In an in-state battle, the North Carolina men’s soccer team (8-6-5) fell to the High Point Panthers (11-4-5), 2-0, on Thursday afternoon at Dorrance Field to conclude its season.
What happened?
The Tar Heels controlled possession first and pressed the Panthers early. In the first five minutes of play, North Carolina registered two shots, including senior midfielder Milo Garvanian’s boot from outside the box that was punched out of play.
Despite coming up empty handed, UNC’s attack remained aggressive. In the seventh minute, sophomore forward Daniel Kutsch worked his way toward the left side of the goal before ripping a shot that trickled wide.
North Carolina’s backline would be tested by the Panthers midway through the first frame, as High Point earned a pair of corner pieces. But the Tar Heels defense remained stout, fending off both set pieces without facing a shot.
As the first half came to a close, UNC continued to find itself with opportune chances within its attacking third. Redshirt junior forward Key White blitzed down the far side of the pitch and lined a low-bouncing cross to Garvanian. The Second-team All-ACC honoree appeared to have a clear shot on goal, but his boot was deflected over the crossbar.
Despite outshooting the Panthers by six, North Carolina entered halftime knotted in a scoreless tie.
Out of the break, the Panthers' offense broke the standstill. Junior defender Riley Thomas’ handball awarded High Point a set piece feet outside UNC’s goal box. On the ensuing kick, first-year midfielder Jefferson Amaya blast deflected off a Tar Heel and looped into the goal.
Moments later, High Point’s attack pressed again. Defender Holland Rula twisted a skying cross to forward Noah Holmes. From there, the Panthers' leading scorer finished from close range, extending his team’s lead to 2-0.
