Despite inconsistent play, the No. 3 North Carolina men's soccer team scraped out a 1-0 win over an attacking No. 12 UNCW team on Tuesday night.
What happened?
The first half was a stalemate, as both teams played stingy defense. There were flashes of offensive dominance from each side as the Tar Heels (8-1-0) peppered the goal in the 14th and 15th minutes, and UNCW (7-2-1) had a free kick saved by James Pyle in the 25th minute.
28:09 into the half, Jack Skahan entered the game. Just five minutes later, the midfielder, in his second appearance back from injury, found himself a few yards in front of the goal. Corralling a cross from the right side, he fought off a defender, creating just enough space to get a shot off. He slid it low and to the left to give UNC the lead.
In less than 20 minutes of play in the second half, the teams combined for eight fouls and a yellow card, assessed to Wilmington’s Jamil Gracia for a tackle on Jelani Peiters.
With just under 11 minutes to go, back-to-back corner kicks by Wilmington put UNC within inches of danger as the ball was batted back and forth in front of the goal, but the Seahawks were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
With less than 30 seconds to go the Seahawks had one last chance to equalize as the ball was headed around the Tar Heel box. A foul negated the chance however, and Pyle took his time gathering the ball to let the clock run out.
Who stood out?
Despite Wilmington finding holes in the midfield, the defensive line stood strong for the Tar Heels. The defense has gone 473 minutes without allowing a goal. Milo Gervanian, a first year midfielder, headed away a ball on the goal line after it got behind Pyle, staving off what looked to be a certain goal for Wilmington in the closing minutes of the second half.
