Late Goal Lifts Tar Heels over Huskers

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Lincoln ? The Nebraska soccer team held off the defending national champion North Carolina Tar Heels for more than 80 minutes before Mary McDowell found the back of the net in the 81st minute to give UNC a 1-0 victory over the Huskers in front of 3,650 fans on Friday night at the Abbott Sports Complex.

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North Carolina (1-0-0) outshot Nebraska (0-1-0) 18-3, with seven shots on goal to NU’s one. Before McDowell’s goal, the Tar Heels had shots hit the post on three occasions.

 

Despite the outcome, Nebraska Coach John Walker was pleased with his team's effort.

 

“I think it was a tremendous effort from our team,” Walker said. “North Carolina's a great team, but I’m very proud of how the team played.”

 

In the second half, North Carolina increased its offensive pressure and took 11 more shots than Nebraska. The Tar Heels also totaled six corner kicks in the final 45 minutes, while NU was shut out in that category.

 

In goal for the Huskers, sophomore Katie Wright recorded five saves to cap an excellent night. The Huskers added two team saves, as Nebraska’s defense limited North Carolina to one goal after surrendering six in last year’s meeting.

 

The crowd of 3,650?the third largest in school history?nearly saw NU take an early 1-0 lead. Sophomore Brittany Timko found junior Sasha Andrews on a perfectly lofted ball into the box off a free kick, but Andrews’ header was snared in an outstretched dive by North Carolina’s goalkeeper Aly Winget.

 

NU, which lost a season opener for the first time since 1998, looks to rebound against in-state rival Creighton at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Abbott Sports Complex. The Nebraska-Creighton game will mark the end of the adidas Invitational. North Carolina will meet California at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Cal defeated Creighton 3-0 in the opening game of the invitational.