Terps' 2nd-half barrage dooms UNC to defeat

CARY - The performance of the North Carolina men's soccer team in its ACC semifinal matchup against Maryland looked similar to its play in its quarterfinal battle with N.C. State.

UNC held its opponent scoreless in the first 45 minutes. Then, in the second half, the Tar Heels switched gears and woke up offensively by scoring twice.

But this time, UNC failed to continue its defensive efficiency, allowing the Terps to score three unanswered goals on 10 second-half shots and defeat the Tar Heels 4-2 Saturday.

"The difference was that we could not deal with Maryland's quick execution of the long ball," said UNC coach Elmar Bolowich. "And we allowed (UMd. forward Jason) Garey to have six shots on goal."

Two of Garey's shots found the back of the net - giving him 19 goals for the season - while Maryland defender Chris Lancos registered three assists and one goal.

UNC midfielder Andrew Rhea began the second-half scoring by blasting a free kick past a wall of Maryland defenders in the 54th minute of the game.

The Terps (15-4-1) responded in the 64th minute on the first goal by Garey, who played a long ball from Lancos and deposited the ball into the right corner of the net.

Less than 30 seconds later, Tar Heel sophomore Corey Ashe headed a Jamie Watson cross into the goal for his team-leading ninth score and seemingly allowed UNC (10-8-2) to regain the necessary control to close out the game.

But Maryland refused to be held down. A little more than five minutes had passed before Lancos countered by heading a crossfield throw-in by defender Kenny Bertz into the net and tying the game at two.

"Maryland is a quality team, and they have many weapons to choose from. That's a potent front line," Bolowich said. "The front line going forward is always an offensive threat."

Maryland's run in the ACC Tournament ended Sunday with a 2-1 loss to Virginia in the finals.

Saturday's contest originally had been slated for Friday night at SAS Soccer Park, but heavy rain and poor field conditions postponed the game until the following morning.

Coming into the ACC Tournament, UNC's focus had been on playing 90 minutes of efficient soccer. But in two games, the Tar Heels displayed their defensive and offensive strengths in separate halves, allowing for a team of Maryland's caliber to capitalize.

"Sometimes, you want everyone to click and fire on the same cylinders, but when you are young and inexperienced, sometimes a guy or two is off," Bolowich said. "And when this happens, you become very hesitant because you start losing your rhythm, and the complete trust isn't there."

The NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced today. Despite UNC's eight losses, Bolowich said he thinks his team will garner its sixth consecutive tournament berth.

"I think we should make it based on the kind of schedule we played," he said. "I always say it doesn't matter what your record is. It matters who you play and then what your record is.

"Do I think we have one of the 48 teams that deserve to go? Absolutely."

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.