The UNC women’s soccer team watched a 2-0 halftime lead go up in smoke against No. 7 Virginia Sunday afternoon, conceding three goals to the Cavaliers in the span of 18 minutes to fall, 3-2. It’s Carolina’s second home loss of the season, both of which have come after the Tar Heels held a lead.

Carolina opened up its 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes on goals from Emily Murphy and Ally Sentnor, and looked to be in complete control once the clock hit 45 minutes.

But Virginia struck early and often in the second half, scoring in the 54th, 61st and 72nd minutes to take the lead in front of a stunned Dorrance Field crowd. Despite being outshot 13-6 (7-3 in shots on goal), the Cavaliers didn’t give up the advantage.

“In the second half they were all over us, they kept possession well, which I certainly respect them for,” said UNC head coach Anson Dorrance. “They are a good team. They have a lot of veterans in a lot of positions, and they made it hard for us.”

The match marked the first time ever Carolina had conceded more than two goals to Virginia. The programs have met 49 times. It’s also the first time UNC has conceded three times in a match or three times in a single half since 2010.

Even more sobering, the result drops UNC to 0-1 in ACC play. The Tar Heels have lost two of their last four matches since a 5-0 start, both have which have come at home. Two of the team’s next three matches will now come on the road, the first of which is a visit to Syracuse on Thursday night at 7 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Women’s Soccer on Twitter

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