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RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State scored a pair of goals midway through the second half, and held off a comeback attempt in the final minutes to send Loyola University Maryland men's soccer to a 2-1 defeat in the season opener for both teams on Friday. 

Josh Fawole netted the first goal of 2019 for the Greyhounds with 5:25 remaining in regulation. Loyola had plenty of possession to close out the half, but was unable to get off another shot prior to the final whistle.

Both teams entered the season receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Division I national poll. Loyola goalie Chase Vosvick was forced to make a pair of saves in the opening 5:48 of play, but the Wolfpack managed only one more attempt on target prior to the intermission. Shots were 10-1 overall in favor of the home side heading into halftime.

The visitors had the best scoring chance to start the second half, as an attempt from the center of the box was sent just wide of an open goal in the 54th minute. NC State broke through not long afterwards, with Jamie Smith sending a header into the top right corner with 32:01 left in the contest. The Wolfpack doubled their lead in the 68th minute on an unassisted strike by Kuda Muskwe. 

The Greyhounds, though, increased their offensive pressure late, and they were eventually rewarded with a goal. After drawing a foul just outside the box, Eddy Rodriguez's free kick found Josh Fawole following a scramble in front, and Fawole sent a low shot into the back of the net for his 13th career collegiate goal.

Loyola earned its fourth corner kick of the evening with 3:20 remaining, but was unable to find an equalizer. Vosvick finished with four saves in goal for the visitors.

The Greyhounds remain on the road to close out the weekend, traveling to Appalachian State for a 7 p.m. contest on Sunday.