Women’s soccer draws at home against NC State

Syracuse women’s soccer welcomed the NC State Wolfpack to SU Soccer Stadium on Thursday. Both teams looking for their first win in the conference. It was quite the evenly matched contest as both sides braved the cold and fought for a result.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, helping the Orange land their first point in the ACC this season. 

“I tell the girls all the time, getting points in the ACC is so difficult, I mean, it’s the top conference in women’s soccer,” said head coach Nicky Thrasher Adams. “We’re building. I’m proud of the girls. I thought it was a complete turnaround in our fight and our confidence.”

The offense thrived in ways they haven’t in quite a while. They were looking for chances everywhere, whether it be with through balls or on the set piece. 

Forward Erin Fleury proved to be pivotal on offense. The redshirt junior scored the lone goal, her fourth of the season, for the Orange off a penalty in the fourth minute.

“Fleury’s a go-to player. She’s our leading goalscorer, and it’s not her first time taking a PK. She will stay after practice and make sure it’s going in every time,” Adams said, praising Fleury’s performance. “Confident with her stepping up.”

The New Hampshire native didn’t only impact the game with her goal, her tenacious play on the press helped force the Wolfpack to scramble at times. 

On the other end of the Syracuse lineup, the coaching staff made a significant change in the goalkeeper position for this game. Blythe Braun started the game in place of Shea Vanderbosch. 

“Who doesn’t want to play on the field? You prepare every single practice, so when your name does get called, you’re ready, and it’s no different than the way you play in practice,” Braun said in reaction to getting called up to start this game. 

The senior goalkeeper made nine saves throughout the game, and although she did concede a goal in the 56th minute, scored by Taylor Chism from the Wolfpack, she was the difference between a point and no points coming out of today’s contest.

The team has two games left on the schedule, with the next being another homestand against The University of Miami next Thursday.