Wake Forest Downs Blue Devils, 4-1

Friday, October 3

Winston-Salem, N.C.

7:00 PM

Duke University

Wake Forest

Wake Forest Downs Blue Devils, 4-1

10/3/2014 9:46:00 PM | Men's Soccer

By: Duke Sports Information

Box Score

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Wake Forest scored three second-half goals to break open a 1-1 tie and hand Duke a 4-1 setback in ACC men's soccer action this evening at Spry Stadium. Nick Palodichuk scored the Blue Devils' lone goal.

The first half was all Wake Forest (6-4-0, 2-2-0). The Demon Deacons managed 12 shots, including one that hit the crossbar, but Duke's well-organized defense was able to keep Wake Forest's high-octane offense off the board for 43:03, despite the Wake Forest controlling the run of play.

Freshman Jeremy Ebobisse nearly shocked the Deacs with a goal against the run of play, but his one-timer from 12 yards flew wide. Freshman Kevon Black took a great service from Zach Mathers down the left flank and in behind Wake Forest's defense and put it across the goal to a wide-open Ebobisse, who hit it wide.

The post saved the Blue Devils again in the 34th minute when a deflection off of Markus Fjørtoft careened past Joe Ohaus moving the other direction onto the left post and out. Wake Forest, after a variety of near misses, capitalized with 1:57 remaining in the half on a header from Sam Fink. Ian Harkes provided the service from a free kick just outside the box.

Duke (5-4-1, 2-2-0) started the second half on a much stronger foot with Matt Slotnick taking a shot in the opening minute. The Blue Devils, more composed on the ball and sporting a slightly different lineup in the second half, were able to string passes together and caught Wake Forest flat-footed.

Mathers, pushing up into the attack, touched the ball to Palodichuk 23 yards from goal. No pressure from the Deacs allowed the Battleground, Wash., native to tee up his lethal left foot for his third tally of the year in the 56th minute.

Just two minutes later, Jon Bakero struck a perfect free kick from 25 yards out to put Wake Forest back in front 2-1. Ohaus had no chance as the rookie curled the ball into the right upper 90 for his first career score.

The Blue Devils continued to battle and put a couple of scares into Wake Forest. Cameron Moseley did well to get his head on a corner kick, sending it over the crossbar. Black found himself in the attack again, taking a ball from Slotnick and firing it just high and Bryson Asher was an all-around nuisance for Wake Forest.

In the 74th minute, Wake Forest sealed the victory with another highlight-reel goal from Jared Odenbeck.

Wake Forest held a 23-17 advantage in shots. Duke fired 15 second-half shots compared to the Deacs' 11. Both teams had four corner kicks. Ohaus finished with a career-high six saves, while Ferrell had three.

Duke will get a chance to rest up this week before heading to Charlottesville, Va., to take on Virginia Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. The game will be the start of three games in six days for the Blue Devils.

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