No. 4 Women’s Soccer Rallies For 3-1 Win Over No. 8 Arkansas

Sunday, September 3

Chapel Hill, N.C.

2 p.m. ET

North Carolina

4-0-2, 0-0-0

#8 Arkansas

3-1-1, 0-0-0

Arkansas

North Carolina

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati

No. 4 Women’s Soccer Rallies For 3-1 Win Over No. 8 Arkansas

September 3, 2023 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The fourth-ranked University of North Carolina women's soccer team overcame a one-goal deficit to post a 3-1 win over No. 8 Arkansas in a big top-10 matchup Sunday afternoon at Dorrance Field.

Following the win, the Tar Heels remain undefeated at 4-0-2 on the year while the Razorbacks suffer their first loss and drop to 3-1-1.

How It Happened

Despite facing a high-pressing opponent in Arkansas, Carolina was able to create a few chances of its own in the game's opening minutes, with Olivia Thomas attempting three shots in the first six minutes of play.
However, an error in midfield led to a breakaway goal from Anna Podojil, giving the Razorbacks a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.
UNC leveled the score in the 41st minute when Bella Sember's pass between two Razorback defenders found Mia Oliaro. Able to create open space, Oliaro's shot from nearly 25 yards out landed in the upper-left 90 for her first career goal.
Ally Sentnor again demonstrated UNC's ability to shoot from distance, netting the game-winner from the top of the 18-yard box in the 66th minute. Arkansas gave her the space and time needed to drive forward, allowing her to uncork a left-footed strike to the upper right corner.
Carolina continued to break down Arkansas' back line, taking advantage of a 3v1 opportunity in the 82nd minute to seal the 3-1 decision. Evelyn Shores' cross connected with Avery Patterson in the center, who held off her defender to fire a low shot to the bottom of the far post.

Inside the Box Score

Emmie Allen recorded a season-high four saves between the posts.
Carolina out-shot Arkansas 17-10, including 10-5 in the first half, with a 7-5 edge in shots on target.
Ten shots is the most UNC has allowed all season, but the Tar Heels' rock-solid back line has held all of their opponents to 10 or under.
Thomas led all players with four shots while Patterson had a game-high two shots on goal.
Allen, Maycee Bell, Savy King and Emily Colton played a full 90 minutes.
It proved to be a physical contest as Arkansas received three yellow cards.

Up Next
The fourth-ranked Tar Heels hit the road to face two more ranked Southeastern Conference opponents. Carolina first travels to Columbia to play No. 13 South Carolina on Thursday, Sept. 7, before making its way to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 5 Alabama on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Both matches are set to begin at 7 p.m. ET and will broadcast nationally on ESPNU.

Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.