CHAPEL HILL, NC – Sterling Smith's goal in the 59th minute was enough to lift fourth-ranked North Carolina to a 1-0 victory over UNC Greensboro in women's soccer action Tuesday evening.
Despite being outshot 10-1 in the opening 45 minutes of play, the Spartan defense held up, only allowing the Tar Heels three shots on goal. The two teams concluded the first half in a scoreless tie.
Both teams' defenses came out strong again in the second half. UNCG's goalkeeper, Katherine Ryan, saved an attempt taken by Smith in the 47th minute and the Spartans only allowed two shots before Smith got her second scoring chance.
In the 59th minute, Smith connected on the game's only goal when she netted her first goal of the season. North Carolina's junior defender Jessica Maxwell sent a pass to senior striker Heather O'Reilly who then crossed the ball into the UNCG box where Smith took the header into the goal past Ryan.
The Tar Heels outshot the Spartans, 22-6. North Carolina also led with four corner kicks while UNCG finished with three. Ryan recorded five saves in 90 minutes of play for UNCG.
North Carolina is ranked No. 4 this week by the NSCAA, No. 7 by Soccer Times, No. 8 by Soccer Buzz and No. 9 by Soccer America.
The Spartans (0-2) return to action Friday for the season's home opener when the Spartans host Virginia Tech in the UNCG Soccer Classic. Game time is set for 7:30 pm. Miami is slated to play High Point in the first game of the tournament at 5 pm.
AGATE
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
UNC Greensboro...... 0 0 - 0
North Carolina...... 0 1 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY: UNC - Smith (O'Reilly, Maxwell), 58:37. Shots: UNC Greensboro 6, North Carolina 22. Saves: UNC Greensboro 5 (Katherine Ryan 5), North Carolina 1 (Anna Rodenbough 1). Corner Kicks: North Carolina 4, UNC Greensboro 3. Fouls 8, UNC Greensboro 7.
- UNCG -
