St. John’s Stuns No. 5 Wake Forest with Gritty Road Draw

Red Storm earns first road result against a top-five opponent since 2009 in defensive masterclass

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – In a display of defensive resilience and tactical discipline, the St. John’s University men’s soccer team (2-1-1, 0-0 BIG EAST) battled fifth-ranked Wake Forest (2-0-1, 0-0 ACC) to a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Spry Stadium on Sunday night.

The result marks a historic achievement for the Red Storm, who secured their first road result against a top-five ranked opponent since drawing then-No. 3 USF 1-1 in double overtime on October 10, 2009 – a drought spanning nearly 16 years.

Defensive Masterclass Shuts Down Demon Deacons

St. John’s became just the second team to shut out Wake Forest at their home venue since November 5, 2023, demonstrating the kind of defensive organization that has become their calling card this season. The Red Storm’s tactical approach proved effective as they weathered early pressure before growing into the match, outshooting their hosts 8-4 in the second half.

Senior goalkeeper Alec McLachlan delivered a stellar performance between the posts, recording four crucial saves to earn his third shutout of the season. The Stockport, England native has been instrumental in St. John’s strong defensive start, helping the team achieve three clean sheets in their first four matches – their best defensive start since the 2019 campaign when they began 7-0-0.

McLachlan now boasts impressive statistics through four games with a 0.50 goals against average and .818 save percentage, numbers that reflect both his individual excellence and the team’s collective defensive commitment.

Abeijon Leads Attacking Efforts

Freshman forward Xavi Abeijon spearheaded St. John’s attacking efforts with a season-high five shot attempts, consistently troubling the Wake Forest defense throughout the 90 minutes. His early diving header off a Jeremy Sharp corner kick nearly broke the deadlock, sailing just wide of the right post in a moment that set the tone for an entertaining contest.

Midfielder Gabe Smyth contributed two shots, including a late effort that required a save from Wake Forest goalkeeper Jonah Mednard, while six other Red Storm players registered shot attempts in a balanced offensive display.

Tactical Battle Unfolds

The match showcased two well-organized teams committed to defensive solidity. Wake Forest held a slight edge in possession and shot attempts (14-13), but St. John’s tactical discipline prevented the Demon Deacons from creating clear-cut scoring opportunities.

The first half saw Wake Forest apply consistent pressure, with McLachlan making crucial saves to deny Harvey Saraijan and Jeffrey White in one-on-one situations. The Red Storm goalkeeper’s positioning and reflexes proved decisive, including a spectacular leg save that deflected White’s strike to safety.

St. John’s grew into the match as it progressed, with substitutes making immediate impacts. The introduction of fresh legs allowed the Red Storm to press higher up the pitch and create several promising opportunities in the final third.

Second Half Surge

The Red Storm’s tactical adjustments at halftime paid dividends as they controlled large portions of the second half. A corner kick routine nearly produced the breakthrough when Antonio Biggs directed a header toward goal, only to see it blocked by resolute Wake Forest defending.

The match’s defining moment came in the 76th minute when Wake Forest thought they had broken the deadlock from a set piece, only to see the goal disallowed for offside – a decision that preserved St. John’s clean sheet and historic result.

Gabin Thomelier’s tenacious work rate exemplified the Red Storm’s commitment, as the French midfielder battled through contact to create a promising opportunity for Abeijon, whose first-time effort narrowly missed the target.

Looking Ahead

This result provides significant momentum for St. John’s as they prepare for an even sterner test. The Red Storm will host second-ranked Marshall at Cox Family Field at Belson Stadium on Friday night at 7 p.m., presenting another opportunity to prove themselves against elite competition.

The consecutive fixtures against top-five opponents represent a crucial period in St. John’s season, with the team demonstrating they can compete with the nation’s best programs through tactical discipline and collective commitment.

Match Statistics:

• Shots: St. John’s 13, Wake Forest 14
• Shots on Target: St. John’s 1, Wake Forest 4
• Saves: McLachlan (SJU) 4, Mednard (WF) 1
• Corner Kicks: St. John’s 4, Wake Forest 2
• Attendance: 1,872

The Red Storm’s performance at Spry Stadium serves as a statement of intent, proving they can compete with anyone when executing their game plan to perfection. As they return home to face Marshall, St. John’s will look to build on this momentum and continue their impressive early-season form.

St. John’s News:

• St. John’s Women’s Soccer Takes Down Youngstown
• St. John’s Men’s Soccer: Brazilian Flare on Display in 5-0 Destruction of UNH
• St. John’s Men’s Soccer Falls to NY Rival #23 Hofstra 2-0

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