Sports > September 6, 2007

By By Susie Manship | Staff writer

The men’s soccer team kicked off its season Aug. 31 night as they faced No.20 Old Dominion. Playing in Chapel Hill at the Nike Carolina Classic, the No. 2 Deacs defeated Old Dominion 2-1 in overtime.

Freshman midfielder Corben Bone scored the Deacs’ first goal. Eight minutes later, the Monarchs answered with a goal from Ambane Eammanuel to tie the game.

The Deacs were in a tight game as they out shot the Monarchs 4-2 in the first half, but were out shot themselves 4-3 in the second half. Wake had a tough fight throughout the second half as the Deacs racked up seven fouls.

The game remained scoreless in overtime until sophomore defender Evan Brown scored the game-winning goal in the 107th minute of play.

“In the ODU game, we learned to play hard to the whistle. If you have one more run in you than the other team, then you will come out on top,” Bone said.

The second round of the Nike Carolina Classic put the Deacons against Monmouth. Never meeting prior to the game, the Deacs dominated the Hawks 2-0.

Wake’s first goal came in the 41st minute of play when freshman Cody Arnoux converted on a long distance shot. Three minutes later, Arnoux added another goal on the season with a header off a corner kick from junior midfielder Sam Cronin.

Wake held the Monarchs the rest of the game.

Redshirt senior goalkeeper Brian Edwards had four saves. With this victory, Wake earned the Nike Carolina Classic title. In addition to the title, the Deacons’ Bone, Brown, sophomore Cody Arnoux, and senior Pat Phelan were named to the all-tournament team.

The tournament was an early test for the No. 2 Deacs. “The tournament boosted our confidence,” Bone said. “There were times of magic in the games when we were working hard and playing collectively. No one is able to defeat us when we do this.”

The Deacs next face Akron at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7.