UNC Men’s Soccer Shuts Out Syracuse, Earns Spot in the Elite Eight

Throughout the 2016 season, no team in America allowed less goals than the UNC men’s soccer team.

Although the No. 9 Tar Heels gave up two scores against Florida Gulf Coast–which boasts the nation’s top scoring offense–in their NCAA Tournament opener last weekend, head coach Carlos Somoano’s team returned to form on Sunday.

UNC defeated No. 8 Syracuse by a score of 1-0 to once again make the NCAA Quarterfinals after missing out last season.

On a snowy day in western New York, a lone goal from Jeremy Kelly–paired with the usual lockdown defense–was enough to send the Tar Heels on to the next round.

ACC Freshman of the Year Cam Lindley sent a pass in the 32nd minute that found Kelly on the left flank, leading to a shot from the top of the box that found its way past Syracuse goalie Hendrik Hilpert.

Having just subbed in a minute earlier for forward Zach Wright, Kelly made great use of his fresh legs to put his team ahead.

From there, the Tar Heels simply held their ground.

It was the 11th shutout of the season in 19 games for UNC goalie James Pyle, who continues to serve as the backbone of the Tar Heel defensive effort.

Back on Sept. 30, UNC and Syracuse played to a scoreless draw after a pair of overtimes weren’t enough for either side to find a goal.

Kelly’s game-winner–his third goal of the season–now gives the Tar Heels a chance to advance to the Final Four at home.

Because UNC is ranked higher than its opponent in the next round–Providence–the game will be played at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill.