Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium Photo by Seth Bloom. 2015

Louisville Women’s Soccer Beats #1 UNC

Mark BlankenbakerOctober 9, 2015

The University of Louisville women’s soccer team handed top ranked North Carolina (11-1-1, 4-1-0) its first loss of the season with a 2-1 overtime win on Thursday evening in Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium. Junior Caroline Kimble scored the game-winner with eight seconds remaining in the first overtime period for the biggest win in school history.

The win marks the first time the Cardinals have knocked off the No. 1 team in the country. The Tar Heels had only given up four goals this season coming into the match.

Carolina got on the board first with a goal in the 34^thminute. Alex Kimball scored off a cross from Emily Bruder for a 1-0 lead. Louisville finished with two shots on goal in the first period. Kimble’s shot was saved in the 12^th minute. Kaela Dickerman‘s shot was also saved in the 31^st minute.

North Carolina held a 16-4 shot advantage in the first half while UNC held a 3-2 shots on goal advantage. The Tar Heels also finished with a 3-1 corner kick advantage. Louisville’s Taylor Bucklinfinished the first half with three saves while UNC’s Bryane Heaberlin finished with two saves.

The Cardinals were able to tie the game early in the second half. Louisville was awarded a free kick just outside the box in the 48^th minute. Hannah Konermann took the free kick and sent it inside the box and freshman Gabrielle Vincent headed the ball in for the tie. The Cardinals able to capitalize off the only shot of the half.

Carolina’s best shot for the game-winner came in the 86^th minute off a free kick just outside the box. Bucklin made an incredible save, deflecting the ball over the net. Carolina kept possession in the final minutes, including another shot on goal in the final minute but Bucklin made another save.

In overtime the Tar Heels continued to keep possession for the majority of the period. The Cardinals were awarded a free kick in the final minute. Once again Konermann, a Louisville native, took the free kick and sent it inside the box. Hannah Harris flicked the ball to Kimble who headed the ball in for the game-winner.

The Tar Heels finished the match with a 30-6 shot advantage and a 9-6 shots on goal advantage. They also held a 10-1 corner kick advantage. Bucklin finished with eight saves while UNC finished with two saves between both keepers.

The Cardinals (7-5-1, 3-2-0 ACC) will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 11 as they host Duke in Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium at 1:00 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN3.