CARY, N.C. — The North Carolina women's soccer team defeated Florida State, 3-2, on Friday to book its ticket to the national championship game.
What happened?
The Seminoles dominated in the early goings with six shots and six corner kicks in the first 30 minutes of play, compared to just two shots and one corner for the Tar Heels. Redshirt first-year goalkeeper Emmie Allen stayed strong in goal though, tallying five first-half saves.
With three-and-a-half minutes to play in the first half, UNC senior midfielder Aleigh Gambone netted the first goal of the match. First-year Maddie Dahlien sent the first shot at goal from the right side, but it was blocked by Florida State defender Heather Payne. The deflection was sent straight to Gambone, who placed the ball into the top of the goal to draw first blood before the end of the half.
The Tar Heels, energized by their goal, came out of the break with more aggression. Shots on goal from redshirt first-year forward Ally Sentnor and junior midfielder Talia DellaPeruta put pressure on Florida State. Senior forward Isabel Cox almost headed in a second UNC goal off a set piece in the 54th minute, but the shot was saved by keeper Christina Roque.
In the 59th minute, Florida State's Heather Gilchrist was called for a handball inside the 18-yard box, giving UNC a penalty kick. Senior defender Tori Hansen, UNC's penalty kick specialist, went top shelf to double her team's lead.
Seven minutes later, the Tar Heels struck again. Senior midfielder Emily Moxley took a free kick from the left wing, connecting with senior defender Julia Dorsey, who headed the ball into the net to put UNC up 3-0.
Florida State wasn't dead in the water though, responding with a successful counter just 36 seconds later. Seminoles forward Jody Brown sent a perfectly-placed cross to Onyi Echegini, who headed in the ball from the left side of the goal.
Echegini then flexed her playmaking, assisting Payne in the 76th minute to cut Florida State's deficit to just one goal.
