UNC women’s soccer team kicks off 2023 campaign Thursday at Penn State
Last year looked like it might finally be when UNC’s women’s soccer program snapped its long title drought, as the Heels led 2-0 entering the 80th minute of the NCAA championship against UCLA.
Two quick Bruin goals, plus another in the second overtime period, all but ended Carolina’s hopes of title number 22.
With several key players back this season, highlighted by preseason All-ACC players Maycee Bell, Sam Meza and Ally Sentnor, UNC is one of the title favorites.
The Heels kick off their quest for another championship tomorrow evening, as they travel up to Happy Valley for a 7 p.m. kick-off with Penn State. The Nittany Lions defeated Carolina archrival Duke, 1-0, to capture the 2015 National Championship.
Penn State finished 15-5-3 (5-3-2) last year, advancing all the way to the NCAA tournament’s third round before falling to Virginia.
UNC went 20-5-1 (8-2) in 2022, with their lone losses coming to UCLA (twice), UVA, Virginia Tech and Florida State (ACC championship). Sentnor (10) and Avery Patterson (13) led the attack with double-digit goal totals, while Emmie Allen was practically a brick wall in net with 70 saves and 19 wins.
After traveling up East to Pennsylvania, the Heels open their home slate on Sunday against California (1 p.m.)
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