University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Winthrop
Skahan's Hat Trick Powers Heels To 4-0 Win Over Winthrop
October 16, 2018 | Men's Soccer
CARY, N.C. — Jack Skahan's first career hat-trick and a goal from Giovanni Montesdeoca propelled North Carolina to a 4-0 win over Winthrop on Tuesday night in Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The Tar Heels recorded a season high in total shots with 22 as they out shot the Eagles 22-2 and 10-1 in shots on goal.
An attacking onslaught by the Tar Heels highlighted the first half. The Carolina offense produced 13 shots in the first half with five being on target.
Carolina found the back of the net in the 11th minute to put the Tar Heels on the board. A perfect cross from John Nelson met the head of Skahan who made no mistake in front of goal for his first of the night. His header gave the Tar Heels the 1-0 lead on their sixth shot of the game.
The Winthrop defense did well in the first half to hold the Tar Heels to one goal. Three saves from Winthrop's goalkeeper Aiden McCormick, one goal-line clearance and four crucial blocked shots thwarted the Carolina offense.
The second half brought more opportunities for the Heels. Carolina ended the match with 22 shots, 10 shots on goal as both statistics are season highs for the year.
Montesdeoca doubled the Tar Heel's lead in the 50th minute. Mauricio Pineda drove down the left side of the pitch, made his way to the edge of the 18-yard box and sent a lofted cross to the back post. Montesdeoca got to the ball first and redirected the ball in the back of the net with his head.
Skahan scored his second of the match in the 56th minute for the first multi-goal game of his collegiate career. Montesdeoca drove the ball into the box, drawing multiple Eagle defenders and laid the ball off to Skahan for an open look. Skahan laces the ball into the top left corner of the net to make it a 3-0 game.
Just two minutes later, Skahan added a third to record his first career hat-trick. Jeremy Kelly played the ball in to Skahan who had his back to the goal. Shielding off his defender, Skahan spun, creating space and ripped a shot to the lower right corner of the net.
The Carolina defense stood strong allowing two shots, one on goal for the second match in a row. Goalkeeper James Pyle recorded his seventh shut out of the season.
The Tar Heels return to action Friday night as they travel to face Boston College. The match will kick off at 7 p.m.
