UNC’s pursuit of a 23rd national championship in women’s soccer will have to wait.

The Tar Heels were 16 seconds away from hoisting the trophy once again, but allowed an equalizer from UCLA in the dying moments to force extra time. There, the Bruins scored with 3:20 remaining in the second extra time period to take a 3-2 lead, its first of the night. They were able to ice the rest of the clock to clinch the title.

Carolina led 2-0 as late as the 80th minute, but gave up a pair of goals in the final 10 minutes. Avery Patterson had scored twice to stake UNC to the lead and nearly had herself a third late in the second half. She ends the season as the Tar Heels’ leading goal-scorer.

The Bruins saw the bulk of the offensive chances on the night, outshooting the Tar Heels 20-13 and taking five more corner kicks, including four in extra time. Carolina took no corner kicks in extra time.

UNC goalkeeper Emmie Allen tied her career-high with nine saves, and was arguing for a foul called on UCLA’s last-minute equalizer. Allen was shoved on the Bruin corner kick and was not able to make the save from the back of her own net.

 

Featured image via UNC Women’s Soccer on Twitter


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