2 weeks Ago
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A goal in each half powered North Carolina (5-0-2, 2-0-0 ACC) to a 2-0 win over NC State (5-1-3, 1-1-0 ACC) in a top-20 showdown on Friday night at Dorrance Field.
The sixth-ranked Tar Heels remain undefeated and pick up their fourth shutout of the season while handing the Wolfpack their first loss of the year. How It Happened ● Carolina got on the board early after Luke Hille notched his fourth of the year in the 11th minute. A free kick from the right flank with service into the box created a moment of chaos in the air with the ball eventually landing at Hille's feet.
Left unmarked, Hille had open space to unleash a shot to the bottom left corner with his first touch. ● The home team nearly doubled its lead with 16 minutes remaining in the first half. An interception on the right side kept the ball in UNC's possession, allowing Ahmad Al-Qaq to take a shot that was blocked, and the second chance from Sam Williams hit the crossbar.
● NC State had a threatening opportunity with 90 seconds left in the opening frame, but Hakim Karamoko's low shot was denied by an outstretched Andrew Cordes to preserve the Tar Heels' 1-0 lead at the half. ● Carolina made it a 2-0 game in the 74th minute when Al-Qaq netted his first of the season. A ball played to the outside found Tate Johnson on the left side who charged forward to send a short pass to Al-Qaq.
Maneuvering around two defenders, Al-Qaq created space to fire a strike to the upper 90. ● The Tar Heels' backline stood solid the entire night, holding the Wolfpack – who had been averaging 16.6 shots per game – to only six, and just one on frame.
Inside The Numbers ● Friday was the 93rd meeting between the two in-state rivals, with Carolina extending its all-time series lead to 57-22-14. ● Hille ranks second on the team with four goals and eight points. He has scored in three of the last four matches.
● Cordes made one save between the posts. ● Eight Tar Heels logged a full 90 minutes. ● UNC out-shot NC State 10-6 with Al-Qaq registering a game-high three.
Up Next ● Carolina is back home on Tuesday, Sept. 24, to host Mercer at Dorrance Field. ● The match will begin at 7 p.
m. ET and will air on ACCNX. ● The Tar Heels are 1-0 all-time against the Bears.
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