The No. 8 UNC Women’s Soccer Team (1-0) started the season in the winners list after a 2-1 victory against Denver (0-1) To Thursday night.
According to former head coach Anson Dorrance announced his resignation on Sunday, interim coach Damon Nahas‘ began his coaching career in Colorado. Despite the altitude and nerves in the opening game, the Tar Heels took control of the game from the first minute.
Denver started the game with three defenders on defense. The Pioneers’ goal was to retreat, hold the ball and wait quietly for an opportunity to attack. The Tar Heels didn’t allow that and made sure their opponent had no time on the ball.
At first, the plan worked as intended. UNC limited the opponent’s possession to a minimum and controlled the tempo, forcing the Pioneers to play at their own pace.
Despite Denver’s best efforts, the Tar Heels harassed sophomore Molly Wissman with shots throughout the entire first half.
Midfielder Linda, celebrating her first year Ullmark stormed towards the goal, dribbled past two defenders, but was then stopped by experienced midfielder Ella frost. Young defender Tessa Dellarose took the opportunity, took the free ball and shot with full force outside the penalty area into the Pioneers’ goal.
Although the Tar Heels struggled to convert their chances into goals, didn’t allow a single shot on their goal in the first half.
After the halftime break, Denver came back with momentum, employing a similar pressure tactic as the Tar Heels did in the first half. As a result, UNC was forced to make erratic long passes and often lost possession instead of avoiding pressure.
In the 50th minute, midfielder Makenna had a bad start Dominguez forced redshirt sophomore midfielder Hannah Tate to the ground and the Pioneers were awarded a penalty. Frost fired one into the left post to tie the game.
