A fourth-quarter goal from Charly Bruder broke a scoreless tie in Charlottesville and helped Carolina beat No. 2 Virginia 1-0, sending the Cavaliers to their first loss of the season.

“Really pleased,” said head coach Erin Matson. “This was a big-time game for us, and our Heels stepped up. We’re looking forward to a fun bus ride back home.”

Bruder’s goal came after a defensive struggle, with the two teams combining for just three shots on target in the previous 51:46 of game time. UNC goalie Katie Wimmer made a key stop 36 seconds into the fourth quarter, just minutes before Bruder scored the game’s only goal.

Carolina had controlled most of the game’s offensive chances through the first three quarters, outshooting Virginia 8-2 and holding the Cavaliers without a single shot in the second and third quarters. The Tar Heels’ Merritt Skubisz, who played the first half at goalie, stopped Virginia’s only shot of the first period. Overall, the two teams combined for only 14 total shots and only four on target. Bruder and Kara Heck tied for the team lead with three shots apiece.

UNC has now beaten five ranked teams this season, four of which have been ranked in the top 10. The Tar Heels have won three games in a row, are 11-1 overall and 4-1 in ACC play. Carolina will be back in action when it hosts No. 19 Louisville at Karen Shelton Stadium Sunday at 12 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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