Offensive Spark Lifts Men’s Soccer Over Virginia Tech

Wednesday, November 1

Chapel Hill, N.C.

6 p.m. ET

North Carolina

8-3-5, 2-3-3

Virginia Tech

4-9-4, 2-5-1

Virginia Tech

North Carolina

Photo by: AINSLEY E. FAUTH

November 1, 2023 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Highlighted by Ernest Bawa's two-goal effort, the North Carolina men's soccer team (8-3-5) defeated Virginia Tech (4-9-4) 4-1, in the opening round of the 2023 ACC Tournament.

How It Happened
• Misei Yoshizawa broke the deadlock early for Virginia Tech, spinning to convert a low cross from close range in the second minute.
• Quenzi Huerman slotted home the equalizer in the 29th minute, striking to the far post.
• Ernest Bawa put the Tar Heels in front in the 44th minute, finding the back of the net from just outside the box prior to the halftime break.
• After a Carolina corner in the 68th minute, the Tar Heels added to its lead off the left foot of Charlie Harper.
• Bawa grabbed his second goal of the game in the 76th minute to seal the victory for the Tar Heels.

Inside the Numbers
• Huerman's 29th minute goal was his ninth of the season, the most for a Tar Heel in a single season since Alex Winn 's 11-goal showing in 2017.
• The Tar Heels outshot the Hokies 18-8 on the night.
• Carolina's four goals in the most in an ACC Tournament matchup since the opening round against NC State, a 4-0 Tar Heel victory.
• The Tar Heels are 27-27-8 all-time in the ACC Tournament.
• Carolina grows their all-time series lead between the two programs to 22-4-2, including a 14-2-0 record in Chapel Hill.
• Zinnhardt, Thomas, Harper, Edwards, and Czech played the full 90-minutes in the win.
• Harper's goal was the first of his career.

Up Next
The Tar Heels will travel to Winston-Salem on Sunday at 4 PM, the square off with second-seeded Wake Forest.