Nonconference Finale Ends In 1-1 Draw Between No. 3 UNC, No. 12 Alabama

Sunday, September 10

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT)

North Carolina

5-0-3, 0-0-0

#12 Alabama

5-0-3, 0-0-0

North Carolina

Alabama

Photo by: Alabama Athletics

Nonconference Finale Ends In 1-1 Draw Between No. 3 UNC, No. 12 Alabama

September 10, 2023 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A battle between No. 3 North Carolina and No. 12 Alabama – two programs in last year's College Cup – ended in a 1-1 draw Sunday night at Alabama Soccer Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in the Tar Heels' nonconference finale.

Both the Tar Heels and the Crimson Tide remain undefeated on the year at 5-0-3.

How It Happened

After a bit of back-and-forth play following the opening whistle, Maddie Dahlien had the first good looks of the match with a pair of shots on target within the first 11 minutes of action.
Ally Sentnor also had a chance to put UNC on the board early, but her shot from distance forced a diving save from Alabama keeper Coralie Lallier.
The Tar Heels had three consecutive corner kicks in the final three minutes of the half, but were unable to capitalize on any set piece opportunity as both teams went into the break scoreless.
Avery Patterson gave UNC the lead in the 59th minute after taking on a nearly 80-yard run. Receiving the ball on Alabama's half, she drove forward into UNC's attacking third and was able to create separation from her defender to fire a left-footed strike to the far post.
The Crimson Tide responded with a goal from Gianna Paul in the 79th minute, leveling the score at one apiece.
Sentnor nearly had the go-ahead goal for UNC with four minutes left on the clock, but her shot was again stopped by Lallier as the 1-1 tie stood after 90 minutes.

Inside the Box Score

Patterson, who has scored in each of the last three games, now has a team-leading four goals on the year.
Carolina concluded the match with an 18-11 edge in shots, including seven on target to Alabama's three and an 8-4 advantage in corners.
Sentnor had a game-high four shots, while her and Dahlien led all players with two on frame.
Emmie Allen made two saves between the posts as Lallier ended the game with six.
The game proved to be physical as four yellow cards were issued, with three given to Alabama.
The Tar Heels are now 2-0-2 against top-15 opponents this year.

Up Next
The third-ranked Tar Heels return home to Chapel Hill for the Atlantic Coast Conference opener on Friday, Sept. 15, against Virginia Tech. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET at Dorrance Field and the game will broadcast on ACCNX.

Heading into league action, North Carolina was picked to finish first in the ACC Preseason Coaches poll behind 166 points and 10 first-place votes.

Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.