Montesdeoca's Brace Leads No. 3 UNC Over Clemson 2-0

Friday, September 28

Cary, NC (WakeMed)

7 p.m.

North Carolina

7-1-0

Clemson

4-4-1

Clemson

North Carolina

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati

September 28, 2018 | Men's Soccer

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By: Joe Wedra

Cary, N.C. -- Giovanni Montesdeoca recorded his second brace of the 2018 season to push No. 3 North Carolina past Clemson, 2-0, in front of a packed house Friday night at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. The Tar Heel defense held the Tigers to just one shot on goal and recorded their third consecutive shutout as they haven't conceded a goal in 383 consecutive minutes.

After both teams traded possession to start the match, it was Montesdeoca who opened the night's scoring with a bang. A perfect cross from Nils Bruening from the right side of the box set up Montesdeoca to capitalize on the near post. The sophomore beat his defender with a near post run and tapped the ball in to the back of the net, giving the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead in the 21^st minute of play.

Montesdeoca had two more shots from inside the box in the first half, but he couldn't capitalize as the Heels took the 1-0 in to the break. The Tar Heel defense was suffocating through the first 45 minutes, not allowing the Tigers to register one shot and only surrendering one corner.

The second half started with more Carolina possession, leading to yet another big moment from Montesdeoca. In the 58^th minute of play, Mauricio Pineda slid the ball out wide to Milo Garvanian who put in a cross from outside the penalty box. It was a nearly perfect ball for Montesdeoca to head in at the back post, good for his second goal of the game, and a 2-0 Carolina lead.

The goal marked Montesdeoca's team-leading fifth goal and second brace of the season. His other brace this year came against William and Mary on August 31.

The Tar Heel defense continued the dominance from the first 45 minutes and only conceded one shot on goal for the entire game.

With yet another shutout, the Tar Heels now have a 383-minute shutout streak. The last goal allowed came against Pitt on September 8 in the 13^th minute of play. Dating back the last three games, the Heels have kept Davidson, Notre Dame and Clemson scoreless.

With a record of 7-1, 3-0 in ACC play, on the season, Carolina will continue the 2018 campaign with non-conference play Tuesday night against UNC-Wilmington. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.