Wake vs. West Virginia: Post Game

The Demon Deacon soccer team played a great game this afternoon against a very tough West Virginia side and emerged with a 3-1 victory. West Virginia, who are known for playing some of the stingiest defense in the nation, held the Deacs scoreless in the first half and even began the 2^nd half with the game’s first goal. Wake’s offense refused to be contained for much longer, breaking out for three unanswered goals for a convincing victory and advancing to face Notre Dame next Saturday evening at Spry stadium.

West Virginia’s goal came on a Andy Wright penalty kick in the 50^th minute off of what was in my opinion a questionable foul call in the box. What I saw was a pretty good acting job, but unfortunately the referee didn’t see it that way. It didn’t take the Deacs long to respond, however, as Austin “Hollywood” da Luz’s cross found the foot of Zack Schilawski who blasted it into the goal in the 56^th minute. Ten minutes later Cody Arnoux gave Wake the lead on a beautiful give and go with Corben Bone, who returned to the lineup today having not played since the ACC championship due to a hip injury. In the 87^th minute, after WVA’s Gift Maworere was ejected with his 2^nd card, Cody Arnoux sealed the game with his 2^nd goal of the day (15^th of the season) on another Austin “Hollywood” da Luz assist.

I was very impressed with the team’s play today. The first half was frustrating for everyone; the Deacs had several opportunities where it really looked like they could have and maybe even should have scored but weren’t able to either because of missed opportunities or great saves by West Virginia. Knowing the Mountaineers’ defensive prowess, I was concerned when West Virginia went up 1-0 early in the 2^nd half, but I was very proud of the resiliency of the Deacs. Corben Bone looked very good returning from injury (he said he felt fine all game, so that's a great sign) and Austin “Hollywood” da Luz and Cody Arnoux obviously played quite well with two assists and two goals respectively. Schilawiski is also much more dangerous than I previously realized, definitely right up there with Arnoux when it comes to attacking ability.

I’m excited to see what the team comes up with next Saturday night against Notre Dame. Although I know very little about the Domers, I’m certain they wouldn’t have advanced this far if they weren’t a very solid side. I expect to see a hotly contested match, but I fully expect to see the Deacs headed back to Cary the following weekend.