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North Carolina slips by WCU in NCAA soccer playoff game
Facing the toughest challenge in the program’s seven-year history, Western Carolina’s women’s soccer team put up a strong battle Friday before falling 2-0 at second-ranked and 17-time national champion North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
WCU (18-6) became just the sixth team this season to limit the Tar Heels to two goals or less.
Western Carolina’s Natalie Turgeon kicks the ball down field as a North Carolina defender moves in during last week’s NCAA playoff game. UNC won 2-0. – WCU photo by Mark Haskett
“We played all 90 minutes as hard as we could, both individually and collectively as a team,” Coach Tammy DeCesare said. “Now we know how we relate to probably the best team in the nation, and I’m pleased about what is to come for this program.”
Carolina dominated play with a 23-2 advantage in shots, including 13-0 in the first half. Alesha Row recorded five saves for Western. Neither WCU shot required a save by Carolina’s Anna Rodenbough.
UNC got on the board at the 13:06 mark when Heather O’Reilly scored off a cross from Lindsay Tarpley.
Carolina made it 2-0 at the 68:48 mark as Jaime Gilbert took another Tarpley cross and put the ball into the back of the net.
Tarpley and Lori Chalupny were credited with assists on both goals.
The victory was the 600th for Anson Dorrance as Carolina’s women’s soccer coach.
Two Lady Cats received individual honors. Row was chosen Southern Conference Student-Athlete of the Week, and defender Emily Pierce was selected second team all-academic District III.
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