Wolfpack advances on PKs

CARY -- In the sheets of rain and gusts of wind, Christopher Widman stood tallest.

The senior goalkeeper led N.C. State to a victory on penalty kicks over North Carolina in the first round of the ACC Men's Soccer Championships at WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday night.

After saving UNC's second penalty kick in the shootout, by Kirk Urso, Widman converted a penalty kick and then blocked the next shot he faced by Billy Schuler.

N.C. State (12-5-2) clinched the victory when senior midfielder Alan Sanchez scored on the next kick to make it 4-1.

Tyler Lassiter and Korede Aiyegbusi made State's first two penalty kicks. Michel Farfan, the first shooter, made UNC's only successful penalty kick.

"For it to come down to PKs, it's a lot of fun," Widman said. "Carolina is a great team. We've played some tough games with them, come out on the wrong end a few times recently, so it's great to finally win."

The Wolfpack and the Tar Heels (13-2-3) had their chances throughout the 90 minutes of regulation play and 20 minutes of overtime.

"It was obviously a tough, tough game for us," UNC coach Elmar Bolowich said. "I think it was also a tough game for N.C. State.

"I cannot fault our players for anything. They gave their best effort. We faced a very strong and well-organized opponent today. They made life difficult for us.

"In the end, it was the team that would capitalize on opportunities the most."

Late in the match, both teams had several scoring chances, with several dangerous shots floating just above both goals.

On one play in overtime, Widman was drawn into the corner chasing down a ball and found himself on the ground with nobody protecting the net.

However, the ensuing shot was shanked wide and out of bounds.

"I was trying to shield it out of bounds, and Carolina is a pretty quick team," Widman said. "The guy beat me to it. He's a quick guy and got around me."

For State defender Chandler Knox, whose parents attended UNC, it was an emotional experience.

"That's always a game that gets me really excited," Knox said. "We were prepared. We were excited. We were ready to rock and roll.

"It's a huge win for us going into the postseason."

The Wolfpack will play Boston College, a 1-0 overtime winner against Duke, at 8 p.m. in Friday's semifinals.

Knox recalled a game early this season that reminded him of Wednesday's conditions.

"It was raining three times worse, just not as cold and windy," he said.