Courtesy of GoHeels.com

CHAPEL HILL – North Carolina defender Boyd Okwuonu was named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Preseason Best XI list, the website announced Tuesday. Okwuonu, who was a first-team selection, returns to lead a Carolina defense that led the nation in both goals against average and shutout percentage in 2012.

A junior from Edmond, Okla., Okwuonu started 20 games for the Tar Heels last season. UNC allowed just seven goals in 22 total games and advanced to the national quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive year. Carolina’s seven goals allowed, 17 shutouts and 0.29 goals against average were all school records.

Okwuonu was also named to the College Soccer News Preseason All-America first team earlier this month.

Okwuonu and the Tar Heels, who are ranked No. 5 in the College Soccer News preseason poll, open the 2013 season with a trio of exhibitions against Elon, Michigan State and Indiana before starting regular season play with the Carolina Nike Classic Aug. 30 against Monmouth.

Related Stories
‹
The Morning News: Mark Chilton Retiring, UNC Returning
In today's news: longtime Orange County Register of Deeds Mark Chilton announces he's stepping down, a few months before the end of his term.
The UNC Men's Soccer Coach Envisions a 2-Semester Season. Could it Work?
UNC men’s soccer head coach Carlos Somoano recently told 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck about one of his pipe dreams: a plan to move college soccer from a one-semester to a two-semester schedule, spreading out the schedule across the fall and spring. Somoano called the proposal a “passion project,” one which has been on […]
The Morning News: Chatham Pipeline, Seth Trimble
In today's news: Chatham residents oppose a proposed natural gas pipeline, and UNC basketball star Seth Trimble transfers to Louisville.
'Trial By Fire': UNC Men's Soccer Coach Previews 2026 Season, Discusses Rule Changes
UNC men’s soccer head coach Carlos Somoano joined 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck Thursday, Aug. 6 for a wide-ranging conversation. Somoano, who is entering his 16th season as head coach at Carolina and who earlier this year agreed to a three-year contract extension, shared his excitement for the Tar Heels’ 2026 season and also discussed […]
On Air Today: Talking UNC Men's Soccer, with Head Coach Carlos Somoano
Aaron welcomes UNC men's soccer head coach Carlos Somoano to the studio, ahead of the start of the 2026 season.
UNC Soccer and Lacrosse Venue Christened Dorrance Field at Play2Dream Legacy Stadium
Dorrance Field, the home venue for the UNC soccer and lacrosse programs, has expanded its name to Dorrance Field at Play2Dream Legacy Stadium. The expanded name comes in recognition of a gift from Kathleen Welsh and Gary Loveman, parents of two former UNC women’s soccer players. UNC describes Play2Dream as “a private family foundation” founded […]
The Morning News: Orange County Board Seat, State Budget, UNC Men's Soccer
In today's news: Orange County Commissioners meet tonight to discuss the process of filling a vacancy on the board.
Holding Court: World Cup Extravaganza Bolstered N.C. Sports Theme
In the sports world, it’s hard to throw a party without North Carolina. Even in a global event like the World Cup, there are connections.
UNC Men's Soccer Announces Schedule for 2026 Season
The UNC men’s soccer program has announced its schedule for the 2026 regular season. The Tar Heels are looking to build off a 2025 season which saw them reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It’s about that time ⏳ The 2026 season is just around the corner and we’ve finalized our schedule. Save […]
Multiple UNC Teams Post Perfect Academic Progress Rates, New Report Says
Several UNC sports programs posted perfect single-year and multi-year academic progress rates for the 2024-25 academic year, according to the NCAA’s latest report. Academic progress rate (APR) is used to track performance of scholarship students who compete on varsity teams, and the score measures eligibility and retention each semester. A perfect score is 1000, and […]
›