After Illinois scored just minutes into the game to take a 1-0 lead on the No. 2 UNC women’s soccer team, Illini fans were dreaming of an upset.

Those dreams lasted approximately 68 seconds.

Emily Murphy’s first-half equalizer in the fifth minute silenced the orange-clad crowd. The game was only tied, but it felt like Carolina had seized control of the match.

Preseason All-ACC defender Maycee Bell’s first goal of the season shot Carolina into the lead in the 28th minute, and a point-blank header from senior midfielder Rachel Dorwart sent the Tar Heels to the break leading the Illini, 3-1.

Head coach Anson Dorrance’s coalition of Emilies dominated the second half, with freshman midfielder Emily Colton netting two goals in six minutes, both assisted by Murphy. The game served as a star turn for both Colton and Murphy, who combined for seven shots on target, three goals and two assists.

The Murphy-Colton connection was never smoother than on Colton’s first goal. With Murphy guarded closely by an Illini defender at the top of the Illinois 18-yard box, she still managed to find Colton with a classy back-heel pass. Colton knew what to do with it, and the Tar Heels led, 4-1.

Illinois simply had no answer for Carolina’s attack, and never recaptured their momentum from the opening moments of the game. Colton’s second goal served as insurance, but it was hardly needed. The Tar Heels cruised to a 5-1 victory. They’ve now outscored their three opponents by a collective score of 10-2.

The No. 2 Tar Heels are 3-0 on the young season, and will now take their spotless start into another hostile Big Ten environment on Sunday afternoon, when they visit Ohio State.

 

Featured photo via Illinois Athletics

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