On Saturday evening, the North Carolina women’s soccer team will look to open its conference slate with a win against No. 5 Virginia at Dorrance Field.
The undefeated Cavaliers are on a tear, not having allowed a goal since their season-opening win against George Mason. Highlight wins for Virginia this season include a 1-0 victory over Georgetown and a 5-0 rout of then-ranked Memphis.
Here are three keys to a UNC victory on Saturday.
Keep the defense stout
Virginia head coach Steve Swanson has leaned on a 4-3-3 formation this year, spearheaded by graduate forward Haley Hopkins. Hopkins has tallied seven goals in her first eight games, tied for the third-most by any player in the country. Alongside two other dangerous pieces in left winger Alexa Spaanstra and midfielder Lia Godfrey, the Cavaliers command a formidable attack that will challenge UNC’s defense.
The Tar Heels have a talented but shallow back line that has faced plenty of adversity this season. Following the season-ending leg injuries to senior Maycee Bell and first-year Kayleigh Herr, seniors Tori Hansen and Julia Dorsey have done an impressive job of locking down the middle of the field and stopping opponents’ runs at the goal.
UNC boasts some of the best defensive midfielders in the ACC in junior Sam Meza and senior Maggie Pierce. Meza, who is also a considerable scoring threat, can play from any spot in the midfield. UNC head coach Anson Dorrance typically has Pierce split time with senior Libby Moore at the six position.
So far this season, Virginia has outscored its opponents 27-1, capitalizing on long passes and shots from the edges of the penalty box. To neutralize this, the Tar Heels should look to force turnovers in the midfield before the Cavaliers can get Hopkins comfortable in the attacking third.
