Garvanian Scores Game-Winner in 2OT As Heels Down Pitt, 2-1

Saturday, September 8

Durham, NC (Koskinen Stadium)

7 p.m.

North Carolina

4-1

Pittsburgh

1-3

OT 3

OT 4

Pittsburgh

North Carolina

Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati

September 8, 2018 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Season Stats Play By Play Box Score

By: T.J. Scholl

DURHAM, N.C.-- Milo Garvanian's 109^th minute winner in the second period of extra time saved the day for No. 5 North Carolina as the Tar Heels defeated the University of Pittsburgh 2-1 Saturday night in Koskinen Stadium. Mauricio Pineda scored his team-leading third goal of the season in the 73rd minute to level the score before Garvanian scored his first collegiate goal as the Heels start ACC play 1-0.

The Tar Heels found themselves in a deficit in the first half for the first time this season. A turnover of possession in the 13^th minute gave possession to Marcony Pimentel who slipped the ball in to Edward Kizza. He made no mistakes in front of goal, giving Pitt a 1-0 lead.

In the 28^th minute the Tar Heels brought on Garvanian and Lucas Del Rosario, both making immediate impacts on the match. A combination between the two resulted in Carolina's first shot of the match in the 31^st minute. Garvanian slipped the ball in to Del Rosario who hit a shot low and hard but the Panthers' keeper came up big to keep the Heels off the scoresheet.

Garvanian created another chance for Carolina in the 38^th minute as he found Raul Aguilera with a hard cross into the box. Aguilera's shot went just over the bar.

Carolina ended the half with a six-to-one shot advantage, allowing only one shot on goal and registering two.

The Tar Heels came out with intensity to start the second half, creating seven shots in the half. John Nelson made an impact early, swinging crosses into the box to find Alex Rose for a shot and dribbling up the field while maintaining possession.

A combination between Jelani Pieters and Raul Aguilera looked promising as Carolina created its best chance of the match in the 67^th minute. Aguilera played a one-two pass off of Pieters as he darted into the box. Aguilera's shot looked destined for the net but a diving Pitt defender kept the ball out of the back of the net.

Carolina found the equalizer in the 73^rd minute. Nelson made a daggering run out of the back and beat multiple defenders before laying it off to Pineda at the top of the penalty area. Pineda placed a relaxed finish into the corner of the net to level the game at 1-1.

James Pyle came up big for the Tar Heels late in the game, recording three saves in the second half. His biggest save of the night came in the 89^th minute as he dove to his right and parried the ball out of play to keep the game level after regulation and send it to extra time.

Pitt created the only shot in the quiet first period of overtime. During the second period of extra time Carolina controlled possession.

Carolina took the victory as Garvanian netted his first career goal in the 109^th minute. Nils Bruening ripped a shot at the Pitt goal that was saved by the keeper. He controlled the rebound of his shot and lofted it across the box to find the head of Garvanian who placed it in the back of the net.

No. 5 North Carolina returns to action on Tuesday as it travels to face the Davidson Wildcats in Alumni Stadium at 7 p.m.