The No. 5 North Carolina women’s soccer (5-0) team remains undefeated after beating North Dakota (2-1-2), 3-0, on Thursday afternoon.
Despite 90 degree temperatures, the Tar Heels dominated from the first whistle, overwhelming the Fighting Hawks in the offensive zone and forcing seven corner kicks in the first half.
“A lot of times we’re going to have to deal with that where they have a lot of numbers behind the ball,” head coach Damon Nahas said. “So it poses some different challenges for our team.”
North Carolina put up several long shots early, but its first good opportunity came from junior midfielder Emerson Elgin, whose mid range shot soared over North Dakota goaltender Grace Miller and hit the crossbar.
But UNC continued digging, and found the back of the net in the 16th minute. Graduate midfielder Aria Nagai took a North Carolina corner high, which was grounded in the North Dakota box. Junior forward Kate Faasse then got the ball up to first-year defender Bella Gaetino, who shot it up and off the hands of Miller into the net.
“I learned a lot today,” Gaetino said. “I’m excited to continue expanding my game not only in that position but just as an entire player.”
The Tar Heels were unable to extend the lead in the first, but they didn’t let up on offense, limiting North Dakota to 16 percent possession and zero shots at the half. Gaetino and Elgin continued to be a dynamic duo, combining for 10 shots in the first and putting pressure on the Fighting Hawks defense.
North Dakota put its best defensive foot forward in the second half, forcing UNC back into midfield, but the team was unable to maintain possession for long.
“Obviously they had all 11 behind the ball,” junior defender Tessa Dellarose said. “So, for us it was just about being patient and breaking them down any way that we can.”
