Men's Soccer Extends Win Streak to Nine

Ranked sixth in the nation and facing an unranked Old Dominion, North Carolina's men's soccer team was supposed to win. And the Tar Heels did - but barely.

Two late goals by David Stokes and Marcus Storey gave UNC (13-2, 3-1) a 2-0 victory against ODU (7-5-1) Wednesday at Fetzer Field.

The win increased UNC's winning streak to 9 games, and it was the fifth game in a row that ended in a shutout.

After playing N.C. State on Sunday, the Tar Heels weren't fresh for the game, and their fatigue showed in the first half.

"I was surprised at (ODU)," said North Carolina coach Elmar Bolowich. "For the first half, they dominated us."

While the game was marred with bad touches and miscommunication, the UNC defense stayed strong, especially against the scoring juggernaut of Attila Vendegh, who came into the match ranked third in the nation for goals per game.

Bolowich said senior Chris Leitch did an exceptional job marking Vendegh.

"(Vendegh) is a very special player, and Chris Leitch is a very special defender, so it was great to see these two fantastic players battle it out," Bolowich said.

Although Vendegh never found the back of the net, UNC's offense didn't look like it was going to score either. But in the 79th minute, a corner kick by Noz Yamauchi set up the game-winner.

ODU goalie Chad Calderone went up to grab the ball, but dropped it. Then Storey flicked the ball to Stokes, who kicked the ball in the goal.

"I was relieved," Stokes said. "But we got the shutout, and that's the first priority."

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