There are many clichés that apply to the North Carolina men’s soccer victory against Maryland on Friday.
Getting the monkey off their back. Getting over the hump. A long time coming.
But no phrase can properly describe the emotions and feelings pulsing through the Tar Heel players as they celebrated their first victory against the Terrapins since 2003.
The history between the two programs has been rich of late. In 2008, the two met during the regular season, the ACC Tournament and in the finals of the College Cup. Maryland won all three by one goal each.
But this game had a different feel. UNC was confident it could beat the team that seemed just out of reach for so long. The difference for this team likely began in the summer when its senior leaders decided the 2010 season was going to be unique.
“We have a special group of seniors,” senior forward Eddie Ababio said. “Four of us stayed here all summer, got the guys back early and started training a month before the season started.”
Though Michael Farfan’s penalty kick in the 52nd minute was the difference-maker in what would be a 2-1 game, the hard work and bonding during the summer contributed to a win this time around.
The Tar Heels have the talent to have a great season, but it’s the chemistry among the players that could make this season special.
“There was about nine or 10 of us that stayed over the summer that would just play, and we created this bond that is special,” senior defender Dustin McCarty said.
