Testo, Gell Emerge As Offensive Threats

Bolowich may have identified some potential solutions this weekend in Mike Gell and David Testo.

Gell scored two goals and tallied two assists, and Testo added a pair of goals and another assist to help the Tar Heels outscore East Carolina and Appalachian State 11-1 this weekend.

While Bolowich was upset with the offensive flow of UNC's 3-0 win against ASU on Monday, he was pleased by the efforts of Testo, a junior transfer from South Carolina.

"I like David Testo," said Bolowich, who also coached Testo on a local Olympic development team. "He plays as an attacking midfielder, which is a good position for him. He's a strong player; he can hold the ball off.

"I think we didn't play through him as much today as we should have, perhaps. I think we should have used Testo a little bit more today, particularly in the first half."

After a quiet first half, Testo came alive after the intermission. He eventually scored the Tar Heels' second goal in the game's 47th minute off a pass from Gell.

Testo had other chances to find the back of the net later in the match but missed two goal-scoring opportunities from within the six-yard goal box.

Gell said Testo's play-making ability will fit in well with a UNC team that will try to play through its midfield.

"He's a great player," Gell said. "He holds the ball well. He's got great touch. He's great for us forwards, who can get passes from him and score goals."

While Testo's six goals and 12 assists during his career in Columbia may have alluded to success in Chapel Hill, Gell's numbers were a bit more modest.

Gell appeared in 20 games last year for UNC and dished out five assists. He didn't score in 2000 but posted two goals his freshman season.

The junior from Durham has already doubled his career output for goals scored in just two games this year.

Bolowich was cautiously optimistic about Gell's success, noting that the season is still young.

"I don't want to jump the gun here, but he looks really good right now, and I think he's matured," Bolowich said. "He may not score in every game, but he will consistently be a threat."

If the Tar Heels can get production out of Gell and Testo, along with continued solid play from its midfielders and forwards, then this weekend's breakthroughs could continue in 2001.

"With all the forwards leaving last year, with all the new experience coming in," Testo said, "we have to learn to play together."

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports@unc.edu.