University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
College of Charleston
For The Winn: Carolina Downs Cougars
October 14, 2015 | Men's Soccer
The Tar Heels (11-0-1, 5-0-0 ACC) continue their best start in program history and remain one of only three unbeaten teams in Division I.
College of Charleston (5-5-2, 2-1-1 CAA) threatened early with strong pressure, but Carolina regained possession around the fifth minute to take command of the match.
Raby George had a good look at goal for the Tar Heels in the 14th minute with a free kick, but a punch out from goalkeeper Kevin Shields kept the match scoreless.
After a few more strong threats, Winn broke through with a header from Zach Wright to give the Tar Heels a 1-0 advantage in the 34th minute. The goal was Winn's fifth of the season, while Wright collected the team-leading fifth assist.
The Cougars responded in the 40th minute after a foul on the left side of the box. Adan Noel took advantage of the team's best look of the night, getting the ball to former Tar Heel Nico Rittmeyer who headed in the equalizer.
The second half, however, played more into Carolina's favor, with the Tar Heels controlling the ball for the majority of the half.
Carolina took the lead back on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute. A through-ball from Omar Holness, returning to his first game since Sept. 25 against Duke, found Warren Marshall, who was taken down hard in the box. George scored his third PK of the season and fourth goal overall to give the Tar Heels the 2-1 advantage.
Charleston did not back down from the fight, tying up the match in the 75th minute. Paul Burdick found Jacob Nelson in the box and tied the match at 2-2.
A close call in the 88th minute just about gave Carolina the 3-2 win with an assist from Tucker Hume to Winn, but the offsides flag kept it 2-2.
However, the pressure continued in the final minute and Winn pushed Carolina up 3-2 with a deflection off the leg of Tucker Coons. Winn's two goals in the match tie Hume for the team lead in points.
The Tar Heels travel to Winston-Salem on Saturday to take on No. 5 Wake Forest at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
