No. 16 UNC buckles down on defense to topple No. 8 Florida State 1-0

With ACC standings still up in the air, the No. 16 North Carolina women’s soccer team faced off against No. 8 Florida State on Senior Night. The Tar Heels dominated early, and defended their lead in the second half to capture 1-0 victory.

What happened?

Against a possession-driven Seminoles squad, UNC (12-3-3, 6-2-2 ACC) brought pressure from the first kick. The Tar Heels dictated the pace of the game, taking Florida State (12-3-2, 6-2-2 ACC) out of its comfort zone.

The high-flying Tar Heels dominated the first half. At every 50-50 ball or chase-down opportunity, a UNC player was there to win possession for her side. When they had possession, the Tar Heels showed quality linkup play and threatened the stellar Seminole defense.

The Tar Heel offense excelled in the first period, firing off seven shots to two from Florida State. And UNC was rewarded with a 38th-minute goal for its efforts.

After Megan Buckingham’s shot rattled off of the crossbar, first-year forward Madison Schultz cleaned up the attack and headed in her first goal as a Tar Heel. Schultz’ goal was just the sixth goal scored against Florida State’s formidable defense this season.

The Seminoles responded with high-level play in the second half, testing redshirt-senior Lindsey Harris. Florida State’s possession-based, build-up play that failed to threaten UNC in the first half gave the Tar Heels some trouble in the second, as the Seminoles looked to equalize.

But Harris and the UNC defense denied Florida State a goal, earning the one-score victory.

Who stood out?

Even though she couldn’t find the goal, Bridgette Andrzejewski showed her attacking class all night. The first-year powered the UNC offense when she was on the pitch. Andrzejewski’s on-ball ability and creativity helped UNC pressure the Seminole defense on virtually every possession.

In just her first year of collegiate soccer, Andrzejewski played with poise beyond her years even with defenders draped around her. But what was most impressive was the forward’s long-shot ability. Andrzejewski took three shots in the first half, including one that Florida State's goalkeeper saved and another that banged off the crossbar.

While none of her shots found the net, the young player showed her potential as an attacker. She’ll likely have many more long-shot opportunities.

When was it decided?

After UNC scored its late first-half goal, the Tar Heels committed to having numbers back to defend. Despite high-level attacking play from the Seminoles, the Tar Heels hunkered down and pulled out the 1-0 victory.

Why does it matter?

With ACC standings up in the air before the match began, neither team was sure where they would be seeded in the ACC tournament. What they did know was that a win would go a long way towards earning a home game to open the tournament.

With a win over the Seminoles, UNC brought both teams to 6-2-2 in ACC play. With the tie-break, the Tar Heels guaranteed themselves a higher seed than Florida State.

Where do they play next?

The Tar Heels will kick off ACC Tournament play by hosting No. 7 Virginia in the quarterfinals at 1 p.m. on Sunday. North Carolina is ranked No. 4 in the tournament, and Virginia is ranked No. 5

@_Brohammed

sports@dailytarheel.com