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The Daily Tar Heel

UNC women's soccer clinches ACC regular season title after 2-0 win over Hokies

20191027_Crumpler_WomensSocvVT.jpg
Sophomore forward Rachel Jones (10) creates space between herself and her defender in the game against Virginia Tech on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. UNC beat Virginia Tech 2-0.

The North Carolina women's soccer team celebrated senior day with a 2-0 win over Virginia Tech that clinched its 23rd ACC regular season championship. 

What happened?

The first real chance of the game came in the 13th minute when a corner from junior Lotte Wubben-Moy found first-year Julia Dorsey in the box, but she redirected the ball just wide of the goal. 

Less than a minute later, UNC had another chance when first-year Isabel Cox played sophomore Rachel Jones in on goal, but the Hokie keeper was able to smother Jones' shot.

The Tar Heels had another chance in the 32nd minute after redshirt senior Ru Mucherera won a corner for UNC. Junior Lois Joel took the kick for the Tar Heels, sending the ball back to Wubben-Moy, who sent the ball into the box, which the Hokies were able to clear. The clearance fell to first-year Maggie Pierce on the top of box, but her shot was collected easily by Virginia Tech's keeper.

With two minutes remaining in the half and the game still scoreless, senior Zoe Redei broke the deadlock for UNC with a powerful shot from distance that gave the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. 

Virginia Tech had its best opportunity of the game four minutes into the second half when the Hokies found Lilly Weber unmarked in UNC's penalty box, but she slotted her shot wide of the left post. 

UNC had a chance to double its lead in the 58th minute when Jones made a run into the box from midfield and was found by junior Alessia Russo. Jones was able to control the ball and cut it back to her left foot, but her shot went right to the Hokies’ keeper.  

The Tar Heels then had to weather pressure from the Hokies, including four corner kick opportunities, before the 87th minute, when an own goal by Virginia Tech sealed the win for UNC. 

The goal came after Cox was played in behind the Hokies' back line, and her shot that looked to be heading wide of the goal was redirected by a trailing defender for Virginia Tech. 

Who stood out?

UNC's opening goal came after substituting in Redei, who after just five minutes on the field was able to find the back of the net after a cracking shot from distance to beat Virginia Tech's keeper. 

For the Hokies, Mandy McGlynn stopped six of the eight shots she faced in goal.

When was it decided?

The game wasn't truly won for the Tar Heels until the 87th minute when an own goal by Virginia Tech put the game to bed. 

Why does it matter?

With today's win, the Tar Heels clinched their twenty third ACC regular season title and remain unbeaten at home in their first season at Dorrance Field. 

When do they play next?

The Tar Heels take on Miami on Thursday in Miami at 7:30 p.m. for their last game of the regular season.

@emilythoreson

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com

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