Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Will Meyer had four saves to anchor the eighth shutout of the season for the No. 5 Louisville men’s soccer team in Friday night’s scoreless draw against No. 4 North Carolina at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium.
Playing in front of a crowd of 3,435, the Cardinals moved to 9-1-3 overall and 4-1-1 in the ACC while extending their unbeaten streak to eight straight matches. Meyer registered his fourth straight clean sheet while Louisville earned its sixth shutout in the last seven matches. The Cardinals have played more than 435 minutes since their last goal allowed while also surrendering just one goal in the last 749 minutes of game action.
“I was extremely proud of their effort tonight. I thought as the game went on, we actually got stronger,” said Cardinals head coach Ken Lolla. “It’s a collective effort on defense. Will gets the credit for the shutout as a keeper, but it starts with Mo up top and how he’s defending and everybody else in between. We’re a team that is committed to defending and we do it pretty well when we’re collective.”
Making his fifth straight start, Meyer has surrendered just one goal in his 490 minutes this season. Friday’s match marked the third time in his five matches Meyer has finished with four saves.
Chances were limited for both sides in Friday’s top five tilt as the Tar Heels (11-2-1, 4-1-1 ACC) finished with an 8-7 edge in shots, including a 4-2 margin in shots on goal. UNC had a 3-1 advantage in first half shots, while Louisville had the best of it in the second 45 minutes finishing with a 5-3 edge. The Tar Heels had the only shot in the first overtime period, while each time delivered one attempt in the final 10 minutes.
Friday marked the sixth match this season against a ranked foe for the Cardinals, who are 3-1-2 in those contests. Louisville moved to 25-10-8 all-time at Lynn Stadium, including 10-7-3 against ranked foes at the corner of Floyd Street and Byrne Avenue.
Up next, No. 5 Louisville will play its final non-conference match of the regular season with a visit to Charlotte on Tuesday at 7 p.m., ET.
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