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11/25/2008 - MEN'S SOCCER
Dolphins' Run Ends with 1-0 Loss to UNC
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Courtesy Tood Drexler/Sideline Sports
CHAPEL HILL, N.C - The No. 13 North Carolina used a second half goal to knock off the JU men's soccer team, 1-0, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday night at Fetzer Field.
The Tar Heels (11-8-1) got the game-winning goal from freshman forward Billy Schuler to snap a season-long, five-game losing streak and earn a Sweet 16 game against Illinois-Chicago this weekend.
The Dolphins (12-9-1) had several scoring opportunities throughout the match as three of their five first half shots fell away from the goal and the game-tying score was missed in the final seconds less than three yards from the net.
Senior goalie Joey Sanchez tied his career-high with nine saves to lead the Dolphins between the posts, while sophomore forward Tony Taylor had four shots to pace the offense.
“I’m very proud of our kids for what they had accomplished this year,” said JU head coach Mike Johnson. “We had a great run and showed that we can play with anybody in the country.
“Tonight’s result was a little unjust because I thought we had great opportunities in the first half to put ourselves in position to win the game, but we went down a goal. Just like the last couple games, our kids never quit and they believed we could win the game. We had chances in the last five minutes to equalize and maybe win the game again.
“Overall, this is a big stepping stone for our program and our kid. We will be dedicated and focused in the offseason to try to win the (A-Sun) championship again for another shot in the NCAA Tournament.”
The Tar Heels outshot the Dolphins, 10-5, in the first half, but JU had three open looks to get on the scoreboard.
Less than 10 minutes into the game, sophomore Taylor launched a wide-out shot from 30-yards out that was online, but it hit the cross bar and bounced off.