NC State men’s soccer advances to Elite Eight

The men’s soccer program is one win away from reaching the College Cup after knocking off UNC-Greensboro, 2-0, in the Sweet Sixteen on Sunday night. It’s the first trip to the Elite Eight for the men’s program in 33 years.

Taig Healy notched NC State’s first goal less than six minutes into the match, capitalizing on a nice pass right in front of the goal.

State took that lead into the second half, where Greensboro started to assert some control, playing with the desperation you’d expect with its season in the balance. The Spartans very nearly equalized on a breakaway after keeper Logan Erb couldn’t get out fast enough to make the play, leaving one lonely defender between UNCG and a tie game. Riley Moloney made a huge block and preserved the lead.

Donavan Phillip put the Spartans to bed in the 79th minute.

Now NC State, which is the No. 15 overall seed, will travel to play No. 7 Georgetown. It was UNCG’s upset of No. 2 Virginia that made tonight’s home game a possibility—there have been several high-profile upsets already, as each of the top three seeds are out. Georgetown is the top seed remaining on NC State’s side of the bracket.

The next round of the tournament is set for Dec. 5 and 6.