DURHAM — All it took was one shot to stun the the North Carolina women's soccer team.
On California’s first shot of the game, UNC quickly found itself behind. The goal was the first allowed by the Tar Heels this season, and it wouldn’t be an easy road back.
For 110 minutes on Friday night, UNC and California clashed in a double-overtime thriller. And behind a goal by Megan Buckingham with less than three minutes left in regulation, the Tar Heels managed a 1-1 draw in the Nike Duke Classic at Koskinen Stadium.
The fourth-ranked Tar Heels (4-0-1) looked poised to score early, but couldn’t muster any points despite leading the shooting battle.
The going got harder for UNC when senior Katie Bowen went down after a sliding tackle. She later returned to play, but was ultimately unable to finish the game.
Coach Anson Dorrance sent wave after wave of fresh players — 20 to be exact — at the Golden Bears, but their defense stayed sure.
California (2-1-1) did more than simply fend off UNC, as the Golden Bears attempted to extend their lead to two. But two late saves by goalkeeper Lindsey Harris kept the Tar Heels in the match — just long enough for one last push.
California’s defense frustrated the Tar Heels at times, holding UNC scoreless for 87 minutes. But Buckingham wouldn't be thwarted.
The sophomore put one away with just 2:52 left in regulation to send the match to overtime.
