Despite jumping out to an early 2-0 lead on Friday night in Chapel Hill, the No. 14 UNC men’s soccer team was unable to hang on as the rival Duke Blue Devils stormed back for a 3-2 victory–their first road win over the Tar Heels since 1999.

A turnover by the UNC defense allowed Scotty Taylor to get one-on-one with goalkeeper Alex Smir in the 63rd minute, and Taylor responded by sending home what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

The Tar Heels originally took the lead on goals by Alex Rose and Jelani Pieters.

Down 2-1 at halftime, Duke came out of the break and tied the match on a one-timed shot by Brandon Williamson in the 58th minute. Not long after, Taylor got through and made UNC pay for its defensive miscue–a play that ultimately drops the Tar Heels to 4-2-2 overall and 2-1-0 in the ACC.

With the win, Duke improves to 5-3-0 and 1-2 against conference foes.

UNC actually had more shots in the match, with 15 compared to only eight for Duke. The Blue Devils simply made the most of their opportunities in order to steal the rare win in Chapel Hill.

Up Next:

The Tar Heels will try to bounce back on Tuesday, when they host UNC-W at 7 p.m.

 

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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