Sloustcher modest after 1st goal

Freshman Adam Sloustcher sprinted toward the crowd in excitement after scoring the game-winning goal in North Carolina's win against No. 12 Virginia on Sunday.

Sloustcher's celebration did not last long before he turned to find senior Tim Merritt to congratulate him on the assist.

"I wanted to wave to the fans and credit Tim," Sloustcher said. "I give a lot of credit to Tim. I ran straight to him. Timmy had a great play.

The goal was set up when the ball bounced to Merritt, who flicked it over his head to a wide-open Sloustcher.

"He unselfishly headed it to me across the box, and I had an easy goal," Sloustcher said. "I just had to tap it in."

Although Sloustcher remained modest about his first career goal, his teammates were impressed.

"It was a big-time goal and a good finish," said sophomore Jamie Watson. "He did well to keep calm in that situation, because I know a lot players would have panicked and not done as well as he did."

Watson, who previously played with Sloustcher in the U.S. national team program, was surprised by the positive impact Sloustcher already has made on the team.

"Adam has been a great addition to the team," Watson said. "I knew he was a great player, but I never would have imagined him coming in and having this big of an impact.

"He provides the leadership through his actions without saying anything, which is something most freshmen can't do. He has definitely been a big-time player for us this year."

Sloustcher has contributed steadily this season, both as a starter and off the bench. His goal in his first ACC game helped put an end to UNC's four-match winless streak.

"I knew today was a huge game because we have been struggling," Sloustcher said Sunday. "The mentality was we needed to win and nothing else was acceptable. We came out, and we did it. I was proud."

Despite the impact of Sloustcher's goal, UNC coach Elmar Bolowich said he was most proud of Sloustcher's ability to work hard for all 90 minutes.

"Typically when you have a freshman playing, you are looking at the ups and downs in a season," Bolowich said. "If a freshman can be more consistent, it will give not only him confidence, but it will give the players next to him and behind him more confidence."

UNC had confidence in Sloustcher all season, but his game-winning goal could help the Tar Heels gain confidence as a team.

"We know what we have, and we just have to bring it out each game, and we are going to win," Sloustcher said. "We are going to win it all. I know it. Only if we bring it out, though."

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.