[PORTLAND-NORTH CAROLINA] With Canadian Olympic stars Christine Sinclair and Sophie
Schmidt on hand to be honored for their bronze medal, Portland rewarded a festive crowd of 4,014 at Merlo Field with a 1-0 win over No. 1 North Carolina. Junior Ellen Parker scored the game-winner for the Pilots' first ever win over the Tar Heels.
Portland scored on its first scoring chance in the 5th minute as Amanda Frisbie drove a low free kick to the center of the box, where Parker somehow deflected the ball into the right side of the net.
The Pilots
were outshot 10-1 for the rest of the half and 20-7 for the match but held on for the win. UNC did nearly tie the score in the 10th minute, but Parker was in the right place at the right time to clear
the ball off the goal line.
In the second half, freshman Summer Green had a shot hit the outside of the left post for Carolina in the 69th minute,
but Erin Dees preserved the shutout with five saves in the game.
Portland had two golden opportunities in the 72nd minute when Micaela Capelle’s header hit the crossbar, and North Carolina goalkeeper Adelaide Gay made an one-handed diving save on
Parker’s attempt on the rebound.
UP was 0-7-1 all-time against the Tar Heels entering the match.
Aug. 17 in Portland, Ore.
Portland 1 North Carolina 0. Goal: E. Parker (Frisbie) 5.
Portland --
Dees, Johnson, McCluskie, DeGrood, Bridges, Jurle, Cruz, E.Parker, Cameli, Frisbie, Capelle. Subs: LaProvette, Jeter.
North Carolina -- Gay, Ball,
Brigman, Murray, Premji, R.Parker, Brooks, Morris, Rich, Mesic, Green. Subs: Gray, Nigro, McFarlane, Nielsen, Lubrano, Elby.
Att.: 4,014.