The UNC women’s soccer team opened the 2024 regular season – and the post-Anson Dorrance era – with a 2-1 win at Denver on Thursday night. It’s Carolina’s first win without the services of the 22-time national champion head coach, who announced his retirement on Sunday.

A 33rd-minute goal from Tessa Dellarose gave the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead heading into halftime, but the Pioneers equalized on a VAR-aided penalty kick just 5:31 into the second half. Carolina put together a strong response, nosing back in front on a Bella Sember goal in the 62nd minute. UNC dominated possession for the rest of the night, holding Denver to just one shot in the final 28 minutes to hold the 2-1 advantage.

Sember and Dellarose were two of six Tar Heels to play the full 90 minutes. Sember and teammate Maddie Dahlien (who assisted Sember’match-winning goal) combined for nine of Carolina’s 19 shots. Denver managed just four of its own. Duke transfer Olivia Migli contributed 60 minutes as one of five substitutes for interim head coach Damon Nahas.

The 1-0 Tar Heels will continue their stay in the Rocky Mountains on Sunday, when they visit Colorado at 2 p.m. Eastern time. The home opener against No. 14 Georgia is scheduled for Thursday, August 22 at 5 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Women’s Soccer on Twitter

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