University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Maryland
Tar Heels Stunned By No. 15 Maryland, 2-1
November 9, 2007 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 9, 2007
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Junior Graham Zusi scored two goals, including the game winner with just six seconds on the clock in double overtime, as No. 15 Maryland defeated North Carolina, 2-1, in the regular season finale for both teams Friday at Fetzer Field. The Tar Heels (6-7-5, 3-5-0 ACC) will now carry a three-match losing skid into next week's Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Cary.
Senior Night got off to a fine start for Carolina, as junior Joan Carvajal gave the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead at the 12:05 mark. Maryland (10-4-4, 4-3-1 ACC) opened the match with an early flurry, but UNC found the back of the net on their first shot, a Carvajal header in the 13th minute. Defender Eddie Ababio made a run up the left flank and sent a cross to forward Bill Dworsky, who headed the ball down to Carvajal. The Creighton transfer then sent it into the lower right-hander corner of the net for an early Carolina advantage.
The goal was Carvajal's second of the season, and Ababio continued his productive play of late with his seventh point of the season, all in the last five games.
The Tar Heels managed just two more shots in the opening period, but carried the 1-0 lead into the break. Maryland got off five shots in the first half, but put just one on frame and UNC freshman goalkeeper Tyler Deric poked the Aki Kadotani attempt over the crossbar in the second minute.
The Terps tied the game in the 70th minute on a bending 20-yard free kick from Zusi for his first goal of the night. The shot was set up by foul called on UNC senior defender Andre Sherard, and Zusi sent the ensuing free kick from just outside the left side of box towards the far post for his fifth goal of the season.
There were few chances for either team over the final 20 minutes of regulation, but the Tar Heels held possession for much of the overtime periods. Junior Michael Callahan had a chance for the equalizer in the 102nd minute when he sent a free kick from just outside the box into the wall and then fired the rebound shot wide of the net.
Carolina had perhaps its best shot at the go-ahead score in the final minute, as Cameron Lewis missed wide right on a give-and-go with Callahan. Maryland countered quickly along the right side where Zusi and freshman Rodney Wallace connected for the game-winner. Zusi's second goal of the night and sixth this season was sent toward the far post after a give-and-go play.
Maryland outshot UNC, 11-5, on the night, while the Tar Heels posted an 11-5 advantage on corner kicks. Terp keeper Will Swaim allowed one goal and did not record a save. Deric had two stops for the Tar Heels.
Carolina seniors Abe Chenathara, Lewis, Chris Litchford and Sherard were honored before the start of the game.
The Tar Heels and Terps will return to action Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the ACC Men's Soccer Championship at Cary's SAS Soccer Park. The bracket will be announced Monday.
