The UNC men’s soccer team picked up its second straight ranked win Sunday night, nabbing a 2-0 win at No. 13 Virginia Tech and dealing the Hokies their first home loss of the season.
Carolina weathered a strong storm from the hosts in the first half, shutting out the Hokies despite being outshot 8-2 in the first 45 minutes. The Tar Heels took control in the second period, holding Virginia Tech to just one shot after halftime. Two saves from goalkeeper Alec Smir, one in each half, kept the Hokies off the scoreboard.
With the defense locking down the Virginia Tech attack, Carolina’s offense gave head coach Carlos Somoano’s team the boost it needed for the victory. Fifth-year forward Santiago Herrera converted a penalty kick in the 53rd minute to give UNC a 1-0 lead, and senior midfielder Milo Garvanian doubled the advantage in the 77th minute to seal a Carolina win. It was Garvanian’s second straight match with a goal, after his brace powered UNC to a win over No. 15 Loyola Marymount last Thursday. Before that, Garvanian had scored just one goal in three seasons with the team.
The goal was also a shot of redemption for the senior from New Mexico, who was awarded a penalty kick in the first half but failed to convert.
With the win, Carolina is now 19-4-1 all-time against Virginia Tech in men’s soccer.
The Tar Heels improved to 9-5-1 on the season and 3-4-0 in ACC play. All nine of the team’s wins this season have been shutouts. Carolina will have a chance to extend their winning streak against ranked opponents in their last regular season match. No. 20 Notre Dame visits Dorrance Field on Friday, October 29.
Featured image via Carolina Athletics
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