A Defensive Masterclass at Spry Stadium
The Demon Deacons secured a 1‑0 victory over Old Dominion on Saturday, preserving a 20‑game unbeaten streak at home and delivering the program’s fourth consecutive shutout.
Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Lizzie Thornton made the decisive save in the 82nd minute, preserving the clean sheet and marking her first career shutout and save.
Sophomore defender Sierra Sythe capped the night with her first goal of the season, a well‑taken free‑kick in the 68th minute after a foul at the top of the box. The strike proved enough to edge the visitors, who were unable to break through the Deacons’ disciplined backline.
The win also extended Wake Forest’s unbeaten home record to 20 games since October 2024, a run that includes a 30‑3‑9 home ledger since 2022 and only a single loss in the past three seasons — a narrow defeat to No. 1 Duke earlier this year.
Coach’s tactical adjustments paid dividends, as the team limited Old Dominion to just one shot on target in the final 20 minutes. Midfielder Riley Cross tested the defense with several attempts, but it was the set‑piece execution that ultimately decided the contest.
The match, played at Spry Stadium in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, drew a lively crowd that witnessed the Deacons’ defensive resilience and the emergence of young talent. With the victory, Wake Forest now turns its focus to a highly anticipated clash against Portland scheduled for August 29 at the same venue.
Looking Ahead to Portland
The upcoming encounter promises another test of the Deacons’ defensive solidity, especially as they aim to maintain their perfect home record against a Portland side that has shown steady improvement in recent weeks. Fans will be eager to see whether the early‑season momentum can translate into a continued streak of clean sheets.