Carolina Shuts Down Saint Louis

Sunday, August 28

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

7:30 PM

North Carolina

2-0-0

Saint Louis

1-1-0

Saint Louis

North Carolina

August 29, 2016 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Album Box Score Box Score (pdf)

By: UNC Athletic Communications

CHAPEL HILL - The No. 8 North Carolina men's soccer team earned its second-straight 3-0 victory to open the 2016 campaign. Sunday night's victim was Saint Louis, who did not record a shot in the loss from Fetzer Field.

For the second time in as many games, an early goal for Carolina set the tone for the remainder of the match. Nils Bruening headed home a deflection off his own initial shot for his first career goal with the Tar Heels in the 17th minute.

UNC's other striker, junior Zach Wright, got into the scoring column for the first time in 2016 when he converted in the 23rd minute. The play began in the back with Colton Storm finding Cam Lindley in the midfield. The rookie immediately raced forward, delivered a slip pass to Wright and he promptly cut across the oncoming goalie and gently slotted his shot into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

In the midst of three early corners by Carolina in the second half, the final cross worked to perfection when freshman defender Mauricio Pineda punched home a ball at the goal mouth for a 3-0 lead. Nico Melo earned his second assist of the weekend after sending his corner to the far post that found the head of Walker Hume and the ball was redirected to the foot of Pineda.

North Carolina (2-0) had all 21 shots in the match, and a 12-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Billikin goalie Sascha Otte made seven saves, while UNC keeper James Pyle notched his second clean sheet in as many matches this season.

Carolina hosts NC State in non-conference match on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

#UNCXI held SLU without a shot in the 3-0 victory! The Tar Heels move to 2-0 on the season. pic.twitter.com/fUF5LycMBQ
— UNC Men's Soccer (@UNCmenssoccer) August 29, 2016