The men's soccer team returns to action for the first time since a disappointing tie against Wake Forest when it takes on N.C. State (5-3-2) at home Sunday.
Duke coach John Rennie said Wednesday's tie does not put any additional focus on this game.
"This is a league game so it is every bit as important as the Wake Forest game," he said. "But I don't necessarily see the two games as connected."
This year's N.C. State team is greatly improved over last year's squad. The Wolfpack has a sub-.500 record in the ACC at 1-2-1, but it beat 13th-ranked Virginia and tied the Clemson team that handed Duke one of its three ties.
Rennie said the Blue Devils are not overlooking the Wolfpack.
"They are having a much better season than last year, and they are a much better team than last year," he said. "They beat Virginia and they tied Clemson, so we take them very seriously."
Senior forward Nike Olivencia has been the standout player thus far for the Wolfpack. Olivencia, who leads the N.C. State in scoring with five goals and 12 points, was named the ACC player of the week for his performance in the upset of Virginia. In that game, Olivencia had two goals, including the game-winner as time expired.
Nonetheless, Rennie said Olivencia is not a special concern for the Blue Devils' defense.
"He is no more a focus than any other player," the coach said. "We know who he is, but we won't be focusing the defense around him."
This game is primarily important as part of the ACC schedule, but the possible return from injury of junior midfielder Robert Russell is also a major concern for the Blue Devils.
"We are hoping to get Robert back in the midfield," Rennie said. "We are starting to miss him. He is close to being ready so we hope he will be able to see some action on Sunday."
Last season, Russell earned second-team All-ACC honors.
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