Strong First Half Gives No. 3 WSOC 2-1 Edge Over No. 10 South Carolina

Thursday, September 7

Columbia, S.C.

7 p.m. ET

North Carolina

5-0-2, 0-0-0

#10 South Carolina

5-1-1, 0-0-0

North Carolina

South Carolina

Photo by: Juan Blas

Strong First Half Gives No. 3 WSOC 2-1 Edge Over No. 10 South Carolina

September 7, 2023 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Two goals in the first half secured a 2-1 victory for No. 3 University of North Carolina women's soccer over No. 10 South Carolina on Thursday night in Columbia, S.C., giving UNC its second top-10 win of the year.

The Tar Heels remain undefeated with a 5-0-2 overall record following the win while they hand the Gamecocks, who drop to 5-1-1, their first loss of the season.

How It Happened

Avery Patterson put UNC on the board early in the fifth minute for her third goal this season. Maddie Dahlien showcased her stellar footwork to step around her defender, sending a cross from the right side to Patterson at the top of the six-yard box who then volleyed it into the lower left corner.
The Tar Heels doubled their lead 30 minutes later when a quick combination play through Melina Rebimbas set up Tori Dellaperuta inside the box. Separating herself from a pair of Gamecock defenders, Dellaperuta's clever finish went between the keeper's legs for her third goal of the year.
South Carolina struggled to counteract North Carolina's mounting pressure during the first half, as UNC held a 9-3 advantage in shots to complement its two-goal lead heading into the break.
The Gamecocks were eventually able to break through, as Shae O'Rourke found the back of the net five minutes into the second frame.
The Tar Heels were still able to attempt 10 shots despite facing increasing pressure from their host in what proved to be a battle of a second half between the two foes.
Carolina's collective defense prevented South Carolina from capitalizing on any of its four second-half corner kicks, as its' two first-half goals held steady for a 2-1 final score in the border battle.

Inside the Box Score

UNC's back line limited South Carolina to a season-low eight shots and three shots on goal. Prior to tonight's game, the Gamecocks averaged 20.3 shots per game and 9.3 on target.
Carolina has now held all seven of its opponents to 10 shots or fewer, including six to eight or under.
The Tar Heels took 19 shots of their own with Emily Colton, Patterson and Olivia Thomas each firing off three. Dellaperuta had a game-high two shots on frame.
Emmie Allen made one save between the posts while Heather Hinz had three for South Carolina.
Allen, Maycee Bell and Savy King – the ACC Defensive Player of the Week – all logged a full 90 minutes.
Dellaperuta and Patterson now lead the team with three goals apiece, as the former also has a team-high eight points.

Up Next
The third-ranked Tar Heels continue their Southeastern Conference road trip with a visit to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to take on the 12th-ranked Crimson Tide on Sunday, Sept. 10. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) at Alabama Soccer Stadium for UNC's fourth top-12 matchup this season.

Sunday's contest will broadcast nationally on ESPNU with Jill Loyden and Mike Watts on call.

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