NORFOLK, VA—Andy Craven’s goal near the end of the first half was the only score of the match as 13th ranked North Carolina defeated ODU, 1-0 in the 39th annual Stihl Soccer Classic in front of 1,648 at the ODU Soccer Complex Friday night.
The Monarchs will host Northeastern Sunday night at 7 p.m, while North Carolina will travel up the road to VCU on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Stihl Classic finale. VCU defeated Northeastern tonight in Richmond, 2-0.
“We have gone back-to-back with two strong ACC teams in No. 3 Virginia and UNC tonight. I was very impressed with the Tar Heels and I felt individually they were very good tonight,” said Alan Dawson.“ I was a little disappointed for our fans who created such a great atmosphere for us. We had some chances, but we need to take advantage of those opportunities. We let one slip away tonight, but we don’t have anytime to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to put this one behind us and get ready for Northeastern Sunday night.”
As the scoreless first half was drawing to a close Craven took a shot that was blocked by ODU’s goalkeeper Alex Tiesenhausen, but Craven got the rebound and kicked it in for the match’s only goal with 34 seconds left. It was also Craven’s team leading second goal of the season.
Midway in the second half ODU threatened with a cross by Geoffrey Hill to Josue Henriquez right in front of the goal, but the Tar Heels deflected the pass to stop the attempt.
North Carolina outshot the Monarchs, 17-5 overall and 7-2 in shots on goals. Tiesenhausen came up with six saves, while UNC’s Brendan Moore had two.
No. 13 UNC 1-0=1
ODU 0-0=0
44:26 UNC Andy Craven
Shots: ODU (5), UNC 17)
SOG: ODU (2), UNC (7)
Corners: ODU (3), UNC (6)
Saves: ODU-Tiesenhausen (6); UNC- Moore(2)