University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Open Spring Season With 2-0 Win
March 4, 2011 | Men's Soccer
March 4, 2011
RALEIGH, N.C. - After two months of training the North Carolina men's soccer team took to the field for the first time this spring to face a familiar foe in rival Duke at the WRAL Soccer Complex in Raleigh. Carolina picked up goals from Enzo Martinez and Jordan Gafa to claim a 2-0 win over the Blue Devils.
"It was good to finally play a game," assistant coach Carlos Somoano said. "Some of the younger guys really took advantage of their opportunity and played well."
Seven players who appeared in the 2010 NCAA College Cup for the Tar Heels saw action in the contest, including goalkeeper Scott Goodwin. Also returning to action was Kirk Urso, Enzo Martinez, Drew McKinney, Martin Murphy, Jordan Gafa and Robbie Lovejoy.
Making their Tar Heel debuts were January enrollees freshman Jordan McCrary and Matt Hedges, an All-America transfer from Butler who will be a senior this season. Carlos McCrary, Bruno Castro and Glen Long also saw time for the Tar Heels.
"We are pleased with the performance for our first spring game," assistant coach Jeff Negahla said. "We responded well in the second half and that is a credit to our character and mental toughness."
Prior to the match the Tar Heels had the chance to interact with several players in the Capital Area Soccer League.
"I want to thank CASL for hosting us and creating a great environment for us to play," Somoano added.
Up next for Carolina is a match against Winnipeg Select at the WRAL Soccer Complex at 7 p.m.
