Box Score Nov. 11, 2005
Final Stats |
Chapel Hill, N.C. -
Facing the toughest challenge in the program's brief seven-year history, the Western Carolina women's soccer team exemplified the heart and determination of a champion for 90 minutes against the second-ranked - quadrant top-seeded - North Carolina Tar Heels Friday night, falling 2-0 in the first round of the NCAA College Cup Championship.
In their first-ever appearance in the NCAA championship event, Western played UNC closer than 16 of their previous opponents, becoming just the sixth team this season to limit the high-powered Heel offense to two goals or less. The Catamounts conclude their record-setting championship season with an overall record of 18-6-0.
"We played all 90 minutes as hard as we could, both individually and collectively as a team," said Western first-year head coach Tammy DeCesare. "Now we know how we relate to probably the best team in the nation and I'm pleased about what is to come for this program."
North Carolina, who was the only team to enter the tournament with 20 wins, out shot the Catamounts, 23-2, on the night, holding a 13-0 advantage at halftime. SoCon tournament MVP, Western junior keeper Alesha Row, recorded five saves on the night.
The Catamounts were able to survive a barrage of Heel shots through the first 10 minutes of the contest. Yet, the law of averages finally caught up with Western in the 13th minute as All-ACC forward Heather O'Reilly scored a cross from senior Lindsay Tarpley to grab the 1-0 advantage, which was sustained through halftime.
After intermission, a rejuvenated Catamount side forced the issue, pressing up into the Tar Heel zone. Midway through the half, Western erased the goose egg on the shots column as senior Natasha Moore uncorked a 35-yarder from just outside the box which sailed just high. However, the offering by Moore sent ripples through the 100-plus purple and gold clad fans who made the trip down from Cullowhee.
Carolina managed to push across an insurance goal to ease the tension of the partisan crowd at Fetzer Field late in the 68th minute. Sophomore Jaime Gilbert dropped a Tarpley cross into the back of the net for the two-goal advantage. Tarpley and senior Lori Chalupny were credited with their second assists of the contest.
Later in the half, the Catamounts had their best scoring opportunity of the match as sophomore forward Lauren Atkinson was taken down on the outskirts of the UNC-CH goal box. Atkinson's ensuing direct kick was just outside the outstretched hand of Tar Heel keeper, Anna Rodenbough, wide right for WCU's second shot of the contest.
UNC head coach Anson Dorrance, who ironically made his coaching debut on the men's side against Western Carolina's men's team in 1977 for his first-ever win as a head coach, secured his 600th win in women's soccer against the same Catamounts Friday night.
