March 27, 2006

The Wake Forest men's soccer defeated the U.S. 1989 U-17 National team, 3-1, and tied South Florida, 0-0, in spring season action this past weekend in Bradenton, Fla.

"We could not have asked for a more competitive environment at this point of the spring season," said head coach Jay Vidovich. "It is exciting to play that well with so many young kids. It is a great sign of their continued development."

The Demon Deacons traveled 16 players, including 12 freshmen, opened the weekend with a resounding 3-1 victory over the U-17s.

Wake Forest grabbed a quick 2-0 lead in the match. Freshman midfielder Jamie Franks scored the game's first goal in the eighth minute. Freshman defender Lyle Adams gave the Deacons a 2-0 lead with a header off junior Ryan Solle's free kick in the 23rd minute.

After the U-17s drew within a goal, 2-1, Adams set up junior Wells Thompson in the 75th minute to close the scoring.

Wake Forest then tied defending Big East Red Division champion South Florida in a tightly contested match. The Bulls advanced into the 2005 NCAA Tournament second round.

The Deacons, who opened the spring season with a 6-0 thrashing of Sport-ed FC, return to action this weekend at the ACC Spring Challenge at the SAS Soccer Complex. Wake Forest will play Virginia Tech (12:15 pm) and North Carolina (3 pm). Each match is 60 minutes.