BLACKSBURG, Va. - NC State (2-6-4) rallied for a dramatic 4-4 draw against Virginia Tech (4-5-3) in an action-packed ACC matchup on Saturday at Thompson Field. Antonella Mazziotto's 90th-minute equalizer capped a wild contest that saw multiple lead changes and momentum shifts throughout.
Jade Bordeleau opened the scoring for NC State in the 24th minute, assisted by Daisy Duda. Virginia Tech equalized through Taylor Lewin's penalty kick in the 38th minute after a foul in the box by Mackenzie Smith. Natalie Mitchell put the Hokies ahead 2-1 in the 51st minute, but Mana Nakata leveled for NC State in the 60th minute off an assist from Yuna Aoki. Hannah Pachan restored Virginia Tech's lead in the 63rd minute from Mitchell's second assist, before Fien Leijdekker equalized again for NC State in the 69th minute.
The first half saw intense back-and-forth action with both teams creating opportunities. NC State's early pressure paid off through Bordeleau's strike, but the Hokies responded well after falling behind. Virginia Tech goalkeeper Lauren Hargrove made two crucial saves in the opening period, while NC State's Olivia Pratapas was tested multiple times as both teams pushed forward.
The second half erupted with four goals in a 30-minute span as both teams abandoned defensive caution. Mitchell's go-ahead goal came directly from a free kick after Alex Mohr received a yellow card. The Wolfpack showed remarkable resilience, with Nakata and Leijdekker responding to each Hokie lead. Just when it appeared Virginia Tech had secured victory through Anna Weir's 86th-minute goal, Mazziotto struck in the final minute off Aoki's second assist of the match.
NC State outshot Virginia Tech 15-11, putting eight attempts on target compared to the Hokies' six. The Wolfpack earned four corner kicks to Virginia Tech's three, while the match saw five yellow cards issued - four to NC State players (Aoki, Mohr, Symmes, and one team yellow) and one to Virginia Tech's Hannah Pachan.
Aoki was instrumental for NC State with two assists despite receiving an early yellow card. Mitchell led Virginia Tech's attack with a goal and assist, while Hargrove finished with four saves. The Wolfpack's Pratapas recorded two crucial stops to preserve the draw.
Both teams demonstrated tactical flexibility throughout the match. Virginia Tech's high press created problems for NC State's build-up play early, but the Wolfpack adjusted by utilizing quick transitions through the midfield. The Hokies' set-piece execution proved effective, while NC State found success attacking down the flanks.
The draw extends both teams' unbeaten runs, with NC State now unbeaten in two matches following their tie against Florida State. Virginia Tech moves to 4-5-3 overall, showing improvement in their attacking output but still searching for defensive consistency.
The match highlighted both teams' resilience and offensive capabilities, with neither side willing to settle for anything less than maximum points. The late equalizer showcased NC State's fighting spirit, while Virginia Tech's multiple leads demonstrated their ability to control portions of the game.
Looking ahead, NC State returns home to host Wake Forest on October 2, while Virginia Tech travels to face Virginia on October 4. Both teams will look to build on their offensive performances while tightening up defensively after this high-scoring affair.