Freshman Dan Klink recorded a hat trick across just six minutes in the second half to help UNC defeat visiting St. Thomas at Dorrance Field Saturday night. The 4-0 win is Carolina’s third in a row and extends the team’s unbeaten run to eight matches.

Klink’s offensive eruption broke open what had been a scoreless tie through the match’s first 55 minutes. UNC controlled possession but had not broken through the St. Thomas defense until Klink headed in a cross from Luca Nikolai in the 56th minute, giving the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead. Klink was back at it just 37 seconds later, again using his head to double the advantage.

It took less just 5:41 of match time for Klink to strike again, finishing off his hat trick by heading a high, looping ball in front of the St. Thomas goal mouth. Nacho Abeal added a fourth goal for UNC in the 71st minute.

After appearing in only six matches all season and not scoring a goal, Klink’s six-minute hat trick has now tied him for second on the team with three goals. Only Abeal and Gabrial Bracken Serra have more. Saturday also marked the first time this season UNC has scored four goals in a match.

The Tar Heel defense allowed just four total shots for St. Thomas, and goalkeeper Andrew Cordes saved both shots on target. UNC has recorded four straight clean sheets in its unbeaten run, having now gone 21 days without conceding a goal. In total, the team has conceded just twice across the eight-match run.

UNC is now 7-1-4 overall and 5-0-2 at Dorrance Field. The Tar Heels will play their final non-conference match of the regular season Wednesday night when they host UAB at 7 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Men’s Soccer on Twitter

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