No. 7 UNC women's soccer battles No. 1 Florida State to 2-2 tie in overtime

In a Thursday night game dedicated to mental health awareness, the No. 7 North Carolina women’s soccer team (10-2-3, 3-2-3 ACC) battled the No. 1 Florida St (14-0-1, 7-0-1 ACC) to a 2-2 tie at Dorrance Field. 

What happened?

The Seminoles showcased their No. 1 status early. Sophomore forward Beata Olsson sent a shot from 35 yards out over the outstretched arms of UNC goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, opening up the score at 1-0 in the second minute. 

After 10 minutes of back-and-forth action, Olsson sent in another deep range shot that almost landed in the back of the net. Following the second deep shot of the night, the Tar Heels defense picked up. 

After five substitutions were made in the 31st minute for UNC, the Tar Heels equalized the game when first-year forward Emily Murphy passed between two FSU defenders to teammate Isabel Cox, who finished the job with a goal.

The remainder of the first half ended with the teams exchanging great chances, but no goals were scored. UNC pressed the Seminoles early in the second half, when sophomore defender Avery Patterson had multiple shots but could not convert.

In the 62nd minute, sophomore midfielder Sam Meza’s slide tackle set up sophomore Emily Moxley. Moxley then found Cox, just steps away from the goal, who scored her second goal of the night.

Despite taking the lead, the Tar Heels found themselves in trouble. Defensive miscommunication for a span of five minutes led to Seminole chances. Florida State broke through in the 85th minute, when Olsson scored her second goal of the game.

The equalizer proved to be the final goal of the second half, and the two teams headed into overtime.

The first overtime period mirrored the first half, with both teams struggling to maintain possession for extended periods of time. 

A late foul on Florida State gave the Tar Heels a free kick with the final seconds of the first overtime , but the Tar Heels could not convert. 

To start the second overtime, Cox and Murphy entered the game for the Tar Heels.In the 107th minute, Murphy drew a yellow card on Florida State midfielder Emily Madril. The ensuing free kick came up short when Cox’s header was saved.

The final opportunity of the night came with just over a minute left in the game, when Cox’s header was saved. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Who stood out? 

Cox had a career night for UNC, scoring the team's two goals. It was Cox’s second time in her career scoring two goals in a game, and her first time doing so since 2019. 

Olsson’s two goals in the game continued her dominant season for the Seminoles, extending her season goal total to 11. Olsson now leads the ACC in goals scored for the season.

When was it decided?

Cox’s second goal in the second half looked to be the decider for the Tar Heels. However, defensive miscommunication and struggles disrupted the Tar Heels' upset hopes when Olsson scored the equalizer with just over 10 minutes left in regulation. 

Despite promising chances from both teams in the overtime, neither team could convert, resulting in a 2-2 final.  

Why does it matter?

The Tar Heels proved they could play with the best in the country, fighting hard against the top-ranked Seminoles. It was the first game this season for Florida State in which the team did not win.

When do they play next?

The Tar Heels will host No. 10 Notre Dame at home on Sunday, Oct. 24. The game will start at 1 p.m and the Tar Heels will get a third crack at solidifying head coach Anson Dorrance’s 900th career win.  

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