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University of North Carolina Athletics
Pieters has blossomed in a starting role this season.
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
GoHeels Exclusive: Pieters' Improvement Paying Dividends
November 20, 2017 | Men's Soccer, Featured Writers
by Pat James
CARY, N.C. – As a reserve last season, Jelani Pieters appeared in 18 matches and played just 64 minutes during the North Carolina men's soccer team's four NCAA Tournament games.
But the departure of Tucker Hume, who led UNC with 18 points, left a significant void along the team's front line entering this season. Pieters stepped in. And in a starting role, he's thrived.
Pieters' successful redshirt sophomore campaign continued Sunday night at WakeMed Soccer Park, where he scored a goal in the Tar Heels' 2-1 win over UNCW in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Despite an 8-2 edge in shots, UNC (15-3-1) entered halftime locked in a scoreless draw. But Pieters changed that.
In the 53rd minute, Zach Wright received a pass down the right sideline from Mark Salas and beat his defender. Wright then crossed the ball into the box, which Pieters came sprinting through before burying a shot from the near post in the back of the net.
"As soon as I saw Zach out wide with the ball, I knew I just had to get to the spot," Pieters said. "I beat my man and scored. It's just something we've done week in and week out through practice. It felt really natural, like another play in practice."
The goal handed the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead. About four minutes later, they extended it to 2-0 on Mauricio Pineda's goal, which proved to be the game-winner.
Through 19 games, all of which he's started, Pieters ranks second on the team with eight goals. But Sunday's marked just his second over the last nine matches. Still, he's found other ways to contribute, such as recording four of his seven assists across three games from Oct. 17-27.
Pieters' 23 points on the season are two shy of Cam Lindley's team-high 25.
"I'm just trying to do my best to help the team," Pieters said. "I think the result is more important than the goals and assists. If I can help by getting a goal, getting an assist or making a key pass that leads to a goal or an assist, I'll do what I need to do to get the result at the end of the day."
Sunday's victory helped UNC earn its ninth Sweet 16 berth in the past 10 years. That's the most by any program in that span. The Tar Heels will now face Southern Methodist at 6 p.m. Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Two years ago, Pieters didn't play during a redshirt season that concluded with a 1-0 loss against Creighton in the Sweet 16. He saw limited action last season for a club that reached the NCAA College Cup. All along, he watched and listened. He focused on making the team better once his time arrived.
"That's why he's grown as a player during his time here," Carlos Somoano said. "It's been a steady improvement, and I don't think we've even reached his best yet. He's going to continue to improve as long as he keeps that attitude and work rate day to day in practice.
"He's been a pleasure to coach, and I'm glad he's in our program."
CARY, N.C. – As a reserve last season, Jelani Pieters appeared in 18 matches and played just 64 minutes during the North Carolina men's soccer team's four NCAA Tournament games.
But the departure of Tucker Hume, who led UNC with 18 points, left a significant void along the team's front line entering this season. Pieters stepped in. And in a starting role, he's thrived.
Pieters' successful redshirt sophomore campaign continued Sunday night at WakeMed Soccer Park, where he scored a goal in the Tar Heels' 2-1 win over UNCW in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Despite an 8-2 edge in shots, UNC (15-3-1) entered halftime locked in a scoreless draw. But Pieters changed that.
In the 53rd minute, Zach Wright received a pass down the right sideline from Mark Salas and beat his defender. Wright then crossed the ball into the box, which Pieters came sprinting through before burying a shot from the near post in the back of the net.
"As soon as I saw Zach out wide with the ball, I knew I just had to get to the spot," Pieters said. "I beat my man and scored. It's just something we've done week in and week out through practice. It felt really natural, like another play in practice."
The goal handed the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead. About four minutes later, they extended it to 2-0 on Mauricio Pineda's goal, which proved to be the game-winner.
Through 19 games, all of which he's started, Pieters ranks second on the team with eight goals. But Sunday's marked just his second over the last nine matches. Still, he's found other ways to contribute, such as recording four of his seven assists across three games from Oct. 17-27.
Pieters' 23 points on the season are two shy of Cam Lindley's team-high 25.
"I'm just trying to do my best to help the team," Pieters said. "I think the result is more important than the goals and assists. If I can help by getting a goal, getting an assist or making a key pass that leads to a goal or an assist, I'll do what I need to do to get the result at the end of the day."
Sunday's victory helped UNC earn its ninth Sweet 16 berth in the past 10 years. That's the most by any program in that span. The Tar Heels will now face Southern Methodist at 6 p.m. Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Two years ago, Pieters didn't play during a redshirt season that concluded with a 1-0 loss against Creighton in the Sweet 16. He saw limited action last season for a club that reached the NCAA College Cup. All along, he watched and listened. He focused on making the team better once his time arrived.
"That's why he's grown as a player during his time here," Carlos Somoano said. "It's been a steady improvement, and I don't think we've even reached his best yet. He's going to continue to improve as long as he keeps that attitude and work rate day to day in practice.
"He's been a pleasure to coach, and I'm glad he's in our program."
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Men's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Men's Soccer
Forward
/ Men's Soccer
Midfield/Defend
/ Men's Soccer
Forward
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