Searching desperately for a gap in Florida State’s bunker defense, the North Carolina women’s soccer team earned the game’s decisive tally from the player perhaps least expected to break the 0-0 deadlock.
Standing a generously-listed 5-foot-2, Ranee Premji isn’t known for the range of her shot, nor her ability to put head to ball on set pieces. A skilled technician in central midfield, Premji’s role caters more to creating than finishing.
But when Courtney Jones’ 87th minute flick off the end line found Premji just inside the right post, coach Anson Dorrance had plenty of faith in his sophomore midfielder.
“I think Ranee’s shooting range is one or two feet,” Dorrance said. “So I think that close to goal, she has a chance.”
Premji converted the opportunity, redirecting the ball off her chest and into the net for her first career goal to give the Tar Heels a thrilling late-game victory over the No. 7 Seminoles.
“Anson’s always told us that sometimes the cross is short; so, I went near-post and it hit me and went in,” Premji said.
“I really wasn’t [expecting the pass]. I thought it might go over my head or to someone else, but I was just in the right place.”
Premji’s score extends a steady run of play from the Calgary, Alberta native, which has buoyed a Tar Heel squad mired by injuries all season. UNC was absent three starters to begin Thursday’s match and lost a fourth when senior captain Rachel Givan left with an injury late in the first half.
Premji has had the unenviable task of replacing the Tar Heels’ unquestioned leader and three-year captain Ali Hawkins, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. But where Hawkins provided an imposing presence and blistering shot, Premji has adapted the role to her own skill set, using her quickness to win balls and create offense with precision passes.
