Arizona Soccer suffered its first loss of the season on Sunday August 25, falling 2-0 to fifth-ranked University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 

The Wildcats faced a dominant Tar Heels team that controlled possession and outshot Arizona 24-3, with a particularly aggressive offense in both halves.

North Carolina applied pressure early, registering eight shots within the first 30 minutes. 

Arizona’s goalkeeper, Olivia Ramey, delivered a standout performance with a career-high nine saves, including a trio of crucial stops in the first half to keep the game scoreless.

Despite North Carolina’s offensive dominance, Arizona managed a couple of chances. In the fourth minute, Nicole Dallin’s corner kick was deflected to Sami Baytosh, whose shot was blocked by a Tar Heel defender. 

Later, in the 28th minute, Ella Hatteberg sent a cross into the box to Brooke Ahern, but her shot was also blocked by the North Carolina defense.

The first half ended in a 0-0 tie, with North Carolina outshooting Arizona 10-2 and holding an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks. 

The Tar Heels continued their relentless attack in the second half, but Ramey and the Arizona defense held firm until the 76th minute. North Carolina’s Tessa Dellarose finally broke the deadlock with a long-range strike into the upper left corner, marking the first goal Arizona had conceded this season. 

Olivia Thomas sealed the victory for North Carolina with a low shot to the far post in the 88th minute, following a failed clearance by an Arizona defender.

The Wildcats now will travel to Malibu, CA to face off against Pepperdine University on Thursday, August. 29 at 3:00 p.m. MST.  

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