Sophomore Cam Lindley rocketed in a shot from 30 yards out in the 53rd minute of the game to give North Carolina a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers. The No. 10 Tar Heels (4-1, 1-0 ACC) held off the Panthers (2-3, 0-1 ACC) on the road to move to 1-0 in ACC play and pick up their second straight road win.
What happened?
The Tar Heels beat the Panthers in a chippy contest that saw 25 fouls between the two teams. The Tar Heels wasted no time scoring their first goal, as redshirt sophomore Jelani Pieters put his team up 1-0 in the 11th minute on an assist from senior Alan Winn.
Redshirt first-year Drew Romig conceded the only goal for the Tar Heels when the Panthers struck back in the 31st minute on a goal from first-year Edward Kizza.
The two teams remained gridlocked at one before Lindley smashed the ball into the back of the net from 30 yards out. It was Lindley’s only shot on frame of the game and his second goal of the season. It came at an opportune time, as the Tar Heel defense was able to hold on for the narrow victory. The Panthers outshot the Tar Heels 14-9 in the loss, but the Tar Heels outmatched them with six shots on goal compared to the Panthers' four. First-year Alec Smir played keeper in the second half and held the Panthers scoreless while converting two saves.
Who stood out?
Pieters had a strong game, connecting for three shots on goal and scoring his fourth goal of the young season in just five games. He was assisted by Winn, who contributed 73 minutes of play in his second game back from injury. Shir was solid in goal in the second half as he kept the Panthers from scoring and sending the game to overtime.
When was it decided?
The game was decided in the 53rd minute when Lindley connected on a fantastic goal. The Tar Heels managed to cling to their narrow lead for the next 37 minutes as Smir saved two shots in the process.
