Stalwart Defense Proves Key In 1-0 Win At Pitt For Women’s Soccer

Thursday, September 19

Pittsburgh, Pa.

7 p.m. ET

North Carolina

9-1-0, 2-0-0

Pitt

7-2-1, 1-1-0

North Carolina

Pitt

Photo by: C. Morgan Engel

Stalwart Defense Proves Key In 1-0 Win At Pitt For Women’s Soccer

September 19, 2024 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Kate Faasse's seventh goal of the year and a stifling performance by the Tar Heel defense gave No. 8 North Carolina women's soccer a 1-0 win over Pitt on Thursday night in Pittsburgh during a key Atlantic Coast Conference battle between two programs that rank in the NCAA RPI's top 10 and advanced to the Elite Eight a season ago.

Following the win at Ambrose Urbanic Field, the Tar Heels improved to 9-1 on the season and 2-0 in ACC play. The Panthers drop to 7-2-1 (1-1 ACC).

The win marked Carolina's third straight shutout – all credited to goalkeeper Clare Gagne – as the team has now only allowed one goal in its last seven games.

How It Happened

Carolina was alert and ready from the start, winning several 1v1 battles in the midfield while its defensive unit held strong to prevent Pitt from capitalizing on any of its quick attacks.
A cross from the right flank set the home team up with a chance in the 20th minute, but the Pitt attacker didn't get the cleanest of touches which allowed Gagne to make the save.
Carolina responded with a threatening opportunity of its own a few minutes later, but Bella Sember's left-footed strike from distance sailed just wide.
Composure in front of net from Faasse put UNC up 1-0 in the 27th minute. A beautifully-played over-the-top ball by Bella Gaetino from the back – and a miscue from a Pitt defender – allowed Faasse to beat the Panthers' back line. Left unmarked and facing the goalkeeper one-on-one inside the box, Faasse tapped the ball in with her right foot.
In addition to their one-goal lead at the break, the Tar Heels also held a slight 6-5 edge in shots, with their sole shot on target coming from Faasse's score.
The Panthers were the aggressors in the second half. Despite having 10 shots to UNC's three, Pitt could not break down Carolina's defense, which was characterized by plenty of big blocks and filling up space in every passing lane.
Gagne also came up big with four second-half stops. Pitt found space to fire a strike in the 18, forcing a diving save from Gagne which awarded the Panthers a corner. Gagne punched the ball out after the set piece before her quick reaction with her foot off a header resulted in yet another crucial save.
Pitt continued to press throughout the remainder of the second frame, but any solid attempt was met by a smothering Carolina defense as the Tar Heels clung on for the 1-0 shutout victory.

Inside the Box Score

Faasse, who has now scored in three straight contests, extended her team lead to seven goals and 15 points.
Gaetino picked up her first career assist. The freshman has seven points on the year.
Gagne made a season-high five saves as she earned her sixth shutout.
The Panthers had been averaging 27.1 shots per game, which ranked third in the country. The Tar Heels held them to 15 while taking nine of their own.
Pitt was producing 12.2 shots on goal per game to rank fourth in the NCAA. Carolina limited its opponent to just five, while its lone shot on goal was Faasse's first-half tally.
Six Tar Heels recorded a full 90 minutes: Gagne, Gaetino, Trinity Armstrong, Tessa Dellarose, Emerson Elgin and Aria Nagai.

Up Next
The eighth-ranked Tar Heels continue their road trip up north with a visit to Syracuse, N.Y., to take on the Orange on Sunday, Sept. 22. Kickoff is set for noon ET at SU Soccer Field, and the match will air on ACCNX.

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