The No. 3 UNC women’s soccer team picked up its third ranked win of the season Thursday night, and it may have been its most impressive yet. The Tar Heels overcame a weather delay and a hostile crowd in Columbia to top No. 10 South Carolina 2-1. It was the first meeting between the two teams since the Gamecocks dealt UNC its first-ever loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021.

A goal from Avery Patterson inside the first five minutes put the Tar Heels on the front foot early, as Patterson connected with a Maddie Dahlien cross from point-blank range. A half-hour later, Tori Dellaperuta joined in the fun, putting the finishing touches on a clinical team move inside the Gamecock box. Dellaperuta and Patterson are tied for the team lead with three goals apiece after seven matches.

The Gamecocks kept things interesting in the second half by scoring in the 50th minute, and though UNC controlled most of possession, South Carolina was not without its chances to equalize. Tar Heel goalkeeper Emmie Allen had to work into the final seconds, as South Carolina took a shot and a corner kick in the 90th minute It was only the eighth Gamecock shot of the match, compared with 19 for the Tar Heels.

UNC is now 5-0-2 on the season, though Thursday night marked its first road win of the campaign. The Tar Heels will have a chance for another this Sunday, when they visit No. 12 Alabama. The Crimson Tide are coming off a run to the national semifinals in 2022. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPNU.

 

Featured image via UNC Women’s Soccer on Twitter

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