The UNC men’s soccer team earned its first draw of the season Friday night, battling to a 1-1 tie with the No. 5 Duke Blue Devils in Durham. Duke had come into the match 4-0 on the year. This was their first non-win result.

Though the Tar Heels found themselves behind in the 10th minute of action, they struck back in the blink of an eye. Just 29 seconds after Duke’s shot found the back of the net, junior forward Akeim Clarke equalized off a perfect cross from teammate Hilli Goldhar.

Carolina was fortunate to not go down once again in the first half, as goalkeeper Andrew Cordes had to make three saves just in the first 45 minutes. All in all, Duke controlled play and outshot Carolina 10-4, but UNC’s defense held for the final 80 minutes of the match. It was particularly stingy in the second half, as the Blue Devils did not send a shot on goal in the period.

UNC tested the Duke goalie once more in the second half, but graduate defender Til Zinnhardt’s shot was saved. It was the only shot on goal for either side in the half.

The Tar Heels walk away from the match with a 3-2-1 overall record, though the team is still searching for its first win in conference play. Up next, Carolina will host UNC-Wilmington at Dorrance Field on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. before a tough stretch of consecutive ACC matchups with Notre Dame and Clemson. Both the Irish and Tigers made the College Cup last season, with Clemson taking home the championship.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Anthony Sorbellini


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