Olivia Thomas scored a tiebreaking goal in the 87th minute to help UNC escape with a 2-1 victory at Virginia Tech in the ACC opener Thursday night in Blacksburg.
Thomas’ strike capped off a late flurry of scoring after the teams had played to a 0-0 tie for much of the game. Tessa Dellarose broke that tie in the 73rd minute, rocketing a shot from outside the box into the back of the net. It was the first goal of the season for the senior Dellarose, who did not play in the first five matches.
The Hokies answered less than four minutes later, capitalizing on a rare chance to even the match up once again at 1-1. It was the last of Virginia Tech’s three shots on target for the night.
Aven Alvarez threatened to break the tie in the 85th minute, sending a shot on goal which was saved by the Hokie goalkeeper. But it only set the stage for Thomas, who pounced on a loose header by a Virginia Tech defender and launched the game-winning goal into the side netting with her first touch.
Thomas has now scored six goals in her last four matches and a team-high eight for the season. The Tar Heels are unbeaten in matches where she scores.
The win is UNC’s sixth in a row following a 1-2 start. Carolina is now 7-2 overall on the season and 1-0 in ACC play. Up next for UNC is a showdown with No. 7 Florida State at Dorrance Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications
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