The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1542201
24 ■ THE WOLFPACKER Junior forward Donavan Phillip led Division I with 19 goals this season, including one in the College Cup final against Washington. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS ONWARD ONWARD AND AND UP UPWARD ARD The Wolfpack Fell Short Of An NCAA Soccer Title This Year, But The Future Looks Bright BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN group of jubilant Washington players were running around the pitch after netting the apparent winning goal just 1:54 into overtime in the College Cup final. But then the officiating crew opted to go to replay to confirm that the Huskies weren't offside in NC State's 18-yard box. Washington's players were already hoisting the NCAA championship trophy, and the delay created an awkward pause in the celebration, with both teams huddling near their respective benches while the review proceeded at what felt like a snail's pace. With NC State players standing in front of their loyal fan base, which seemed to expand throughout the team's sprint to its first-ever berth in the national championship match, there was an opportunity to take a deep breath. The outcome was likely decided, but Wolfpack coach Marc Hub- bard wanted to use the pause in the frenetic scene to reflect with his team. "Listen, this is probably it," the second-year coach told his players. "Let's continue to handle ourselves with some humility and pride. Hold your heads high and continue to represent the culture and what we've done." Hubbard was right; the goal was upheld, and Washington claimed its A