2 weeks Ago
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Despite a valiant comeback attempt in the game's final moments, the eighth-ranked North Carolina women's soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision to No.
1 Duke in the regular season finale on Thursday night at Dorrance Field. The Tar Heels finish the regular season with a 14-4 overall record, including a 7-3 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play. The Blue Devils, who won the regular season title, are 14-1-1 (9-0-1 ACC).
Prior to kickoff, the team honored its graduating class in Makenna Dominguez , Emerson Elgin , Asha Means , Bella Sember and Alexa Wojnovich as part of Senior Day presented by Carolina Alumni. How It Happened Movement from Linda Ullmark in the midfield and her feed to Olivia Thomas gave UNC a chance in the 12th minute, but Thomas' low shot from the right side went just wide of the far post. The Blue Devils struck first in the 29th minute following Hannah Bebar's strike from distance landed into the lower right corner.
Thomas had an opportunity for the equalizer on a breakaway three minutes later, but her shot was denied by Duke goalkeeper Leah Freeman. Clare Gagne came up with a big save of her own with six minutes remaining in the first half to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead. The Blue Devils carried their 1-0 lead into the break, taking six shots to the Tar Heels' two and holding a 2-0 edge in corners.
A handball called inside the box awarded Duke a penalty kick in the 50th minute, and Bebar converted to extend their lead to 2-0. UNC had a chance to get on the board off a set piece a minute later with Tessa Dellarose's corner connecting with Caitlin Mara , whose header went high. Another good look came soon after when Dellarose played a ball out to Maddie Dahlien in dangerous territory on the left flank.
However, Dahlien's shot ricocheted off the crossbar. Carolina finally broke through in the 55th minute to make it a 2-1 game. Thomas received the ball at the top of the 18 and beat two Duke defenders to find space inside the box, hammering it through Freeman to the lower right.
Thomas nearly had a brace with another shot 10 minutes later. Bella Gaetino played a ball out to Thomas who found herself in isolation, but her strike sailed just wide. Maggie Graham extended the Blue Devils' lead to 3-1 in the 67th minute after she popped in a header off a cross from Mia Oliaro .
Dahlien and Kate Faasse both had late attempts at another goal for the home team, but their respective attempts were saved by Freeman and went high. Carolina kept pressing and found another goal in the 88th minute. Dahlien provided service near the endline to Faasse whose header went into the back post for a 3-2 game that would stand as the final score.
Inside the Box Score Thomas scored her fifth goal of the season. She ranks third on the team in both goals (5) and points (12). Fassee netted her team-leading 12th goal of the year, and she also leads the team in points (25).
Carolina kept Duke, which had been averaging 19.9 shots per game, to only 10, including just four in the second half. The Tar Heels also kept the Blue Devils to six shots on goal and took five of their own.
Gagne made three saves between the posts. Five Tar Heels in Aven Alvarez , Elgin, Faasse, Gagne and Mara logged a full 90 minutes. Up Next Having already clinched a spot in the 2024 Ally ACC Women's Soccer Championship, the Tar Heels now await seeding.
Opponent, time and location will be announced at the conclusion of all ACC regular season games on Thursday. More information about the ACC Tournament can be found here . Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook .
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