Syracuse women’s soccer shutout for ninth time this season in loss to NC State

By Jake Bowen | @Jake_Bowen12

RALEIGH, N.C. | Syracuse women’s soccer was shutout for the ninth time this year in its 1-0 loss to NC State on Thursday. After a competitive first half, the Wolfpack pulled away and sealed the game in the second frame. 

It was a back-and-forth affair in the first 45 minutes. After NC State’s offense got off to a hot start, SU’s attack ramped up in the last 10 minutes. Both teams had multiple chances on net. The Wolfpack had five corners to the Orange’s four.

NC State’s offense pulled away in the second half. The Wolfpack recorded five of the first six shots in the second frame, which led to the game’s first score in the 58th minute. ‘Pack forward Antonella Mazziotto tallied her fourth goal of the season. The score was assisted by midfielder Mana Nakata.

SU’s shutout is the sixth in its seven games in ACC play thus far. The Orange have also been outshot by every conference opponent, including 21-5 by the Wolfpack tonight.

One positive from today’s game is Syracuse’s opportunities on the corner. The ‘Cuse tallied eight corner kicks, tied for the most since its season-opener against Villanova on Aug. 13.

‘Cuse goalkeeper Maya Naimoli saw some more action on net. The redshirt junior made five saves on six shots. Naimoli came into today as the ACC saves leader with 54 stops and nearly five saves a match.

The Orange drop to 4-8-2 on the year and 1-6 in ACC play, ending below .500 in both categories for the fourth straight season. 

Syracuse continues its road trip in Kentucky against No. 15 Louisville (9-1-3, 3-0-3 ACC) next Friday. The Orange are 0-9-1 all-time against the Cardinals. Louisville’s offense has also scored nearly three goals per game, the third best in the conference.

For coverage of that game and the rest of the Syracuse women’s soccer season, follow @Jake_Bowen12 and @CitrusTVSports on X.