The UNC men’s soccer team’s run through the ACC Tournament came to a heartbreaking end Sunday in Cary, as the Tar Heels took the lead in the second half but ultimately fell to Clemson in penalty kicks.

First team All-ACC honoree Quenzi Huerman put Carolina in front in the 49th minute, but Clemson would control play for much of the remainder of the match. The Tigers doubled up the Tar Heels on shots in the second half, including the equalizer in the 83rd minute. UNC wouldn’t register a single shot in the two extra time periods before the penalty shootout.

Head coach Carlos Somoano elected to switch goalkeepers for the shootout. Andrew Cordes, who’d made seven saves on the day, was pulled in favor of Quinn Closson. But Closson wouldn’t save any of Clemson’s five penalties, and a miss from Carolina’s Matt Edwards on the third Tar Heel attempt ensured the Tigers would take home the ACC title, 5-3 in penalties. Carolina hasn’t won the ACC Tournament since 2011.

Despite the loss, UNC has put itself in good position to earn a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The full bracket will be announced on Monday, with play beginning on Thursday.

 

Featured image via UNC Men’s Soccer on Twitter

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