A full moon hung in a cloudless sky as the Terriers took on the #2 Tar Heels in Chapel Hill.
The Heels took the first 5 shots of the game, and we took the next 4. It was 0-0 after a hard-fought first half. More of the same in the second half, until we hit a penalty kick with 15 minutes left. We hit a screamer with 3 minutes left that was 8 inches high, to just miss going up 2-0. With about 2:30 left, the Heels put one in during a scramble in front of our goal, to make it 1-1 at the end of regulation. In the first overtime, with five minutes left the Heels were awarded a free kick just outside our box, and put it perfectly in the corner of the net to win 2-1.
We played a determined and skillful game. Drennan, our keeper, had about 5 or six exceptional saves, and his punting and kicking were awesome. We were outshot about 16-8, but really did not back down and could easily have won. Most notably, other than the penalty kick we were awarded (which was obviously correct), we got some tough calls against us. The ref game us 5 yellow cards, the Heels none. The game winner was on a questionable free kick, after a clear hand ball on UNC went uncalled. At least three of the yellow cards were questionable at best. But we kept our cool, and played tough and smart. The skill and hustle are there. We need a little more offense, and we should be in good shape for the rest of the year. The defense is stout. We had about half as many fans present as the Heels, but were much more vocal.