Following the UNC women’s soccer team’s scoreless draw with No. 2 Virginia last weekend, sophomore Avery Patterson was named the ACC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Week, along with goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais of Miami. Patterson is the second Tar Heel to win the award this season, after goalkeeper Claudia Dickey did so in August.

Against Virginia, Patterson played 100 of a possible 110 minutes in the scoreless tie, which lasted through two 10-minute sudden-death overtime periods. Patterson and the Tar Heel defense held the Cavaliers to just 10 shots, and two shots on goal, during those 110 minutes. The Cavaliers averaged over 17 shots and eight shots on goal per game coming into the matchup. Virginia’s Diana Ordoñez, who was the reigning ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week, was held scoreless. The match marked the first time all season the Cavaliers have been shut out.

Patterson is a sophomore from Jacksonville, FL. Though she is being honored for her defensive prowess, she is listed on Carolina’s roster as a midfielder and forward. Through 11 games this season, Patterson has scored three goals (second on the team) and dished out two assists. She has started every game for Carolina this season after missing the fall portion of the 2020-21 season with an injury.

Patterson and the No. 5 Tar Heels will next take to the pitch Thursday night when they visit Pittsburgh.

 

Featured image via The Daily Tar Heel

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