University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Maryland
Nogueira's Golden Goal Propels Heels to Victory
October 7, 2007 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 7, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, MD. - Sophomore forward Casey Nogueira drilled home a goal in the 93rd minute to end Maryland's upset bid and bring the 15th- ranked Tar Heels home with a 2-1 overtime victory. Nogueira's goal helped the team win its second overtime game in as many weeks. The win improved Carolina's record to 9-3 overall and 3-1 in the ACC. With the win, the Heels also regained control of first place in the ACC.
Maryland had a firm grasp on momentum as the final seconds of regulation ticked away firing seven of the game's last 8 shots, all within the final 15 minutes of the half. Momentum shifted as the game moved into overtime when the Tar Heels used a Maryland foul to make a run at the net just two minutes in. Sophomore Whitney Engen's header shot was saved by Maryland keeper Yewande Balogun, but just 30 seconds later Engen found Nogueira who fired from 17 yards with the game-winner.
The Tar Heels outshot the Terrapins 10-2 in the first half but were unable to find the net as Balogun turned away the only two North Carolina shots on goal. Both teams turned up the heat in the second half with Carolina outshooting the Terrapins 15-7. The Tar Heels took the second half's first six shots including one from Nogueira that Balogun deflected wide with a diving save. Sophomore forward Nikki Washington finally started the scoring when she found the net in the 65th minute. Washington outran the Terrapin defense to a Nogueira throughball and then fired from 15 yards out.
Maryland knotted the score at one in the 83rd minute after sending a flurry of shots at Carolina keeper Ashlyn Harris. Caitlin McDowell was able to settle the rebound off a Nataly Arias shot and then finish into the right side of the net. It was just the third goal Harris had allowed on the year.
The Heels are back in action on Thursday when they face Duke in the first game of a soccer doubleheader at Fetzer Field. The game is also worth coveted Carlyle Cup point. The Carlyle Cup standings currently sit tied at one after Duke's victory in volleyball Sunday.
