del Rosario Nets 2OT Thriller

Tuesday, October 17

Cary, N.C. (WakeMed Soccer Park)

7:00:00 PM

North Carolina

Old Dominion

Photo by: Carlos Morales/UNCG

October 17, 2017 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Mark Kimmel

CARY, North Carolina - Freshman Lucas del Rosario scored twice to give No. 4 North Carolina a thrilling 2-1 double overtime comeback victory over Old Dominion on Tuesday night from WakeMed Soccer Park.

Old Dominion (7-3-2) was the first to hit the back of the net on a goal from Max Wilschrey in the 53rd minute. A turnover in the midfield led to his sixth goal of the season off an assist from CJ Taylor.

Carolina (12-2-1) enjoyed most of the game's possession, but could not beat Monarch keeper Mertcan Akar for most of the evening.

Senior Zach Wright hit the crossbar in the 32nd minute.

Moments after the Monarchs goal, a three-shot sequence by Carolina in the 57th minute saw Akar make two clutch saves to keep the Tar Heels off the scoresheet.

Wright hit the crossbar for the second time in the 76th minute.

Carolina's persistence finally paid off with del Rosario scoring in the 88th minute. Freshman Mark Salas served a ball that initially found Jelani Pieters and his pass found the head of del Rosario for the equalizer.

In overtime, Cam Lindley threaded a perfect pass to Jeremy Kelly and the ball found the foot of Wright and he appeared destined to close this out in the first extra session, but a ODU defender was in place for the save at the goal line.

Carolina waisted little time in the second extra session. Lindley placed a ball to Kelly down the right flank and the Chapel Hill native fed del Rosario for the game winner from a tough angle in the 102nd minute.

Akar made nine saves, including multiple brilliant stops to keep the Monarchs in the match.

Carolina heads out on the road to face ACC rival Virginia Tech on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.