Joe Pickering scored early in the first half for UNC on Thursday night at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, a goal that provided the difference in a 1-0 NCAA Tournament victory over Stanford.

Pickering scored his first goal of the year on a header in the 13th minute assisted by Milo Garvanian. That would go on to be the only shot on target by either side in what was largely a defensive battle.

With the win, UNC (9-4-3) advances to the Elite Eight for the ninth time since 2008–the most appearances by any school over that same time span.

Stanford (10-3-1) came into the night with a high-powered offense averaging more than two goals per game, but it was UNC goalie Alec Smir who got the last laugh on the way to his 10th shutout of the season.

Up Next:

The Tar Heels will remain in Cary to face No. 5 seed Wake Forest for an all-ACC quarterfinal matchup on Monday at 5 p.m.

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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