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As UNC forward Bella Sember streaked down Syracuse’s left side, she sent a cross attempt to Ashley Pennie near the 18-yard box. The pass deflected off Gabby Wisbeck and bounced to the feet of Pennie, who was now all alone in front of SU goalkeeper Shea Vanderbosch.

Without hesitation, Vanderbosch lunged forward to make the stop, tackled in the process by Pennie. The ball rolled toward the goal line, but the Orange cleared it out of harm’s way before any players could put it home.

“When you’re playing the legendary North Carolina, you know you’re going to (have to) defend this game,” SU head coach Nicky Thrasher Adams said postgame.

Despite being outshot 17-1, Syracuse (6-5-1, 0-4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) narrowly fell 1-0 to No. 8 North Carolina (10-1-0, 3-0-0 ACC). However, the Orange backline put up a solid performance for the full 90 minutes, supported by key saves from Vanderbosch.

In the opening minutes, a strong press and precision passing by the Tar Heels kept the Orange hemmed in their own end. SU’s defense was forced to shut down two quick corner attempts by UNC, deflecting both up and out of play.

After further sustained pressure by North Carolina, it was awarded yet another corner kick chance. Sember sent a rocket from the left corner toward a crowd, and Trinity Armstrong closed in for a header attempt.

But again, SU’s backline was up to the task as it boxed out Armstrong, resulting in her header flying up and over the crossbar.

Toward the midway point of the first frame, the Orange generated numerous turnovers in their own end and within the midfield. This made it difficult for UNC’s attack to enter the zone and set up any set pieces close to the Syracuse goal.

“If teams want to shoot from 30 to 35 yards out, that’s an easy save for Shea (Vanderbosch),” Adams said. “We’ll take that all day long.”

SU’s backline also showed a high level of patience when handling the ball in its own end. Instead of forcing the ball into a crowded area, Syracuse’s defenders often took an extra second to survey their options before making a move with the ball. Sometimes, they even set up throw-ins for UNC by kicking it to the sideline.

In the final minutes of the first half, Syracuse needed one more defensive stand. As Tessa Dellarose carved her way through Kylen Grant and Kate Murphy, Vanderbosch prepared herself to face the ensuing strike. But the shot was blocked by Ashley Rauch’s slide, shutting down the chance.

In the second half, the Orange set the pace early with offensive possessions through attempted crosses from the right side. But despite its flurry of opportunities, SU only tallied a single shot.

For the remainder of the contest, UNC continued to challenge Vanderbosch and SU’s defenders.

In the 58th minute, a turnover by Iba Oching gave Sember another golden opportunity to put UNC ahead. She sprinted down the left flank, but Vanderbosch was up to the task and kicked the ball out of play.

In the 64th minute, the Tar Heels looked to capitalize on a set piece. Aria Nagai bolted through the middle of the SU zone and found Makenna Dominguez on the right flank. She attempted a tough-angle cross that was intended for Emerson Elgin, but Grant read the play perfectly and intercepted the pass.

“Really proud of our backline today,” Adams said. “(They) didn’t have their best game against Florida State, but they were spot on with all the adjustments we asked them to make.”

While SU had shown defensive strength all game up until this point, it only took one key mistake for UNC to grab hold of the lead.

After a video review, North Carolina was awarded a penalty kick off a hand ball violation by Murphy. Sember took the kick and buried it to give the Tar Heels a slim lead that stood for the remainder of the contest.

“It sucks to lose on a (penalty kick) to North Carolina,” Adams said. “After everything you’re doing, pouring your heart and soul into defending like that, that one hurts.”

Published on September 22, 2024 at 5:22 pm

Contact Matthew: mgray06@syr.edu