"They weren't even interested in playing with us an open game," Tar Heel coach Elmar Bolowich said. "That's basically a team that feeds off errors instead of creating stuff themselves."
Unfortunately for George Mason, the strategy backfired as UNC's backline played nearly flawless soccer to shut out the Patriots 2-0.
Tar Heel goalkeeper Ford Williams set the tone early after tipping George Mason defender Danny Climo's direct kick from 25 yards out just over the crossbar in the 17th minute.
"He made the necessary saves, and he came off his line well," said Bolowich of Williams. "It was great to see that performance out of him."
Williams made two more point-blank stops in the second half and finished the night with four saves.
As the Tar Heel defense played mistake-free, it was mishaps up front that kept the game close.
UNC forward David Testo found himself all alone at the penalty spot in the 31st minute, but a diving John O'Hara saved his left-footed shot.
In the 63rd minute, UNC midfielder Matt Crawford had a chance from six yards away, but he sent the ball wide.
But a minute later, Crawford redeemed himself when he served a curling ball from the right flank to a wide-open Ryan Kneipper at the top of the penalty area. Kneipper chested the ball down to his left foot and blasted it past O'Hara to give the Tar Heels (10-5, 2-2 in the ACC) a 1-0 lead.
