University of North Carolina Athletics
Men's Soccer Scores Impressive Win
August 30, 1999 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 30, 1999
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Caleb Norkus and Chris Carrieri each scored as the University of North Carolina men's soccer team defeated the U.S. Under-17 National Team, 2-1, in Charleston, S.C., Saturday in UNC's second preseason scrimmage of 1999.
The Tar Heels defeated Old Dominion, 1-0, in their first preseason contest played on Aug. 21 in Chapel Hill.
Goals by Norkus in the third minute and Carrieri in the 24th minute secured a 2-0 halftime lead which was enough to end the Under-17 team's winning streak at 17 games. Kyle Beckerman cut the lead for the US to 2-1 in the 88th minute.
The Tar Heels outshot the U.S. by a 10-3 margin. U.S. keeper Dave Countess had to make several saves to keep his team from falling behind by an even greater margin.
rad Thomas and Michael Ueltschey once again shared time in goal for Carolina. Ueltschey's save in the 80th minute prevented a late U.S. rally led by star forward DaMarcus Beasley. Beasley, who had a hat trick the night before in a 7-1 rout of the College of Charleston, was kept in check all game by UNC defender Chris Leitch.
The Carolina coaching staff was very encouraged by the tenacious defense by all 17 UNC players who saw action in Saturday's match. Norkus, Carrieri, Noz Yamauchi and Freshman Mike Gell, who assisted on both goals, were a constant threat to the US team.
UNC midfielders Michael Bucy and David Popp and defender Daniel Jackson helped shut down the U.S. attack, which had been unstoppable during its series of games against collegiate teams. Previous wins over Charleston (7-1) and South Carolina (2-1), along with a 3-3 tie with Clemson were part of the U.S. team's preparation for this year's Under-17 World Cup competition in New Zealand in November.
The Tar Heels begin their '99 regular season on Saturday, Sept. 4 against Bradley at Creighton University's Diadora Classic in Omaha, Neb. UNC will play the host Blue Jays on Sunday evening.
Carolina will open its 1999 home schedule against Clemson on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at Fetzer Field.
