can repeat that feat in 2014 then it should be a solid season. How well the goalkeeping works out could be a big reason for the Wolfpack’s success if it comes.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 1.59 (52nd in nation, 6th in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 1.26 (107, 10)
Shutout Percentage: 0.29 (87, 8)
Save Percentage: 0.736 (124, 8)
Madness 2015 MLS Draft Rankings:
#33 Nick Surkamp
Madness 2014 Men’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#6 Conor Donovan
#20 Ade Taiwo
#28 Marius Heislicz
#69 Caleb Duvernay
#106 Matias Fracchia
See All College Sports Madness Top 44 Men's Soccer Previews
