The ACC released its annual awards for the 2018 women’s soccer season, with UNC picking up two major individual awards and placing six players on All-ACC teams.

Head coach Anson Dorrance, coaching in his 42nd year for the university, was named ACC Coach of the Year for the 11th time after leading the Tar Heels to a 16-2-1 record and a perfect 10-0 record in conference play. This season was the first time that UNC has finished unbeaten and untied in conference play since 2006.

Despite breaking her leg against Wake Forest in late October, sophomore forward Alessia Russo was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year after finishing with six goals and 4.21 shots per game. This comes a season after winning ACC Freshman of the Year and earning MVP honors in the ACC Championship.

Joining Russo on the All-ACC first team were midfielders Taylor Otto and Brianna Pinto and defender Emily Fox. Defender Julia Ashley earned second-team honors while midfielder Dorian Bailey was named to the third-team. In addition, Pinto and forward Rachel Jones were named to the ACC’s All-Freshman team.

Top-seeded UNC is set to play No. 5 Clemson in the ACC Tournament on Friday at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary at 7:30 p.m. for a spot in the ACC title game.

Featured image via UNC Athletics

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