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On Tuesday night, the No. 7 UNC men’s soccer team (7-1-3, 3-1-0 ACC) defeated the College of Charleston (7-4-1, 2-1-1 CAA), 3-0, at Dorrance Field.
Returning to the field after their first loss of the season — at the hands of the Clemson Tigers — the Tar Heels initially appeared lethargic. UNC needed a spark.
It came when first-year defender Tate Johnson broke the ice with his first career goal as a Tar Heel in the eighth minute.
The assist came off the boot of senior midfielder Andrew Czech. Czech delivered a lofty end line cross that floated over the defense’s heads, landing on the left foot of Johnson who was wide open for the high-angle shot.
“[Tate’s] putting in a big shift every night for us,” Czech said. “Especially as a freshman, which is massive.”
Johnson’s goal appeared to revive the Tar Heels.
Then, the Tar Heels started to play with more pace and aggression, possessing the ball and creating opportunity after opportunity.
In the 23rd minute, a rebounded shot of the Charleston goalkeepers gloves would fall on the foot of graduate forward Martin Vician for the easy finish into the back of the net.
Johnson didn’t let his first career goal reach his head as he continued to be a defensive presence, making key tackles and standing up Charleston’s attacks to keep the Cougars from finding the back of the North Carolina net. He credits having older, more experienced players around him for his success.
“[It] makes my job a lot easier,” Johnson said.
Head coach Carlos Somoano expressed his confidence in the young starter, and how he expects Johnson to continue maturing.
“I’m not going to say he’s got it all figured out,” Somoano said. “Nobody does, but he’s just very, very competitive.”
Late in the second half, with roughly three minutes remaining, first-year forward Bertil Hansen beat the Charleston keeper one-on-one to extend the lead to 3-0.
Time expired as the Tar Heels completed the shut-out, making this their fourth shut-out of the season.
Next up, UNC takes on Notre Dame in South Bend on Friday at 7 p.m.
@C_Gouldielocks
@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com
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