Soccer Set for ESPN3 Showdown with NC State

RALEIGH, N.C. — After earning a 1-0 win over UTSA to close out their season-long four-game homestand, the Miami Hurricanes hit the road Thursday for a conference showdown with North Carolina State at Dail Soccer Field.

The Hurricanes (5-4-1, 0-2 ACC), who lost their first pair of conference matches at home, will look to get back on track on the road against the Wolfpack (5-6-0, 0-2), who also lost their first two ACC games. Miami fought hard but fell in close contests with No. 15 Wake Forest (1-0 loss) and No. 4 Duke (3-2 overtime loss). 

Kate Howarth‘s goal in the 74th minute helped earn a 1-0 decision Sept. 21 against the Roadrunners, and ended the team’s four-game homestand on a high note. The senior’s third goal of the season locked up team’s fifth shutout of the year, helped in large part by the strong play of Emily Lillard.

With the help of a veteran backline, the sophomore goalkeeper guided Miami to another sturdy defensive showing against UTSA. Lillard’s 31 saves on the season rank her third among all ACC keepers, and her .816 save percentage ranks fourth in the conference.

While the Wolfpack rank last in the conference with 20 goals allowed in 11 matches (1.82 average), goalkeeper Victoria Hopkins ranks first in the ACC with 52 saves and is the only keeper in the conference averaging over four saves per game (4.73).

Thursday’s 7 p.m. match will mark Miami’s third consecutive conference contest set for ESPN3 broadcast. After their showdown with the Wolfpack, the Hurricanes make the short trip to Chapel Hill for a contest Sun., Sept. 30 against No. 13 North Carolina.