The UNC women’s soccer team hosted yet another ranked opponent at Dorrance Field Sunday afternoon, and both the Tar Heels and the No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers left the pitch with a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

Carolina held advantages in several statistical areas, particularly in the first half. During the first 45 minutes, UNC took 11 shots to just two for Virginia. The Tar Heels also took seven corner kicks in the half, while the Cavaliers took just one.

UNC took five more shots in the second half to drive their total up to 16 in regulation, but solid goalkeeping from Virginia’s Laurel Ivory turned away every Carolina chance. Two spectacular diving saves from Ivory stopped chances from Rachel Jones and Emily Colton in the period.

Carolina outshot Virginia 4-1 in the two sudden-death overtime periods, including a header from Abby Allen which was headed off the line by a Virginia defender.

The Tar Heels welcomed Emily Murphy back into the lineup. The freshman forward had missed the previous month with an ankle injury sustained in practice. Murphy immediately made an impact, taking two of UNC’s five shots on goal. But Murphy’s best chance came in overtime, when a deflection off a corner kick found Murphy’s foot on a bounce. But her shot sailed well over the crossbar, and represented the Tar Heels’ last real chance at earning a win. The 0-0 draw is Carolina’s second draw against an ACC opponent. They are now 1-1-2 in conference play.

Up next, head coach Anson Dorrance and company will go on the road for three straight games against Pittsburgh, Boston College and NC State.

 

Featured image via Carolina Athletics

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