Dickey, Cox Lead Tar Heels Past Virginia, 2-0, In ACC Semifinal

Friday, November 13

Cary, NC

8 PM

North Carolina

11-0-0, 9-0-0

Virginia

8-3-1, 8-2-1

Virginia

North Carolina

Dickey, Cox Lead Tar Heels Past Virginia, 2-0, In ACC Semifinal

November 13, 2020 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Aury St. Germain

CARY, N.C. – Behind a penalty kick goal from UNC's starting goalkeeper, Claudia Dickey, and a second-half score from Isabel Cox, No. 1 North Carolina (11-0-0) secured a spot in the ACC Tournament Championship with a 2-0 win over third-seeded Virginia.

"We are overjoyed about being in the ACC Championship. In this conference, even qualifying for the tournament is a huge achievement," Head Coach Anson Dorrance said. "UVA has extraordinary talent and I just want to tip my hat to this Virginia team. We are thrilled to advance and look forward to a matchup against a stellar Florida State team."

Sam Meza took UNC's first shot of the evening in the fourth minute after she struck a pass in the middle of the box from Isabel Cox that was saved by the goalkeeper.

The Tar Heels fended off four Virginia shots within the first 11 minutes of the contest which included a diving save from Claudia Dickey.

After Aleigh Gambone drew a foul in the box in the 40th minute, Claudia Dickey attempted her first penalty kick of the season and did not give the opposing goalkeeper a chance – striking the ball hard and fast into the left side of the net.

The penalty kick came as no surprise for Dickey, who put away an attempt in the 2019 National Championship game against Stanford in a penalty-kick shootout. The goal was Dickey's first of her career.

At the break, Carolina trailed in shots, 5-4, but claimed a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal.

UNC continued to push early in the second half and earned two corner kicks and recorded a shot just three minutes into the second period.

The pressure paid off in the 79^th minute when Isabel Cox made a run past a defender on the left side of the pitch, cut inside, and finished in the upper-right corner of the net to give North Carolina a 2-0 lead.

The goal was Cox's second of the season after scoring at Boston College on Oct. 18.

"I saw a seam down the sideline and Jones played a really good ball down the line. My first focus was to beat the defenders and after that, it was just a blur," said Cox. "I just knew if I had an opportunity tonight, I had to take advantage."

The Carolina defense and goalkeeping were immaculate against the Cavaliers, shutting down a squad that had scored 14 goals in its last four matches. Dickey earned her eighth clean sheet of the season, which ranks second in the country.

"Our back line gives me a lot of confidence. Abby (Allen) has adjusted to the college game really well, Maycee (Bell) is great leader, and (Emily) Fox and Julia Dorsey are just in a league of their own," said Dickey. "At first, we were able to be effective by just being more athletic than teams but I am really proud of the growth we have had this season. Through training and supporting each other we have come a long way."

North Carolina looks to defend its ACC Tournament title on Sunday at noon against top-seeded Florida State at WakeMed Sports Park.