Freshman star Tega Ikoba scored his fifth goal of the year Tuesday night, and it was all the UNC men’s soccer team would need in a 1-0 victory over the visiting Wofford Terriers.

Ikoba’s goal tied him for the team lead with junior midfielder Cameron Fisher.

The Tar Heels nearly found themselves in a deficit early, with Wofford’s Brandon Oddy breaking away on a 1-on-1 opportunity with UNC goalkeeper Alec Smir in the sixth minute. But Smir got big at the critical time, deflecting Oddy’s shot away for a corner kick. It was one of three saves Smir would make on the night, and his most difficult.

Ikoba struck midway through the first half, getting down low for a point-blank header in the box off a cross from teammate Santiago Herrera. Ikoba, who was making just his second start of the season for head coach Carlos Somoano’s team, led Carolina on the night with six shots taken. The big man from Madison, AL, may just find himself starting more often.

UNC continued to manufacture chances throughout the match, including a penalty kick later in the first half. Ken Bellini drew a foul in Wofford’s box to set up the PK, but Herrera couldn’t convert.

The missed chance didn’t prove costly in the end, as Carolina held Wofford to five shots during the entire match, and just two in the second half. The Tar Heels took 22 shots, including seven on goal.

Carolina is now back in the win column after a last-minute loss to Wake Forest in their previous match. The Tar Heels are 7-4-1 on the season, and will take their first road trip since September 29 when they visit Louisville this Friday.

 

Featured image via Carolina Athletics

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