Women’s Soccer Outlasts California, 1-0, In Top-20 Thriller

Thursday, October 10

Berkeley, Calif.

7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT)

North Carolina

13-1-0, 6-0-0

#17 Cal

10-2-2, 3-1-1

North Carolina

California

Photo by: Justine Willard

October 10, 2024 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

BERKELEY, Calif. – A battle between two top-20 teams did not disappoint on Thursday night in Berkeley as No. 2 North Carolina women's soccer outlasted No. 17 California for a 1-0 win after a nail-biting finish thanks to Bella Sember's thrilling game-winner with 11 seconds left on the clock.

The win marked Carolina's 250th regular season Atlantic Coast Conference victory in 38 years as part of the league. The next closest program, Virginia, has 184.

The Tar Heels maintain their top spot in league standings at 6-0 with 18 points and move to 13-1 overall. They handed the Golden Bears, who drop to 10-2-2 (3-1-1 ACC) their first conference loss – and first loss at home since Sept. 10, 2023.

How It Happened

After limited movement to start, the Tar Heels settled in around the 15-minute mark and picked up the pace offensively with their confidence building down the left flank.
Maddie Dahlien showcased her ability as a playmaker and fired off three consecutive shots after shifting over to the left side. One of her better looks came in the 19th minute with a powerful strike to the near post, forcing a tough save from Cal keeper Teagan Wy.
Any chance Cal's attack was able to muster was quickly diminished by UNC's defense. The host's lone first-half shot came in the 30th minute, resulting in an easy save for Clare Gagne.
After winning the ball in midfield, Olivia Thomas' speed was on full display as she drove forward to fire off a strike from the top of the box with four minutes left before the break, but Wy was able to get a glove on it to tip it over.
The Tar Heels entered the break scoreless, but not for lack of opportunity: They held a 9-1 edge in shots – with three from Dahlien – including 5-1 on target.
Carolina had a chance in the 70th minute when Sember played the ball across to find Dahlien who had moved back to the right. Dahlien's shot was in dangerous territory, bypassing an outstretched Wy and rolling mere inches wide of the far post.
Seven minutes later, a good run after quick movement up the field saw Thomas take a chance with a chip to the near post, which was ultimately again denied by Wy.
Carolina continued to apply pressure on its attack, sending off three more shots on frame in quick succession, all which were stopped by Wy, who made five saves in each half.
UNC found the eventual game-winner with 11 seconds remaining. Dahlien drew a foul inside the box and UNC was awarded a penalty kick after a lengthy VAR review. With Sember stepping up to the spot, her penalty was initially saved but came right back out, and she found the back of the net off the rebound.

Inside the Box Score

Sember scored her seventh goal of the season, and second in the last four games.
The Tar Heels move to 6-0-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2020.
UNC gave Cal its first shutout of the year and first loss since Aug. 18.
The Tar Heels out-shot the Golden Bears 17-5, including 11-5 on goal.
Cal, which had been averaging 12.6 shots per game, was held to just five.
UNC has kept all opponents to five shots on goal or fewer, and all to 15 shots or fewer.
Gagne matched her career-high five saves for the second time this season.
It was UNC's ninth shutout of the year, with Gagne being credited eight of them.
Carolina had zero fouls, while California committed 10 and was shown two yellow cards.
Eight Tar Heels logged a full 90 minutes.
UNC remains undefeated against Cal in the all-time series at 11-0-1.

Up Next
The second-ranked Tar Heels remain in The Golden State, traveling an hour south to face No. 7 Stanford in a big matchup on Sunday, Oct. 13. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT) at Cagan Stadium in Stanford and the game will air on ACCNX.

Upon returning to Chapel Hill after their two-match road trip in California, the Tar Heels will be hosting Anson Dorrance Day at their next home game on Thursday, Oct. 17, to celebrate the legendary coach. Tickets are available for purchase here.

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