September 1, 1998

RALEIGH, N.C. - A young NC State men's soccer team turned to one of its upperclassmen in a 3-2 win over Charleston Southern in the Wolfpack's season-opener today at Method Road Soccer Stadium. Junior co-captain Sebastian Rodriguez scored two goals and added an assist to lead the Wolfpack to the victory.

Charleston Southern took an early 1-0 lead when freshman midfielder Sami Ojala lifted a shot over Wolfpack goalkeeper Eric Handley at the 24:05 mark. Nearly 10 minutes later, Rodriguez tied the game when he scored on an unassisted goal.

In the second half, NC State built its lead to 3-1. Sophomore forward Nick Olivencia tapped in a shot on a wide-open net after Rodriguezs try on a direct kick bounded of the goal post. Rodriguez then delivered the game-winner at the 79:23 mark when he knocked in a cross from sophomore Tony Malcolm. With 45 seconds remaining, Ojala recorded his second goal of the day for the Buccaneers to close the final margin to 3-2.

NC State (1-0) returns to action this Friday and Saturday, hosting the Wolfpack adidas Classic. The Pack will face Liberty at 2:00 p.m. Friday, followed by Duke vs. Iona. On Saturday, NC State faces Iona at 2:00, followed by Duke vs. Liberty.

   Score by Periods    1   2   FINAL
   NC State            1   2   3
   Charleston Southern 1   1   2   
                        
   SCORING:                            ASSISTS:
   CSU   Sami Ojala   24:05            Kirch Spencer
   NCS   Sebastian Rodriguez   35:04   None
   NCS   Nick Olivencia   65:30        Rodriguez
   NCS   Rodriguez   79:23             Tony Malcolm
   CSU   Ojala   89:16                 Wojociech Cwik

   SOG:    NCS   11      SAVES:   NCS      2
           CSU   11               CSU      2
   CK:     NCS   2       FOULS:   NCS      17
           CSU   2                CSU      20