CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Dakota soccer suffered its first defeat of the 2024 season, falling 3-0 to #5 North Carolina on a steamy Thursday afternoon from Dorrance Field. The loss brings UND's record to 2-1-2, while the Tar Heels remain unbeaten at 5-0.
UNC found the scoreboard in the sixteenth minute as Bella Gaetino scored off an assist by Kate Faasse for the match's first tally. UND freshman goalkeeper
Grace Miller, who turned away ten shots on goal, managed to paw the short, quick attempt that finished high in the netting. That would be all the first half success the Tar Heels would manage against the Fighting Hawks who withstood 25 first half shot attempts from the host.
After the break, UNC's Bella Sember pushed a penalty kick just passed a diving Miller for a 2-0 lead in the 65
th minute. A dozen minutes later, the Tar Heels struck for the final time with Faasse finishing with a header after receiving the attempt from Tessa Dellarose who was set up on a heel pass from Ashley Pennie.
North Dakota heads to South Carolina for a Sunday matchup with College of Charleston. Action commences at noon from Mount Pleasant's Ralph Lundy Field at Patriots Point and can be followed live on FloFC. Live stats are available at FightingHawks.com.
Postgame Notes
- It was the first matchup for UND against a ranked opponent since August 27, 2017, when the Fighting Hawks played No. 20 Auburn
- Miller exited in the 89th minute after facing 41 shots including 13 on goal
- The Fighting Hawks weathered a dozen UNC corner kicks
- Mary Gasaway, Allison Tschetter and Alisha Maake did not leave the pitch, competing all 90 minutes, in a contest that started with a feel-like temperature of 107 degrees. Miller nearly went the distance, Julia Briggs battled for 81 minutes and Amelia Loeffler recorded 78.
How It Happened
First Half
- 16' | UNC – Bella Gaetino from Kate Faasse
Second Half
- 65' | UNC – Bella Sember Penalty Kick
- 77' | UNC – Kate Faasse from Tessa Dellarose and Ashley Pennie
For more information on North Dakota soccer, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDsoccer.
