The No. 2 UNC women’s soccer team celebrated an early Senior Night at Dorrance Field on Friday, and sent the Class of 2022 out on a high note with a 1-0 win against Wake Forest.

A penalty kick by Tori Hansen in the 49th minute was all Carolina needed to secure the win. The goal came after UNC blitzed the Wake Forest net in the first half, firing six shots to just one for the Demon Deacons. The Deacon goalkeeper stood on her head through the first 45 minutes, making three saves to keep the score 0-0.

Carolina’s goal early in the second half came as Wake Forest began to find its footing, and the Demon Deacons actually outshot the Tar Heels in the final period. None of those shots were on target, though, as UNC goalkeeper Emmie Allen didn’t need a single save to register Carolina’s 10th clean sheet of the season and third in a row.

Hansen’s goal was her fifth of the season and third in the last five matches. The senior defender from Raleigh was one of just three Tar Heels, along with Allen and fellow defender Emily Moxley, to play all 90 minutes. It’s the 12th time this season Hansen has played a full match.

The seniors are not necessarily done for good at Dorrance Field. Should the Tar Heels finish the season strongly, they could be selected to host at least one match in the NCAA Tournament.

The win moves Carolina to 12-3 overall and 5-2 in ACC play, good for second in the conference. The Tar Heels can vault into first place with a win in their next match, a clash with defending national champions and conference leaders Florida State in Tallahassee next Thursday. The match will kick off at 8 p.m. and can be seen on ACC Network.

 

Featured image via UNC Women’s Soccer on Twitter


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