CARY, N.C. — The No. 4-seeded UNC women's soccer team (16-4, 7-3 ACC) overcame the No. 1-seeded Duke Blue Devils (14-2-1, 9-0-1 ACC), 2-1, in the ACC tournament semifinals on Thursday night at WakeMed Soccer Park to advance to the ACC championship.
After falling to the Blue Devils twice in the regular season for the first time in North Carolina program history, the Tar Heels defeated Duke thanks to the efforts of first-year defender Trinity Armstrong. Not only did Armstrong record a goal line save, but the defender also notched her first career goal at UNC. With this win, the Tar Heels uphold their undefeated record against Duke when playing at neutral sites and perfect marks against the Blue Devils in the ACC tournament.
In the 29th minute, the Blue Devils finally broke through after a controversial foul call in the box. Sophomore defender Cameron Roller positioned herself behind the ball and sent it into the bottom left side of the net. Although graduate goalkeeper Clare Gagne dived in an attempt to save it, Gagne couldn't get a hand on it quick enough.
The Blue Devils continued to press the Tar Heels in the dwindling minutes of the first half.
At the 39th minute, Duke found room on the left side. Before the Blue Devils were able to attempt a shot, Armstrong closed down the lane, diving to kick the ball out of bounds.
Led by the efforts of first-year defender Aven Alvarez, Gagne and Armstrong, the Tar Heels were able to keep the deficit at one goal entering halftime.
Within the first five minutes of the second half, North Carolina found the equalizer.
Outside of the box just passed midfield, first-year midfielder Linda Ullmark sent a high-flying strike into Duke territory. Goalkeeper Leah Freeman attempted to drive and save it, but the ball bounced off her hands and into the back of the net.
During the next three minutes of play, the match became chipper as three yellow cards were issued with two going to the Blue Devils. The intensity continued to rise.
