The UNC women’s soccer team (9-4-0, 3-2-0 ACC) defeated Pitt (5-7-2, 1-5-0 ACC), 3-1, at Dorrance Field Sunday afternoon.
North Carolina’s offense shined as the Tar Heels extended their winning record against Pitt to 8-1.
The first half started off slow for both teams, with both holding possession for short bursts. North Carolina had an early opportunity to score in the fifth minute, but senior midfielder Tessa Dellarose’s shot sailed just over the top left corner of the net.
The Tar Heels began applying some pressure on the Panthers midway through the half. In the 18th minute, junior forward Olivia Thomas passed the ball inward from the left side of the field to sophomore midfielder Linda Ullmark, who struck the ball straight down the middle of the goal for UNC’s first score of the match.
Sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Johann made two huge saves deep in the half as the Panthers finally found their offensive spark, putting up two shots in just four seconds of play.
A few minutes later, a quick shot from first-year defender Hope Munson barely struck the crossbar, resulting in a missed opportunity for the Tar Heels.
Despite tallying eight shots in the first half, the Panthers failed to match North Carolina’s score before halftime.
Starting off the second half with a bang, Pitt managed to tie the game, after Lucia Wells placed the ball right over Johann’s head.
However, the match did not stay even for long. In the 57th minute, first-year midfielder Lauren Malsom found the back of the net off an assist from Thomas, her second of the game, giving the lead back to the Tar Heels.